Travel writer Mattie Lacey-Davidson visits a newly opened resort in a lesser known part of the Greek island of Rhodes...
In May a brand new hotel opened overlooking the Aegean Sea on the south east cost of Rhodes.
The eco-friendly resort, Gennadi Grand Resort, is an oasis of modern luxury that somehow manages to keep an essence of locality and with an emphasis on bringing the outside in.
Located in Gennadi, a part of the island that has not been as developed for tourism as the north, your stay is guaranteed to be a holistic hideaway experience.
To one side of the resort is a private beach with water sports aplenty, huge, picturesque mountains frame the hotel to the other.
I was absolutely blown away with my stay, and left absolutely sure that this had become my favourite hotel all around the world.
The grand, cavernous architecture is extravagant, with a clean and crisp design throughout. Our chic and spacious room came with a balcony that overlooked the two main pools – many of the ground floor rooms come with their own private pool.
The swimming pools were what impressed be the most about Gennadi Grand Resort. Firstly, they’re everywhere – private pools with rooms, pools in the middle of the grounds and two huge pools just before the beach.
Secondly is how large those two pools are. As someone who loves swimming, my most common bugbear when I visit hotels are pools that are short, in unusual shapes or catered for children and so making it impossible to swim lengths.
Having two incredible 50 metres long pools sat side by side was an absolutely treat. I was in swimmers’ heaven, dipping in and out all day for long, relaxing but invigorating swims.
Of course for those less interested in the physical activity and more concerned with sunbathing and quick dips, the poolside is dotted with thick, cushioned, extra wide loungers and to the side is a bar serving classic cocktails in trendy white shaped cups and a restaurant.
Throughout the understated, yet magnificent, resort are eight bars and restaurants. At Φiloxenia you will find a live and interactive show kitchen, wholefood corner, gluten free products, super food station, vegetarian delicacies, Greek traditional specialties, premium cold cuts and cheese Salumeria showcase station, pizza and pasta station, desserts, Greek delights and freshly cut fruits.
Εδesma, the fine dining restaurant, offers creatively prepared local and seafood degustation menus that will re-define the traditional flavours that everyone associates with Greece.
There is an exclusive Level 2 breakfasty restaurant on the roof with panoramic sea views that is open only to guests with specific rooms, a steak house, an all-day a la carte restaurant, a traditional tavern serving Greek tapas (mezedes) and a beach deli restaurant.
Finally, in the main building with a large terrace, The Grand Bar, with classic cocktails and wonderful live music.
Those worried about over indulging will be happy to know it has sports courts and a gym. Or for those who want to take their indulgence to the next level – there is, of course, a spa and treatment service.
Throughout my stay I was absolutely blown away at the impeccable and attentive service. Wherever I was in the resort, whatever I was doing, whatever I needed, every single member of staff was not only stunningly affable, but sought to go above and beyond for me.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article