We are often armed with a long list of things to tick off when we go on holiday. Sometimes we become so engrossed in getting things done it’s easy to overlook some of the facilities at the resort itself. On a recent trip to the Amada Colossos Resort in Rhodes, I spent far longer inside the resort than I originally envisaged, which, fortunately, gave me all the time I needed to explore all of the resort’s facilities.
A holiday is an ideal opportunity to explore somewhere and engage in new experiences. Unfortunately, I became unwell during my stay, which I must stress was no fault of the Amada Colossos. The illness meant I was barely able to do a fraction of the things on the itinerary. But as I found out, this was far from a hardship as the floor-to-ceiling patio doors overlooking a balcony with views of the sea proved to be the perfect tonic.
Dominating Kallithea beach seafront, Amada Colossos Resort is just six miles from Rhodes’ capital and medieval Old Town. It’s just a hop away by car from the village of Lindos, and nature lovers will be pleased to know it’s just a short drive away from the green and shady Valley of the Butterflies – home to the mating place of a rare species of moth. But of course, the resort has so much to offer that if you don’t want to leave for your entire trip, you won’t be bored.
The all-inclusive hotel attracts families and couples alike with dedicated family and adult-only zones throughout with plenty of activities to get your teeth into.
The 699-room Amada Colossos Resort was renovated in 2019 and has warm neutral tones throughout the communal areas, while the bedrooms and suites have a splash of block colour with funky patterned bedframes and matching bedside tables. Backlit lighting and mirrors give them an ultra-chic look.
Staying in one of the 18 suites on the ninth floor, I had more than enough room to feel I was in a large flat and being cooped up there for several days; it felt anything but claustrophobic.
Each of the spacious suites is well laid out and features a separate living room with stylish furnishings, a Queen-sized orthopaedic double bed, a walk-in closet and a bathroom with a shower and bathtub. One of the stand-out features is the balcony with mood-boosting views of the Aegean and Kallithea beach.
It’s a rather magical place from where to watch the ocean waves during the day and the sun rising and setting with a refreshing drink or a coffee from the in-room Nespresso machine. If you want something even more special, you can book a swim-up room or one of the five villas which fall under the Elite package.
The Amada Colossos Resort has a number of repeat guests, some of who have been visiting the hotel for three decades. There’s plenty of entertainment for all age groups, with youngsters being able to splash about in the 5-slide water park as well as an outdoor playground with areas for toddlers and children. Teens meanwhile have the choice of enjoying four pools – one with an imposing Bonsai-style olive tree in the middle – water sports, beach volleyball and tennis courts.
The exclusive 430m long Blue-Flag beach offers sunbeds and private gazebos too. Parents looking to take a break from their offspring can take themself off to the 400-capacity amphitheatre for entertainment or take advantage of the spa complete with a massage menu and treatments.
And self-care was just what I needed to get back to optimum health, so I spent some quality time in the Turkish bath and sauna before having a pampering massage in the Amada Wellness Spa. It was just what my body and mind needed as I allowed myself to drift off to sleep to the rhythmic music and the gentle touch of the therapist’s hands.
It was reassuring to know an on-site doctor was available, so I didn’t mind getting out of bed to check out the Medieval Old Town for a spot of fresh air and a change of scenery. This is the oldest inhabited city in Europe and forms part of the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage network. Approaching the walls to begin exploring is an experience to behold.
But rather than an old ruined, deserted setting, this is very much an alive and kicking thriving area with around 6,000 inhabitants. You’ll find an intricate network of commercialised streets interwoven with quiet alleyways where you can take a sip of history. In this area are Gothic churches, mosques, traditional fountains, shops to potter around in as well as cafeterias to take the weight off your feet. Getting lost is enjoyable as every corner reveals something new to admire.
The Palace of the Grand Master is well worth a visit. Reinstated by the Italians in 1940 after almost a century of abandonment, the building stands out because of its impressive entrance and well looked after towers and battlements. Inside, you can marvel at the ornamental objects, which are equally impressive, each revealing its own story.
Another point of interest is the Archaeological Museum which is housed in the Gothic building of the Great Hospital of the Knights and is home to the artwork on Rhodes as well as mosaic paintings from the area.
Food is usually a top list of priorities when on vacation – especially when it’s as delicious as Greek food. And here at the resort, appetites are well catered for with the all-inclusive packages.
There are no less than 16 restaurants and bars dotted around the Amada Colossos Resort serving local and international dishes. There’s a hearty breakfast spread complete with bubbly until 11 am to start the day on the right footing. The lunch and dinner offerings include traditional Rhodian classics such as Giaprakia – (stuffed vines or cabbage leaves) with rice and meat, Meliasti – feta cheese wrapped in filo topped with honey and sesame.
Diamond package guests have access to the elegant executive lounge, where breakfast, sweets and drinks are served. They also have unlimited access to three à la carte restaurants (Greek, Asian and Italian). Guests booked on the Gold package can dine at each once per week.
My appetite had returned just in time before packing my case of clothes I hadn’t had a chance to wear and leaving the resort. And I’m so pleased I got to feast in style with a lavish Greek breakfast at the Greek restaurant.
Waiting for us at the table was a selection of homemade bread and assorted jams, which would have been enough to keep us going until dinner. But the small and elegant breakfast of savoury and sweet choices were too tempting to ignore. And if that wasn’t enough, there was also an option to have eggs cooked in the way you like for a protein punch.
The Greek coffee was a real showstopper and was a delight to watch it being prepared as much as it was sipping it. Since no one uses gas stoves anymore, the coffee is made on a simple camping gas burner called a ‘Gazaki’. The preparation method is called ‘Hovoli’, which essentially means it’s heated in the sand. To give the coffee taste and texture, you have to keep an eye on the length of time it boils, and when it bubbles, your coffee is ready.
The result was satisfying. Unlike an Espresso drunk by the Italians, the Greek way is to sip the dark concoction slowly to savour it and allow the flavours to be released. Now, I would say good health to that.
Amada Colossos Resort, Rhodes – Where and How?
The Amada Colossos Resort is located at 105 Kalithion-Falirakiou, Faliraki 851 00, Greece. Room rates for a Sea View Junior Suites BB start from 348 euros, while a Sea View Amada Villa BB starts from 1,571 euros. For more information, visit amadacolossosresort.com.
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