Rhodes, the Greek island known for its rich history and culture, is a must-visit destination for those who love to travel, explore, and discover new places. The island offers the perfect blend of luxury, philosophy, and great food that make for an unforgettable experience.
I recently had the opportunity to visit Rhodes and was greeted by the warm sun and beautiful weather as I left the cold and rainy city of London in September. After a smooth passport control, I was greeted by a staff member and chauffeur from Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort, who quickly took me to the resort located just 14km from the main airport.
Elissa is a 5* adult-focused resort that offers a casual and laid-back atmosphere with tranquil verandas, 15 freshwater swimming pools, a beach club and pool bars, and five restaurants that serve delicious Mediterranean cuisine. The resort’s eco-chic design and attention to detail immediately caught my attention, and the welcoming fragrance in the air perfectly complemented the resort’s character and identity.
I was offered refreshments and snacks at the Siana Lobby bar balcony as I checked in, which was a beautiful way to start my stay as I sipped on a cocktail while overlooking the limitless sea. The resort’s 332 rooms, suites, and waterfront bungalows with private pools offer sea or pool views, making it a perfect option for everyone. My Superior Deluxe room with a pool view was complimented by the beautiful turquoise water which led to my very own private veranda.
The beige colors, quality Greek luxurious furniture, two TV screens, Nespresso machine, and mini-bar ensured that everything I needed. 
Upon landing at the airport in Rhodes, I was greeted by a staff member and chauffeur from the Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort. The drive to the resort, located just 14 km from the airport, was smooth and well-maintained. As we approached the resort, I couldn’t help but feel excited about all the adventures that awaited me in the local Old Town and Lindos during my stay.
The Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort is a 5-star adults-only property that exudes a casual, cool and laid-back vibe. The resort boasts tranquil verandas, 15 freshwater swimming pools, a beach club, and pool bars to enjoy. The resort also has five restaurants that offer delightful Mediterranean cuisine. With 332 chic rooms, suites, and waterfront bungalows with private pools, offering sea or pool views, Elissa has something for everyone.
I was lucky enough to have a Superior Deluxe room with a pool view. As soon as I walked into my room, I was greeted by the beautiful turquoise water which led to my very own private veranda. The beige colors, quality Greek luxurious furniture, two TV screens, a Nespresso machine, and a mini bar made it difficult for me to want to leave my room. But, the sunny pools and comfortable sun beds called out to me and I couldn’t resist.
One of the unique selling points of this resort is that it is self-contained, meaning that everything you need is right there and there is no need to venture outside the resort. The only exception is if you want a break from the seagulls that put on a choir show worthy of a standing ovation.
As evening rolled around, I wondered if my experience could be topped. But, my doubts were put to rest when I dined at the Fourni Grill Restaurant. As a foodie, I am very particular about.
After exploring the old town, I made my way to the Rhodes Museum, which is housed in the former Hospital of the Knights. The museum is home to an impressive collection of artifacts, including pottery, jewelry, and sculptures from ancient Greece. I spent several hours wandering around the museum, admiring the exhibits and learning more about the island’s history.
After a day of exploring, I returned to the Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort for some much-needed relaxation. I took a dip in one of the resort’s freshwater swimming pools and then enjoyed a massage at the spa. The spa offers a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body treatments. I chose the traditional Greek massage, which was a perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.
In the evening, I dined at the Fourni Grill Restaurant, which is one of the resort’s five restaurants. The menu features a range of Mediterranean-inspired dishes, including fresh seafood, Angus beef, and vegetarian options. I enjoyed a delicious starter of fried shrimp and a main course of whole sea bass with asparagus. To finish, I indulged in some delicious mango profiteroles. The resort’s restaurants offer a variety of dining experiences, from casual poolside dining to more formal, fine dining and after a relaxing day by the pool and a delicious dinner, I decided to venture out and explore the island of Rhodes. I started by visiting the Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Old Town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with charming shops, cafes, and restaurants. The architecture is a mix of medieval and Ottoman influences, and the walls of the Old Town are well-preserved, giving visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich history. I spent hours wandering the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of the Old Town. I also visited the Palace of the Grand Masters, which was built by the Knights of St. John in the 14th century. The palace is now a museum and offers a fascinating look into the history of Rhodes.
The next day, I decided to take a trip to the picturesque village of Lindos. Lindos is located on the east coast of Rhodes and is known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and traditional Greek architecture. The village is built on a hill, and the main attraction is the Acropolis of Lindos. The acropolis is a well-preserved ancient site that offers panoramic views of the village and the sea. I also visited the Lindos Beach, which is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach surrounded by crystal-clear waters. I spent the day lounging on the beach and swimming in the sea, before heading back to the resort for another delicious dinner.
The next day, I decided to try some of the activities offered by the resort. I started with a yoga class, which was held in a beautiful outdoor setting with views of the sea. The class was taught by a trained yoga instructor, and it was a great way to start the day. I also tried my hand at paddleboarding, which was a lot of fun and a great way to explore the sea. The resort also offers other activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving, but I decided to stick to paddleboarding as it was my first time trying it.
In conclusion, my stay at Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort on the beautiful island of Rhodes was nothing short of extraordinary. The resort’s attention to detail, from the welcoming fragrance in the air to the quality Greek luxurious furniture in the rooms, was impressive and set the tone for my unique Greek experience. The tranquil verandas, 15 freshwater swimming pools, a beach club, and pool bars were a delight and the Mediterranean cuisine at the five restaurants was simply delicious. The resort’s location, just 14 km from Rhodes town, made it easy for me to explore the local Old Town and Lindos, but the resort’s self-contained nature meant that I didn’t need to leave if I didn’t want to. The staff were friendly and attentive, and the manager’s willingness to accommodate my every need was a testament to the level of service at the resort. In short, if you’re looking for a luxurious, eco-chic property with a casual, cool and laid-back vibe, and a unique Greek experience, Elissa Luxury and Lifestyle resort is definitely worth a visit.
