THE hotel terrace sparkles in the sunshine, the pool shimmers and everyone lounging around it has a glass of something boozy. I’m somewhere decidedly adult — and very fun. Rising from my sunbed, I head off in search of another drink.
Suddenly, the silence is shattered by the laughter of children and the soundtrack of Disney’s Frozen . As I head to the bar, I wander too far in the wrong direction and find myself near its family-friendly sister resort. I retreat hastily back to the Elissa Lifestyle Resort.
This haven on the Greek island of Rhodes offers a retreat for adults at a fraction of the price of upscale neighbours such as Santorini and Crete. The 5H hotel focuses on gourmet dining, fine wine , and wellness — leaving its next-door sister resort, Helea, to look after the families. READ MORE ON RHODES Private beach Elissa is a grown-ups’ playground, with boutique shops, tennis courts, fitness studios and a spa.
Opt for the premium package and you will even get a free car to explore the area, though you will not want to leave. The rooms are calming and comfortable. My spacious mid-range suite includes luxurious amenities such as a bathrobe, Hermes toiletries and two TVs.
But the best part is having a bright-blue pool directly outside my room — which I share only with my immediate neighbours. While I spend most of my time outdoors, I also visit the spa for a back-and-shoulders massage, perfect for a desk dweller like me. Most read in Beach holidays My evenings are spent at Greek wine- tastings in the on-site private cellar, watching classic films at the outdoor cinema, and enjoying live music with a nightcap at one of the hotel bars.
It’s also a food-lovers’ paradise. A highlight was Kavos, a seafood oasis with a menu curated by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis. I enjoyed crispy calamari followed by delicate sea bass and prawns.
But the standout dish was the giant bowl of steaming mussels in a spicy nduja sauce. The next night — for a completely different vibe — I headed to Masari for a taste of Japanese cuisine . We sat in traditional sunken-style seats and watched a stunning selection of sushi make its way to our table.
The buffet at Fanes restaurant provides many options for the days when you feel less adventurous. Then there is the unique Breakfast Stories experience — for those willing to fork out a bit. Think of it as an elevated version of your typical brekkie, accompanied by live music for some extra pizazz.
Most restaurants require booking, but Istrio near the main pool was my go-to for casual daytime bites. Both have the same sleek design, natural-toned interiors, and sit on the same private beach in Kallithea. From a distance, you would struggle to tell Elissa and Helea resorts apart.
Both have the same sleek design, natural-toned interiors , and sit on the same private beach in Kallithea, just a ten-minute drive from Rhodes’ Old Town. The difference only became clear to me during a Pilates session that had to be relocated to the family- friendly Helea’s gym following unexpected rain, and a golf buggy took us there, passing the resort’s waterpark, Ella Splash Land. READ MORE SUN STORIES While holding the downward-dog position, I heard giggling from the back of the room and spotted three kids mimicking us, kicking their legs in the air and chanting: “Om!” However much you adore your kids, sometimes you need to focus entirely on yourself — and Elissa is perfect for just that.
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies to Rhodes from Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham with fares this October from £26.99 one way. See easyjet.
com STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ B&B at the 5H Elissa Lifestyle Beach Resort is from £617pp with flights from Gatwick on October 16, transfers and 23kg luggage. See easyjet.com/en/holidays .
MORE INFO: For details on the hotel, see ellaresorts.com/our-resorts/ elissa-resort.
