Rhodes
The Greek island of Rhodes is preparing for a busy summer with the opening of four luxury hotels, including the first Sheraton branded hotel in Greece, and the launch of a new Easyjet flight route from Liverpool. The island is continuing to shun its former reputation as a party haven by upgrading its tourism product to attract those seeking a luxury holiday.
Over the past two years, Rhodes has welcomed several luxury properties across the island – from large five-star resorts to intimate boutique hotels. The four new properties for 2010 are located in Kallithea, Rhodes Old Town and Lindos and all feature swimming pools, spa facilities and a high standard of guest accommodation.
The island is also continuing to open up for new UK customers, with low cost airline Easyjet introducing two flights per week from Liverpool to Rhodes on June 12 2010. The flights will operate on Wednesdays and Saturdays from June-October. Prices start from as little as £26.99 each way, including taxes.
Below are listed the new hotels currently scheduled to open in Rhodes over the coming months:
The Kresten Royal Villas and Spa - opens April 20 2010
The five star Kresten Royal Villas and spa is located on the north-eastern side of Rhodes on a hillside in Kallithea. The hotel will offer a total of 203 rooms comprising of double rooms, junior suites, villas and grand maisonettes.
All suites in the villas - including junior suites - will offer private heated swimming pools. The Mediterranean Spa will house a fully-equipped gymnasium, indoor swimming pool, steam room, sauna and massage treatment rooms.
The Kresten Royal Villas & Spa is just 5.5km from the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rhodes Medieval Old Town and within walking distance of the recently restored Kallithea Mineral Springs.
La Marquise – opens May 2010
La Marquise is a five-star complex located on the outskirts of Rhodes Medieval Old Town and 1km from Kallithea. La Marquise has been designed with the environment in mind. Renewable energy sources, recycling, environmentally-friendly plantations in the gardens, the use of technology in the swimming pools to reduce chlorination and the use of energy-saving lights are just some of the initiatives in place.
The complex is made up of 386 rooms of nine different styles, including family suites, junior suites, bungalows, villas and luxury suites. A large spa centre is available to guests with a number of different treatments and facilities. La Marquise also has a dedicated hotel chapel and honeymoon package for guests wishing to get married in Rhodes.
Aquagrand of Lindos – opens May 2010
Located on the beachfront in Navarone Bay, the five-star Aquagrand hotel is just 1.5km from Lindos Village and the famous acropolis. The Aquagrand interior decoration includes artworks by famous Greek artists, handmade carpets, local ceramic products and pure linen and cotton. The 87 guest rooms, 48 suites and the Queen’s Maisonette each boast modern facilities including smart key access, LCD televisions, hydro shower and bath and internet access. The rooms are divided into eight categories including prestige and exclusive suites, which have private swimming pools.
There are four restaurants and three bars for guests to choose from along with three swimming pools and a sun terrace with wooden deck. The AquaSenses spa includes four multi-use treatment rooms, three massage rooms, two saunas, Jacuzzi, Turkish steam bath, swimming pool, health bar and an extensive list of beauty treatments. On request the hotel can also organise limousine hire, yacht charters, scuba diving, water sports and private tour guide.
Sheraton Rhodes Resort – opens May 1 2010
Sheraton Hotels has taken ownership of the former Imperial Rhodes Hotel to launch the first Sheraton hotel in Greece this spring. The Sheraton Rhodes Resort will officially launch on May 1 2010 and will feature 401 guest bedrooms all with mountain, sea or garden views, two restaurants, a piano bar, full service spa, fitness facilities and a private beach. The resort also boasts three outdoor pools; one indoor pool as well as numerous sporting options and a dedicated children’s play area.
The hotel is ideally located on Ixia Bay, just a few kilometres from the historic Old Town and less than twenty minutes drive from Rhodes International Airport.