Rhodes is continuing to shun its former reputation as a haven for young clubbers by focussing on attracting luxury travellers. A number of five star hotels have opened on the island in the past two years, with three more due to open during 2010:
The Kresten Royal Villas and Spa
The five star Kresten Royal Villas and spa is located on the northeastern side of Rhodes Island on a hillside in Kallithea. It 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 spacious double rooms include sofa space, modern furnishings, bathrooms with Jacuzzis and balconies overlooking the Aegean Sea. The Mediterranean Spa is has 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
La Marquise is a five star complex located on the outskirts of Rhodes Medieval Old Town and 1km from Kallithea. It 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. For those looking for a little more privacy, there is also a private spa apartment available for treatments. La Marquise also has a dedicated hotel chapel and honeymoon package for guests wishing to get married in Rhodes.
Aquagrand of Lindos
Located on the beachfront in Navarone Bay, the five star Aquagrand hotel is just 1.5km from Lindos Village and the famous acropolis. It is designed to be sympathetic to its surroundings, with the exterior construction using local materials such as stone, wood and copper. 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.
