Your Herts & Beds Wedding - Feb/Mar 2019 (Issue 72)

Island of the sun G reece has been on my bucket list for years, so the chance to visit Rhodes was an opportunity not to be missed. I’d heard of the popular hotspot of Faliraki in the north east of the island, a mecca for fun- loving British tourists, but we were venturing further south to a lesser-known spot. Nestled on the Aegean coast, about an hour’s drive from Rhodes International Airport, the Gennadi Grand Resort is a fresh beacon of light for travellers looking for sun, sea, relaxation and a five-star experience. Set on a relatively undeveloped part of the coastline with expansive views of the ocean and mountain range in the background, it’s an area of rugged natural beauty. I arrived at night after a four-hour flight from Luton airport, to be greeted with welcome cocktails, my first taste of Greek hospitality, before being shown to my suite for a quick freshen up before dinner. Built not only with luxury in mind, but the environment too, the resort opened for its first season in May 2018. Spread over 67,000 square metres; it’s a labyrinth of suites, pristine pools, inviting outdoor spaces, restaurants and bars. The simple, clean lines of the buildings combine with soothing soft neutral-toned interiors to create an instant feeling of calm and relaxation. My suite had its own private pool; a joy to wake up to as you throw open the curtains and pull back the sliding doors! Complete with your own deck and sun loungers, there’s no early morning scramble to grab your place in the sun here! With an indoor sitting area, his and hers basins, walk-in shower, air-conditioning, room service and all mod-cons; it’s a honeymoon haven for couples wanting to get away from it all and enjoy some alone time. I visited in late October, leaving the grey and dismal British weather behind and feeling badly in need of some restorative R&R. Known from Greek mythology as the island of the sun, Rhodes is blessed with more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Temperatures can be blistering at the height of the season, but for me, the autumn weather was plenty hot enough. Set beside one of the longest beaches on the island, the turquoise blue Aegean sea beckons. Just a few minutes stroll away, the water is crystal-clear and wonderfully warm. There are beachside drinks and snacks available as well as water sports for active types. After a refreshing dip I was happy to just chill-out under a shady parasol and nod off to the gentle sound of lapping waves. Wherever you wander in the resort, you’re never more than a stone’s throw away from a sun bed, glistening pool or enticing place to eat. On arrival we enjoyed a welcome dinner in the main restaurant, great for fuss-free dining, top-notch food and friendly service. After tucking into a melt-in-the- mouth T-bone steak, I was ready to retire to my super comfy bed to dream of breakfast. Foodie heaven, inspired by centuries of Greek cooking the cuisine reflects all the tantalising colours and flavours of the Mediterranean. During my three-night stay, I sampled everything from an unforgettable gourmet experience in the fine-dining restaurant, ideal for a romantic evening for two, to a chilled, informal meal in the authentic-style tavern; big on atmosphere and great for traditional Greek specialities. You’ll need at least a week though to work your way around the breakfast buffet, laden with a bewildering array of mouth-watering freshly prepared dishes, including hot and cold options, fresh fruit, local cheeses and pastries too tempting to resist. With other Sarah Reeve discovers the delights of Greece at one of Rhodes’ newest luxury resorts 124