GREECE is famous for some of the world’s most historic monuments but while not old, I was lucky enough to visit a colossus of a resort — literally!
The Amada Colossos in Rhodes is one of the most popular hotels on the island and as the name suggests, it’s a massive complex but incredibly still feels intimate and welcoming.
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I was a tad weary after a day’s travelling, but I immediately perked up when I sampled the luxurious hospitality there as I sipped fizz and had a nibble in the fancy Executive Lounge.
The Amada has just under 700 rooms, across 17 different types, so depending on your budget and preference there’s definitely a room for you.
My Sea View Executive Suite was simply out of this world.
It had a walk-in wardrobe like something you see on a celebs pad on TV — I hadn’t packed anywhere near enough holiday clobber to do it justice.
The main living area was spot on with a big comfy sofa, ideal to kick back on, and a giant flat screen TV to catch up on world events, watch a movie or just tune into the resort’s info.
It also had a packed mini bar of alcoholic and soft drinks, which was constantly topped up by the fantastic staff.
The balcony overlooked the stunning beach and was the perfect place to relax first thing in the morning with a cuppa, or last thing at night with a nightcap from the minibar.
And the sprawling bedroom? What can I say . . . it had tonnes of space, with all the mod cons and a sensational orthopaedic mattress which was a struggle to rise from in the morning. And the bathroom had a brilliant and welcoming power shower to wash away the day’s exertions.
I love a pampering, and often treat myself to a massage back home, so you can imagine my delight on discovering the Amada Colossos’ incredible spa.
I chilled in the steam room and sauna before I was treated to an hour-long full body massage that was one of the best I’ve ever had.
I’m sure I didn’t look it, but I certainly felt like a Greek God!
However, if you fancy something a bit more active then the hotel’s water park is ideal for the young — and the young at heart.
Now we all know Greece is renowned for its food and the offerings at the hotel doesn’t disappoint. the only problem I encountered was choosing where to eat. After all, with a choice of over a dozen restaurants and bars and only a few days to sample them, I had to choose wisely.
The main buffet seemed popular with all the guests so I headed there and enjoyed both delicious local and international dishes. If you can’t find something here you like then I don’t know how to help you!
Then there’s the tempting Italian eaterie, serving up a la carte options including the simply wonderful Carpaccio di Vitello Tonnato and Caponata di Melanzana — that’s veal with tuna sauce and a Sicilian dish of fried aubergine with tomatoes and capers.
Prepare to be transported to the Italian countryside. The tantalising fine-dining Asian restaurant’s incredible degustation menu took us on a journey across the Far East.
It’s fabulous for non-meat eaters and vegans too with an array of choices.
But one dining highlight among many was being treated to an al fresco dinner near the beach one night, sampling the divine tasting menu of fish and meat dishes as the sun set. It was just incredible.
I always think you can’t beat eating and living how a local would, and we certainly did that at Votsala, their Greek Taverna by the Sea. It was sensational.
The crumbed feta and the freshest of salads got the taste buds going, accompanied with an abundance of bread and olive oil.
The selection of locally produced dishes like giant beans in oil and veg, octopus, cheese balls, and the beef kofte were the business.
It was one of the best lunches I’ve had on all my travels and I didn’t want it to end.
After stuffing my face, I just wanted to relax and at the Amada Colossos there’s that in abundance.
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The giant pool area and the adjoining beach are the perfect places to unwind and soak up the rays with the fantastic backdrop of the inviting Aegean Sea.
Normally I can barely stretch myself awake when I get up in the morning, so I was a little bit worried after I signed up for my first outdoor yoga class – but I loved it!
Before I knew it, I was getting my creaking bones into all sorts of positions under the guidance of our talented instructor.
It was a super relaxing start to the day, just as the morning rays started to beat down on me and set me up nicely for a packed day of visiting some of Rhodes’ most incredible sights.
First we headed to Lindos, one of the most popular villages and no wonder. It’s simply stunning and oozes traditional charm.
A short journey from the centre of Rhodes, its hilltop site, with panoramic views shows off the island’s beauty. The white buildings stand out from miles away, glistening majestically in the Greek sunshine.
There are several restaurants and boutique shops accessed by tiny winding paths all the way through the village.
But the absolute highlight here has to be the Lindos Acropolis. Sure, it might not be as familiar as its namesake in Athens, but it’s just as breathtaking.
The incredible temple towers over the area and is quite literally steeped in thousands of years of history.
GO: GREECE
GETTING THERE: EasyJet fly from Glasgow to Rhodes. See easyjet.com for cheapest fares.
STAYING THERE: Rooms for two at the 5H Amada Colossos Resort in Rhodes from £167 a night B&B. The hotel also offers half-board and ultra all-inclusive. See amadacolossosresort.com.
Our tour guide was excellent and gave us all the information we needed to learn about the past. It’s a decent hike of around 300 steps, but it is definitely worth the effort.
It’s not every day you get to enjoy see an incredible piece of history that dates back to the 10th century BC.
Below the stunning hillside architecture is St Paul’s Bay, blessed with crystal clear waters and a lovely beach and that’s just where we made a beeline for a dip and a walk on the fine golden sands.
After a packed morning of sight-seeing, it was time to refuel and soak up some more Grecian sunshine while at lunch at The Kapari — a Fish & Sea restaurant, flanking the beach in the town of Kolympia.
I felt like like I was in my own little slice of paradise as I listened to the mesmerising sound of the waves wash up on the shore, while enjoying a crisp cold glass of local white wine.
We had an endless supply of delicious dishes including calamari, risotto and salads.
What a way to celebrate a fabulous day venturing and exploring just a tiny bit of the less familiar ancient monuments Rhodes has to offer.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
Whether you want an action packed or chilled break, Rhodes is an amazing island with so much to discover.
And the Amada Colossus will ensure you have a monumental time.
