Where to start!! Words simply cannot do justice to the experience we had at the glorious Atrium Platinum Resort and Spa in Ixia, Rhodes. Five star and counting ……..

Firstly, we never go anywhere twice. But this is our second visit to the hotel in 9 months! 🤣🤣Hotel Manager Antonis Rodis, Commercial Manager Costas Giakoumis and their wonderful team of circa 180 staff are the drivers of this incredibly well oiled machine. Their passion is all about serving their customers to an exceptional level.

This visit we decided to opt for half board which gave us access to the magnificence of both the breakfast and evening meal buffets in the main Archipelagos Restaurant. Head Chef Michalis and his team spoiled us with a mouth watering plethora of delectable dishes. Each night is themed differently eg Italian, Asian etc etc, providing a glorious array of foods from all over the world. The offer perfectly delineates the phrase “spoiled for choice!” And as if he wasn’t busy enough, Michalis also took the time out to host a bespoke cooking class where we learned to make the delectable Greek tzatziki. These fun, free bookable classes take place once a week with a different recipe every time. In addition, there are four a La carte restaurants in the hotel, as well as two pool bars, but we were so blown away by the main restaurant that we didn’t even feel the need to try a different one!! We’ll do that on our next visit.

The whole dining experience merits its own mention. We were greeted by the genuinely delightful staff at the entrance - two young ladies in particular, Afroditi and Despina - you made us feel so special with your warmth and joyful demeanours. The waiters and waitresses are totally “on it”, providing excellent table service. Our hearts warmed to the awesome Vasilis, who waited on our table several times. He disproved my theory that men can’t really multitask!! Whilst seamlessly waiting on us, Vasilis also imparted fascinating gems on a whole range of topics from economics to Greek mythology - a font of knowledge and insight so graciously and humbly shared with us. And then there was the beautiful Theodora (or Dora as she likes to be called) - a genuinely delightful woman who also served us with such grace and kind spirit.

The hotel is beautifully spacious and “classy”. Its marbled floors and high ceilings are complimented by exquisitely tasteful decor and the rooms are beautifully laid out. This time, we stayed in a magnificent suite overlooking the sea on two sides - the views from our private rooftop balcony were absolutely stunning. Our suite boasted a jacuzzi bath, mood lighting, dressing gown and slippers, well stocked refrigerated mini bar and coffee machine - all the spoils of five star excellence. The rooms are serviced everyday to an exceptionally high standard. The cleaning staff take great pride in their work and like their colleagues across all departments in this hotel, their service is rendered with HUGE SMILES. Nothing is too much trouble - particular shout out to the two cleaning ladies Mimosa and Marcila (forgive my spelling!) - our suite was spotless every day - we felt like royalty.

The pool area is spacious and very well laid out - we never struggled to get a sunbed. The pools themselves are huge and aesthetically pleasing with their little overhead bridges - whether you want to have a good “exercise” swim or just a paddle about - there’s enough room for all activities without feeling crowded. And the food and drink ordering system via the app is a winner! The hotel also boasts an excellent, fully equipped gym, tennis, squash courts and table tennis. We have yet to visit the spa which looks fabulous - but we ran out of time!!

Near the pool area is a very well stocked shop where you can get most everything you’d want on a holiday - drinks, chocolate, snacks, memorabilia et al. The lovely Mary and Costas run the shop and like all the other team members at this hotel, are delightful. Mary made sure to set aside an English newspaper for my husband every day - these little touches just make you feel so special - thank you Mary.

We took a cab to Rhodes Old Town for about 13 euros. What an atmospheric, incredible place it is - we were transported back in time as we walked around admiring the medieval architecture and artefacts. Lots of lovely restaurants and bars to choose from too. So much to see and do and not enough time - oh dear, it means we’ll have to go back 🤣😉

It only remains to say that a week is not enough at this fabulous hotel. All credit to the management and staff for providing sublime service with smiles as broad as broad can be - without being contrived! We walked away from this place, sad to leave and literally planning the next visit. HUGE THANK YOU to all you wonderful folk at this very impressive, FIVE STAR hotel 🏝️ 🌝🍸🍹🍤🥗🌮💕