THE hotel terrace in the sun, the pool and everyone who rests there drinks a glass of alcohol.
I’m in a determined position and a lot of fun.
I get up from my lounger and go by in search of a drink. Suddenly, the silence is broken by the laughter of young people and the soundtrack of Disney’s Frozen.
As I make my way to the bar, I stray too far in the direction and position myself near his family and spouse’s compound. I hurriedly retire to the Elissa Lifestyle Resort.
This hideaway on the Greek island of Rhodes offers an adult retreat for a fraction of the value of its luxury neighbors like Santorini and Crete.
Hotel 5H focuses on gastronomy, wines, and wellness, leaving its neighboring sister resort, Helea, to take care of families.
Elissa is an adult playground, with shops, tennis courts, gyms, and a spa. Opt for the premium package and even get a free car to explore the area, though you may not want to go out.
The rooms are relaxing and comfortable. My spacious mid-range suite includes sumptuous amenities like a bathrobe, Hermes toiletries, and two TVs.
But the best thing is having a bright blue pool right outside my room, something I only share with my immediate neighbors.
Although I spend most of my time outdoors, I also make a stop at the spa for a back and shoulder massage, which is best for an employee like me.
I spend my evenings tasting Greek wines in the hotel’s personal wine cellar, watching vintage videos in the open-air cinema, and listening to music with a drink in one of the hotel’s bars.
It is also a paradise for foodies. One of the highlights is Kavos, a seafood oasis with a menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros Tsiotinis.
I enjoyed crispy calamari followed by sea bass and shrimp.
But the highlight is the giant plate of steaming mussels in a very spicy nduja sauce.
The next night, for an absolutely different vibe, I headed to Masari to get a taste of Japanese cuisine. We sat in the classic sunken style seats and watched a surprising array of sushi arrive at our table.
The Fanes Restaurant buffet has many functions for those days when you feel less adventurous.
Then enjoy exclusive Breakfast Stories, for those willing to shell out a little. Think of it as an upgraded edition of your typical breakfast, with live music for an extra touch of flavor.
Most restaurants require reservations, but Istrio, near the main pool, is my choice for a casual bite to eat in the sunlight.
Both have the same sublime design, interiors in natural tones and are located on the same personal beach in Kallithea.
From a distance, it would be difficult to distinguish the stations of Elissa and Helea. Both have the same modern design, interiors in natural tones and are located on the same personal beach in Kallithea, just a ten-minute drive from the old town of Rhodes.
The difference has only become clear to me in a Pilates consultation that we had to move to Helea’s family gym after an unforeseen rain, and a golf cart took us there, passing through the resort’s water park, Ella Splash Land.
As I held the downward facing dog position, I heard laughter from the back of the room and saw 3 young men imitating us, kicking the air and singing, “Om!”
Even if you adore your children, you have to focus completely on yourself, and Elissa is the best at that.
GETTING THERE: EasyJet flies to Rhodes from Gatwick, Luton, Manchester, Bristol and Birmingham with fares in October from £26. 99 one way. See easyjet. com
AND STAY: A B
MORE INFORMATION: For more details, visit ellaresorts. com/our-resorts/elissa-resort
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