Tuesday 26 July 2016

Review: Atlantica Imperial Resort and Spa Rhodes


Back in January, we booked our summer holiday to Rhodes to celebrate James brother turning 30. We didn’t know where we wanted to go at the time, but we had a budget and a list of requirements, mainly going somewhere which was adult only. Myself and James had booked through Thomson last year on our trip to Santorini so we decided to book through them again. After a couple of hours in the travel agents, we had finally decided to celebrate Adams 30th at the Atlantica Imperial Resort and Spa and the countdown was well and truly on....


Although we’re local to East Midlands airport, 20 minutes to be exact. We actually paid to upgrade to fly from Birmingham, this gave us better flight times and a sea view room, It was only a couple of hundred extra per couple and it did make all the difference when myself and Tash were going back to work the day after we got back. We could have booked a swim up suite but decided to stick to the sea view instead as we felt we'd get much more use out of the main pool. The flight was good, just under 3 and half hours there and 4 hours back. Transfer to and from the hotel was around 40 minutes. I had expected us to be met with horrific queues getting on and off the plane but I was very pleasantly surprised to see things running pretty smoothly and any queue we did face was pretty bearable.


The hotel is in Kolymbia which is between Rhodes town and Lindos. We had booked half board back in January but decided to upgrade to all inclusive when we arrived. This worked out to be 500 euros per couple and made a lot of sense when we planned to pretty much be at the hotel the entire time. This included breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks and snacks. Although we didn’t eat every meal, there were fridges in the bars where you could help yourself to sandwiches, fruit, cakes etc if you got peckish. The cocktails were about 9.50euros each too (they were good, but not that good) so it certainly does encourage you to do AI. I certainly got my money’s worth with cocktails alone! The food was suburb, I’m always a little wary of all inclusive food but I didn’t need to worry, there’s a reason this place is 5* and the food certainly adds to that. When I say there was something for everyone there really was, no one went hungry that’s for sure!


Nightly entertainment was ok, usually I’m not in to this sort of stuff but a few of the nights were actually pretty good, including an Abba tribute which had everyone dancing! There was day time entertainment too including quizzes, aqua aerobics and cocktail making which was pretty fun! But to be honest, I just lounged by the pool with my book most of the day. Speaking of the pool, that really good. It had a deep end and then a walk out end which took you straight to the bar... perfect! Two little areas also had a ledge with jets so you could sit there and chill out; there was also a Jacuzzi there too which was a decent size. We didn’t have any trouble getting the free beds; however people did tend to ‘reserve’ them. The only time we had a problem was when we decided to come back from the beach at lunchtime as it was far too hot on our feet to enjoy it and we couldn’t get a bed then.  We could have paid 15euros for the 4 poster beds but it just seemed pointless when you can get beds for free. It’s worth noting that although the hotel is on the beach, it doesn’t belong to the hotel so if you want to sit on the beds down there it will cost you 8euros for the day. 


The hotel itself is pretty big and split in to two, we were in the main bit with the main pool/restaurant/terrace bar/entertainment and the other side was where one of the A La Carte restaurants is situated, AI guests are invited to use one of the 3 A La Carte restaurants for free during their stay. It’s worth noting that although they said this was free, only certain dishes on the menu actually are and the other dishes have a discount applied. We all managed to find something to eat though so it was fine, the view made up for it! The Sky Bar is up there too which one night was beautifully decorated for Adams birthday which was an incredibly nice touch, they even bought out a cake for him too! He also got a bottle of bubbles when we arrived at the hotel and the day of his birthday too which was so nice of them.  


Like I said whilst we were there we pretty much to chill and not do much else so for that reason it was perfection. The hotel does have a gym and spa but we didn't use these during our stay. One evening we went out for dinner for something different and there are a few little restaurants and bars but it’s very much aimed at tourists. This strip of beach is home to very big and pricey hotels and that certainly reflects in the area. It was nice, but it wasn’t Lindos which has a lot more character, we visited one day by bus. The bus stop is literally right outside the hotel and costs  4euros per person each way and takes about 40 minutes, we had thought about taking a taxi but this was a much better idea. I have another post on Lindos and a bay to bay boat trip myself and Tash did but I’ll post that another time.  

I had such a great week at the Atlantica Imperial Resort and Spa and I would certainly go back again! If you're thinking of going and have any questions then please ask away!

Photos were taken on my Olympus Pen EL7 with the 14‑42mm 45mm lenses and my iPhone.
This post contains a paid for link.
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3 comments

  1. This looks such a lovely place!

    www.twixandpine.blogspot.com


    x

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  2. Oh this just looks totally incredible! I'll definitely be saving this ready for honeymoon planning next year x
    Sophie Cliff

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh wow, it looks and sounds amazing! Would love a week in the sun! xx

    Beautylymin| Abercrombie & Fitch First Instinct Giveaway

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Thank you so much for taking the time to comment XO

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