Rhodes strengthens its position in the luxury market

This summer sees the opening of two new five star hotels on the Greek island of Rhodes, strengthening the island’s position in the luxury market. The addition of these new hotels to Rhodes’s expanding portfolio of high-end and boutique accommodation is helping the island in its endeavours to attract more upmarket visitors for short breaks and holidays.

Making air access even more convenient, easyJet is also doubling the frequency of its direct flights to Rhodes from the middle of May 2008.

The Elysium on the Beach Hotel – opening May 2008

According to Greek Mythology, Elysium was an ancient paradise exclusively designated to heroes who had been granted immortality by the gods. The Elysium on the Beach Hotel cannot guarantee its guests such longevity, however the hotel does aim to recreate Homer’s view of Elysium as ‘a land of perfect happiness’.

Situated 9km from Rhodes Town on the northeast coast of the island, the five-star Elysium features a contemporary architectural design and a beachfront spanning 400 metres.

Accommodation is spread across three buildings, with all but nine of the 332 guestrooms offering views of the ocean. Rooms range from standard doubles to two Presidential suites, each of which comprise two bedrooms, a living room, dining table and kitchenette.

The hotel’s leisure facilities include three outdoor swimming pools, a state-of-the -art spa with 12 treatment rooms, fitness centre and tennis court – water sports and an 18-hole golf course are also available nearby.

For more information, see Elysium.gr.

Lindos Blu Hotel & Suites – opening 1st July 2008

The five-star Lindos Blu is the first adult-only hotel in the South of Rhodes. Its position on the hillside of Vlycha Bay, just outside Lindos, gives it a stunning outlook over the Aegean Sea that can be enjoyed from all the guestrooms.

The boutique hotel will offer a total of 70 rooms, with double rooms available from €180 per night in low season and two-floor maisonettes - including a bedroom, living room, fully equipped gym and private swimming pool and Jacuzzi – available from €700 per night in low season.

With two restaurants, a cafeteria and two bars there are plenty of dining and drinking options at Lindos Blu. Guests can also relax and unwind in the spa and health club, where a number of revitalizing and rejuvenating treatments are available, or in the indoor heated or one of the two outdoor freshwater swimming pools.

For more information, see Lindosblu.gr.

EasyJet increases direct flights to Rhodes

EasyJet is offering direct flights to Rhodes for the first time in 2008, following the airline’s takeover of GB Airways.

From 17th May 2008, easyJet will double its direct services from London Gatwick to Rhodes from two to four flights per week, with departures each Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday and Thursday until 25th October 2008.

The increased frequency of direct flights makes Rhodes a viable destination for short breaks, as well as providing greater choice for visitors wanting to self-package their holiday rather than booking via a tour operator.

Flight prices between Gatwick and Rhodes start from £27.99 one-way or £50.80 return (including taxes). To book, see easyjet.co.uk.