Atlantica Imperial Resort and Spa

We stayed for one week all inclusive in a duplex suite. The room was fantastic! It had 2 bathrooms with rainfall showers, a large living area and a spacious balcony. The view from the bed in the morning was the perfect way to start to the day. The mini bar was replaced daily. It included bottled water, 2 cans of Pepsi, 1 can of 7 Up (sugar free), 1 carton of orange juice, 2 cans of local beers and 2 mini bottles of wine. There was also one packet of crisps and nuts, as well as 2 Nespresso capsules.

Food: The buffet restaurant was generally okay/good and would be more than suitable for most people. Breakfast had a big selection of breads, pastries, yoghurts, fruits, salad and hot food including English breakfast (although I don’t know why you’d choose baked beans over Greek yoghurt in Greece). Unfortunately the only show cooking was omelettes. It would have been nice for the pancakes to have been made fresh too. The breakfast highlight was the yoghurt selection with a variety of nuts, seeds, honey and fruits to top it. We used the buffet for lunch twice and dinner twice, then chose to eat out the rest of the time. Lunch was more impressive, especially the Greek options. Stefado, Dolmades, Baklavas, feta, tomatoes, etc, were all very tasty. Dinner was underwhelming. Again, very limited show cooking and some food wasn’t as hot as it should it. We booked Blue Bay for one night as part of our all inclusive package. It was excellent. The menu was surprising and interesting, and tasted incredible. The highlight was dessert. We had ‘Bee Among Chamomile’, which was lemony, crunchy with meringue and macadamia nuts, and had silky smooth ice cream. All very complimentary.

Drinks: The drinks were the best I have ever had at an all inclusive resort. I would be happy if I got them out at a decent cocktail bar. The quality and attention to detail, including the choice of glassware and decorations, were exceptional, especially at the Lounge Bar and Sky Bar. The drinks were just as good at the pool bar, except they come in a plastic cup. Coffee, however, the biggest disappointment. It claims to be filtered, but I disagree. It has a distinct taste of instant to me, be that the jugs at breakfast or a cappuccino from the bar. A bean to cup machine would be a massive improvement.

Pool: The main pool was large and clean. Loads of loungers, although a lot of them were chargeable because they were fancy ones, so didn’t manage to get a lounger until early evening. We used the beach every day which was stunning and got a lounger most times, except once when we used our towels on the beach. Having slightly louder music at this pool would be nice for more atmosphere. There’s another small pool which is a bit quieter. We got a lounger, but felt like I had to whisper. The indoor pool is across the road at the Imperial Residences. It’s freezing. But… We used it as cold water therapy if you’re in to that kind of thing. It was also completely empty, unsurprisingly.

Beach: Wow! Honestly, a holiday highlight. The water was crystal clear. You could see the fish. Pack your snorkels and water shoes, because the snorkelling was magical! Thousands of incredible fish to swim with. We snorkelled every day.

Spa: We planned to book a couples massage anyway, but we were also approached one day by a staff member who offered us a deal on a 70 minute couples massage. He also offered us an extra 15 minutes free of our choice, so we had facials. It was €200 for both of us. The spa menu doesn’t have prices, so I think it’s all up for negotiation. It was an excellent massage.

Days Out: We booked the Rhodes by Night trip on the hotel app. €12 each, payable by cash. The bus was about an hour each way, 18:00-22:00. We used this time to explore the Old Town and have a meal out and visit a bakery. We used the local bus service on another day to visit Rhodes in the day. Only €4 each way, each. But, they massively oversell tickets. Every seat gets taken and it’s full of people standing the entire journey too. Very uncomfortable and massively overheated. I’d recommend sticking to the hotel’s transport or get a taxi.

Gym: We used the gym twice. It’s quite large and has a good selection of machines for a hotel gym, including dumbbells and kettlebells. The floors wasn’t suitable, being laminate, and there wasn’t any water, but otherwise did the job. We also went for 2 runs. It’s 2.5km from the hotel to a bakery called Strata, so we ran there for Greek pastries and coffees on 2 mornings, then ran back.

Entertainment: Minimal, but personally that doesn’t upset me. Being on holiday in Greece taking in the views is entertaining enough. However, we took part in the afternoon quiz at the pool at twice and we won a bottle of Prosecco! We also did one sunrise yoga and one sunset yoga, both on the beach which was lovely. Although it would be nice for the hotel to provide yoga mats instead of beach towels as the beach is pebbly. There was some music on the evenings which we could hear but didn’t sit and watch. There is a pool table which is chargeable at €2 per game. But it was sadly out of order.

Other: We had a lovely week and the hotel was generally very good. The only major disappointment was the poor coffee, and there’s improvements to be made on the buffet. However, we enjoy eating out and trying the local food anyway. Speaking of coffee, the best coffee we had came from Mr Cup (10 minute walk) for Freddo Cappuccino and Bougatsa which was a stunning breakfast on our last day. Otherwise, a few more shaded areas would be helpful. There’s lots of good outdoor seating but very little cover and it was 34 degrees some days.

Another superb holiday at Atlantica Imperial Rhodes. This time I had a problem upon arrival but Klairy resolved this with kindness, consideration and a smile. Thank you Klairy - It is because of you I shall keep returning to this fabulous hotel. I think Klairy may be a secret Goddess.