July/August 2023
a focus which the resort specialises in. With the hotel placing such a focus on relaxation and wellness, where better to get to know the resort than the spa? A massage treatment is what I opted for, my first massage experience ever! And after such an experience at Kazeen Spa, it will not be my last. I left the treatment room feeling like a whole new person. The rest of the evening was relaxed, with a transfer across to have a cocktail and a Japanese fusion tasting menu at the Lindos Grand, a sister hotel to the Gennadi Grand Resort. Dinner was spectacular, and though I wouldn’t consider myself an adventurous person for trying new cuisines. The food served looked too good not to try. After dinner, a day of firsts soundly came to a close - my first day in Rhodes, my first ever massage, and my
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WHEN IN RHODES | 33
a walk around the seven springs, the journey around the seven springs can be quite strenuous, and I wouldn’t recommend for those with mobility issues or a fear of small spaces. A fear of small spaces? There is quite a tight tunnel to venture through to get to see the spring, it is around 120 metres in length and quite dark. Not for the faint- hearted! But with a curiosity to see what was at the other
side, I ventured through. Wading through the refreshing water in the tunnel to reach the other side. Rhode’s natural beauty isn’t just confined
first time trying an oyster! On the second day of my Greek Getaway, the city of Rhodes was calling my name. With a new day upon us, the group hopped into the transfer and departed for the principal city of Rhodes. From the Gennadi Grand Resort, Rhodes is located around an hour and thirty minutes away. With direct bus routes available a short distance from the resort, or taxi or excursion options are available through the resort. Rhodes is a beautiful location, the medieval city is truly breath taking with limestone gates that welcome you into the beauty. Our tour around Rhodes began with some traditional greek lunch in the Romeo Restaurant, which is tucked away amongst the labyrinth streets of Rhodes. It was there that we met our Rhodes guide, Dimitris, who began our journey around the medieval city in the labyrinth streets. Dimitri was a human fact file on all things Rhodes knowledge about the medieval city, from facts about the origins of the Order of St Johns right down to the reasoning behind the cobbled streets in Rhodes Old Town (it was to stop horses of enemy troops from easily navigating the streets.) The highlight of the tour around Rhodes was visiting the Street of Knights, one of the best-preserved medieval streets in Europe. Taking a walk down this street honestly feels like a step back in time, it remains immaculately untouched from modern elements. Located at the top of the street is the Palace of the Grand Masters, which was built on the foundations of the Temple of
Sun God (Helios.) The palace of the grand masters was constructed in the 14th century by the Knights of St John. The Palace of The Grand Master is grand, with one hundred and fifty eight rooms in total and roughly twenty four open for public viewing. On the journey through the Palace, the opulence of the building is incredible with limestone work, chandeliers, and historical and mythological mosaics spread across the ground. The mosaics depict scenes from Greek mythology, roman history, and the byzantine era. My favourite mosaic was one that depicted the greek goddess, Athena, winning the battle to have a Greek city named after her, “Athens.” In the mosaic, Cecrops I, the first king of Athens, awards the city (represented as an olive branch), to the greek goddess, Athena. Rooms available to view at the Palace of The Grand Master include the private quarters, grand reception hall, the waiting room, a ball room, and a music room.
The history of the Palace is remarkable, having been largely destroyed in 1856 by explosives which
were hidden in the basement of the nearby church of St John. However, at the beginning of the 20th century, Italians who occupied Rhodes and the Dodecanese Islands, restored the Palace to be a holiday residence for the King of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III alongside Benito Mussolini. A lot of artefacts from this time period remain in the residence, through emblems on the wall and artefacts depicting the occupation. The interior yard of the Palace of the Grand Master is stunning, with statues lining the entry way depicting figures from Greek and Roman history. When in Rhodes, the Palace of the Grand Master is certainly a location to visit to embrace the character of the medieval city. Shortly after the tour around the city, Dimitri bid us farewell at the Rhodes port, where two Dama Dama Deer stand at either side of the port, welcoming visitors to the island. These deer replaced an earlier structure that towered over Rhodes’ port, the Colossus of
to its coastline and beaches, the mountains and woodland is quite spectacular too. Sara, who showed us around, was exceptional at detailing the history of the area. A short climb back up the spring, we were back at the bus and heading for a cooking class in the Apollona region of Rhodes. Not much of a cook? Don’t worry! By no means am I well-skilled in the kitchen area but with a short cooking class at the Taverna Yiarenis, I was cooking traditional greek cuisine like a professional! Or at least, with the help of actual professionals. It got quite competitive amongst our group, debating who could make the best dolmades or who could make a cheese pie the quickest or neatest but there is nothing better than some friendly competition! The experience was great fun and seemed like an amazing way to round-up a trip with a great group of people. Once the dolmades, stuffed aubergine and cheese pies were in the oven, it was time to say a goodbye cheers, or at least Yamas as the greek’s say, to our trip to Rhodes at the Piperis Winery and Vineyard. Piperis Winery is a family run vineyard that create delicious wines - the experience of getting to learn more about the process of making greek wine was personal
Rhodes which watched over the harbour with a crown on his head. While this statue no longer remains, the statue was once considered one of the seven wonders of the ancient world and is a
and informative. The close-knit family roots of the business made it all the more special. After a few tasting glasses of the glorious greek grape, it was time to return to the Taverna to taste our delicacies. The food was delicious, perhaps due to the wine or due
widely discussed topic amongst the locals of Rhodes. After a day of exploration, it was time to head back to the hotel. It was evening time by the time of arrival back at the resort, there was a quick turn around for dinner and after freshening up it was time to have a cocktail masterclass with the stellar bar staff at the resort. The cocktail was a traditional greek cocktail, utilising the spirits and herbs from the local area. After watching the cocktail being made, it was time to say ‘OPA!’ and head for a fine dining experience at the Edesma restaurant. Our evening meal was a fine dining tasting menu, the meal was experimental and followed the structure of the traditional week of meals in Greece, with focus on the family aspect of dinner. The dining experience was creative and unlike anything I had ever experienced with stellar service and a brilliant atmosphere. Before I knew it, my final day in Rhodes had arrived and what a trip it had been! The last day began with an early start, seeking to maximise the most of the remaining time on the beautiful island. Our day began with
to the group’s tender love and care! But the dishes provided by the Taverna were exceptional. The great lunch was the ideal way to round up a brilliant trip. After three days spent in the glorious Rhodes, it was time to head home. From heading to the top of the Lindos Acropolis, to the medieval city of Rhodes, and a vineyard in Apollona, my first Greek adventure was jam-packed with culture, beauty, and history. And with a direct route between Belfast International Airport to Rhodes, I know that my first visit will not be my last.
easyJet flies from Belfast International to Rhodes on Tuesdays and Saturdays throughout the summer,. easyJet holidays offers seven nights at the 5* Gennadi Grand Resort from Belfast International on 30 September 2023. Book with easyJet holidays (
www.easyjet.com/en/holidaysTours and excursions can be booked with Musement. Tourist Board information: https://
www.visitgreece.gr/
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