Rooms with a view at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa

With stunning sea views and superb dining options, Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa offers Rhodes hospitality and high style

Tucked away on Rhodes’ scenic southeast coast, H Hotels’ Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa is a thoroughly modern take on Greek hospitality. It’s cleverly designed to catch the sun and sea breezes and deliver stunning views of the Mediterranean from almost every location.

The resort sweeps down the hill to the sea in a bold and futuristic design, although with clever nods to classical Greek architecture. As soon as we arrive in the lofty lobby with shimmering marble floor and lavish arches framing the blue sky and even bluer ocean we can see the attention to detail. It’s cool, calm and incredibly restful.

Our Deluxe Room is designed on similar lines, with a muted palate, large and comfortable bed, luxurious bathroom and soft drapes to provide shade from the dazzling sun. Step outside and we are on our own sundeck with views down to the ocean below and a long pool – shared with a select group of neighbours – where we can start the day with an invigorating lap or sip sundowners after a hard day’s sunbathing.

While our private spot is delightful, the enormous freshwater twin pools a level below are something else. There’s plenty of space if you’re a serious swimmer, and with no shortage of loungers and umbrellas if your style is more sedentary. You can walk all the way down the hill to the ocean and private beach from here or ride the super-efficient lift.

This is an adults (16+) super all-inclusive resort, and that means minimal stress and maximum temptation to indulge. And we do. Daytimes are spent lounging by the pool with lunches at either the pool restaurant (superb pizza) or Street Food Corner. There, we tuck in to healthy sandwiches, delicious kebabs and sweet treats from the gelateria and patisserie. It’s hard to resist popping back for a mid-afternoon snack. The pool bar is a popular spot for lunchtime drinks and sundowners but then there are nine watering holes to choose from – ranging from the laidback beach bar to the fantastic Del Mar with its panoramic views of sea and sky – so you will find more than one favourite spot. The bar staff here are fantastic and no cocktail, however obscure, seems too big an ask.

Indulgence continues at evening meals, with five restaurants (three à la carte) to choose from. We love the herb-rich Greek dishes at Thymari and the classic trattoria fare at Al Dente. While we don’t get round to making a reservation to the highly rated Wasabi, we do sample the chefs’ prowess at the Waterfront main restaurant, where sushi and sashimi are perfectly presented. Far Eastern sits alongside a tempting range of other culinary specialities – from hearty Greek-style roast lamb to pasta and the catch of the day. There’s also an excellent selection of international cheeses and a dizzying display of pastries and puddings – including my favourite, morsels of honeyed Baklava.

We lean in to the stress-free life. There’s everything you could want here on resort, including a superb spa, and plenty to do in the local area. You can snorkel straight off the beach or book a boat trip from there to the rugged island of Symi.  Mayia is within walking distance of Kiotari’s main resort area and larger beach and a short taxi ride from the island’s most celebrated village, Lindos. Its hilltop acropolis is a climb best done early or late in the day, but you are rewarded with superb views. Lindos’ maze of narrow streets are perfect for browsing for crafts and souvenirs and with delightful rooftop cafés and restaurants.

We love our evenings alfresco on resort, enjoying cooling sea breezes and excellent service and entertainment. Forget cheesy resort singers, we’re treated to great sets by young artists in both the main bar and pool bar – one band plays to us and a loyal local following. There’s also live entertainment in an open-air amphitheatre and a night club if you want to keep partying into the small hours.

Towards the end of our trip, we’re treated to a VIP floating tray breakfast in our room. A tray of table-like proportions is set sail in our pool. Bathers and shades on, and still groggy from sleep, we slide into the water to feast on fresh pastries, local honey, strong Greek coffee, yoghurt and fruit. With the thoughtfully provided champagne, we make a toast to marvellous Mayia – our utterly indulgent Rhodes retreat guaranteed to restore both body and soul.

Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa hhotels.gr/mayia

Further reading: High style at Belfast’s Grand Central