The Ixian Grand & All Suites: Aegean Opulence on the Western Coast of Rhodes

It was the ideal time for me to experience The Ixian Grand & All Suites, an adults-only retreat on Rhodes' western coastline that promised a sophisticated base from which to explore one of Greece's most captivating islands.

Just 15 minutes from Rhodes International Airport, the resort feels distinctly removed from the pace of everyday life. Set directly on Ixia Beach, the property unfurls towards the sea, where rows of elegant loungers and oversized parasols frame uninterrupted views across the Aegean.

Within moments of settling in, a chilled glass of rosé arrives at my sunbed. Service here is seamless but never intrusive; a discreet QR code attached to each lounger allows guests to order drinks and light bites without ever having to leave their spot in the sun - which is perfect if you’re here to enjoy the all-inclusive fly and flop. 

The coastline is one of the resort's greatest assets. Rhodes is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and exceptional swimming conditions, and nowhere is this more apparent than here. While Ixia's shoreline is characteristically pebbled, the sea itself is mesmerisingly clear, shifting between shades of turquoise and deep sapphire throughout the day. For those reluctant to navigate the pebbles, the resort's private jetty extends gracefully into the water, providing direct access to the sea below - equally suited to a dignified descent via ladder or a more adventurous leap into the ocean!

It would be easy to spend an entire stay moving between beach, pool and spa, and many guests happily do. Yet what quickly became apparent was that The Ixian Grand offers far more than a beautiful stretch of coastline.

The ground-floor suites are designed for outdoor living. Each opens onto a spacious terrace with oversized loungers, a private plunge pool and a longer bathing area should you wish to float about on a lilo or do a lap or two. I stayed in one of these Beachfront Grand Suites and it felt like a private piece of paradise - complete with calm interiors, a jacuzzi bath, and uninterrupted sea views. 

My days started with coffee on the terrace, occasional dips in the pool, sea or spa time, whilst evenings were harmonised with live bands and some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island - bringing a collective reluctance among guests to let the day end.

While the setting is undeniably beautiful, it was the culinary offering that proved the biggest surprise. All-inclusive dining can often feel formulaic. At The Ixian Grand, however, the food is an elevated affair, making it one of the defining experiences of the stay. Breakfasts for suite guests are served at Alazonia Restaurant, where fresh pastries, local honey, seasonal fruits and made-to-order specialities arrive alongside expertly prepared coffee. By my second morning, staff had already remembered exactly how I liked mine - one of many small touches that contributed to the resort's genuinely personalised feel.

Lunches often unfold beside the pool or overlooking the sea, where Greek classics are interpreted with contemporary flair. Greek salad with a twist, pitta and dips and fresh fish, dominate the menu designed for long, unhurried afternoons.

As evening arrives, the resort truly comes into its own. Milonges restaurant offers a celebration of Greek cuisine that feels both authentic and elevated. Rooted in the culinary traditions of Rhodes and the wider Dodecanese, the menu showcases exceptional local produce and impeccably fresh seafood. 

Equally impressive is Muza Htista, where Peruvian and Japanese influences create one of the island's most unexpected dining adventures. Delicate sashimi, expertly prepared ceviche and beautifully presented sharing plates provide a refreshing contrast to the Mediterranean flavours enjoyed throughout the day. For an elevated experience, indulge in a side of sake. Beyond the restaurants, the main Blue Bar was a popular destination - not only for cocktails, but for its bird’s eye viewing point and nightly live music.

While The Ixian Grand offers every reason to simply stay put, Rhodes, which is famously the island of Helios (the Greek god of the sun), enjoys more than 300 days of sunshine each year, rendering it ripe for exploration year-round. 

One such day led us to Lindos, arguably Rhodes' most beautiful village. About an hour from the resort, the drive reveals a very different side of the island before suddenly opening up to reveal a picture-perfect scene of whitewashed houses tumbling down towards a twinkling turquoise bay. Perched dramatically above, an ancient acropolis watches over it all. 

First we explored the meandering shopping streets, which consisted of artisan boutiques, galleries and jewellery shops, each spilling their goods out onto cobbled streets and in higgledy-piggedly lanes. When the temperature began to rise, it was time to check out the beach with its underdisturbed white sand and crystalline water. I felt like I’d been dropped into a Disney film, with Prince Charming’s castle looming in the background. 

Eventually, we managed to drag ourselves away and headed to Stegna Beach for a late lunch at Stegna Koza’s Seafood Restaurant, which has been serving locals and visitors since 1932. Albeit less polished than some of the island’s more obvious lunch spots, this restaurant sits directly on the water’s edge and boasts a vast menu centred around the catch of the day. The fish, which had been grilled to perfection, paired beautifully with a chilled rosé, and what started as a late lunch, stretched into a late-afternoon feast with nobody in a hurry to leave. 

If there is one place that perfectly captures Rhodes’ ability to blend history with contemporary island living, it’s Kallithea Springs - our final stop. The restored thermal baths, with their striking white domes, mosaic courtyards and elegant arches, could easily be mistaken for a boutique beach club - and it just so happens that there is a restaurant-bar perched next door. Sunbeds line small rocky coves where impossibly clear water laps gently against the shore, while a shaded terrace invites visitors to pause for a drink. Arriving in the late afternoon felt particularly special, but alas, our evening plans meant we couldn’t stay longer. 

Closer to the resort, Rhodes Town offers an entirely different atmosphere. Its UNESCO-listed Medieval Old Town is one of the most beautifully preserved historic settlements in Europe and wandering its pedestrianised, cobbled streets feels like stepping through centuries of history. Crusader architecture sits alongside Ottoman influences, while hidden courtyards emerge unexpectedly around almost every corner.

Passing the imposing Palace of the Grand Master and the 11th-century Church of Our Lady of the Castle before wandering down the Street of the Knights, you almost expect to hear horses' hooves echoing across the cobblestones. The sense of history here is extraordinary, yet the town never feels like an open-air museum. Instead, it is alive with independent boutiques, artisan jewellers and family-run stores, where handcrafted leather goods sit alongside contemporary Greek fashion and locally made ceramics.

Whether you come to Rhodes for its coastline, food, history or shopping, there’s scope to do it all. Regardless of how long you stay for, expect to enjoy golden sunsets, unhurried meals and spontaneous detours to hidden bays and sleepy villages. Long after departure, there wasn’t a particular dish or even a single view that stayed with me, but a feeling: salt on sun-kissed skin, the sound of the sea at dusk and the rare pleasure of having nowhere else to be. 

The Ixian Grand & All Suites is offering those who book directly via the hotel's website for 7+ nights, Stay & Dine Experience which includes: 

• Two Free A la Carte dinners per stay 

• One Dine Out Experience at a local restaurant with Authentic Greek Cuisine per stay

 Find out more and book your stay via: https://www.theixiangrand.gr/