What’s your dream way to start the day on holiday? I recently found mine’s running along golden sand on a Greek Island as the sun rises and the sea breeze caresses my skin. I made this discovery during a long weekend at Amada Colossos Rhodes in Greece, where I felt the need to get active in the AM because the temptation of olive breads, tzatziki, and the occasional spicy margs was very real in the PM.
Not that running was the only option for early birds, the resort lays on other morning activities such as yoga on the grass to help you feel more grounded and aqua gymnastics at the pool to ensure you really are awake for the day ahead. However it was the opportunity to learn to dive that really floated my boat.
So, tell me more about the diving…
With its prime location overlooking beautiful Kallithea Beach, it’s no surprise Amada Colossos has an abundance of beach-based activities and aqua sports to try. And the resort’s recently partnered with Go Dive Rhodes to offer guests thrilling new experiences, including diving.
Plamena on the sea floor!
Despite being a bit fearful of what’s beneath the surface of the sea, I opted in on a boat trip and scuba diving lesson, and can honestly say it was by far the most exhilarating thing I’ve ever done in my life.
The team at Go Dive Rhodes were friendly and professional and carefully explained every step, which really helped to alleviate some of my anxieties, however as I’m not a PADI-certified diver, I had to have an extensive ‘how to breathe with a regulator underwater’ lesson before I could even dip my toes in the sea.
Kalithea Beach
When we’d covered all the basics, it was time to take the plunge and I felt intrepid entering the shallow water with all the gear and descending, even though I had a pro right beside me. Nothing can prepare you for the other worldliness of the big blue. Once I’d acclimatised I got to test out some of my new skills and knowledge, including swimming horizontally, kneeling on the sea floor and demoing the universal diving hand signal for ‘ok’.
Plamena safely back on the boat
All too soon the 45-minute dive was over, so we returned to the boat, where a delicious feast was waiting for us prepared by a private chef. A day full of up-skilling, topped by a scrumptious meal and glass of chilled white wine while the sun set over the Aegean Sea really felt like I was doing summer right in Greece.
And what about down time?
Amada Colossos is one of those resorts that caters for all – old, young and everyone in-between. While it’s a family-first hotel and offers many activities for kids (it even has its own water park), the hotel caters for grown-ups equally as well, with exclusive adult-only sections.
If, like me, you want to really relax on holiday, head to the Amada Wellness Spa, which offers various massage treatments alongside a sauna, hammam, Jacuzzi and, my favourite, cryotherapy. I loved rubbing the crushed ice on my face post-sauna, boosting blood circulation and tightening my skin. Talk about a glow up.
Tell me about the food…
Amada Colossos has four restaurants and eight bars (which also offer snacks), so there’s plenty of choice for even the pickiest eater. If you’re a foodie you might want to opt for the Diamond Ultra All-Inclusive Collection package, which essentially offers unlimited access to the resort’s three a-la-carte restaurants.
The main restaurant
The main restaurant’s buffet-style Greek and international cuisine really hit the spot for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If you’re after traditional local grub in a relaxed setting, I’d recommend Votsala, a traditional Greek taverna (the olive oil pitta bread is to-die-for), or for top grade sushi hit Hai. Craving carbs? Book a table at Bernini’s, an Italian restaurant with a menu featuring the best rustic, home-cooked dishes
Anything else I should know?
Plamena hits Rhodes Old Town
Be sure to visit nearby Rhodes Town for the day before flying home. Spend an afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of the Old Town and discovering relics of the Classical, Ottoman and Italian eras from the island’s 2400-year history.
Vedict:
An all-inclusive holiday in Rhodes is a fun summer holiday, but one where you can learn to dive too? Perfection. I’d love to have another go and a PADI dive certification is now goals.
Go there!
Sea View Executive Suites at the Amada Colossos Resort from £497pn. Supplement for Ultra All-Inclusive, £117pp. There are daily direct flights to Rhodes from London, and the hotel can arrange transfers from the airport, which is about a 25-minute drive. BOOK NOW
More skills and chills holidays…
- Learn how to swim like a mermaid wearing a monofin
- Build the inner strength to swim in an ice cold lake
- Take a lesson in the French art of bien-etre in the Languedoc
