Atrium Palace Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas ★★★★★

Rhodes, the largest of the Dodecanese Islands in Greece, provides a pocket of ancient culture with all the luxuries of modern life, presented against a backdrop of pine forests, intriguing coves, and endless blue waters. Throughout the island, small hillside tavernas deliver deliciously fresh seafood, whilst ancient relics remind visitors of the rich history of Greek civilisation. I was eager to explore the picturesque surrounding area and maybe smash a plate or two, but most of all I was looking forward to relaxing in the warm glow of the Greek sun, soaking up the calm ambience and enjoying the mild waters of the Aegean Sea.

“Happy is the man, I thought, who, before dying, has the good fortune to sail the Aegean Sea,” Nikos Kazantzakis reveals in Zorba the Greek. When I first glimpsed the magical waters, I couldn’t help but agree. Well, I think everyone should at least see the Aegean, if not sail on it. I was happy to bask in the shallows, waves lapping over sun-kissed skin, for the duration of my stay thanks to the beachfront location of the Atrium Platinum Luxury Resort Hotel & Spa, where I chose to rest my head. Situated in a charming cove just below the impressive, all-seeing Acropolis of Rhodes City, it offers an exclusive, protected ambience.

Just moments from the rustic medieval town of Rhodes City, the hotel offers the best of both worlds – the bustling vibrancy of a city break with the cool, relaxing calm of a beach resort stay. And, knowing that the World Heritage Site was nearby made the whole experience that much more authentic: I mean, when you go to Greece, you expect to see at least a few traces of the ancient world as well as the verdant green and blue landscapes.

The hotel itself was a spectacular showcase of contemporary design and traditional Greek charm. With wall-to-wall windows overlooking the rugged Rhodes scenery and splashes of colour bringing the white-washed interiors to life, the hotel encapsulated the majestic but intimate feel to the island. My room was a flurry of richly coloured furnishings and faint patterns made cosy with ambient lighting, but it was the panoramic sea views from my balcony that really took my breath away. Yes, happy is the man who sees the Aegean Sea before dying.

I made my way into the city a couple of times, sipping on shots of espresso in old squares and browsing through boutique stores displaying a host of local, handmade crafts. But on days where the scenery sang out for me to relax, chill out, and soak up the sun, the Atrium Platinum had everything I needed, providing a beauty and boredom-busting activities. There was the sizeable swimming pool that overlooked the bay, complete with poolside bar for regular refreshments and the soothing spa, complete with a range of pampering treatments.

In the lazy evenings I’d marvel in the swirls of pinks and oranges that adorned the sky at sunset, watching the day disappear behind Monte Smith and Filerimos. Then I’d hotfoot it to the in-house restaurant where I savoured the sumptuous Greek flavours of fresh fish, stuffed vine leaves, and crisp salads sprinkled with creamy goat’s cheese. For a nightcap, I’d watchthe twinkling stars come to life whilst enjoying a classic cocktail in the Chromata Bar, which, unsurprisingly, boasts stunning sea views.

The Atrium Platinum struck a perfect balance between ancient civilisation and modern-day relaxation. Colourful décor brought out the playfulness of Greece, whilst nearby Rhodes City indulged my inner history geek. It was the scenery that I can’t shift from my mind, though; rolling green turrets of pine forest, magical coves and crumbling monuments that hint at a life long ago. And then, of course, there was the sparkling surrealism of the Aegean Sea. I agree wholeheartedly with Kazantzakis – the Aegean waters bring immense happiness.