On board a long transfer from Rhodes to Lindos, we eagerly looked out as the shuttle slowed to a halt at various hotels and villas along the coastline. ‘Could that be it?’ we wondered with each pause along the journey. Two hours in we knew it had to be soon.
Passing the Acropolis, the town’s most spectacular landmark, Allyn spotted a road sign pointing us in the direction of our destination. Stepping off the coach into the sweltering Greek sunshine, the whitewashed stone structure of the Lindos Sun Hotel greeted us.
The hotel is a breath of fresh air looking out onto sweeping ocean views. Perched on the stony hillside, it is enclosed within a range of steep cliffs, each dotted with a family of goats, a Biblical scene so to speak.
It is located away from the town, offering a peaceful escape from the touristy areas, yet is only a 20 minute walk (if you can bare the heat) or a 5 minute bus ride that runs every 30-60 minutes from outside the hotel (the timetable available at reception) and costs just under two Euros for one way.
The small lobby area offers a welcome respite to the 30 + degree heat, with a small seating area to catch your breath or read one of many complimentary guidebooks. Check in was a smooth process (although a little lengthy for our afternoon arrival), yet we were offered a complimentary cooling fruity drink and small selection of loukoumi, the Greek’s own version of Turkish Delight.
We were driven to our room, located in the newest part of the building, a perfect way to see the many small touches that decorate the elegant white walls.
We’d decided to treat ourselves to the duplex suite, a two-storey open space perfect for a luxury 5 night break. The lower level features an open plan bedroom with a small seating area, mini-fridge and TV. Two shutter doors open out onto a shaded balcony, a turquoise view of the Navarone Bay standing out against the white interiors.
By the front door is a spacious wardrobe next to the bathroom. I loved the style of the natural stone walls, and the open shower was a welcomed addition.
A set of open stairs lead up to a mezzanine with a second bedroom at the top of the high domed ceiling. The beds were made up of two twin beds however for the first time in my life I truly couldn’t tell. The Coco Mat mattresses make for a perfectly comfortable doze, with a pillow menu to suit each sleeper.
Opening the door to the terrace, a hot tub sits less than 4 metres from the edge of the bed, with a stone arch to protect from the ocean wind and offer a welcome shady respite from the scorching sun. It was a wonderfully warm way to relax in the evenings after a day in the sun, complete with a glass of wine from the mini-fridge!
Another seating area and two sunbeds make the perfect spot to soak up the rays against the incredible view of the bay.
There was nothing I loved more than to watch as the sky changed from a bright daylight blue to a hue of pink over the ocean.
The suite was pure perfection. It felt so tranquil and harmonious, almost too good to be true. We almost felt like the keepers of a forgotten secret, living in such luxury in our secluded part of the hotel.
The rest of the building was just as elegant. Tall plant pots and beautiful greenery was carefully placed around the stairs and corners, with lovely seating areas overlooking the ocean.
The pool was a surprisingly warm refreshment with plenty of sunbeds and luxury cabanas. Although the road is in sight, it is a lovely spot to catch some sun. The sound of motorbikes (although not particularly relaxing) is a subtle reminder that life does in fact go on outside of your luxurious bubble… someone has to deliver the wine!
I also loved the style of the open beach bar, comfortable sofas made a perfect spot to enjoy a quick lunch or refreshing cocktail. On our last day I opted for a prosciutto baguette with a strawberry iced tea, delicious.
The hotel offers half board service in their indoor and outdoor dining areas. Outside is a vibrant mix of seating in the shaded pergola. If you arrive early enough to snap up a table (7.30-8pm), it is a wonderful spot to enjoy your meal, and a (classically European strong) cocktail or two!
Inside is a large white and blue dining room with a buffet station for breakfast and dinner. The food is good, a range of dishes each day, accompanied by homemade bread and a smiling chef.
For breakfast I particularly enjoyed the freshly cooked pancakes with local honey and dates. A range of Greek fruits and hot cooked options were also delicious. Traditional Greek coffee was also on offer, something I wish I was able to sample!
Dinner was ‘nice’, I wouldn’t particularly rave about it but for a hotel buffet it was pretty tasty. I often chose a variety of traditional dishes including spinach pie, stuffed aubergine and more feta than I knew I could ever eat. My favourite by far was a mussels pasta dish and selection of salad that I wish had been available every night!
All in all the Lindos Sun Hotel is excellent value for money (particularly with 10% off when booking from their website) and we felt like we were in at least a 4* hotel. The little touches, classy modern decor and super friendly staff give it that little extra that many one off European hotels are missing.
The only thing we could complain about was not being able to use our hot tub one evening because it was too cold. We hadn’t been instructed on how to use it properly (by keeping it full with the hose provided) however we were given a complimentary meal and drinks at the pool bar as compensation without a hassle.
I would highly recommend a stay there, the other styles of rooms (some with a private pool) looked equally lovely, although definitely make the most of that ocean view. Make sure to visit back on Thursday for my next post about what we got up to in Lindos, and why this little known town should be on your bucket list.
Lindos Sun Hotel – Duplex Suite (June 2016)
Rhodes Island
