If you’ve been craving a getaway where luxury meets laid-back, where your biggest decision is which restaurant to dine in, then Rhodes’ The Ixian Grand & All Suites is calling your name.

Tucked on the west coast of the island, in Ixia, this adults-only five-star resort gets the balance just right: opulent, lush and indulgent. Perfect for wanderlusts who want to explore, but who also know there’s a special joy in just doing nothing under the Aegean sun.

Location & First Impressions 

Located directly on Ixia beach with no busy road between your suite and the pebbles, so when you step out, it’s just sun loungers, sand and sky. The views alone – from your terrace and the pool, are enough to make morning coffee feel like a privilege – and secluded enough to feel like your own slice of paradise.

The medieval Old Town of Rhodes is just a short drive away, the airport is as convenient as it needs to be, and Ixia itself offers charm with local cafés and seafront walks. 

Rooms & Suites: Where Comfort meets Design

What The Ixian Grand & All Suites does well, is to to give you options – so whether you’re travelling on a tighter budget or going all out, you can find your fit. The 348 rooms and suites (standard and deluxe) are bright, minimal-chic, clean, with sea, garden, or inland views. But if you fancy treating yourself, the suites are where magic lives. 

We stayed in a Beach Front Swim-up Sea View Grand Suite. The most indulgent choice for guests who want it all. Endless sea views, incredible space with king-size bed, lounge area with two sofas, and the kind of bathroom you sink into with joy: rain showers, Jacuzzi bath and twin vanities. Step out onto the terrace and you’ve got private or swim-up pools, and the turquoise Aegean stretched out in front of you. Morning light and sunset hues become a backdrop for your best Instagram post ever, or just quiet, thoughtful moments with a coffee, or chilled Champagne.

Even the rooms don’t skimp on comfort. Big comfy beds, tasteful décor, nice touches like stocked mini-fridges, balconies and well-appointed bathrooms. 

Dining: A Journey of Flavours

The hotel serves a variety of all-inclusive food and beverage concepts, across six restaurants and bars. So, foodie, or not, The Ixian Grand & All Suites has something for all tastes.

Vis a Vis: The main buffet-style restaurant is for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Think freshness, tastes that range from local Greek staples to international dishes, and always something new – whether it’s themed nights or rotating specials. Great for mornings when you want sleepy and slow, and evenings when you want variety. 

Milonges: I would call this a ‘posh’ Greek taverna. Tzatziki, fresh fish, beautifully done meat dishes, salads that go beyond basic, plus local wine that matches the sun setting behind the olive trees. If you want authenticity, this is your spot with the setting by the pool adding a relaxed, romantic mood. 

Muza Htista: Peruvian and Japanese fusion (Nikkei-style) done well. Ceviche’s, tartars, signature rolls, creative flavours; exciting drinks. It feels modern, playful, adventurous. If you’re someone who likes surprises, you will love this place.

Alazonia: This was my favourite of all the restaurants for breakfast and dinner. Delicious food, wonderful staff, and reserved for suite guests or available at a surcharge for others. Quiet and elegant, with sweeping views – the kind of restaurant where every course feels intentional – beautifully plated with balanced flavours and attentive service. Great for those nights when you want something spectacular without moving far from your room.

The Blue Pool Bar is ideal for midday sips by the water. Truman’s Lobby Bar is a cosy gathering place in the afternoons and evenings. And snack bar options are comforting with paninis, gyros and ice-cream – just enough to fill a gap, when you don’t feel like a full meal.

Facilities & Service: Where the Little Things Shine

One of the biggest standouts here is service. Staff are warm, unpretentious, always helpful without hovering. Whether it’s a recommendation for a walk in Rhodes Old Town, arranging transport, or ensuring your favourite drink is ready, they enhance the experience in ways you sometimes don’t even expect until you arrive.

The facilities are generous – two large outdoor pools, one right by the sea, and the other in the garden area – with sun loungers, by the beach, and pools that offer excellent comfort, and plush towels. If you want privacy, the quiet pool is your zone. If you want sociable, the main pool delivers. There’s a well-equipped gym, though most guests seemed to prefer the spa which is beautifully designed and offers an indoor heated pool, steam room/sauna, treatment rooms, and massages and facials that are true indulgences and well worth a visit.

It’s always the small touches that impress me – padded sun loungers, little garden paths, lush landscaping, the scent of jasmine in the air, music in the evenings around the pool, and well-maintained grounds with the occasional cat to feed – whether you should, or not! The Ixian Grand & All Suites is extensive, and even at full capacity, would never feel overcrowded or busy. 

Just 6km from Rhodes Town and 7km away from Diagoras International Airport, the hotel is ideal for exploring the endless beauty Rhodes has on offer. Must-visits include the World Heritage Monument, protected by UNESCO, The Medieval City of Rhodes, and Mount Filerimos with its panoramic views. 

Mixology & Culinary Highlights 

This summer, The Ixian Grand & All Suites redefined its all-inclusive experience with a focus on elevated food and drink. Guests were treated to handcrafted cocktails inspired by the Greek isles, including an exclusive takeover by world-renowned mixologist Michele Lombardi of Four Seasons London, whose signature, story-driven creations blended tradition with innovation.

The resort also introduced KYMA. Inspired by Greece. Created by chefs. A seasonal dining series celebrating modern Greek gastronomy. Among the acclaimed chefs was Ilias Kiazoli, known for his bold, memory-rooted cooking and international flair, who brought a touch of storytelling magic to a series of unforgettable one-night-only experiences, which is a welcome addition, and a wonderful start to our stay.

Aegeo Spa 

No trip to The Ixian Grand & All Suites is complete without a visit to the Aegeo Spa. We indulged in a complimentary 20-minute massage – a blissful taster that left us instantly wishing we’d booked longer. Therapists Labrini and Alexandra worked pure magic, striking that perfect balance of soothing and revitalising. With a menu of treatments ranging from facials to full-body rituals, the spa is a sanctuary we’ll be heading straight back to on our next stay.

Lindos – When in Rhodes a visit to Lindos is a must. 

Stegna: A Hidden Gem by the Sea 

Some restaurants don’t just serve food – they serve memories. Stegna in Lindos is one of those places. Family-owned for three generations, this charming fish taverna is a slice of authentic Greek life where tradition and warmth are as much on the menu as the seafood. When we visited, the place was buzzing, packed with locals and travellers alike, and it was easy to see why.

At the heart of it all is Dimitris Kozas, the charismatic third-generation owner who glides barefoot between tables, taking orders with a smile. The menu even reads: “Don’t ask me why I’m barefoot, I don’t know!” – a little line that sums up the effortless charm of the place. We started with a heaping plate of grilled prawns, smoky and perfectly seasoned, followed by a sea bass so fresh it was filleted right at the table, accompanied by golden potatoes and a classic Greek salad. Simple, honest, and utterly delicious. 

A cold beer and a crisp glass of wine completed the scene. When we told Dimitris we’d be spreading the word about Stegna, he laughed and said, “No, don’t tell anyone, it’s a secret.” A secret it may be – but one we can’t help but share. Stegna is a gem, and one that lingers long after the last sip of wine.

Kalithea Springs

After lunch, we drifted to Kalithea Springs, a dazzling seaside spot steeped in history and beauty. Families, couples, and groups of friends were scattered across the natural pools and sun-drenched terraces, enjoying swims, cocktails, and Mediterranean bites. The crystal-clear waters and elegant architecture make it a place to lose track of time. Stay the whole day; swim, eat, relax, and let Kalithea remind you why Rhodes is so unforgettable.

Our Verdict

If you’re the kind of traveller who wants a mix of serenity, flavour, lounging by the sea, and exploring cobblestone alleys – this hotel is for you. It’s not just the views, the food, the décor, or the staff – it’s everything, rolled into one. It’s ideal for couples celebrating something special, solo travellers who appreciate lone-luxury, groups of friends who want a stylish escape, or families making memories. It may not be the bargain-basement option, but what you pay for is quality: food, service and setting. And to be honest, for those who are looking for just that, it’s more than worth it.

If you go and your budget allows; pick a suite; experience all the restaurants – you won’t be disappointed; book a massage at the Spa; watch the sunset from the beach; and retreat to the quiet pool or your suite to take it all in, and daydream.

A trip to Lindos is a must. Book a table at Stegna, you won’t be disappointed and visit Kalithea Springs. I promise you will want to come back to visit time and time again.

The Ixian Grand & All Suites is luxury without pretence, where a hotel isn’t just a place to stay – but a place to disconnect, and delight. If wanderlust teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes the best journeys are the ones that let you stay still and savour – and this trip is one of those.

“If you’re someone who likes surprises, you will love this place”

By Beverley Uddin-Khandakar