I had forgotten quite how good a Mark Warner Beach Resort holiday was until I got the chance to visit the Levante Beach resort in Rhodes in October.
Situated on Afandou Beach (east coast of Rhodes) the resort is open, attractive and relaxed – there was plenty of space, five different pools, and yet it also had a personal feel.
The rooms themselves were modern, spacious and well designed, a good quality 4 star standard with big terraces or balconies. The facilities and rooms are excellent and yet that’s not really what the resort was all about – it’s the people and the activities on offer.
Right from the first welcome briefing the message from the staff is clear – there is so much going on that you can get involved no matter what your standard or interest. If by any chance, you’d like to do something else not currently on offer then just ask us – we will make it happen if we possibly can. A comprehensive introduction from the kids club teams was followed by fun briefings from the watersports, tennis and biking teams which meant that the only question was how to fit it all in!
It wasn’t just the range of sports on offer it was the enthusiasm and can-do attitude of the staff that made it such fun:
- “I can’t remember when I last picked up a tennis racket”- come on down and join the social tennis which runs daily and caters for all standards.
- “I fancy trying my hand at sailing but haven’t done it for years?” – join a beginners course, group or private (for extra cost), and then take the boat out yourself afterwards to practice.
- “I wouldn’t mind using a bike to explore Rhodes a bit” – do you want to join a group ride or follow a self-guided and mapped route?
The young staff, mainly British, were so encouraging and helpful and they worked brilliantly together as a team. The system works well, even when full, and there is plenty of equipment to suit all standards (even at the end of the season it was in excellent condition). The hotel staff too were incredibly friendly whether in the main restaurants, reception or the pool bars. There was nothing false – it was a happy team and that means happy customers.
The nearest town is about 15 minutes walk away with a range of shops and some excellent beach restaurants. Lovely Lindos is about 30 minutes away as is historic Rhodes Town. There’s car hire on site, a wide range of daily excursions on offer or you could just head out by bike.
Maybe you only want to dabble here and there a bit, that’s fine as there’s plenty of pool space, an evening of ‘tipsy tennis’, and lots to do on Rhodes island. If your idea of a holiday is to be out riding a 60km road circuit before breakfast then taking a RYA sailing course before lunch then that’s fine too. From toddler to grandparent there’s something for everyone – active or inactive. The Levante beach sets a very high benchmark for activity resorts and it’s all down to the planning and the staff – luckily most of them enjoy it so much they are coming back again next year!
Speak to us about the full range of Mark Warner resorts and holiday – both summer sun and winter ski.
PS – The weather in southern Greece can be brilliant in mid-October. Clear blue skies, 25⁰c temperatures and warm seas.
by TMS