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Luxury experiences in the heart of the Greek islands

Luxury experiences in the heart of the Greek islands

Telegraph09-05-2025

If 'all-inclusive' once meant a basic buffet restaurant and a few watered-down drinks, today that couldn't be further from the truth – and Grecotel's LUXME concept is the perfect example of an all-inclusive offering that goes above and beyond your expectations. The group's collection of LUXME resorts across Crete, Corfu, Rhodes and other Greek islands put the emphasis on high-end experiences and as an added bonus, children up to 12 stay free. We've rounded up some of our favourite LUXME spots for families as well as couples after a luxury Greek island stay.
An elegant retreat on Crete's north coast
Set in postcard-pretty Rethymno, on the north coast of Crete, Grecotel's LUXME White is all about airy elegance, with crisp, white hues throughout. Several of its rooms are swim-up and there are spacious family options – including a handful of new, ultra-plush Yali Seafront Villas with their own pools.
The resort sits on its own beach with a tranquil adults-only area and there's a sprawling, palm-fringed pool and a new family activity pool to cool off in. PADI courses, water skiing, beachfront yoga, wine masterclasses and e-bike tours are among the activities on hand.
If you'd rather indulge with a spa treatment, drop little ones off at the kids' club and head to the Hippie Spa. On the food front, there are seven restaurants – among them adults-only tasting menu venue The White and Lobsteria, where creative lobster dishes are served on an ocean-facing terrace. Finish it off with a sweet treat at the pâtisserie and chocolaterie, before dancing the night away at one of the renowned LUXME White Parties.
Deluxe dining and standout facilities in Rhodes
A 100m-long pool, a shiny new beach club, lush gardens and excellent fitness facilities are among the lures of LUXME Dama Dama, which sits in the picturesque beach town of Kallithea in Rhodes.
A 15-minute drive from Rhodes's medieval Old Town, it makes an ideal base for island explorations – if you can tear yourself away from the sweep of amenities. For families, there's a 700 sq m pool complex with water slides, a Blue Flag beach and a raft of activities at the kids' club. Adults can enjoy fitness sessions at a new Yoga & Pilates Club, alongside an indoor gym, sauna and glass-roofed pool.
Beyond this, you'll find water sports, island tours, cooking classes and more. If all that works up an appetite, you won't be disappointed – nine bars and restaurants span the gamut from adult-only tasting menus to Greek, Italian, Japanese and beyond and, under a new dine-out concept, you can enjoy a complimentary meal at a selected local taverna.
Accommodation includes rooms, apartments and suites with fresh décor and a palette of blue, gold and coral inspired by the island's vibrant colours. And vibrant they are; expect sunsets painting the sky in peach and magenta as you explore this striking island.
Fun at heart
For a holiday that really puts the focus on fun, look to LUXME Costa Botanica, which perches on a gold-sand beach in Acharavi, on Corfu's north coast.
On top of a brand-new spa centre with a huge indoor pool, hammam and Jacuzzi, this recently renovated property has a 40,000 sq m Aqua Park; here you'll find slides and lazy rivers meandering through the palms, adding to the resort's four outdoor pools.
There's also a cutting-edge gym with an all-new boxing ring plus fitness classes, a tennis academy, new padel courts, basketball and water sports. If you're looking to explore the area, hire an e-bike or e-scooter to explore the surrounding trails, head out on a tour of the local villages or take a trip to colourful Corfu Town. Keep younger ones entertained with a trip to the Botanist Lab to see the resort's edible garden.
When hunger strikes, you'll have 12 bars and restaurants to choose from, including Botanica Fine Dining, which serves wine-paired farm-to-table dishes and a collection of elegant degustation menus offering a flavourful journey through Corfian cuisine. Expect standout service and a warm, friendly welcome that's quintessentially Greek to the core.
British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your all-inclusive holiday to Grecotel Resorts with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.

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