After months of family adventures, Frenchie and I decided it was time for something a little different – a holiday that was all about slowing down, switching off and enjoying a few days together
Our destination was Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa, an adults-only, all-inclusive resort on the south-east coast of Rhodes, and it turned out to be exactly the peaceful escape we were looking for
En route to Rhodes – and very excited
From the moment we arrived, the atmosphere felt calm and luxurious. Our private transfer from Rhodes Airport, complete with massage seats, set the tone for the holiday, and just an hour later we were checking into a resort where everything seemed designed to help guests unwind
Over the next five nights, we discovered fantastic restaurants, one of the best breakfast buffets I have experienced at an all-inclusive resort, a wonderful spa, beautiful sea views and plenty of reasons to understand why so many guests return year after year…
Why We Chose Mayia
As much as we love travelling with our daughter, Clara, taking a couples’ trip every now and then is something we really value. Mayia’s adults-only concept immediately appealed to us, and what surprised us most was just how peaceful the resort felt. Even around the pools there was a sense of calm, making it incredibly easy to relax with a book, enjoy the sunshine or simply spend uninterrupted time together
Unlike some adults-only resorts that can feel a little too quiet, Mayia strikes a lovely balance. During the day it is wonderfully tranquil, while the evenings offer just enough entertainment to create a vibrant atmosphere without ever feeling busy
Our Swim-Up Room
If there is one recommendation I would make, it is to book a swim-up room if your budget allows
Although we didn’t stay in a suite, our room felt incredibly spacious and beautifully designed. The huge bed was one of the most comfortable we have ever slept in, while the generous bathroom added to the luxurious feel of the room
One thing that really impressed us was how private our swim-up terrace felt. Although the pool is shared with neighbouring rooms, clever landscaping means you never feel overlooked. We loved being able to step straight into the water throughout the day, and it’s an upgrade I’d happily book again
The minibar was included and replenished whenever we needed it, but interestingly we never once ordered room service. With so many fantastic restaurants to choose from, we wanted to make the most of everything the resort had to offer
One morning, we were treated to a spectacular floating breakfast, beautifully presented in a large breakfast basked that floated in our swim-up pool. Filled with fresh fruit, pastries, cake, eggs, juice, yoghurt, coffee and bubbles, it was one of those holiday moments that felt both luxurious and incredible fun. If you are celebrating a special occasion- or simply want to make your stay even more memorable- it is an experience I would highly recommend
Pool Life, the Private Beach and Our Favourite Excursion
Most afternoons were spent either in our swim-up pool or relaxing beside the resort’s beautiful main pools. There was always plenty of space, comfortable sunbeds and attentive service. The waitresses regularly came over to take our drinks orders and brought everything directly to our sun beds, making it easy to completely switch off
The private beach was equally lovely and offers a peaceful alternative if you prefer the sea
One of the unexpected highlights of our stay was hiring a small motorboat directly from the beach. You don’t need a licence, and for around €130 we spent two wonderful hours exploring the coastline
Seeing Rhodes from the sea was absolutely beautiful, and the gentle breeze was a welcome escape from the summer heat. If you are staying at Mayia, I would highly recommend making time for this experience
Dining at Mayia
One of the biggest surprises of our stay was just how good the food was
The breakfast buffet quickly became one of my favourite parts of each day. The selection was enormous, with freshly made omelettes, delicious pastries, fresh fruit, Greek specialities and plenty of international favourites. It never felt repetitive, and every morning we found something different to enjoy
Dinner was equally impressive. The Italian restaurant was our personal favourite, serving excellent food in a relaxed setting, while the Asian restaurant stood out for its spectacular panoramic views and stylish interior
It is also home to the resort’s elegant Champagne Bar, where you can enjoy a glass of champagne before dinner. It is touches like this that really elevate the all-inclusive experience and make Mayia feel more luxurious than many other resorts we’ve visited.
If you’re planning a stay, I’d recommend reserving the speciality restaurants as soon as you arrive to make sure you experience them all. Booking was quick and easy, and we never had any problems securing our preferred dining times
The drinks selection was equally impressive. While Frenchie happily worked his way through plenty of ouzo and enjoyed the wines on offer, I found myself ordering the iced latte every single day. It may sound like a small detail, but it was honestly one of the best iced lattes I’ve ever had
The King & Queen Spa Experience
No couples’ getaway would be complete without a little time in the spa, and Mayia certainly didn’t disappoint
We booked the King & Queen treatment, which allowed us to enjoy our massages together in the same treatment room. One detail I particularly appreciated was how personalised the experience felt. Before we started, each therapist adjusted the pressure to suit our individual preferences, creating a treatment that felt completely tailored to us.
Afterwards, we both walked out feeling wonderfully relaxed, making it one of the highlights of our stay.
Evening Entertainment
Evenings at Mayia offered just the right amount of entertainment
During our stay we experienced everything from a beautiful White Party, where guests dressed in white, to an impressive Il Divo tribute act. The programme changes throughout the week, offering something for different tastes and age groups, while always maintaining the resort’s sophisticated atmosphere.
A Day Trip to Lindos
Although it was tempting to stay at the resort all week, we couldn’t visit Rhodes without spending a day exploring Lindos
With its whitewashed houses, narrow cobbled streets, independent boutiques and spectacular sea views, it is easy to understand why it is considered one of the island’s most beautiful villages. Wandering through the charming little streets was a lovely contrast to our relaxing days at the resort, and I would highly recommend including it in your itinerary
For a five-night stay, I don’t think hiring a car is necessary. We simply took a taxi to Lindos, which worked perfectly. If you’re staying for 10 days or longer, however, renting a car would allow you to explore more of Rhodes, including Rhodes Old Town and some of the island’s other cultural highlights.
Is Mayia Worth It?
Without hesitation, yes.
For us, Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa offered exactly what we were looking for: exceptional food, genuinely attentive service, luxurious surroundings and, above all, complete relaxation
If you are deciding whether to upgrade your room, I’d absolutely recommend the swim-up option. It added another level of privacy and luxury to our stay and made those peaceful afternoons even more special
Whether you are celebrating a honeymoon, an anniversary or simply looking to escape everyday life for a few days, Mayia is a resort I would happily recommend. We returned home feeling rested, recharged and already talking about when we might come back (or visit some of the other amazing hotels from The H Hotel Collection)
If you would like to see more from our stay, I have saved plenty of stories from Mayia up in my Instagram Highlights. It is a great way to get a better feel for Mayia before you book
Watch my Instagram Highlights here
Louise’s Top Tips
- Book a swim-up room if your budget allows – it is worth every penny.
- Reserve the speciality restaurants as soon as you arrive.
- Don’t rush breakfast – it is one of the highlights of the resort.
- Visit the Champagne Bar before dinner for beautiful views.
- Book the King & Queen spa treatment early in your stay.
- Hire one of the licence-free boats from the private beach for a memorable way to explore the coastline.
- Set aside a day to visit Lindos – it is one of the most beautiful places in Rhodes.
- Five nights felt like the perfect length of stay for us
