Sentido Ixian All Suites

Travelers choose this adults' only property for its romantic beach setting and indulgent rooms, most of which offer either shared or private pools. Trimmed hedges separating them frame the hotel's tidy grounds, and guests' free access to pools, restaurants, and bars with the next door Sentido Ixian Grand widen offerings. This 2008-opened hotel is fresh and serene, decorated with lots of light stone, wood accents, and floor-to-ceiling sea-view windows in the monochrome restaurant. The restaurant and spa are popular despite fees to use the latter, and all-inclusive packages are available. Evenings see the resort's pool bar romantically outfitted with candles and music, and in-room dining is particularly intimate in top-tier suites, but there's no entertainment provided. Note, there are no elevators, kids under 16 are not permitted, and the hotel is only open May through October.

The shorefront location here is scenic, as the hotel sits directly on Ixia's beautiful pebbly beach, where umbrella-shaded loungers overlook clear waters. The nearby Ixia village isn't the fanciest, but its tavernas and supermarkets are within a 10-minute walk, and a bus stop here runs to Rhodes' Old Town and Lindos. Taxis, quad bikes, or car rentals are your best bet for Ialyssos (a five-minute drive), or Rhodes' medieval streets, castle, and port (a 15-minute drive). Rhodes International Airport is 15 minutes away by car. 

Serene rooms come in a variety of categories, and all except Premium Garden units offer direct access to either shared or private pools. The cream or white palette in walls, tiled floors, and bedding is accented by woods or earth tones in fabrics, plus a traditionally Greek or contemporary finish from arched windows, circular motifs, or hanging lamps. Garden or pool-view rooms span 323 to 355 square feet (30 to 33 square meters), while fancier Suites offer 495 to 646 square feet (46 to 60 square meters) of one-story or split-level space.

Varying-sized terraces with loungers come standard, as do Nespresso machines, welcome fruit and sparkling wine, bottled water, desks, flat-screen TVs, minibars, AC, and safes. Smart bathrooms have jetted tubs and rainfall showers, as well as O.live-branded toiletries, hairdryers, slippers, and robes. Free (but spotty) Wi-Fi is also provided. Note, upper-level units are reached by stairs. It's worth making enquiries about room positioning, as some receive little sun, and cold pools may put a damper on the experience.

While private or shared pools are available for most guests, the hotel's beach setting is the biggest draw. With no occupants other than the sister hotel's guests, it's pretty much private. Loungers and straw umbrellas are provided here, as well as at the pools next door. Dining-wise, only the Alazonia Restaurant is exclusive to the Ixian All Suites, but resort-wide access widens choices. The on-site eatery is popular for its quality, a la carte menus, buffet breakfasts with made-to-order eggs, and sea views. Trendy black-and-white zig-zag floors here have chic counterparts on decked terraces around shared pools. The main pool bar is next-door and serves well-reviewed Greek fare. All-inclusive packages covering food and drink are available.

The 2014-opened spa has lantern-lit stone walkways, couples' treatment rooms, and a heated, indoor pool with loungers, but fees apply for everything, including the sauna and steam room. The small gym has just a handful of machines, and a lack of AC has resulted in complaints. The mini-market sells refreshments and beach gear. The 24-hour concierge staff can arrange laundry service, bike rentals, and airport transfers. Pets are not permitted. Free parking and Wi-Fi throughout the property complete features.