FLIGHTS, KAMARI, ACTION!
The pretty Greek island with tennis resorts, ‘heaven on earth’ beaches and coastal bike rides
If you can’t sit still on a sun lounger, this is the perfect holiday for you
WITH Wimbledon set to conclude today, why not head to Kamari Beach Resort in Rhodes – it’s ace for tennis types too.
I’m sweating buckets, gasping for air and wondering why I agreed to be put through my paces by Mark Warner’s expert coaches.
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Hours of activities every day with fellow enthusiasts who fancy themselves as amateur Andy Murrays might sound hell to the average sun worshipper, especially in 38C heat.
But if, like me, you can’t keep still on a sun lounger, it’s the perfect holiday.
We were split into groups small enough for the coaches to keep an eye on us in a bid to improve our game in Social Tennis, and tortured in Cardio Tennis as we whacked the ball and did push-ups.
The modern, newly upgraded, white-washed retreat has everything a sports lover could want.
A well as the tennis, you can keep busy with padel matches, mountain biking and gym workouts. At sea, you can learn to sail, windsurf or paddle board for free.
I developed a fear of deep water after an accident as a child, but the kindness of the Warner staff compelled me to try both windsurfing and paddle boarding. And I am elated I did.
The safety procedures are second to none, with lifejackets always worn by guests, a spotter in the water, and several lifeguards on hand.
Both sports were brilliant fun and I came away with plenty of bruises (normal, I’m told) and a sense of real achievement.
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My elation didn’t stop there, however.
Next up on the busy itinerary was cycling. For keen road cyclists, the hotel’s programme of rides is suitably challenging in the mornings, ranging from 25km to Lindos to a 75km ride to Kattavia. Cannondale bikes are provided.
The affordable five-star holiday resort with huge golf course and swimming pool
There are also gentle mountain bike rides to local villages and nearby beaches.
I saddled up for the relatively easy 10km ride into the small village of Lardos, which included a much-needed respite from the sun at a beachside bar.
Buoyed by completing the coastal route, the following day I hopped on to a bike for that lunchtime’s guided tour (which usually starts at 3.30pm).
It’s 15km, I was told, with a few hills up to the lighthouse in South Rhodes.
“Ha, that’s only 5km more. Easy,” I scoffed.
The ride, which takes in the rugged landscape of the island, ended with me dripping in sweat, and proclaiming that I could go no further.
And those who simply can’t go on can get picked up in an air-conditioned van and driven back.
But I was urged on by the lead cyclist, ex-professional Eleni Tsavari, who was European and world champ in track and road before she retired three years ago.
Temple ruins
For parents with babies, tots, older kids and teenagers, Mark Warner’s childcare facilities can’t be beaten.
The problem is having enough time to fit all the activities in.
I managed to squeeze in a coached session at padel — the new trendy racket sport that is easier than tennis and almost always a doubles game.
Anyone, of any age and any level of fitness, can try it — and you get addicted fast.
Many guests don’t leave the hotel, but the nearby area is worth exploring.
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Lardos has a spattering of cafes and restaurants and further north the spectacular Acropolis of Lindos is not to be missed.
It’s a slightly steep and alarmingly barrier-free trek up but well worth it for the spectacular view.
Temple ruins date back to 300BC and scenes from 1961 movie classic The Guns Of Navarone were filmed here.
Its beautiful beach sits in a stunning bay with the town’s white-washed houses above.
Top-quality local food
As I sink my feet into the lapping waves, with an ice-cold beer (much-needed after all that calorie-burning), I think: “The Greeks had it right. Lindos really is heaven on earth.”
But if you fancy dipping your toes into the sea without leaving the resort, fear not, as there’s a pristine beach just seconds away, with free sun loungers, and a well-stocked shop.
The three swimming pools cater for adults only, families, and toddlers.
For those holidaymakers who prefer pampering to perspiration, the retreat’s spa offers a number of beauty treatments.
And to keep up your strength, all three restaurants serve top-quality local food.
I tucked into a fish feast at lunch at the traditional beach taverna where we were treated to platters of squid, octopus, and fresh snapper the size of my head.
To keep up your strength, all three restaurants serve top-quality local food
Expertly grilled, the fish flaked off the bone, served with charred vegetables, and handmade (extremely moreish) fries. I washed it down with a cold glass of local white wine.
Dinner was no less of a Greek feast, as we dined on the sea-facing terrace, and tucked into the all-inclusive buffet, which had different treats every night.
Disco and tipsy tennis
I admit, I am a bit of a buffet snob. But the Kamari Beach Resort’s dizzying array of delicious fresh grilled meats, salads, stewed seafood and luxurious desserts dispelled my memories of sad hotel offerings.
At the end of the night, the terrace bar was the place to be seen.
The friendly and expert bartenders whipped me up a cool Negroni as I chatted with other guests, and staff, who pretended they hadn’t seen me only hours before, puffing, red-faced up a hill.
The entertainment included a disco and tipsy tennis, but it was the hotel’s quiz that left me in a fit of giggles, as the host (the paddle coach) hummed a song and asked us to guess the tune.
He was swiftly told to stop by younger members of staff.
Keeping a beady eye on us all was the hotel’s cheery manager, George, who goes out of his way to ensure his guests are well looked after.
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At the end of a memorable four days I’d made many new friends.
And we all agreed — it was game, set and match, Kamari!
GO: RHODES
GETTING/STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ half-board at Mark Warner’s Kamari Beach Resort in Rhodes is from £699pp, departing Gatwick in October.
Includes transfers, childcare, sports activities, tuition and fitness classes. See markwarner.co.uk or call 0845 322 5037.