Gennadi Grand Resort: Eco-friendly Luxury

Sustainable and eco-friendly living transcends everyday life at home and is becoming more than just a trend in the luxury hotel market. Travellers can enjoy a luxe life while exploring destinations around the world, that embrace the sustainable and eco-friendly mindset. Gennadi Grand Resort in Greece is a new luxury resort that is raising standards for five-star family hospitality in the Greek islands. With 288 spacious rooms many with plenty of outdoor space and private pools, eco-minded architecture that subtly blends into its Rhodian surroundings, excursions that engage with its locality and with emphasis on traditional Greek dining – it is a family friendly haven.

Gennadi’s Sales & Operations Manager, Georgia Angeli shared with us how Gennadi Grand Resort is addressing the sustainable movement and how eco-friendly luxury is more than a trend for the elite.

Sherrie Wilkolaski: What is the biggest misconception made by guests when it comes to luxury eco-friendly travel? 

Georgia Angeli: Sustainable luxury has long been considered an oxymoron, and the possibility of offering luxe living whilst practicing eco values have long been at odds. After all, one signals indulgence, the other abstinence, but as the demand for green travel shifts from niche to necessity, our main aim at Gennadi Grand Resort is to prove that it is glamorous to be greener.

Operating under a BMS (building management system) to enable efficient energy management, Gennadi Grand Resort relies on a reverse osmosis (RO) plant to provide 20,000 litres of clean, sustainable water per hour. Other energy saving, eco-friendly solutions include a green roof in order to minimise the sunlight reflection and improve the overall micro-climate, the latest eco-focused air conditioning/heating system, recycling, litter separation system and energy saving bulbs. 

SW: What challenges are to be expected running an eco-friendly luxury hotel?

GA: The biggest challenge is to find a way to combine luxury with eco-friendly and to ensure as many of our everyday products and amenities are sustainable/recyclable, and this is something we feel very passionate and determined about achieving.

Here at Gennadi Grand Resort we manage energy commendably. Rainwater is collected and recycled. Locally sourced antique highland porphyry rock has been recycled into the construction of this environmentally-conscious resort and Artisanal building techniques perpetuate what are aged-old specialised crafts. Energy-saving glass panels, eco-focused smart-room technology and the outdoor gym and kids’ facilities add to the resort’s eco credentials as well as forward-thinking recycling practices carried out throughout the Gennadi Grand.

Lindos Hotels & Resorts also demonstrates sustainability concerning employment, treating all workers fairly with regards to wages, working hours and benefits, and promoting and embracing diversity in all aspects of their business operations.

How do you define luxury?

The traditional sense of what comprises luxury travel is shifting from opulence, indulgence and superficial gloss, towards genuine compassion, empathy and an appreciation for quality and an understanding of what cost that all comes at. It’s a transformative time for travel and the most intelligent of the new generation of luxury resorts are those considering the environment, and respecting and preserving cultural and natural heritage.

Here at Gennadi, we are redefining modern luxury. Green roofs, private patios and sunken gardens overlooking Gennadi Bay blend sensitively with the scenery. Sharp angles and low-slung buildings complement rather than detract from the remote and rocky shoreline. A walkable rooftop planted with Greek herbs reduces sunlight reflection and improves the overall micro-climate while enabling guests are invited to get a true taste of Rhodes, as they can pick and experience local flowers plucked straight from the ground. These spaces are also available to those wishing to practice yoga, meditation or go walking. In the world of luxury hospitality, it’s not so much about a man-made wow-factor, but allowing nature to shine through considered design. The more sustainable it is, the more luxurious it is. 

Amenities

A discreet hideaway that also caters to relaxation and rejuvenation, Gennadi Grand Resort adapts itself to offer an escape for all ages. Keeping even the youngest of minds entertained, the resort’s inventive kids club offers a daily schedule of enticing and creative activities that open and educate minds between the ages of 4-14 years. From mini yoga, dance classes and water polo to creative arts and crafts such as cooking lessons, origami, face painting, plate and pasta art – the resort’s brand-new kids club is a magnet for the hotel’s younger guests.

Drawing on its location and offering those who visit a true sense of place, children can keep active and stay cool in one of the three outdoor swimming pools and one indoor heated pool or perfect their back swing on the flood-lit tennis courts. There are also beach-side yoga classes, sailing trips to neighbouring private islands, beach volleyball games, guided hiking explorations, mountain bikes trips and an array of adrenaline pumping water-sports.

Dining

The heart of Greek life is found in the kitchen and this is translated across Gennadi Grand Resort’s portfolio of refined restaurants. With emphasis on inclusive family dining for all ages, delectable authentic specialties offer family groups a true taste of Greek cuisine. A new gourmet destination for the island of Rhodes, the main restaurant Φiloxenia showcases live and interactive kitchens, Eδesma will a fresh and inspiring approach to Greek cuisine with creative menus that redefine the traditional flavours that is associated with Greece whilst, Ouζο – the traditional Greek Tavern, specialises in Greek favourites accompanied by Ouzo. The other restaurants include the στΚ, a contemporary casual restaurant, pool restaurant Ble, a beach deli Aλati and Level 2, an exclusive breakfast restaurant with enviable panoramic sea views.

About Gennadi Grand Resort

Opened in May 2018, Gennadi Grand Resort is located in a quiet, secluded, beachfront position amidst the idyllic landscape, with green roofs, private patios, alleys and sunken gardens overlooking Gennadi Bay. This EcoFriendly 5 Star Resort in perfect harmony with the surrounding environment redefines modern luxury offering up levelled accommodation with private or sharing pools.

Rates at Gennadi Grand Resort start at €250 (approx. £223) per night, based on double occupancy with breakfast. Half board and ultra-all-inclusive options will also be available.

To learn more visit gennadigrandresort.com.

Photos provided by Gennadi Grand Resort