3 Best Hotels in Rhodes and the Dodecanese, Greece

A family passion project has turned into arguably the most beautiful small hotel on the island. Its building wraps around the ancient walls of the city; sitting within a former Knights' residence built in the year 1340 by the Red Gate (where the hotel gets its name). Inside the adults-only hotel, stone-walled rooms are decked in sumptuous antiques, rich fabrics, and plush furnishings. Husband and wife team Nikos and Angela have thought of everything: free minibar, a tablet loaded with sights and advice; an open lounge bar; a peaceful walled courtyard terrace. They may even show you their other project: the restoration of a Greek Orthodox chapel opposite the hotel, originally built by the Knights to win over locals. The breakfasts here are the best in Rhodes, which includes course after course of pastries, fruit, yogurt, and homemade jams. In the evening the family's son, Paris, a talented pianist, has also taken to serenading guests with fine jazz standards. It’s worth noting that high season for the typically older clientele here tends to be later (September and October); book far ahead as there are only six suites.

Sea views seem to fill every inch of this small, sun-drenched, adults-only resort, where many of the stylishly contemporary guest rooms and suites have their own pools tucked onto terraces. A beach and the village of Lindos are nearby, but a spa, two gorgeous infinity pools surrounded by shady lounge areas, and other resort amenities make staying put a luxurious necessity.