Ella Elissa
Greece
Ella Elissa
Kallithea, Rhodes, Greece 85100
www.ellaresorts.com/rhodes/elissa-resort/
HOTEL INFORMATION
Group
Ella Resorts
Shareholders
H.I.G. Capital
Date of Creation
July 2022
Hotel General Manager
Panagiotis Ionas journey began in 1990 at the University of Vienna and continued in Salzburg, where he graduated in 1995 with a degree in Hotel and Tourism Management. In 1997, he completed a postgraduate degree in Tourism Economy at LMU University in Munich. These academic foundations shaped his deep understanding of the hospitality sector and instilled core values such as ethos, passion, empathy, integrity, teamwork, respect, and inspiration.
Having worked across Central Europe, Greece, and Cyprus in various hotel departments, he developed hands-on operational expertise and a people-centered leadership philosophy. In 2004, he was appointed General Manager for the first time at Louis Creta Paradise. He went on to lead major projects, including the opening of Louis Tiran Sharm in Sharm El-Sheikh and significant renovations of Creta Paradise and Creta Princess in Crete. In 2015, he joined Iberostar Group as General Manager of Creta Marine. In 2019, he became Cluster General Manager in Corfu for MP Hotels (FTI Group), and in 2023 he assumed the role of Area Director for Rhodes and Crete with Ella Resorts. A proud member of EHMA since 2019, he combines strategic thinking, financial acumen, and adaptive leadership with a commitment to continuous learning — firmly believing that hospitality is not simply a career, but a lifelong calling.
Hotel Positioning
5- star Luxury
Development Strategy
Elissa’s development strategy is rooted in a refined vision of premium experiential hospitality, seamlessly blending lifestyle-driven design, sustainability, and culinary excellence with a strong and distinctive brand positioning. Within the context of an expanding European luxury resort portfolio, the focus remains on curating meaningful, high-value experiences that resonate with affluent, experience-oriented travellers. This approach actively supports the broader growth ambitions of Ella Resorts, strengthening its presence across Greece and the Mediterranean while reinforcing its identity as a forward-thinking hospitality brand.
Ella Elissa
History & Story
Ella Elissa is a 5-star, adults-only (16+) luxury resort on the east coast of Rhodes, Greece, in the Kallithea area. The name « Elissa » is inspired by an ancient Hellenic word meaning “serenity”, a fit for its tranquil beachfront location with panoramic Aegean Sea views. The resort was developed as part of the Ella Resorts brand — a collection of premium, eco-chic properties in the Mediterranean focused on sustainability, local culture, and immersive luxury experiences. Architecture and design deliberately borrow from traditional Rhodian and Mediterranean aesthetics, with natural tones, open spaces and landscaping that highlights indigenous flora, all to create a harmonious blend between place, environment, and comfort.
Elissa was conceived as a lifestyle destination — a place that emphasizes well-being, social experiences, and aesthetic calm. Its ethos revolves around four core pillars that guide everything from infrastructure to guest experiences:
Locality — materials, gastronomy, cultural references tied to Rhodes.
Sustainability — eco-friendly practices and community support.
Lifestyle — wellness, curated activities, social engagement.
Gastronomy — showcasing Mediterranean flavours with locally sourced ingredients.
It has been recognized internationally, for example being named Global Winner for Luxury Adults Only Resort at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2025, also earning regional accolades within Europe. These awards highlight both service quality and experience design on a global stage
Date Renewal
2022
Date added extensions
2022
Main Strengths, Special Touch
Main strengths:
• Elegant, Lifestyle-Focused Design
• Diverse & High-Quality Culinary Experiences
• Exceptional Pool & Beach Environment
• Well-Being & Activities Beyond the Beach
• Adults-Only Vibe & Social Atmosphere
• Great Balance of Relaxation & Exploration
Special Touches
• Private or semi-private pool access directly from certain rooms
• Wine cellar tastings and mixologist-led drinks experiences
• A blend of casual stylish ambience with luxury resort quality
• Thoughtful extras like curated wellness sessions and scenic sunset cocktail spots
Location
Kallithea, Rhodes: A vibrant coastal district known for its beaches, historic spring baths, and seaside attractions
Key sites/activities in the area
• Kallithea Springs – historic thermal springs with striking Art Deco architecture and gardens, popular for photos and relaxation.
• Lindos Acropolis & Village – an ancient site with impressive ruins and views over the sea (UNESCO World Heritage).
• Explore Rhodes Old Town (about 5–6 km) with medieval streets, Palace of the Grand Master, ancient walls, and charming shops.
• Valley of the Butterflies – a lush natural reserve where thousands of butterflies gather in summer, scenic walking trails.
Fun Facts
• Kallithea Beach – sandy shoreline ideal for swimming and sunbathing, just a short walk from the resort.
• Agia Marina Beach – another beautiful beach within a few minutes’ drive.
• Faliraki Beach – large, lively beach with plenty of water sports and beach bars (approx. ~6 km).
• The Throne of Helios – a modern interactive cinema attraction telling Rhodes history with visual effects.
Children’s Corner
N/A
HOTEL FEATURES
Accommodation
Deluxe Room: 20 (2-3 adults, 1 King size Bed & 1 armchair bed – Walk-in shower- Pool View, Sharing Pool)
Deluxe Room Sea View: 82 (2-3 adults, 1 King size Bed & 1 armchair bed -Walk-in shower- Sea View)
Junior Suite: 30 (2-4 adults, 1 King size bed, 1 sofa bed -Separate bedroom and living room area -Walk-in shower – Land View)
Junior Suite Pool View/Sharing Pool: 25 (2-4 adults, 1 King size bed, 1 sofa bed -Separate bedroom and living room area -Walk-in shower – Pool View, Sharing Pool)
Junior Suite Sea View / Sharing Pool 43 ((2-4 adults, 1 King size bed, 1 sofa bed -Separate bedroom and living room area -Walk-in shower – Sea View, Sharing Pool)
Open Plan Suite Sea View / Sharing Pool: 7 (2-4 adults, 1 King size bed, 1 sofa bed & 1 armchair bed Separate bedroom and living room area -Walk-in shower View: Sea View, Sharing Pool)
Open Plan Suite / Sharing Pool & Sauna: 2 (2-4 adults, 1 King size bed, 1 sofa bed & 1 armchair bed Separate bedroom and living room area -Walk-in shower View: Sea View, Sharing Pool & Sauna)
• Number of rooms, (keys) in all: 209
In All rooms: Furnished veranda | Mini fridge | Air conditioning – heating | Simmons Luxury orthopedic mattress beds |TV with multilanguage satellite channels | Nespresso Coffee & Tea-making facilities | Electronic safe |Free Wi-Fi in all hotel areas | Writing desk | Stylish bathroom with shower and luxurious amenities | Bathrobes & slippers | Hair dryer & Magnifying mirror | Beach bag | Pool and Beach towels | Pillow Menu | Accessible rooms for guests with mobility restrictions
Restaurants & Bars
• FANES: Upgrade Buffet Restaurant | Mediterranean Cuisine Buffet style
• FOURNI: Fine Dining Restaurant | à la carte restaurant crafted by Michelin-starred chef Alexandros
• MASARI: Exquisite Asian Flavours | Asian à la carte restaurant | sushi experience crafted by renowned chef Thanos Stasinos.
• KAVOS: Sophisticated Seafood Classics| a la carte restaurant
• RODINI: Lounge and Refresh (by the pool)
• ISTRIO: Pool Bar with a Bite| enjoy hand-crafted cocktails, hot and cold beverages, and healthy snacks.
• SIANA: Lobby Bar | exquisite cocktails and vibrant evenings.
• KELARI: Wine Cellar & Tapas |Wine tasting & Private Events Venue (by appointment
Wellness
• Eight treatment rooms (including 3 for couples)
• One treatment room with private steam room & sauna
• Wet Zone: Sauna, herbal sauna, steam room, cold room, experience shower, traditional hammam
• Indoor Heated Pool
• Helea Fitness Studio: MATRIX Cardio and Strength Equipment (Sister Hotel)
• Elissa Fitness Studio: TECHNOGYM Cardio and Strength Equipment
• Stretching / Yoga / Meditation spaces
• Retail area with wellness & beauty products
• Nail salon
• Refreshment Bar
• Relaxation Area
Corporate & Celebration Events
N/A
Extra Notable Features
• KELARI: Wine Cellar & Tapas |Wine tasting & Private Events Venue (by appointment)
• Holistic rituals & multi‑sensory wellness journeys, Indoor & Outdoor Yoga sessions
• Signature Treatments: Mediterranean‑Inspired Holistic Rituals featuring lavender and botanical elements Traditional Hamam Experience
• Open- Air cinema
• Cooking Classes | Culinary Voyages hosted by Michelin Star Chefs | Bar Events
• hand-picked selection of local experiences
• Tennis & Padel Courts
Hotel and restaurant Awards
N/A
Number of employees
220