Shrimps Saganaki Recipe

Shrimp Saganaki is a very famous side dish all around Greece as the perfect appetizer to serve along Ouzo or Tsipouro. Read below and learn how you can recreate this wonderful Greek recipe that will remind you of summer.

 

Ingredients:

Shrimps
1.2 kg shrimps (no3) cleaned
40 ml extra virgin olive oil mixed with 1tsp of sesame
300g feta cheese grated
spearmint leaves from 10 branches

Sauce
90ml extra virgin olive oil
2 grated garlic cloves
1kg grated tomatoes
90ml ouzo
salt and ground black pepper

 

Preparation

Sauce
We put extra virgin olive oil at medium heat in a sauce pan and we saute the grated garlic for about half a minute.

We pour in the grated tomatoes, ouzo and salt and pepper and we simmer for about 20 minutes until it’s set.

Shrimps
We preheat the oven at 200C degrees and we put the shrimps in a baking tray in one layer.

We coat the shrimps with the extra virgin olive oil with sesame and salt and pepper.

We spread the feta cheese and the spearmint around and we pour on top the tomato sauce. We bake for 8-10 minuted, until the shrimps are cooked.

Meet the Team: Christos Panayiotou; Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa Manager

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Christos Panayiotou, Manager of Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

 

Please present yourself to us.

My name is Christos Panayiotou, I am 61 years old, born and raised in London. That makes me a British citizen. I am Cypriot by father and I have lived in Rhodes since 1974. It is my home and I would live nowhere else. I am a graduate from the Advance School of Tourist Professions and I have been working in Tourism my entire life.

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?

I have been working with H Hotels Collection since 2007. It a company with vision. The entire family is committed to providing the best quality and services to its guest possible. It makes me want to work harder and passionately.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?

I don’t have to think twice. Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa, the first of the H Hotels Collection.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?

The Executive Family Rooms with sharing pool in Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. The view is breathtaking.

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?

Thai Lemongrass Margarita at the Hanami Bar.

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?

That is a hard question to respond to, but the view and atmosphere at the Hanami Asian Restaurant is like nothing else.

Where is your favourite selfie spot?

The Diogenis BBQ Restaurant on the beach in the evening.

Please speak to us about the renovated Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

I have been through all the renovations of the Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa rooms and public areas. It is getting a new look. Nothing to remind us of the Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. Reception, lounges, restaurant, bar, kitchen. Only the beautiful view of the sea will remain the same. Not that the old one was not astonishing, but If you know the hotel from the past you are in for a big surprise. We are moving into a new phase of earthly colours and new sustainability features. We are the new Phoenix rising from its ashes.

What are you most looking forward to for summer 2024?

The first day that we will open our door to welcome the first guest and of course meeting our old valuable friends that have been with us for years now over and over again. Last year due to this devastating fire we did not get the chance to see them, talk to them and have great laughs as we always do. I am not a Manger that hides away in his office not to be seen, whoever knows me understands what I mean.

What Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa guests should expect for summer 2024?

A great hotel, great staff, best quality service and food, an experience that will remain with them for the rest of their lives. As we say at the H Hotels Collection group, we make moments matter, and this season we will be doing exactly that once again.

Meet the Team: Ioannis Hatzilazarou; H Hotels Collection Board Member & President

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Ioannis Hatzilazarou, Board Member & President. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

 

Please present yourself to us.

I began my career in 1965, when I immigrated to Congo, at the age of 17 years old. I made my first steps in industry and commerce there, along with my siblings, but I promised to myself that I would go back to my homeland, Rhodes Island, one day. As I was aiming to expand to new markets and I was already feeling nostalgic for life in Greece, I founded the first hotel of the group in Kiotari, Rhodes, in 1993. Over the course of 30 years in the hospitality industry, I crafted the H Hotels Collection group, a family business at its core that reinvented the concept of Greek hospitality through high-quality services and focus on travellers’ needs.

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?

Well… (laughs) as the founder of the group coming in to work everyday is an absolute joy. Especially since I get to work with my family. I also love to watch the group grow year by year surpassing even my greatest expectations.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?

I of course have a soft spot for Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. It was my first venture as a hotelier/businessman in Greece with my brother as partner and it was truly a labour of love. However I consider Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa my lucky charm. Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa was my first solo venture, and its incredible success made the creation of all our H Hotels Collection possible.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?

The Junior Suite Swim Up Sea View at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa at the annex building. It combines the sophisticated luxury and comfort of Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa, at a more relaxing location. Of course having the comfort of your own pool is always a great plus.

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?

A classic, but a good one – Campari orange at the Sketch Bar of Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa.

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?

Definitely Wasabi at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa. It offers Asian delights with the perfect view of the Aegean Sea. Of course you need to end this gastronomic experience with a glass of champagne at Oinos Wine & Champagne Bar within the mesmerising ambience that live piano music creates.

Where is your favourite spot of our hotels?

Hanami Asian Restaurant & Bar verandas at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

How do you feel about the addition of Rhodes Bay & Elite Suites at the H Hotels Collection?

I am very proud and excited to add an iconic hotel like Rhodes Bay & Elite Suites to our portfolio. Adding a hotel close to the city of Rhodes to the group was always our plan, it was a matter of finding the perfect opportunity, and we have! Now we can offer a more diversified range of options to our collection and extend our client base.

What is the plan for the future of the group?

Our next big project is an all new 5-star family hotel in our native Kiotari. The concept for this hotel is truly original, an exciting departure from traditional hotel accommodation. I don’t want to give away too much, so watch this space and stay tuned for more.

Arugula Salad Recipe

One of the most refreshing salads of L’ Osteria Italian Restaurant of our Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa is the Insalata di Rucola (Arugula Salad). Combining arugula, cherry tomatoes, walnuts, parmesan flakes and prosciutto is guaranteed to be the perfect side dish to go along with any meal you are planning to enjoy today. Check below for the full recipe and recreate it at home.

 

Ingredients:

Arugula

Cherry Tomatoes

Walnuts

Parmesan flakes

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Balsamic Vinegar

Prosciutto

 

Preparation:

After we wash and dry the arugula we mix them with the cherry tomatoes, walnuts, parmesan flakes, extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt in a bowl. We serve the mixed salad in a plate and garnish with prosciutto and some extra balsamic vinegar.

Meet the Team: Filippos Balis; H Hotels Collection Group Chief Accounting Manager

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Filippos Balis, the Group Chief Accounting Manager. Read his interview and find out more about his favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

 

Please present yourself to us.
My name is Filippos Balis and I am a father of two little girls. I have studied economics and I possess two master degrees. I am persistent and workaholic, constantly looking to learn new things. I recently started studying for ACCA Qualification. I work at H Hotels Collection since 2011 at the positiong of Accounting Manager for one of the group’s companies, and since 2021 I was promoted to Group Chief Accounting Manager.

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?
There are many reasons why I feel lucky to be a part of the H Hotels Collection. The most important ones are that here we evolve, we are creative, we trust and we continuously strive to provide high quality service to our guests. However, above all, we are a true family, and like in any family, we remain united at all good and bad moments that may occur.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?
That’s tough to answer as all of them are unique. Since I have to choose one, I will say Princess Andriana Resort & Spa as it is where my journey at the H Hotels Collection world began and I love it especially.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?
Mayia Suite with private pool and sea view. Almost 50 square meters of absulute luxury, with heated pool, two bathrooms, two huge Led 43 inches TVs, and a huge variety of extras that make this suite unique. In addition, you don’t need to search on how to reach paradise, as it offers a private transfer from and to the airport with a glass of cold champagne! Lastly, it offers a view to the endless blue.

Tip: Wake up early in the morning during sunrise, make a coffee at the Nespresso capsule machine and enjoy your coffee in the pool. The sky’s colours will definitely enchant you!

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?
Aperol Spritz with pink grape fruit at the Royal Main Bar of Princess Andriana Resort & Spa with a wonderful pool view. This pool is so magical that there is even a song written for it.

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?
Definitely Wasabi, the asian restaurant at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa. It offers extraordinary taste and quality, with plates served in wonderful and colourful tableware that will transfer you to Asia.

Tip: If you happen to be there while there is a full moon you have to be there! The view from above of the arched path that leads to the beach is merged with the horizon and is infinitely magic.

Where is your favourite selfie spot?
The baclony of Hanami at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. It looks like you are standing on the sea water! The sunset colours combined with the view create an idyllic scenery.

Melomakarono Recipe

Meet the ultimate Greek Christmas treat; melomakarono. This tasty and aromatic biscuit dipped in honey-syrup is going to stimulate your taste buds. Check below for the full recipe of the famous Greek Christmas delight.

 

Ingredients:
1kg All Purpose Flour
250g Sugar
1tsp Baking Powder
1tsp Cinnamon
1tsp Clove
1 Orange Zest
1/2 Lemon Zest
1tsp Baking Soda
250g Fresh Orange Juice
500g Olive Oil
30g Cognac
200g Walnuts

Syrup:
500g Sugar
500g Honey
500g Water
1/2 Orange Zest
1/2 Lemon Juice

 

Preparation:
Preheat oven to 170C and place a baking paper on a tray. In a big bowl mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, clove, orange and lemon zest. Dissolve the baking soda in the fresh orange juice and add it to the bowl. Add the olive oil and the cognac and knead (not too much). Make same sized dough balls the shape of your preference, and place them on top of the baking paper. Score the top of them with a fork like a net, this will help the dough absorb the syrup better. Bake them for 20 minutes. Let them cool for 30 minutes.

Syrup:
Boil all the ingredients at medium heat for 4-5 minutes after the syrup starts boiling. Remove as much foam as you can. With a slotted spoon dip the cold melomakarona in the hot syrup for 30 seconds. Place the drizzled melomakarona on a big platter and garnish with the walnuts slightly ground.

 

Meet the Team: Vasso Skoulikariti – Sales Manager H Hotels Collection

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Vasso Skoulikariti, the Sales Manager of the group. Read her interview and find out more about her favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

 

Please present yourself to us.
I am Vasso Skoulikariti, Sales Manager of the H Hotels Collection since 2016. Mommy of two, travel addict and workaholic!

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?
Well, there are many reasons why I love my job here at the H Hotels Collection. At first, I feel lucky to work on something I really love (the travel industry), I am working in a nice environment where it feels like family, and lastly, during my seven years in the company every day is a different day. We continue to evolve as a group, which gives me the opportunity of self-development too.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?
That’s a difficult question to answer as each hotel of our group has its own charm. You make me choose though so I will reply. If I am travelling with my family and children, I would say Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. It is the perfect destination for children, with a 900m long beach and so many nice activities for all family. If I am travelling as a couple I could say Boutique 5 Hotel & Spa. Tranquility, romance, beach and nice food, all these in a boutique environment.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?
One of my favourite room types is the “Executive Family Room with Sea View and Sharing Pool” at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa. It is ideal for big families (can fit up to five people and a baby), it has an amazing view to the sea and an infinity swimming pool. Plus, by staying in one of these rooms I can order my floating breakfast in room and start my day super fancy.

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?
Definitely the Porn Star Martini at Mayia Exclusive Resort & Spa Del Mar Bar. (Insider tip: ask the barman for a shot of fizzy prosecco. Sip the Cocktail & finish with the shot of fizzy Prosecco.)

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?
The brand new Sunrise Greek Taverna of Princess Sun Hotel & Spa for dinner. Traditional Rhodian dishes, cosy environment and nice sea view!

Where is your favourite selfie spot?
I don’t have only one! With six hotels within the group all located in prime spots and have great architecture, I can tell you a different favourite selfie spot for each time of the day.

Meet the Team: Kiki Geronta; H Hotels Collection Reservations Manager

Have you ever wondered who are the people at H Hotels Collection that make your moments matter? Meet Kiki Geronta, the Reservations Manager of the group. Read her interview and find out more about her favourite things at H Hotels Collection.

 

Please present yourself to us.
I have been working at Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa since the hotel opened in 2002 as a Front Office Agent at the hotel reception. Since 2006, I was promoted to Front Office Manager at the reception of Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa until 2019. In 2020, I was promoted to Assistant Reservations Manager and a year later to Reservations Manager of H Hotels Collection, a position I still hold.

Why do you love working at the H Hotels Collection?
I have been working at the H Hotels Collection since 2002 and feel the company is my second family. I love working at the H Hotels Collection because it meets all my expectations.

Which is your favourite hotel of the H Hotels Collection?
Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

Which is your favourite room type within the Collection?
Family Superior Beach Front at Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

What is your favourite cocktail and at which bar?
Asian Martini cocktail at Hanami Cocktail Bar at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

Which is your preferred restaurant of the group?
Hanami Restaurant at Rodos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

Where is your favourite selfie spot?
The outside area of the Main Bar at Lindos Princess Beach Resort & Spa.

Melekouni Recipe

Meet the most famous treat of Rhodes; melekouni. A delicate combination of honey, sesame, orange and spices. It is considered a superfood as it contains a ton of nutrients. Traditionally it is a treat we share during weddings and baptisms in Rhodes as a gesture of happiness and unity. It is though a delight you can enjoy every time of the day.

 

 

Melekouni is more than just a dessert; it is a symbol of celebration. Find below a traditional recipe for melekouni and recreate this unique treat at home. At your next visit in Rhodes and the H Hotels Collection don’t forget to try a melekouni and add this to your list of favourites. Click here and book your next stay at the H Hotels Collection.

Ingredients:
350gr honey
600gr sesame
100gr sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
1/3 teaspoon nutmeg
½ orange zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
20-30 blanched almonds for garnish

Preparation:
In a baking pan, roast the sesame seeds and crush them. In a pot, heat the honey and let simmer until losing some of the moisture. Add the sesame seeds, lemon juice, orange zest and spices. Stir well and spread onto a wet marble surface. Press the almonds into the mixture while still hot and cut into thin strips. Set aside and let cool. Once hard, cut the “melekouni” into diamond-shaped pieces.

 

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