Have you ever dreamt of getting married on an island, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life? If so, then read on! We couldn’t be happier for the chance to talk to Manos Kountouris, Food & Beverage Manager and Michalis Papanikolas, Assistant Food & Beverage Manager and Events Coordinator of Amada Colossos Resort who detailed their journey in arranging a destination wedding on Rhodes. Let’s dive in!
Amada Colossos Resort: Would you care to share a few details about yourself?
Manos Kountouris: Certainly! I'm Manos Kountouris and I have dedicated 25 years to the hospitality industry. As the Food and Beverage Manager at Amada Colossos Resort, I manage 16 restaurants, bars, and events, with a primary focus on delivering exceptional experiences to our guests daily.
Michalis Papanikolas: I have 8 years of experience in the tourism sector, with a background in business management and hotel operations. Over the past 4 years at Amada Colossos Resort, I initially began in the Main Restaurant before transitioning to work alongside Mr. Kountouris to enhance my knowledge of the Food and Beverage sector, as well as practicing as Wedding & Events Coordinator.
Amada Colossos Resort: What is the step-by-step process of planning a destination wedding from start to finish?
Michalis Papanikolas: Our process begins with an initial email exchange to understand the couple's vision for their special day and align it with our services. We maintain open communication through daily phone calls to address every detail, ensuring that even the smallest aspects are carefully attended to.
Manos Kountouris: From the initial guest conversation, we orchestrate a comprehensive "destination wedding" package that encompasses pre- and post-wedding accommodations along with all event services. Our team consists of experienced, skilled professionals wholly committed to crafting your dream experience, meticulously overseeing every detail. Amada Colossos Resort offers exceptional venues and amenities to ensure a flawless event execution.
Amada Colossos Resort: Why should someone choose Amada Colossos Resort for their wedding?
Michalis Papanikolas: Amada Colossos is distinguished as one of the rare hotels in Rhodes with a beachfront dinner venue, offering the perfect setting for an unforgettable wedding experience. The dedicated Beach Gazebo sets the stage for the ceremony, attracting guests from around the world to partake in this unique and magical celebration.
Manos Kountouris: Our wedding services encompass a personalized welcome to our thematically decorated Executive Lounge and provide access to a 24/7 Wedding Coordinator dedicated to ensuring a carefree experience for our guests throughout their stay. Every department, including reservations, front office, housekeeping, kitchen, and room service, is fully engaged, embodying a comprehensive 5-star approach.
Amada Colossos Resort: Could you share your most memorable wedding experience at Amada Colossos to date?
Manos Kountouris: I can remember a wedding where the couple together with some friends stayed at the beach, dancing and singing until 4-5 am. It was then we realized we had gone the extra mile. And it was worth it.
Michalis Papanikolas: In May 2023, unexpected intermittent rain disrupted the bride's plans for an outdoor wedding. Despite this, we seamlessly transitioned to hosting the ceremony inside the restaurant, resulting in a highly successful and satisfying experience for everyone, including the family and little ones. In fact, many expressed that it was even better than the original outdoor plan.
Amada Colossos Resort: We all know weddings can be stressful. How do you manage to make the guest relax and give them peace of mind?
Michalis Papanikolas: From the onset of their first phone call, we prioritize ensuring guests feel at ease. Upon their arrival, we extend a warm welcome with a refreshing drink, attentively discuss their requirements, escort them to the Executive Lounge, and emphasize our continuous availability for any assistance they may require, beyond just the wedding arrangements. This friendly and proactive approach consistently fosters a sense of openness in guests, ultimately culminating in their satisfaction.
Amada Colossos Resort: Mr. Kountouris, what does a destination wedding mean to you and why would someone choose this type of wedding instead of doing it in their own city?
Manos Kountouris: Some guests seek a unique experience away from their city or country activities, especially when it involves a summer destination and a wedding celebration. The assurance that everything from paperwork to menus, hair styling, and photography is expertly handled by the Wedding Coordinator brings a sense of relief. With all details taken care of, guests can fully immerse themselves in making the most of this exceptional experience.
Amada Colossos Resort: What is the week before the wedding like?
Manos Kountouris: Guests typically arrive with a well-formed vision for the cake, menus, flowers, and hairstyles, having extensively planned according to their chosen wedding style. While we showcase images from past weddings as inspiration, we remain receptive to incorporating new trends. Upon arrival, guests verify and finalize the last details to ensure their envisioned wedding experience is brought to life seamlessly.
Amada Colossos Resort: What are the wedding trends of 2025 going to be? Have you noticed anything gaining popularity?
Manos Kountouris: Certainly! Nowadays, there's a strong trend towards centering everything around a specific theme, especially when it comes to events like weddings. Take open bars, for example. People are now able to request specific cocktails or drinks to be served to their guests. For instance, gin is currently enjoying a particular moment, allowing for the creation of a bar exclusively featuring gin concoctions, cocktails, and themed labels. Alternatively, couples may opt to incorporate a specific flower as part of their wedding theme, adding a personalized touch to their special day.
Michalis Papanikolas: The video content is greatly influenced by Instagram trends, drawing inspiration for particular table arrangements, photobooths, and special accessories such as fun glasses, shoes, and mobile phones to liven up photo shoots. There is also a growing preference among guests for colorful flowers instead of the traditional white, and they engage in posing for photos with a variety of expressions. Additionally, as Mr. Kountouris pointed out, there is a rising demand for special food and drink corners, adding an extra element of excitement to the overall experience.
Amada Colossos Resort: Do you think the guests realize they have come to a Resort with expertise in gastronomy, where they can enjoy great flexibility and variety in menus?
Michalis Papanikolas: The menu is always in collaboration with our Executive Chef Mr. Kontantinos Vasileiou and his expert team. The guest has an idea of what they would like, but, sometimes, their ideas might not be possible. However, we always share those ideas with Mr. Vasileiou and try to offer the best solution possible.
Manos Kountouris: We always do our best to satisfy the guest. There are some things, however, that are just out of control; like a wedding by the beach when it rains or it’s cloudy.
Amada Colossos Resort: Yeah, that’s for sure. I would also like to ask about our two new halls. Can you also organize weddings and conferences there?
Manos Kountouris: Yes, definitely! We now have state-of-the-art audiovisual technology to organize events, parties, weddings and even bigger corporate conferences and other types of business gatherings and meet ups.
Amada Colossos Resort: Why would someone organize a corporate conference at Amada Colossos Resort?
Manos Kountouris: Because of the exceptional service, the seamless organization of the event and the overall experience.
Amada Colossos Resort: So, I understand that you have a very skilled team that plans and coordinates.
Manos Kountouris: Utilizing our collective experience in event management, our team demonstrates exceptional flexibility in terms of working hours and meticulous planning to ensure the organizer receives the optimal experience. As mentioned earlier, we consistently strive to surpass expectations and make every event a resounding success, going above and beyond to meet and exceed their satisfaction.
Amada Colossos Resort: And what’s the best time for someone to get married in Rhodes?
Manos Kountouris: I’d say either May or June when the weather is mild and then maybe late September-October, to avoid the summer heat.
Amada Colossos Resort: And how much time does the couple usually stay in Rhodes after the wedding?
Manos Kountouris: For about two weeks.
Amada Colossos Resort: What’s your tip for the newly married couple? What do you advise them to visit while on Rhodes?
Manos Kountouris: I usually tell them to visit places where they can take nice pictures, like Lindos, the Monte Smith hill to soak up the views, the Rhodes Old Town for its great architecture, and the Kallithea Springs.
Michalis Papanikolas: I’d say the Rhodes Old Town to see the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes. It’s something magical that you can’t see in many places. Then, it’s Kallithea for me. An idyllic location to take photos and relax by the beach.
Amada Colossos Resort: As the resort draws from the Greek tradition, do you ever get specific requests from guests who want Greek cuisine, flowers from Rhodes, music, etc.? Or is it more international?
Michalis Papanikolas: Certainly! Our diverse menus and themes cater to a range of preferences. A notable preference among guests is for Greek cuisine, whether presented as a buffet or a fixed menu. Some have expressed interest in Greek traditional dancing shows and music, while others lean towards having a DJ for entertainment. The preferences vary widely, with individual preferences taking precedence over nationality. Rest assured, our aim is to accommodate everyone's tastes and create a memorable experience for all.
Amada Colossos Resort: How do you ensure the harmonious relationship between the hotel’s visitors and the wedding guests?
Manos Kountouris: The wedding venues are semi-private and located on the left and right side of the Resort. On a normal day, visitors will rarely pass by these sides. The area is almost private. Also someone book any of the a la carte restaurants to host a cocktail party, a pre-wedding brunch or the party itself?
Amada Colossos Resort: Do you think the villas and suites give an extra touch of luxury to the couple? Or a more complete honeymoon package?
Manos Kountouris: Yes, it’s the villas, the many amenities and services, the swimming pool and right below that the beach with a private gazebo for the guests.
Amada Colossos Resort: I have a last question. How do you approach a guest that wants to propose with a surprise? Can you share with us your favorite proposal from a guest?
Michalis Papanikolas: When it comes to proposals, we encounter two distinct types of individuals. Some are meticulous and detail-oriented, conveying their plans via email, while others are spontaneous and seek immediate assistance at guest relations with a plea for help. In the latter scenario, our promptness is key; we aim to be at guest relations before the proposer's partner arrives. Our preferred suggestion is a candlelight dinner, which offers a perfect blend of dinner, wine, and a relaxing ambiance. The magic of golden hour often serves as an ideal backdrop for this unforgettable moment.
Manos Kountouris: I find every couple unique. I really like it when it gets dark and we can see the lights of Kallithea Bay, the beach and the bay right next to Amada Colossos. The lights can also be seen from the main building, the villas and the swimming pool. The area around the Gazebo is decorated very nicely with candles and lanterns that elevate the whole atmosphere. This is my favorite moment and the moment most people choose to propose.
Amada Colossos Resort: Thank you both for your time!
