"⭐️⭐️ A Perfect Family Holiday ⭐️⭐️
We stayed at the Louis Phaethon Beach from 25/10/25 to 01/11/25 for my 40th birthday during October half term. The entire trip was a surprise from my husband, and we travelled as a family group of seven—our three children (12, 9, 9) and my mother- and father-in-law. My husband wanted a hotel that would suit everyone… and honestly, I don’t think he could have chosen anywhere better.
**Weather & First Impressions**
We couldn’t believe how lucky we were with the weather—sunshine every day and temperatures reaching 30°C. The sea was beautifully warm, and although the pool felt a bit cool at first, none of us minded. The location right on the beach with steps directly into the sea was a huge bonus but could be a challenge for people with mobility issues.
**Spa & Relaxation**
We used the spa for treatments, which were fantastic. They even offer kids’ massages, which mine were desperate to try—and they absolutely loved them! I treated myself to two full-body massages for my birthday, and the one by Aleksandra was genuinely the best massage I have ever had.
**Exceptional Gluten-Free Experience**
I have coeliac disease, so going all-inclusive abroad can be stressful. The Phaethon is, without question, the best hotel I’ve ever stayed at for gluten-free options. Everything is clearly labelled, the staff are fully allergy-aware, and they will make gluten-free pizza or pasta any time you ask (the pizza was amazing!). I was told I could speak to the chef for anything specific, but there was always plenty of choice.
On my last morning, a lovely lady even asked if I’d tried their gluten-free pancakes—I hadn’t realised that was an option, but it was such a thoughtful gesture. I hope this helps someone else travelling gluten-free, because they really do go above and beyond!
**Food & Drinks**
The food was excellent with great variety—we never got bored. The drinks selection for all-inclusive is good too: local cocktails with generous measures, nice wine (I tried both red and white), bottled Keo at certain bars, and a great selection of iced coffees.
**Pools, Slides & Snacks**
The pools and water slides were a massive hit with the kids (slides open until 31/10). The snack bar and Chinese food area were an added bonus, but the highlight of the day for the kids and my mother-in-law was the 4pm pancake and waffle hour with over 10 different toppings every day!
**Rooms & Maintenance**
We had adjoining rooms—perfect for a family of five—with plenty of space and two bathrooms, which made getting ready easy. Everything was modern and spotlessly clean.
We did have a couple of issues, but the response was unbelievable:
* Our mattress had a huge dip. Within an hour, a brand-new mattress was delivered and the bed re-made.
* Our fridge broke. Within 5 minutes a maintenance man arrived, confirmed it couldn’t be fixed, and another 5 minutes later a brand-new fridge was in our room.
Literally nothing was too much trouble.
Beach towels from the spa are free, large, and changed regularly. Sunbeds are comfortable, and there are plenty.
**Staff – The Heart of the Hotel**
This is where the Phaethon truly shines.
**Zoe**, Guest Relations Manager, welcomed us despite our late arrival. She took us straight to eat, brought our check-in paperwork to us, ensured our adjoining rooms and dietary needs were sorted, and even gave the kids a mini-tour in the dark. We saw her throughout the week—always smiling, always checking in. She told us on night one that the team was like a family, and she was absolutely right.
**Entertainment Team – Simply Outstanding**
**Jamie, Sophie, Lyndon, Elisha, Hannah, and especially Faye and Rhiannon, who our twins adored—you made our holiday. Entertainment ran from 10am to 11pm and always had something for everyone. Our twins were entertained all day, every day—something no other hotel has ever achieved! Their favourite moment was being thrown into the pool the day before some of the team left.
**A Very Special Mention – Ahmed**
I can’t speak highly enough of Ahmed in the restaurant. We met him within minutes of arriving, and he remembered all our names instantly—an incredible gift he seems to have with every guest.
He took my gluten-free needs seriously from day one. Every time I entered the restaurant, he came straight over to ask if I needed anything prepared. He even suggested pre-ordering pizza or pasta for later in the day, though I never needed to because the regular buffet had so many GF options.
For my 40th and our twins’ 9th birthdays, the hotel arranged a beautifully decorated table with balloons and fizz, birthday letters from the hotel, and even a gluten-free cake with candles. Ahmed gathered staff to sing happy birthday—it was such a lovely touch.
He is an absolute credit to the Phaethon.
**Overall**
The Louis Phaethon Beach is the best family hotel we have ever stayed in. The staff, the food, the entertainment, the attention to detail—everything was exceptional. We will definitely be returning.
Thank you to the entire team for making my 40th birthday and our family holiday so special. ✨"
