Trying to juggle work while parenting two teenage boys can often mean a never-ending cycle of standing on the sidelines of rain-sodden football pitches, washing dirty sports kit or generally ferrying children from one event to the next. So when an opportunity arose for a romantic weekend getaway in Greece without the kids, my partner and I didn’t hesitate to call in the parenting reserves (the mother-in-law) and jump on the first available plane to Halkidiki, a sun-kissed peninsula in the north of the country.
We were headed to Sani, which over the course of 40 years has slowly become a resort which makes the exclusive inclusive. It’s a superbly laid out, easy to navigate and meticulously-managed beach oasis.
What is the vibe?
The Sani Club is one of five hotels situated within the resort, all with something unique to recommend them. The Sani Beach is the resort’s largest hotel, it looks out upon the azure waters of the Aegean; Sani Dunes boasts the largest heated pool in Greece; Porto Sani is just a stone’s throw from the impressive marina, while the intimate beachfront Sani Asterias is proudly described as the “ultimate in sophistication”.
The resort is vast! So much so, that it has a fleet of electric Volvos ready to take you from anywhere, at any time, around the area. With friendly local drivers ready to chauffeur you from A to B and even C, it makes you feel like the most important guests in the resort.
Where is it?
After a four-hour flight from Gatwick we were whisked to our destination, The Sani Club. Even though it is just an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki — Greece’s second city — it feels like it could be a million miles away.
Scattered across 1,000 acres of nature reserve, it sits at the intersection of three beautiful, natural wonders: the sea, forest and wetlands. The five-star hotel was the first to be built on the peninsula back in the 1970s, and is now part of the larger Sani Resort.
Not only is it breathtakingly beautiful, it’s also environmentally conscious, having recently received worldwide recognition for its commitment to sustainability (and it even boasts its own bee hotel). On arrival we were warmly-greeted by the staff with an ice-cold glass of water and a welcome glass of prosecco. Once checked-in we were free to explore what the resort has to offer.
Which room?
The Sani Club double room has everything you need on a budget. These stylish and contemporary rooms have recently received a makeover to keep up with the rest of the complex. The new open-plan double rooms are one of the largest guest accommodations across the resort and sleep up to three adults and a child — they also come with a garden or sea view.
If you’re lucky, you’ll be visited by one of the many wandering cats. Whether you’re getting ready for dinner or having some downtime, the rooms and suites come equipped with everything that you could need for the perfect getaway.
Food and drink
Offering cuisines from all around the world, guests at the resort have the choice between no fewer than 26 restaurants. You simply won’t have enough time to explore all the culinary delights on offer. Personal favourites included Cabana, where you can embrace the aromatic ambience of the Mediterranean with French classics, signature cocktails and fine wines, as a singer belts out classic hits while the waves lap against the shore.
Also, Tomata, based in Sani Marina, which offers an inspiring Mediterranean menu with an innovative twist. You can savour meat and fish specialties freshly barbecued by your table, together with a wine list featuring some of Greece’s finest labels — as you watch the yachts roll in and out of the harbour.
Extracurricular
There’s so much on offer at the Sani Resort that you are spoilt for choice. Rafael Nadal has his own tennis centre if you fancy stepping out on the clay courts. Chelsea FC have their own football training academy, while there’s also biking, yoga, spas, running clubs, birdwatching and sunset cruises (a must!). But the highlight is undoubtedly the Sani Music Festival.
The festival started in 1992 and has boasted an impressive line-up of acts over the years including Bonnie Tyler, Placido Domingo, Sarah Brightman, UB40 and Emile Sande. During our visit we watched Sir Tom Jones belt out his tunes in the early evening glow atop if the Sani Hill.
Sir Tom sang hits from his 50 years-plus career, including What’s New Pussycat? and Sex Bomb. Within minutes the entire 2,000 strong crowd were on their feet dancing.
As the sun set, the Welsh legend recounted stories of his early days with Elvis Presley, Cat Stevens and Frank Sinatra — and brought the curtain down on a truly unforgettable holiday.
Best for...
Those looking for a romantic weekend away, where you can combine your love for music and sunshine.
The details
Prices at Sani Club in a Double Room start from £248 per night, on a half-board basis. sani-resort.com
