THE RESORT REVIEW: SANI RESORT, HALKIDIKI, GREECE
Review: Jennifer Bonfield
Kassandra, Sani Beach, 63077, Greece.
00 30 237 409 9400 sani-resort.com
THE RESORT
Sani Resort is located on Greece’s Kassandra peninsula. This family-owned ecological reserve covering no less than 1,000 acres, is a 5-star haven for families and couples. The stunning Sani Marina is at the heart of the complex and where sunset cruises depart daily. There are four hotels within the resort – all decked out in an opulent yet contemporary Greek-chic palette of neutrals and aqua-blue hues with splashes of sparking metallics and decedent marble – all uniformed, yet each property holds its own unique character. The hotels are fringed with their own private, white sand beaches and crystal-clear shallow waters. The four properties consist of Sani Beach (family focused), Sani Club (families and couples), Porto Sani (suite-only family rooms) and the most exclusive of the hotel quartet, Sani Asterias (exclusively boutique). Much like a mini town, it’s easy to forget that pretty much everything surrounding the hotels belong to Sani; private beaches, shops, mini markets and no less than 20 restaurants and bars. The entire resort is ultra family friendly and the perfect place to bring tots and teens in total style.
Porto Sani Pool
THE FACILITIES
4 hotels | 389 rooms | 20 Restaurants & Bars | Morning & Evening Marina Cruises | Family Pools | Adult-Only Pools | Infinity Pools | Indoor Pools| 4 Spas | Complimentary Wi-Fi | Water-sports Centre | Babysitting Services | Kids Clubs (ages 4 – 11) | Teenagers Club (ages 12-17) | Guest Transportation Service | Gym | Steam room/Hammam | Sauna | Tennis Courts | Activity Centre | Minimart | Shops and Boutiques
THE ACCOMMODATION
Junior Suite Sani Asterias
Sani Beach offers sea-view rooms with double balconies. Porto Sani is a suite-only residence with private balconies and gardens. Sani Club boasts huge family suites with private gardens. Sani Asterias is home to a selection of three bedroom villas with private pools, and luxury sprawling suites with sea views.
We stayed at Porto Sani where my Deluxe Suite with Marina views was spacious and airy with separate rooms for lounge, bedroom and bathroom. The lounge had chic but comfortable sofas, a fantastically stocked mini-bar with drinks and snacks for both adults and kids and a Nespresso machine. Sliding doors led out onto the private garden area where there are sun loungers and table and chairs – the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Marina. Flatscreen TV’s are in both the bedroom and lounge and the bedroom also had doors leading to the garden area. The bed was super comfortable with crisp white cotton sheets and plump pillows (a pillow menu is also available if you are particular). The wardrobe space is more than ample for a family. The bathroom (kitted out with Anne Semonin toiletries) had double sinks, Jacuzzi bath and an epic monsoon shower. Cool marble floors run throughout the suite which are peppered with fluffy, soft rugs
THE SPA
Couples Treatment Room, The Spa Suite
A separate spa is situated at all four of Sani’s properties. All of which are cool, calming and luxurious with soothing lighting, pretty fountains and pebble-bordered walkways. Treatments and product are by French luxury beauty brand Anne Semonin. An extensive treatment menu offers innovative massage therapies, wrap & scrub experiences, couples treatment packages, a gentleman’s collection and even a specialized spa menu for teenagers. I tried the Pure Rejuvenation treatment (25m, 65€) – a relaxing back and shoulder massage with rejuvenating oils – a totally blissful express treatment which was so relaxing it made me wish I’d booked a longer slot. Take some time to relax in the sauna or steam-room and recline on the heated relaxation beds pre or post treatment with a cup of herbal infused tea.
THE DRINKING & DINING
Byblos Caviar, Porto Sani
There is no chance to get bored with dining options at Sani. The “Dine Around” scheme lets guests use the meal allowance (on the half-board package) on a huge selection of menus, or you can opt to order from the à la carte menus for an extra charge.
The food styles are plentiful, with fantastic menus featuring traditional Greek, Italian, Japanese and Thai cuisine. Dine at Sani Asterias where menus are created by Michelin-starred executive chefs. We recommend the Waterfront restaurant’s outdoor dining area – ‘Over-Water’, where we enjoyed delicious scallops and red snapper with twinkling views of the Marina. Try out the locally sourced seafood and caviar at Byblos Caviar, Sani Porto and if you are looking for traditional Greek Taverna visit Ouzerie at Sani Club. For relaxed dining head to Grill By The Pool at Sani Beach which hosts a great selection of steaks and homemade burgers. Like us, indulge in after dinner cocktails and champagne at the open-air Sea Breeze Bar, Porto Sani.
For lunch we opted to go beach-side and enjoyed fresh halloumi salad with buttered lettuce and strawberry dressing, accompanied with superfruit Berry Boost smoothies – served direct to our sun-loungers.
The breakfast selection is by far the most extensive and exciting breakfast buffet I’ve encountered, with a dizzying amount of choices including cold meats and cheeses, pastries, eggs, bacon, sausages and fruit along with no less than five varieties of honey to drizzle over your Greek yogurt.
Sea Breeze Bar, Porto Sani
THE HIGHLIGHTS
Sunset cruises sail every evening from the Marina and includes wine and canapés.
The customer service is impeccable; attentive, slick and friendly. You simply have to cast an eye for a drink, a towel or someone to collapse the poolside umbrellas and a member of staff will appear as out of nowhere to assist.
The food standard and choice is simply outstanding.
The private beaches really give an air of exclusivity.
The kids’ facilities are comprehensive to say the least. There is no chance of the tots and teens getting bored here with a stack of activities, babysitting services and the beach side ‘Babe Watch’ club – this is a sturdy indication of a stress free jaunt with mini people in tow.
THE RATES
Seven night holiday to the five star Sani Beach Hotel on a Half Board basis from £799 per person
Seven night holiday to the five star Sani Club Hotel on a Half Board basis from £2,999 per family of four
For further information and reservations please visit www.sani-resort.gr.
THE TRAVEL
50-minute drive from Thessaloniki airport
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Sani Beach Hotel on a Half Board basis from £799 per person. The price includes one complimentary breakfast in bed exclusive to Sovereign guests, UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with easyJet. Based on departures 30 September 2016. Book Sani Beach Hotel via http://www.sovereign.com/hotel/118673
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Sani Club Hotel on a Half Board basis from £2,999 per family of four – saving up to £277 per family of four. The price includes one free child place and a welcome gift, exclusively for Sovereign guests. Also included are UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with easyJet. Based on departures 23 October 2016. Book Sani Club Hotel via http://www.sovereign.com/hotel/117546
Sani Resort (www.saniresort.gr; 0800 949 6809) offers nightly rates in Sani Beach from €116/£91* per room per night. For further information and reservations please visit www.saniresort.gr
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Porto Sani with a complimentary half-board upgrade from £949 per person – a saving of up to £544 per couple. The price includes UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with EasyJet. Based on departures 17 October 2016. Book the Porto Sani via http://www.sovereign.com/hotel/4370
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) has a seven night holiday to the five star Porto Sani with a complimentary half-board upgrade from £2,145 per family of three – a saving of up to £820 per family of three. The price includes UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with EasyJet. Based on departures 17 October 2016. Book the Porto Sani via http://www.sovereign.com/hotel/4370
*Prices in Pound Sterling according to today’s exchange rate.
WHERE TO STAY BEFORE YOU FLY
Premier Inn offers stays at its London Gatwick Airport (A23 Airport Way) hotel, from just £48 per night. Price is based on a double room with two adults sharing in August 2016 on a room only basis. Book direct at premierinn.com for exclusive saver rates. Guests can enjoy a Premier Inn breakfast for £10.50 and kids eat free.
Premier Inn was named the UK’s top-rated travel brand 2016, and the top-rated hotel chain for 2015 according to Which? With over 700 budget hotels and more than 60,000 rooms across the UK and Ireland, our guests are never far from a great night’s sleep for fantastic value. Our hotels are in more locations than any other UK hotel brand for the ease and convenience of families, couples and business travellers alike.
All our bedrooms feature en-suite bathrooms, a luxurious king-size Hypnos® bed, TV with Freeview and free Wi-Fi. A bar and restaurant is situated either on-site or next door to each hotel, offering a wide range of food choices – whether guests are looking for a cooked Premier Inn breakfast or a tasty dinner.
Guests who book direct through the Premier Inn website are able to enjoy Premier Inn Saver rates. The lowest price is available at premierinn.com – terms and conditions apply.
Premier Inn is also open in Germany (Frankfurt), the United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah), India (Pune, Delhi and Bangalore), Indonesia (Surabaya & Yogyakarta) and Thailand (Pattaya).
This year (2015-2016), almost 90% of Premier Inn hotels achieved a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. Furthermore, Premier Inn has also been awarded the Best UK Family Hotel Award in the TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards.
THE G&G RATING:
