Sani Beach

Sani Beach Hotel is actually part of the larger Sani Resort, with has four properties total and is adding a fifth in June 2017. This hotel straddles a small peninsula, with the ocean to the west and south and is packed with things to do and places to explore, such that it could be a vacation destination all its own. It caters to families with many activities and babysitting options for kids, though the property sees its fair share of couples. There's also enough room to spread out and pick a more active or peaceful spot. The design throughout is elegant and contemporary, featuring lots of bright, open spaces and soothing color palettes like ivory and gray. Natural design elements such as chunks of driftwood, large stones, flowing water, and potted plants create a beautiful, relaxing environment. Rooftop gardens also help to create a pleasant atmosphere, while lovely views of the sea can be seen from multiple vantage points. Guests rave about the level of service and consistent friendliness of staff at this hotel.

Sani Beach Hotel is on the peninsula of Kassandra, off Greece’s mainland in the northern Aegean Sea. The larger Sani Resort is on a family-owned nature preserve with 1000 acres (405 hectares) of land including forests, beaches, and a marina of its own. A shuttle bus transports guests to activities peppered throughout the property, and on local excursions. It is a 12-minute drive across the peninsula to The Byzantine Tower, which offers a beautiful view from its peak. The nearby village of Afitos, a picturesque town with beautiful views, is a 20-minute drive from the hotel. It is a 70-minute drive to Thessaloniki, a large historic city with museums, sites, and plenty of restaurants and shopping. It also has the nearest port for cruise lines in the area. Thessaloniki Airport is a 55-minute drive from the hotel. On-site parking is free.

Rooms are beautifully done in a soothing palette of mostly neutral tones and luxurious materials. From the plush, cushioned headboards and metallic pendant lights over the nightstands, to marble countertops and pretty wallpapers, rooms are sophisticated and relaxing. Standard touches such as a flat-screen TV with DVD player, minibar, safe, free Wi-Fi, and coffeemaker add to the contemporary feeling. All rooms also come with bathrobes, slippers, and free Anne Semonin toiletries. Bathrooms are lovely, if a bit small in some cases -- as are some of the Double Rooms. They either come with glass-doored shower stalls with rainfall showerheads, shower/tub combos, or showers and separate jetted tubs. All rooms have either a balcony or terrace with comfortable padded furniture, and many with a beautiful view of the sea. Higher-tier room options include Family Rooms -- two doubles with a connecting door -- and rooms with one or two separate bedrooms, and an extra bathroom. Some rooms have iPod docking stations and space for up to five people. 

There’s so much to do at this hotel, with enough variety to suit any taste, that guests need not leave the property to have an enjoyable vacation. There are four restaurants and six bars at Sani Beach, which are part of the 22 restaurants offered within the larger complex. A plethora of choice includes a poolside grill, oceanfront Greek and Mediterranean dining, and the main buffet restaurant that serves a free breakfast. Half-board and full-board packages are available, but note that a few restaurants only allow guests over 12. 

The beautiful main pool is surrounded by palm trees, shrubbery, and flowers, with a separate wading pool for small children nearby. On the other side of the building is an infinity-edge pool with a quieter atmosphere and gorgeous ocean views. Two beautiful, sandy beaches are directly accessible from the hotel, and there’s a third stretch of beach along the edge of the forest, all available to guests. Sani’s luxurious beach service includes waiter service, massages, and free on-the-beach babysitting for short periods (with a charge for more time). A full-service spa offers specialized treatments and massages, saunas, steam rooms, a beauty salon, and a pool with hours for adults only.

Outside of dining and lounging, guests may choose from a wide range of activities. The gym includes a wide range of equipment, plus fitness classes and trainers. At the waterfront, snorkeling, scuba diving, and water sports are available. Nature lovers may prefer hiking, mountain biking, or a visit to the bird sanctuary. Tennis courts, archery, and soccer may appeal to sports fans, while kids have access to a club with a nursery, play space, activities for older kids, and a teenager hangout room with video games. Additionally, there are a water park, large outdoor playground, and supervised activities inside and out. Wi-Fi is free everywhere in the hotel, and guests find the signal strong and reliable.