Located on the Kassandra Peninsula in Greece is Sani Resort, a unique, intimate and discrete holiday destination. This family-owned ecological reserve prides itself on its sustainability, and is dedicated to preserving the 1,000 acres of forests, wetlands, beaches and other sources of natural beauty that surround it.
However, don’t let that fool you – a stay here is no camping trip. The resort comprises of a selection of luxurious five-star hotels, tied together by the glamourous Marina at the very centre. And the best part? Each has a high selection of diverse and delicious restaurants.
Read on for my four favourite hotels and the top eatery in each. Whether you’re dabbling in Mediterranean-Asian fusion, treating yourself to some fine Italian dining or getting traditional with Greek cuisine, one thing is for sure: wherever you stay in Sani Resort, your taste buds are in for a treat.
Sani Beach
The recently renovated Sani Beach is a fabulous choice for anyone searching for lavishness and vibrancy. The crystal clear, breathtakingly blue waters of Cape Sani stretch out below the hotel, complete with miles of golden beach perfect for sunbathing, splashing in the waves or just playing in the sand.
Where to Eat: Ammos Restaurant
Ammos Restaurant offers diners a stunningly sophisticated menu, handcrafted by Michelin-starred head chef Giakalis. He combines his intricate knowledge of fine dining with his experience working in highly-acclaimed restaurants across all of Europe to create an elegant, unique and delightful selection of Greek and international dishes.
Overview
- Modern Greek / Mediterranean cuisine
- Michelin-starred head chef
- Vegetarian options
- Children’s menu
Recommended Meal
- Appetiser: Tomato gazpacho soup with bruschetta bread
- Main: Catch of the day with glazed potatoes and seasonal veg
- Dessert: Homemade ice cream stick with caramel sauce and hazelnut praline
Opening Hours
- Breakfast: 8:30am – 10:30am
- Lunch: 13:00pm – 16:30pm
- Dinner: 18:30pm – 22:30pm
Sani Club
Sani Club can only be defined as serene, discrete and idyllic. The views are phenomenal – if you’re not gazing down at the shimmering waters of the Aegean or up at the ancient olive trees dotted upon the surrounding hills, you’re marvelling at Mount Olympus, which can easily be seen from this hotel.
Where to Eat: Pines
Pines prides itself on its farm-to-table menu that uses only organic and fresh produce harvested from within 100km of Sani Club to create its (primarily modern Greek) dishes.
Overview
- Farm to table
- Live music in the evenings
- Vegetarian options
- Children’s menu
- Blended baby food available
Recommended Meal
- Appetiser: Spinach salad with sesame seeds, fresh herbs and goat feta cheese
- Main: Pasta with olives, tomatoes and eggplant
- Dessert: Orange cake with orange curd, citrus syrup and vanilla ice cream
Opening Hours
- Breakfast: 8:30am – 11:00am
- Lunch: 12:30pm – 17:00pm
- Dinner: 19:00pm – 22:30pm
Porto Sani
For relaxation beyond comparison, choose the contemporary, sensuous and elegant Porto Sani. It has perhaps the best spa in the entire resort, offering everything from personal trainers and one-on-one yoga lessons to tailor-made aromatherapy treatments and massages. This tranquil hotel is ideal for rejuvenating and centring yourself.
Where to Eat: Artemis Restaurant
For a vibrant and unique dining experience, eat at Artemis Restaurant. The food here is a subtle and original fusion of the tastes of Asia and the Mediterranean, combined wonderfully to surprise and delight guests.
Overview
- Mediterranean-Asian fusion
- Live music during specialty Greek nights
- Vegetarian options
- Children’s menu
Recommended Meal
- Appetiser: Yuzu marinated scallops, served with crispy quinoa, kumquats and prosciutto
- Main: Salmon fillet, served with sautéed veg and teriyaki sauce
- Dessert: Tiramisu sphere with Marsala sauce and a liquid coffee filling
Opening Hours
- Breakfast and Lunch: 7:00am – 11:00am
- Dinner: 19:00pm – 22:00pm
Sani Dunes
Indulge in the high life at the stylish Sani Dunes. Chic and elegant, this hotel offers an adults-only environment and a sophisticated ambience. Spend your days chilling by the pool and your nights enjoying a cocktail at one of the many bars, all while you’re surrounded by breath-taking Mediterranean views.
Where to Eat: Fresco
Ettore Botrini, the Michelin-starred head chef of Fresco, makes Italian cuisine come to life by bringing a fantastic selection of innovative creations and classic dishes to the table. The menus he (quite literally) cooks up are creative, contemporary and elegant, and he prides himself on using in-season market produce, fresh seafood and fine meats.
Overview
- Italian fine dining
- Michelin-starred head chef
- Vegetarian options
Recommended Meal
- Appetiser: Stuffed squid with lemon and polenta
- Main: Fettucine with citrus fruits and sea urchin
- Dessert: Chocolate soufflé
Opening Hours
- Dinner: 18:30pm – 21:30pm
How to Get There
Flights from the UK to Thessaloniki Airport (SKJ) are just a hair over three hours, which, coincidentally, is just enough time to work up an appetite thinking about all the delicious dining options that await you. Now, if you’ve got hunger pangs, you’re going to be far too grumpy and distracted to mess around with inconveniences like public transportation or taxis – which is why I recommend pre-booking an airport transfer before you even leave home.
Book with Shuttle Direct – their drivers are often locals, and many speak English and are more than happy to give you tips on what to do on your holiday. If you have someone to chat with as you travel to Sani Resort, you’ll have something to take your mind off of your rumbling tummy (not to mention someone to get food suggestions from) and you’ll be there before you know it – hopefully just in time for dinner.
Overview
- UK to SKJ Flight Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- SKJ to Sani Resort Distance: 74 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 17 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
Here at Shuttle Direct, we pride ourselves on being one of the top airport transfer providers, with services all over Europe and North Africa. We offer a selection of private and shared shuttles that are reliable, fast and efficient. Wherever you’re going, we want to help you get there – sans stress.
