Luxury resorts – particularly those geared towards families – make lots of promises of being the best at this, the best at that. But Sani Resort? Well, it really may be the best family-friendly stay in Europe. Of course, this is no secret – Sani Resort’s beginnings were back in the early 1970s and the family-owned operation, and it is an operation, is improved upon daily. The result, today, is a self-contained 1000-acre wonderland that you never need to leave. There are seven beaches, 300 acres of pine forest, 270 acres of wetlands, dozens of restaurants and bars across five hotels. The hotel you choose depends on your budget and preferences. High-rise Sani Beach Hotel is the original and least pricey, and closest to the majority of the facilities, including a Bear Grylls Survival Academy, Football academy, tennis courts, shaded playgrounds, huge theatre with impressively choreographed shows, mini discos and Bousolous Bar – home to the famous white party, when guests get (even more) glammed up to party post sunset.
You don’t have to stay at Sani Beach Hotel to make the most of these activities, though – a huge fleet of golf buggies and minibuses whisks guests from A to B, including Sani Beach Club, at the other end of the resort, with its beautiful suites with pools built in tiers down the hillside. In the middle, you’ll find Sani Asterias (ultra-glam villas), Porto Sani Village (great for littles) and low-rise Sani Dunes (low-rise grown-up suites built around two curvy pools). Each hotel has its own spa, pools, gym and restaurants – but you’ll spend your time eating across the entire resort – there are 39 restaurants and bars, 25 of which are included in the ‘Dine Around’ price of your stay.
On the superyacht-filled marina, there’s Psaroyannos, for your authentic Greek taverna dishes. Nearby is Avli, with its modern Greek small plates, all exceptional. The big surprise is Lima, the modern Peruvian, with unforgettable crispy tempura prawns in a punchy sauce, and moreish grilled miso-coated aubergine. You’ll feel totally at ease dining here as a family, comforted in the company of other parents whose kids are also playing up. If you’re without children, adult-only areas will separate you from the early diners’ chaos. Across the resort, the design is stylish, the service is slick and impressively intuitive. The outcome? A really indulgent and relaxing break for all.