The three “legs”, or peninsulas of Halkidiki are home to some of the softest sands and clearest waters in Europe. The Greek island in Macedonia is somewhat of a party spot, although there are many quiet coves away from the nightlife, for those preferring a sense of retreat. Aim for Kassandra if you want to stay in the most popular area, Sithonia for more seclusion and hidden beauty, and do visit close to Mount Athos, Halkidiki’s third peninsula; while tourists aren’t allowed on it (its inhabited by a monastic community), the mystical site is quite something to behold from a distance.
Ekies All Senses Resort
Although bijou, the deeply chic Ekies All Senses has all the desired trappings of a larger resort; a kids’ club, a spa (treatments use Apivita products), direct beach access, table tennis, watersports, an outdoor pool area with loungers, a jacuzzi and a bar sheltered by a white straw pergola. If you can tear yourself away from the flowing ouzo and the huge hammock strung over white sands, jump on one of the hotel’s loaner bikes to explore further afield. Dine at Bubo, Kuko and in the ten-seater treehouse, the latter serving tasting menus.
Avaton Luxury Villas Resort – Relais & Châteaux
Found on the Gulf of Lerissos beside Koumitsa Beach, the Avaton Luxury Villas Resort is at the Athos end of the island. Choose from a two-level Panorama Villa, the ground-level Prestige Villa, the three-level Luxury Villa and the Presidential Villa, most of which have pools and loft-style bedrooms. All have self-catering facilities and private butlers are available on request. The restaurant, exclusive to residents, serves modern Mediterranean cuisine overlooking the sea, or you can have meals brought to your villa. There’s also a champagne bar, a VIP concierge service, beauty treatments by arrangement and a kids’ club.
Portes Lithos Luxury Resort
Comprising six buildings, this two-storey resort accommodates 130 bedrooms. A freeform freshwater pool is flanked by palm trees. There are two restaurants offering theme nights and live cooking stations (one is situated beside Portes Lithos’ private beach and two bars. Children have their own schedule of activities, an outdoor play area and a dedicated family pool for splash time. Adults have their own activities programme, as well as darts, table tennis, beach volleyball, aerobics classes, watersports and live music in the evenings. Guests can book massages and beauty treatments and hit the gym.