Tucked away on the Greek peninsula of Sithonia, Halkadiki, surrounded by lush Mediterranean gardens leading to an idyllic private beach, you will find a true hidden gem. The luxury beach resort Danai Beach Resort and Villas is one of Greece’s best kept secrets.
As soon as you step out of your chauffeur driven car the sweet smell of Bougainvillea and smiling faces are ready to welcome you to this Greek hideaway. You immediately feel like you are ‘home’.
Glass of Champagne in hand, walking through the cool and breezy lobby, I was immediately blown away by the natural beauty of this little piece of paradise whilst looking out over the Aegean sea.
By the time I was shown to my beautifully appointed Deluxe Suite overlooking the pool, I was already feeling totally relaxed and ready to explore and enjoy the resort. First stop, the beach.
Bearing in mind it was April and a little breezy, there weren’t many people braving the sun loungers, but I was cheerily greeted by a member of the beach service team who set up a bed for me and left me with the cocktail list – a man after my own heart!
With the sun beaming down, warming me up after a long British winter, by the time my new friend had come back to take my order, I was already drifting off. I decided on a Long Island Iced Tea and boy was it a good one.
It was soon time to head back to my suite for a long soak in my oversized bath tub before throwing on a little black dress to meet the resort’s head sommelier in the wine cellar. The tasting was super interesting, pairing local meats and cheeses with fine Greek wines from the local region that could give better known vineyards a run for their money.
Enjoying fine food and ‘spot on’ service whether at breakfast, lunch or dinner, is a huge part of staying at Danai Beach. All of the food and beverage team are so knowledgeable and courteous and the food is divine. With most meals consisting of 4 or 5 courses, I could feel my waistline slowly expanding but it is all pretty healthy stuff.
Whenever I am in the Med I try to opt for only locally sourced dishes. I was spoilt for choice at Danai Beach as all ingredients are fresh and local, from fish straight from the Aegean Sea to the herbs and olive oil used to perfectly season and add flavour to each dish. I particularly enjoyed the Sea Bass fileted at the table.
Pre and post dinner drinks at the beachfront ‘Philosophy Bar’ are a big deal here too – such a unique expereince. Guests are encouraged to sit around the ‘sit-up’ bar rather than in front, as the delightful mixologists talk you through the cocktail list and each ingredient whilst whipping up traditional cocktails with a twist. You can even make your own drinks if you wish!
There’s no bedtime here, the bar closes when the last guest standing (or otherwise) is ready, often accompanied by the charismatic resort owner, Kimon himself.
If outstanding food and faultless service is important when choosing a resort, Danai Beach is the place for you. The style of the suites and numerous lavish villas is eclectic, with heavy influences of Danai, the resorts namesake and co-owner (Kimon’s mother), rather than the contemporary look we have all come to expect from newer resorts, but this adds to the charm of this truly unique boutique little treasure of a resort.
My favourite moments;
- The sweet smell of bougainvillea
- Drifting off to the sounds of the sea with the sun beating down on the private beach
- Genuine and attentive service
- Food and wine to die for
- Unique dining experience from the wine cellar to the herb garden
Danai Beach Resort is a family friendly sort of place but a place to go to spend time with your children rather than to have them entertained. The rates keep it exclusive and for good reason, Danai Beach has a certain air about it that needs preserving.