Discover a hidden gem in Greece with a review of the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa, offering a secluded escape with private beaches, delicious food, and luxurious accommodations.
A Greek summer getaway without crowds is possible, if you know where to go. I got my first taste of Greece on a scorching day last summer, jostling with hundreds of people for a spot on a cable car that would take us up to the streets of Santorini. It was chaos. And while I was glad to have seen one of the country’s most popular islands, I was desperate for my next Greek experience to feel less like being stuffed inside a sardine can.
With more than four million Brits now travelling to Greece each year, it’s difficult to imagine there can be many hidden gems left. But rest assured, they do exist. I found a well-kept secret in the form of two all-inclusive hotels, an unlikely discovery for someone who has always been suspicious of the package concept. Part of the same hotel group but offering very different experiences, I escaped the crowds at the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay last June — these are my honest reviews. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort is located about an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki, a seaside showcase of ancient history that was once the domain of Alexander the Great. A 90-minute drive brought me to Halkidiki, northern Greece’s most popular destination, known for its lunar-like beaches and bays sheltered with pine forests. One of the latest additions to the region is the recently opened Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, a sprawling five-star property perfect for ‘fly and flop’ holidays where you do, well, nothing. The remote location could easily be a turn-off — the nearest village, Pefkochori, is 9km drive away. But having never stayed in an all-inclusive, for me, the novelty was real. I was quickly sold on the luxury of being a few steps to my private pool, with a selection of eight bars and restaurants not much further away. The biggest win, however, was the proximity of the hotel’s private beach, where the dread of battling for sunbeds was never a problem. Ryanair operates direct flights from London Stansted to Thessaloniki airport, with return fares from £57 in February. British Airways runs direct flights during peak season, from April to October, with prices starting from £105 one-way in April. A private beach for guests is not far away from the hotel room. Ajul has everything you could want for a relaxing trip: a spa, an open-air cinema and tennis, basketball and volleyball courts. But there are also plenty of activities on offer nearby. From visits to local villages like Afytos, a charming spot with stone houses and cobblestone streets, scuba diving classes at the Triton Scuba Diving Academy and sailing, fishing and mountain biking excursions ideal for exploring the local landscape, boredom is never a concern. The resort feels like it’s completely off the beaten track. A scuba diving class was an amazing way to see the region from another angle. While the daily buffet breakfast and lunch will satisfy everyone with its selection of staples (bacon, eggs, hash browns and sausages), it’s the specialty restaurants at Ajul that shouldn’t be missed. Ambrosia serves up classic Italian fare, but it seems wasteful to spend even a single meal in Greece not enjoying local delicacies. Although the food is delicious, you could give this a miss. At Thimari, the standout is the Greek salad, Dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice) and decadent meat platters, finished with sweet baklava (several were secreted in my napkin to enjoy later). The service is impeccable, with waiters eager to explain the origins of the dishes and which ones cannot be missed when in Greece. Dolmades were one of the delicious Greek dishes on offer. A feast of food left all satisfied. My previous accommodation in Greece consisted of a ferry and a city centre hostel, so Ajul’s Prestige Villas (complete with a private pool) felt like a luxury I could get used to. The modern, spacious room had everything you might need, with housekeeping just a call away if any extras were required. And for those staying in villas furthest from reception, a lift around the grounds in a golf buggy is a welcome touch. Perhaps the strangest critique of a hotel room in history, but the toilets in the bathrooms were extraordinarily high off the ground. Myself and several guests couldn’t help but discuss how it took us a shimmy or two to hoist ourselves o
Greece Travel Luxury Hotels All-Inclusive Resorts Hidden Gems Greek Cuisine Relaxation Beaches Halkidiki
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ajman: The Budget-Friendly Luxury Escape in the UAEAjman, a hidden gem in the UAE, offers a luxurious getaway at a fraction of the cost of popular destinations like Dubai. This article explores Ajman's attractions, accessibility, and cultural experiences, positioning it as a perfect budget-friendly alternative for travelers seeking both luxury and authenticity.
Read more »
Mykonos Escape: Luxury and Tranquility at Semeli Coast HotelThis article details a luxurious getaway to the Semeli Coast hotel on the eastern side of Mykonos. The hotel's secluded cliffside location, immaculate rooms, and exceptional dining experiences are highlighted. While the couple enjoyed the peace and privacy of their retreat, they also ventured to the bustling capital of Mykonos Town to explore its vibrant atmosphere.
Read more »
The Pig in the Cotswolds: A New Luxury EscapeExperience the charm and elegance of The Pig in the Cotswolds, the latest addition to the renowned boutique hotel chain. This Grade II-listed building offers a unique blend of relaxed luxury and rustic charm.
Read more »
Luxury Escape: Andy Murray's Cromlix Hotel in ScotlandThis article delves into a luxurious stay at Cromlix Hotel, owned by tennis superstar Andy Murray and his wife Kim, in Scotland. The hotel boasts stylish interiors, a welcoming atmosphere, and a range of activities, making it a perfect getaway for those seeking a taste of Scottish countryside charm.
Read more »
A Guilt-Free Luxury Escape in Zimbabwe: Where Conservation Meets IndulgenceExperience the magic of Victoria Falls Safari Club, a haven of luxury nestled in Zambezi National Park. This article delves into a transformative journey, highlighting the seamless blend of conservation efforts, cultural immersion, and unparalleled indulgence.
Read more »
Northamptonshire: The Cotswolds Without the CrowdsRichard Clinton, the new chairman of the Northamptonshire Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP), aims to establish Northamptonshire as a top tourist destination for both UK and international visitors. He envisions a vibrant and sustainable visitor economy that showcases the county's unique offerings, including its numerous country houses, historical landmarks like Boughton House, and its appeal to ex-Londoners seeking a quieter escape.
Read more »