Our Dorset Life

If you’ve ever Googled “luxury family holiday in Greece,” chances are Sani has popped up. And for good reason. Spread across 1,000 acres of pine forest and soft sandy beaches on the Kassandra peninsula, it’s more like a small Greek town or village than a typical resort and with the best beaches I have seen in Greece! But with five hotels to choose from, each with its own vibe, it can be a little overwhelming figuring out where to stay. So here’s our take, based on our stay at Sani Beach when the girls were younger, and a breakdown of what makes each Sani hotel different.

Our Experience at Sani Beach

We visited out of season, which we loved. The first time we went for 7 days, the second time 10 days, which I think shows how much we loved it!

May (before the school holidays) was quieter, more relaxed, and we didn’t feel the pressure to pack in activities. We chose Sani Beach, the most accessible and budget-friendly of the five hotels. Even though it’s the ‘entry level’ option, nothing about it feels basic. The facilities were brilliant for kids, the beach was beautiful, and we had easy access to the rest of the resort.

One of my favourite parts of the day was the walk to dinner. From Sani Beach, you follow the path to the marina, which becomes the heart of the resort in the evenings. We took scooters for the kids (which you could also hire) and this was one of their favourite things to do as well. Once there you will find boutique shops, boats in the marina, and restaurants, it genuinely feels like a small Greek village.

What’s the Deal with Food?

Sani isn’t all-inclusive like Ikos. We always went half board, which meant breakfast and dinner were included, and we paid for lunch and drinks as we went. That gave us more freedom during the day. Sometimes we’d grab something low-key at the beach or split a crepe at the marina with the kids.

The Dine Around programme is what makes the food here really special. You’re not limited to your hotel’s buffet every night. Instead, you can book tables at over 20 restaurants across the resort, including options with à la carte menus created by Michelin-starred chefs. It feels more like dining out than staying at a resort. And while drinks aren’t included, the quality of the food made up for it.

So, What’s the Difference Between the Hotels?

Here’s a quick breakdown of each hotel, from the entry-level to the ultra-luxe:

Sani Beach

• The best value (relatively speaking!)
• Right on the beach and perfect for younger families
• Large pools and close to kids’ clubs and family-friendly restaurants
• Rooms are simple but polished
• Where most families start their “Sani journey” (including us!)

Sani Club

• Tucked into the hills with private gardens and some private pools
• Quieter, more peaceful, ideal if you’re after a calm escape
• Lovely views, but a little further from the marina
• Still very family-friendly, with its own kids’ facilities

Porto Sani

• Located in the heart of the marina, the most convenient for restaurants and shopping
• All-suite accommodation and more of a ‘boutique feel’
• Incredible facilities for babies and toddlers, think Gro clocks, sterilisers, even sleep consultations
• More premium in price, but packed with thoughtful extras for parents

Sani Dunes

• Sleek, modern, and more grown-up in style
• Best suited for parents travelling with older children or teens
• Big focus on spa, fine dining, and design-led interiors
• Feels more like a luxury hotel than a family resort

Sani Asterias

• The smallest and most exclusive of the five
• Beachfront suites with direct access to the sand
• Highest level of service, privacy, and luxury
• Comes with a price tag to match!

For the Kids

Sani is known as a parental paradise, and it lives up to the hype. There’s childcare for babies from 6 months, and Kids Clubs for ages 4 and up. Our girls loved the freedom and fun of the kids’ activities, while we got a bit of downtime (even if it was just 30 minutes thanks to “Babewatch” on the beach!).

Everything is thoughtfully designed for families, from Annabel Karmel menus to baby monitors and pushchairs you can request for your room. It really does make travelling with kids feel less like a logistical mission and more like an actual break.

When to Go

We went in May, and it was perfect. Warm enough to swim but cool enough to explore. The season runs from April to October, and prices vary a lot depending on when you go. If you’re after a quieter, more budget-friendly stay, May or September are great bets.

How do we book?

We have always booked direct, when you return you get a repeat discount, which can be a good way to save some money if you love returning.

Book your flights with skyscanner to find the best deals (and times for little ones).

Would We Go Again?

Absolutely, though now that we’re tied to school holidays, I do think we’ve been priced out. Sani is undoubtedly a luxury, and costs soar in peak season. But if you have younger children and the flexibility to travel outside of school holidays, we couldn’t recommend it more.

We have such fond memories of those early trips. Sani really does offer something special for families, especially when the resort is quieter and the pace feels just right.

So would we go back? If we could sneak in another May or September break, in a heartbeat.

Love Sarah x