Sani Dunes

I rarely give a 5-star review because, for me, that means I would not change anything about my holiday. I can say that my stay at Sani Dunes was exactly that excellent. I would not have changed anything.

We were greeted on arrival (at the taxi) by Elena. I did not know it then, but she proved to be the warmest, funniest, most accommodating and hospitable person in the resort, taking care of us every day.

The check-in was flawless, at the pool, no crappy desk after a long flight and drive. Instead, we were offered a drink of our choice and our needs were recorded. The room key arrived quickly and, with drink in hand, we were escorted to our room.

The facilities in this resort are second to none. I can really see what the resort co-founder, Dr Andreas A. Andreadis, was trying to create. The place is massive but is run like a town, so it does not matter in which hotel you stay. Everything is linked back to your room, whether you visit a different hotel, the marina, the plentiful restaurants, shops, bars or beach. They know and welcome you.

The place was immaculate. The landscaped exterior was expertly maintained by a team of respectful grounds staff. In fact, all staff we encountered were, without exception, well trained and helpful, not resentful but proud to work for the resort. This shows that the training and management provided by Nikos, the GM, was effective. Nikos would walk around the resort, engaging with guests and taking note of issues that needed to be resolved. He is my type of manager, someone who understands that happy guests means more returns. I encountered him once or twice, and he was always happy to help and talk.

On the staff, my greatest gratitude must go to Elena Averinopoulou and her sister (Meropi). Elena checked in with me and my wife every day. She was very accommodating and effective, offered to change rooms when we needed to, managed our itinerary for the vast array of activities at the resort (booked them for us), and was available and responsive to feedback rather than defensive or dismissive. Other staff were similarly hospitable, like Weson at reception, George at the pool bar, Jurgen at the coffee shop, Sergoi at the sea bar, Rosana at the Bousealea bar and Kostas at the waterfront restaurant. The beach waiters were all attentive, available and responsive. You will note my affection for the bar staff, who made tasty (and yes, expensive, but properly created) cocktails. The point is that these people were well trained and brought their own personal commitment to the job, which made my stay extremely enjoyable.

The marina is a joy to explore. The restaurants are fantastic, but my favourite was Psaroyannos. The manager and staff there were so hospitable. Nothing was ever an effort, whether it was turning up at the last minute, needing a vegetarian option or even smoking a cigar. Nothing was too much trouble. Real Greek hospitality. The other notable mentions are Vosporos Grill and Water. At Vosporos, Lena was great. We turned up without a reservation, hungry and tired. In minutes, we had a table and good food.

Water Restaurant at Sani Asterias is a memorable eating experience, with excellent service, Michelin-inspired food and excellent wine. The sommelier, in my picture, was excellent. He endured my dismissal of the wines offered and managed to find a bottle that I enjoyed. Much poorer but thoroughly satisfied, we returned to our room, via cart, well fed, well watered and blissful, after enjoying a bottle of fine Burgundy. This was an enjoyable treat recommended by Elena. She took the time to understand what we enjoyed and delivered.

The Sea You Bar (Jurgen) is excellent for a coffee after a morning run.

On restaurants, the only place I would avoid is Lima. Perhaps we caught them on an off night, but we experienced poor service and food, for which we received a refund.

On facilities, the service at the spa is very good, but the facilities could do with a little maintenance. The rainbow shower after a steam is bracing but could be better if the water flow was maintained. The steam room and sauna could do with being switched on earlier. But this is minor and the feedback was provided to the spa staff, who readily noted it.

Tips on rooms: I would enquire early about a second-floor seafront room (if you like sea views). These tend to be snapped up quickly. However, our sea-facing garden room was good, with a working shower, plenty of space for two people and a nice garden in which to enjoy the sunshine and al fresco meals with a glass or two.

When we left, we were given mementos/small gifts (usually this is the other way round!) and all the staffcame to wave us goodbye, as if we were family leaving for a long trip. It was one of the few times I was touched by human affection from genuinely warm people.

The taxi man was extolling the virtues of Greek hospitality on our way to the resort, and I remember thinking, “We will see.” I can now confirm that the ancient Greeks’ concept of hospitality was alive and kicking when I visited this resort.

Truly a special place, with special people, hence my 5-star review.

Beautiful hotel with fabulous staff and food . The D spa is fabulous, beautifully clean and really well run. I went twice during my stay at the resort and Anna looked after me both times, she is so professional and gives the best treatment Thank you to all the staff, year after year you deliver the best holiday experience.