Find your zen where the Greeks have flocked to for hundreds of years

If you have ever had the pleasure of holidaying in Greece, at one point you might have pondered where the Greeks themselves like to holiday. With sun, beautiful beaches, ancient sites, and a rich and colourful culture, it is unsurprising that they choose to keep it local.

Halkidiki on Greece’s northern coast has long been a popular for domestic tourism. Known for its jutting peninsulas, dotted with lush Mediterranean pine forests that give way to sandy beaches in sheltered coves, the waters are ideal for swimming, water sports and scuba diving.

The Greeks have flocked there for centuries, enjoying its rugged, natural beauty and unspoiled coastline, and to bathe in its famous healing thermal waters.

In recent years, international visitors have been quietly discovering the area’s unique appeal as hotel investment has targeted a different kind of traveller – discerning and seeking a slower pace.

The most significant addition has been the elegant, all-inclusive Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort, part of the Zeus International Hotels and Resorts group, which opened its doors to guests in 2023.

This five-star hideaway is nestled in the enchanting Agia Paraskevi region and feels removed from the hustle and bustle of other resorts, which is why it has become a hot property for those who want to kick back and press pause.

Cool, contemporary and sophisticated, the minimalistic interiors use natural elements like rattan, jute, wood and marble, mixed with luxurious textiles and leathers to reflect the serenity of the property and the surrounding landscape. The whole property feels part-retreat, part-resort as the expansive glass windows allow indoor and outdoor spaces to flow into each other.

With the region famous for its healing waters, there was a deliberate focus on making the hotel’s Aurora Spa a state-of-the-art offering, with bespoke treatments inspired by the area’s ancient healing traditions and therapeutic natural elements such as olive oil, honey and shea butter.

Accommodation and amenities are spread out over the entire property, so it never feels overly busy or noisy. There are 166 guestrooms including exquisitely-decorated bungalows and villas, so the resort caters to both families and those travelling à deux effortlessly.

The chic self-catering villas boast sizeable private pools and sleep three to six people in utter luxury, making them a perfect option for families or a group of friends who need extra living space. The smaller bungalows come with a dipping pool out front for those who want to relax away from the hotel’s communal areas.

The plus-side of so many residents having their own pool is that there is always quiet spot where you can unwind at any of the resort’s seven main swimming areas.

With three restaurants and six bars, there are many options for dining and drinks without too much repetition. The food is made with fresh ingredients from the hotel’s own gardens and local Halkidiki produce, and dishes give a nod to Mediterranean-style fare that suits the soaring Greek temperatures so well.

Infinity, the main restaurant, offers buffet-style dining with beautiful sea views. While at the Greek-style à la carte restaurant Thimari it is impossible to resist a glass of ouzo or chilled local wine with whatever fresh seafood is on the menu thanks to the generous shade and elevated vantage point.

Ambrosia Restaurant offers an elegant al fresco setting under the night sky, where you can indulge in authentically delicious Italian fare. But be sure to give yourself time to digest before you join a speedy rendition of Zorba’s Dance with the local entertainers, who showcase traditional

Greek dancing on the terrace during dinner.

The swim-up pool bar Ananas is where you will find the best cocktails and even a traditional shisha pipe if you wish, before retiring to a beanbag lounger at the outdoor cinema.

The hotel’s secluded private beach has half-hourly shuttles to and from the hotel, which allows you to avoid the steep climb down. Sit on a lounger with the sea breeze on your face and a tropical tipple in hand from the beach bar to keep you well hydrated.

Even with the addition of a new waterpark, guests of all ages can whoop at full volume as they whoosh down the water slides without disturbing anyone else’s zen. It is a decent enough distance away so as not to disrupt the ambience of the main resort, and the kids will love it.

The list of on-site activities is impressive and puts Ajul beyond the usual fly-and-flop vacations. Try tennis, basketball, Padel, football or volleyball, or hit the gym to keep up your exercise regimen. The team can also organise walks in the nearby forest, mountain biking in the nearby hills, or personalised yoga and pilates classes upon request.

Halkidiki is also home to five picturesque villages which each have their own history and character and are perfect for exploring. Visit Nikiti, an old village that sits on an ancient 14th century monastery settlement, or see Parthenonas, where all the houses have been restored to the traditional Macedonian style. For the adventurous, Arnea is a great starting point to hike to the 5th century ruins of the Neposi castle.

Given the area was once a volcanic region, there is an abundance of marine life to see, so spend a morning at the Triton Scuba Diving Centre, which specialises in beginner’s shore dives.

After learning the basics from one of the multilingual instructors, within just 30 minutes, you will find yourself metres underwater surrounded by colourful fish, and even a shy octopus or two, with not a care in the world.

source :evoke.ie