Sani Asterias in Greece Review: A family-friendly review
Sani has long had a reputation as one of the best luxury family destinations in Europe, and I was very keen to see whether it lived up to the hype. I had heard about it from so many friends, the sort of people who go once and then return every year, and I wanted to understand what made it so special. We stayed at Sani Asterias, the most exclusive of the five Sani hotels, which has recently reopened following a full transformation. It combines beachfront tranquility with a prime marina-front location and newly refurbished suites and villas. The feel is very polished and understated, with natural materials, calming neutral tones, beautiful landscaping and a real sense of residential luxury. We travelled with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a six-month-old, and both were catered for beautifully, here’s our honest, first -hand family review
Huge thanks to Holly (Host of The Travel Diaries, the UK’s #1 & award-winning travel interview podcast) for sharing her family’s experience of Sani Asterias. You can find more of her adventures on Instagram and her podcast
Published: 15th July 2026 | Last updated: 22nd July 2026
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Sani Asterias: What Makes It So Good For Families?
Sani itself is an unusual proposition: five distinct hotels within one larger destination, set along a beautiful stretch of Halkidiki coastline. You can spend a week here and still feel as though you are discovering somewhere new each day, whether that’s another beach, another restaurant, a different pool, a sports academy or a new corner of the marina
What makes it so good for families is that the luxury doesn’t come at the expense of practicality. Quite the opposite. The family offering is almost hard to get your head around: crèche, kids’ club, teen club, beach childcare, babysitting, Chelsea FC Football Academy, Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, watersports, nature activities and seven kilometres of beach
What’s included for Families at Sani Asterias?
Sani is designed to make family holidays feel genuinely easy, with everything from age-specific kids’ clubs and baby equipment to activities, bikes and child-friendly dining all available across the resort
Kids’ clubs & childcare
Sani Little Explorers Crèche (6 months-4 years) (additional cost)
- Professionally staffed childcare for babies and toddlers
- Three bookable sessions each day:
- Morning (10:00am-1:00pm)
- Lunch (1:00pm-3:00pm)
- Afternoon (3:00pm-6:00pm)
- Prices start from €32 for the two-hour lunch session and €42 for a three-hour morning or afternoon session
- Advance booking is strongly recommended, particularly during peak school holiday periods
Sani Explorers Kids Club (4-12 years) (complimentary)
- Included for hotel guests
- Daily supervised activities including sports, arts and crafts, nature exploration, treasure hunts, water games and outdoor adventures
- Morning and afternoon sessions are available (programmes vary seasonally)
- Pre-booking is recommended as places fill quickly during busy periods
Ozone Teen Club (12-17 years) (complimentary, seasonal)
- Included for guests when operating
- A dedicated space for older children and teenagers with organised sports, fitness sessions, beach activities and social events
- Typically runs during peak holiday periods
Babewatch beach childcare (complimentary)
- One of Sani’s most unique family services
- Qualified childcare staff will supervise your child on the beach for up to 30 minutes, allowing parents to enjoy a swim or some quiet time nearby
- Available at selected beaches and ideal for families with younger children
Babysitting & private nanny services (additional cost)
- Evening babysitting is available from approximately €15 per hour
- Private daytime nanny services can also be arranged
- Advance booking is recommended
Family essentials
Included (subject to availability)
- Baby cots
- Bottle warmers
- Sterilisers
- Baby monitors
- Highchairs
- Baby pillows and duvets
- Toilet training seats/potties
- Bath accessories (depending on hotel)
- Children’s bathrobes
- Baby toiletries (available to purchase in resort mini markets if needed)
- Special baby and children’s menus
Available to hire or on request
- Pushchairs/prams
- Bikes and trikes
- Car seats (availability varies)
- Baby carriers/backpack carriers (availability varies)
Family extras
- Carol Mae baby sleep consultations (for guests of Porto Sani)
- Annabel Karmel baby, weaning and children’s menus
- Baby swim lessons (additional cost)
The secret to a stress-free Sani holiday? Getting the details right before you arrive. From restaurant reservations to Kids Club bookings, our travel experts can take care of the holiday admin before you even pack a suitcase. Let us plan your Sani escape
What’s the dining set up at Sani Asterias?
Sani’s meal plans are much more flexible than a traditional hotel half board thanks to the Dine Around programme, which allows you to dine at participating restaurants across the resort rather than being limited to your own hotel
Half board includes breakfast plus either lunch or dinner each day, while full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner. Drinks, alcoholic beverages and some premium dishes are charged separately
When dining à la carte, Sani Asterias guests receive a €40 meal credit per adult and €20 per child towards each included lunch or dinner. Some restaurants instead offer a dedicated Dine Around menu at no extra cost, while buffet restaurants are fully included. If your chosen dishes exceed the meal credit, you simply pay the difference
One of the biggest advantages of staying at Sani Asterias is that this meal credit is higher than at the other Sani hotels, giving guests greater flexibility when dining at the resort’s signature restaurants. With more than 40 restaurants across Sani Resort, it’s also worth reserving popular restaurants well before you arrive, especially during school holidays. The resort caters well for all dietary requirements, with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, children’s and baby weaning menus widely available
Where is Sani Asterias?
One of the best luxury family hotels in Halkidiki, Sani Asterias is set on the Kassandra Peninsula in northern Greece, around an hour from Thessaloniki airport
It sits in one of the most privileged positions within Sani: directly by the marina on one side and beside its own private beach on the other. This is one of the things that makes Asterias feel so special. You have the convenience and atmosphere of the marina, with restaurants, shops and places to wander in the evening, but the hotel itself still feels calm, private and tucked away. It is not a remote, castaway sort of hotel, but it does have a feeling of being slightly cocooned from the busier parts of Sani
Best Time To Visit Sani Asterias?
Sani Asterias is open from May to October
If you’re travelling with babies, toddlers or preschoolers, May, June and September are arguably the sweet spot. You’ll usually enjoy warm, sunny weather that’s perfect for swimming and beach days, but without the intense heat of the peak summer months. The resort also feels a little more relaxed, making it easier to secure restaurant reservations and enjoy the facilities at a gentler pace
One of the biggest advantages of travelling in early May, when the resort first opens for the season, is the price. You’ll often find significantly better value than during the school summer holidays, making it a great way to experience one of Europe’s most luxurious family resorts without paying peak-season rates
The trade-off is that the weather can be a little less predictable than in midsummer. You might have the odd cooler day or passing shower, but the heated pools are brilliantly set up for this
How does Sani Asterias compare to the other Sani hotels?
Not sure which Sani hotel is right for your family? Each has a slightly different feel, so the best choice depends on what matters most for your holiday
Sani Asterias: Best for luxury, privacy and villa living
The most exclusive hotel in the Sani collection, perfect for families who want a quieter, more refined stay with private pool villas, exceptional dining and a boutique feel without sacrificing access to Sani’s incredible family facilities
Porto Sani: Best for younger children and easy access to family facilities
A brilliant choice for families with babies, toddlers and younger children who want to be close to the kids’ clubs, crèche, activities and marina, while still enjoying a luxury hotel experience
Sani Beach:Best for value, splash parks and a livelier atmosphere
Usually the most affordable hotel in the Sani collection, Sani Beach is perfect for families who want to experience everything Sani has to offer – from beaches and pools to restaurants and activities – with a slightly lower price tag than the rest
Sani Club: Best for nature, space and a more relaxed feel
Set amongst pine trees with beautiful sea views, Sani Club suits families who love a little more space, a quieter atmosphere and a closer connection to nature
Sani Dunes: Best for older children and contemporary luxury
A stylish, modern option that works particularly well for families with older children who appreciate beautiful design, great pools and a more adult feel
Still not sure which Sani hotel is right for you? That’s exactly where we can help, our expert travel agents can match your children’s ages, holiday style and priorities with the Sani property that will work best for your family. Not only that, we can handle all of the mental load too, from pre-booking the all important restaurant reservations and kids club slots, to spa bookings and 24/7 concierge support
Is Sani Asterias worth the money?
Sani Asterias is definitely a real splash-out destination, and of course whether it feels worth it will depend on everyone’s individual budget. All I can really say is that I came away from our stay saying that we needed to start saving immediately so that we could somehow return one day. It was the first hotel at that level where I genuinely thought, “Right, we have to find a way to come back.” It felt incredibly special, and for us, the experience justified the price
Is Sani better than Ikos?
This is one of the questions we get asked most often and the honest answer is that neither is better; they simply offer a different kind of luxury family holiday. Both Sani and Ikos are exceptional, but the right choice depends on whether you want a completely effortless all-inclusive escape or a resort that feels more like a destination to explore
Sani is better for families who want choice, space and a feeling of discovery. Unlike Ikos, which is centred around individual all-inclusive resorts, Sani is made up of five hotels within one huge resort destination. It feels less like staying in one hotel and more like having a little Mediterranean village on your doorstep, complete with a marina, restaurants, beaches, cycling routes and activities to discover. You could spend a week at Sani and still feel like you’re finding somewhere new every day
That size is also what makes Sani particularly appealing for families who don’t usually love the idea of a traditional resort holiday. It doesn’t feel like you’re confined to one ‘under one roof resort’. The trade-off is that things are more spread out, so families with very young children may find Ikos slightly easier to navigate day-to-day
Food is one of Sani’s biggest strengths. While Ikos is famous for its incredible all-inclusive dining, Sani arguably has the edge when it comes to choice and variety, with a huge range of restaurants across the resort and a more elevated dining scene. The biggest difference between the two is the board basis. Ikos is fully all-inclusive, so you can enjoy premium food, drinks and cocktails without worrying about the final bill. Sani is not all-inclusive – you’ll typically book on a bed and breakfast, half or full board basis, alcohol charged separately. This means you have more flexibility and freedom over where you eat, but costs can add up
Sani also has a slightly different feel in who it appeals to. While both are fantastic for children, Sani has a more multi-generational and couples-friendly atmosphere
One thing to consider: while Sani is undeniably luxurious, it doesn’t necessarily feel as traditionally Greek as some resorts that are more rooted in local character. It’s more international five-star destination than authentic Greek village. Think exceptional service, beautiful design and effortless luxury, which could be anywhere in the world
Rooms & Suites
Private pool perfection
We stayed in a two-bedroom marina-view pool villa, which had recently been renovated and was beautiful. Everything felt polished, calm and very well finished, with an understated palette of soft neutrals, natural textures and expensive-feeling materials that immediately made the space feel restful. The layout worked brilliantly for us as a family of four. Having two bedrooms meant we could manage naps, early bedtimes and grown-up downtime properly. Our daughter slept in the super king bed and our baby slept in the walk-in wardrobe, which was actually a perfect little sleep space. The private pool gave us the freedom to dip in and out without turning every swim into an expedition. The pool was heated, which made a big difference with young children, and we were also just steps from the main Asterias pool. The outside space was just as impressive as the interiors. We had a large terrace with some of the comfiest outdoor furniture I’ve ever had at a hotel. A lot of outdoor seating looks beautiful but is not actually that comfortable, whereas here there were proper deep sofas, armchairs, two big sun loungers and a lovely table. It made the terrace feel like a genuine extra living space, rather than simply somewhere to dry swimming costumes
Beyond the heated pool was a surprisingly large private garden, enclosed by hedges but still overlooking the marina. The grass was extraordinary, like a soft, bouncy carpet, with beautiful planting all around it. I had never really thought about how much difference a proper garden can make on a family holiday, but it gave the children another safe space to play, potter and burn off energy between swims. It also became one of the most special parts of our stay: my son took his first steps on that lawn, and we have the sweetest video of him wobbling across the grass holding my hands. It made the villa feel not just luxurious, but genuinely personal and memorable
The wider accommodation offering at Asterias includes one-, two- and three-bedroom residences and villas, some with private gardens, private pools, grand balconies or direct beach access. The overall feeling is much more residential than hotel-room-like, which is exactly what you want when travelling with children
The family kit in the room was also outstanding. Everything provided felt extremely high quality: a beautiful cot, proper changing table, lovely children’s amenities and all the practical things parents usually end up packing or requesting. There were also sweet touches for children, including a little bag with colouring crayons, activities, a baseball cap and a cuddly bee. The bathrooms were extraordinary, each with an enormous freestanding bath and two showers, as well as heated loo seats. Our daughter loved the feeling of a “hot bot”, which gave trips to the loo a real sense of occasion!
Not sure which room category is right for you? That’s where our expert travel agents come in. Get in touch for tailored recommendations and a personalized quote
Kids Entertainment
More than a kids’ club
This is where Sani really is in a league of its own. The family offering is remarkable and, honestly, quite hard to get your head around until you are there. There is a crèche, kids’ clubs, teen facilities, beach childcare, private nannies and babysitting, as well as a huge range of sports and activities for children
We used the crèche for my six-month-old and the kids’ club for my three-and-a-half-year-old. Both were based at Porto Sani, which is very close to Sani Asterias, and both were excellent. The set-up felt professional, warm and reassuring, with English-speaking staff and a proper sense that the children were in safe hands. The kids’ club is not just a token room with a few toys. There are indoor and outdoor activities, crafts, games and a real programme to keep children engaged. On one day my daughter went to the splash pad and water park in Porto Sani with her new friends. On another, she made pizza in the bakery. For older children, Sani has even more to offer, including the Chelsea FC Football Academy, the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, watersports, nature-led activities and, for teenagers, the Ozone Teen Club
One of the loveliest family-friendly details at Asterias was the beach childcare. After breakfast, the babysitter moved down to the beach, where she was stationed under a gazebo with buckets, spades and toys. You could relax on your lounger, read a book and see your child in the distance having fun, digging in the sand and playing with other children. Again, it is such a clever halfway point: your child is entertained and supervised, but you are still close and able to watch them
The pool set-up is also brilliant for young families. The main Asterias pool overlooks the marina and starts very shallow before gradually getting deeper, which is ideal for children building water confidence. There is also a large, very shallow pool which was perfect for my six-month-old to splash around in, though my three-and-a-half-year-old loved it too. Because the pool is exclusive to Asterias guests, it felt calm and peaceful most of the time
The beach is just as child-friendly. The sand is soft, the sea is shallow and clear, and the loungers are some of the most comfortable I have found at a family hotel. In high summer, I imagine the water is like a bath
There is also a huge playground just outside the Asterias property, behind the hotel, which is very handy if little ones need another burst of energy-burning between pool, beach and meals
Wining & Dining
Five-star food, family style
Food is a huge part of the Sani experience. Across the wider destination there is a vast choice of restaurants and a dine-around programme, which gives families a lot of flexibility. Most guests stay on a half-board basis, though it is worth noting that alcohol is not included and some restaurants, dishes and drinks come with supplements
At Sani Asterias, breakfast quickly became one of our favourite parts of the day. It is served by the pool, looking out towards the marina, and it has that lovely holiday feeling of being both relaxed and glamorous. What made it especially clever for families was the play area just around the corner, still within sight of the restaurant. It was a chic little space with wooden toys, including dollshouses and boats, and so long as one parent remained within eyeshot, the babysitter there could keep an eye on the children and play with them while we actually enjoyed breakfast. For parents of young children, that is the sort of detail that changes everything. You are still close by, still completely aware of what they are doing, but you can drink a coffee while it is hot and have a conversation without someone climbing onto your lap every thirty seconds
The selection at breakfast was superb and also very inventive. But be warned of the doughnut stand right by the entrance. My daughter still mentions these most days and we’ve been home several months!
Water Restaurant & Bar is the flagship restaurant at Asterias and has reopened with menus curated by two-Michelin-starred chef Bruno Oger. The food has a French-Mediterranean feel, with a focus on seafood, seasonality and refined comfort dishes. It gives Asterias a more elevated dining identity while still sitting within the family-friendly world of Sani
Beyond Asterias, the wider Sani dining scene is one of its biggest strengths. There are restaurants for almost every mood: relaxed family meals, marina-side dinners, Greek food, Italian favourites, seafood, more grown-up date-night options and plenty that works well with children. Highchairs were easy to come by, children were warmly welcomed and we often bumped into our daughter’s new friends from kids’ club, who then played while we finished our dinner
It is worth booking restaurants ahead, especially the most popular ones, and being aware of the half-board supplements so there are no surprises
What is there for adults?
Relaxation, redefined
One of the reasons Sani works so well is that adults are not forgotten. Yes, the children are brilliantly catered for, but this still feels like a proper luxury holiday for parents too. Asterias has its own spa, which felt like a very peaceful little sanctuary and a lovely place to cool down after time in the sun. The treatment menu is impressively extensive, with everything from facials and massages to more targeted body treatments, and I met other guests who were very much treating their stay as a spa holiday, booking something almost every day. I had a short facial, and my therapist was lovely: calm, kind and very good at making even a brief treatment feel properly restorative. It is another example of how Asterias manages to feel elevated and serene, despite being so well set up for families
The wider Sani offering is also enormous. The marina is a big part of its charm, giving families the feeling of a little holiday village where you can wander after dinner, browse boutiques, grab a coffee or pick up essentials without ever needing to leave the resort. Adults can also book tennis at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre, try watersports or simply enjoy the restaurants and bars
Holly's verdict
I went to Sani Asterias because I wanted to understand why so many families are so evangelical about Sani. I came away understanding it completely
It is rare to find somewhere that delivers this level of luxury while also being so genuinely practical for families. The childcare is excellent, the beach is dreamy, the pools are perfect for little ones, the restaurants are flexible and the rooms feel both beautiful and functional. Nothing feels accidental. Everything has been thought through
Asterias, in particular, is a wonderful choice if you want the full Sani experience but with a quieter, more exclusive base. You still have access to the restaurants, academies, clubs and marina, but you return to somewhere that feels calm, polished and deeply comfortable
For us, travelling with a three-and-a-half-year-old and a six-month-old, it was one of those rare family holidays where everyone’s needs were met. The children had fun, we had moments of actual relaxation, and the whole thing felt easy in a way that family travel often does not
I can absolutely see why people go back year after year
Sani Asterias: Our Tiny Travelship Take
Meet the mama
Holly is a journalist, podcast host and mama of two. She is the creator and host of The Travel Diaries, the UK’s number one travel podcast, where celeb guests like Stanley Tucci, Joanna Lumley and Lily Allen share the travel experiences and destinations that have shaped their lives, and will soon host an extra Sunday episode, “The Travel Diaries: Unpacked” where she talks hotels, holidays and destinations to have on your radar. Travel has always been central to Holly’s work and life, and becoming a parent hasn’t changed her desire to explore. She now loves seeking out exceptional family-friendly hotels that combine beautiful design, brilliant food and genuinely thoughtful facilities for children. Travelling with her husband, nearly four-year-old daughter and baby son, she is particularly passionate about finding places where parents can still enjoy a luxurious and memorable holiday without family life feeling like an afterthought
