THE art of service is rather lacking in modern-day life. With the rise of technology, automated help bots, call-centre outsourcing and moody salespeople, it can feel as though the customer experience is, more often than not, a source of pain rather than pleasure. This is part of what makes crossing the threshold of Danai Beach Resort & Villas such a tantalising experience. Nestled in a lush forest along the coast of Halkidiki, located the bluffs of the Aegean Peninsula in Sithonia, the sprawling grounds of the Danai Beach Resort represent the essence of what the resort stands for.
View from the Mandarin Villa
Founded in the ‘70s by the mother of the resort’s now-owner, it was initially started as a series of luxury apartments. Gradually, politicians, celebrities and those seeking a truly private experience began to take notice of the area’s unparalleled beauty, and the wonderful hospitality of Danai, the founder. As it became warranted by increased demand, the resort slowly expanded, piece by piece, year by year, till it became the vast, tree-lined zigzagging estate it is today.
Danai’s Shopping Village
Because of this, one of the most remarkable elements of Danai is its innate uniqueness, its personality which runs throughout the resort like an electric current, touching everything in its wake. The resort is composed of 64 suites and six villas, and not a single one of them is the same. Rather than the frankly lazy habit hoteliers tend to adopt, of finding a pleasant, if often dull, decor and repeating it verbatim throughout the entire property, every suite and villa in Danai is decorated individually, carefully curated from the artwork down to the furnishings.
Mediterranean Suite
Once again, this is an influence sought directly from the resort’s founder, Danai. An enthusiastic interior designer herself, she outfitted all of the early suites upon their creation, and continues to lend her hand to this day whenever its required. From the Junior Suite to the palatial Villa of the Greek Riviera, every aspect of the accommodation is designed to offer maximum comfort and a home-away-from-home feeling.
The Philosophy Seaside Bar
For those seeking the finest in food, Danai does not disappoint. It is so good, in fact, that its cliffside restaurant, Squirrel, frequently battles between first and second place for the No.1 best restaurant in Greece. For an evening of exquisite dining, you need look no further – this gourmet gastronomic experience, set under the stars overlooking the beach, is experimental, tantalising and delicious. Begin the experience with a wine-tasting at the resort’s fabulous Cave á Vin wine cellar, the largest in Greece, where award-winning Sommelier Alexandros Bouzikas will guide you through a sensory journey of the very best wines.
Cave á Vin Wine Cellar tasting
For something a little more casual, the Andromeda serves modern Mediterranean dishes throughout lunch and dinner, whilst transforming into the perfect awakening for breakfast, served over the terrace and in the Pavillion. But this is no ordinary breakfast buffet – treat yourself to a wide variety of dishes, including cakes, pastries, traditional Greek yoghurts and the freshest of local fruits. Overlooking the sea in the morning whilst sipping on an expertly blended latte, you’ll feel transported straight into a scene out of The Talented Mr Ripley.
Private Dining experience on the beach
One evening after dinner at Andromeda, Kimon, the resort owner and managing director, joins us at the bar for a drink. He is charismatic and charming, like a Greek Steve Carell, and regales us with stories of experiences he has arranged for guests. One such unforgettable night included a baby grand piano, perched on a custom-built platform and suspended on top of the ocean, serenading a couple on the beach as the now-married couple became engaged by candlelight.
Beach Kampana
Another story details moving an entire hotel suite outside onto the beach, furniture and all, not only making one couple’s dreams of sleeping on the seafront a reality – but a rather luxurious one at that. It’s outlandish and extravagant, but it is also a vital part of what the staff at Danai Beach Resorts do to make their guests feel truly at home.Â
The Danai Resort Beach
And Kimon clearly loves to delight his guests – as we’re talking, a well-dressed couple, also from England, come to join us. They married at Danai just a few years ago, and return every year for their anniversary, jovially jesting with Kimon like the oldest of friends. It is very clear that Kimon, much like his staff, specialises in building close bonds and relationships with his guests. It seems that, almost more than being a hotelier, Kimon is in the business of making memories.
Private Pool within a Villa
There are few hotels in the world that could inspire such a pure and unfettered joy as the Danai Beach Resort. After careful consideration, there is one main factor that this can be pinpointed to – the unrivalled level of service. Of course, most luxury hotels provide excellent service, but at Danai it truly feels as though being surrounded by old friends. Wide-smiling staff welcome you by name, they share inside jokes with you from behind the bar, and they offer the highest level of customer interaction, all with the ultimate aim of making you feel completely at ease.
The Danai Spa
It’s no wonder Danai has such a massive return rate for its guests – within the short time I was there, it had quickly become a home away from home. This quiet, secretive paradise is a hidden treasure, begging to be discovered.
by Thomas Marrington
Book your holiday at Danai Beach Resort & Villas here, rates from €450 per night
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