A

A
haven of relaxation on the island of Halkidiki, Danai Beach Resort and Villas
marries modern comforts with all the charm of an authentic Greek retreat.

Surrounded by lush pine trees and sandy beaches, and perched
atop the rich, earthy cliffs that line the Aegean coast, Danai
Beach Resort and Villas is one-of-a-kind, to say the least. While
nature itself is enough to bring a sense of calm and tranquility
here, Danai’s beautiful design and architecture, private beach
cabanas, award-winning gourmet restaurants, top-of-the-range spa
treatments and staff that will feel like life-long friends by the
time you leave, invite guests to experience a whole level of
relaxation. Located in the remote Greek peninsula of Sithonia on
the island of Halkidiki, Danai began life as a modest family
home.

Today it’s full of character, combining refined modern interiors
and accessories with an authentic Greek aesthetic. Thick white
pillars and marble floors, which feature heavily across the resort,
are brought to life with bright bougainvillea, rattan accessories
and antique furnishings. As a family-run business, Danai is on a
mission to make you feel at home. Staff operate across different
areas of the resort, so you’ll often come across the same friendly
faces again and again. This sense of community is what makes Danai
so special, and once you’re welcomed into it so warmly, you’ll find
it harder than ever to leave.

Rooms

At Danai, the mantra is to never, ever “copy and paste”
anything, which is why you won’t find two rooms or villas the same.
Each abode is a canvas of whites and creams, bathed in natural
light that pours through floor-to-ceiling windows. Yet as
modern-chic as that might sound, bohemian accents and local,
artisan-made ornaments enhance the character and charm of each
space.

Some rooms boast private pools, while others flaunt
impressive balconies overlooking the resort, its gardens and the
sea. Opt for Guest Rooms and Suites if you’re visiting alone, as a
couple or for a short time only (also perfect if you’re on a
budget). Deluxe Suites (often with two bedrooms and ocean vistas)
are ideal for those who want something a little more spacious,
while Pool Suites are ideal for honeymooners who want a private
dip. Alternatively, splash out on a Villa if you’re travelling with
a larger group, for a longer period of time or if you’re expecting
guests.

What’s for breakfast?

Pretty much everything you’ll find in Danai to eat is either
sourced locally (from neighbouring farms) or produced on site – you
can really taste the difference. For breakfast, head to the terrace
of the open-air Andromeda Restaurant, which, situated on the edge
of the bluffs, is prime territory for gazing across the still
morning waters. The breakfast spread doesn’t look unlike an art
installation, featuring a selection of bread and baked goods,
cheeses, cold meats and fish, a hot food station, traditional
pastries and a build-your-own-bowl area, complete with fresh and
dried fruit, nuts, seeds, cereals and granolas. Plus, the selection
of freshly made Greek yoghurt and local honey – varieties include
pine, blossom, thyme and more – are the best you will ever try. If
nothing takes your fancy, order à la carte and enjoy eggs with a
Danai twist.

How about lunch and dinner?

With three restaurants to choose from, you wouldn’t get bored if
you dined within Danai at every meal time. Enjoy fresh fish,
seafood and daily barbecue specials at The Sea Horse Grill – it’s
the most authentically Greek of the restaurant options and situated
in a secluded terrace by the beach. You can also order any time of
day to wherever you’ve set up camp on the beach. For a more modern
take on Mediterrenean cuisine, try Andromeda Restaurant, situated
among the impressive pine trees – it offers an al fresco dining
option on warmer evenings. For special occasions or as a treat,
experience the award-winning The Squirrel restaurant, considered
one of the principle culinary hot-spots of Greece. Its tasting menu
spans French and Mediterranean fare, served in multiple courses and
paired with wines from Danai’s on-site wine cellar. Suite service
is also available, and if you’re staying in one of the larger rooms
or villas and have a large party or outside guests to entertain,
the staff will gladly arrange a bespoke dinner party. Further
afield, local road-side or sea-side tavernas offer quintessential
Greek cuisine in a slightly more informal environment. Get stuck in
to trays of taramasalata and fava, and enjoy fresh and simple
dishes, including grilled fish, seafood paella, mussels soup and
some of the most decadent desserts of your life.

Is there a bar?

On a lower tier of the resort, just beneath the restaurants and
edging closer to the beach, you’ll find The Philosophy Seaside Bar.
Lounge in bamboo armchairs and cushioned benches as the sun sets,
and later gather around the communal table at the bar. If that’s
not your vibe, Danai also boasts one of the best wine cellars in
Greece. Enjoy a tour or a wine tasting session, or casually
converse with the wine cellar’s passionate sommeliers to choose a
bottle that suits you, then enjoy from the comfort of your room,
balcony, patio or, better yet, the beach.

Amenities

Danai is the ideal place for anyone who wants to wake up late
and follow a long, lazy breakfast with an even longer, lazier day
on the beach. Although, there is more than enough to keep you
entertained if you’d like something a bit more lively, or if you’re
travelling with friends, family or young children.

Aside from the private pools, you’ll find a communal outdoor

pool at the centre of the resort, as well as an indoor pool
inside the spa area. You will also find a selection of spa
treatments (including massages, facials and a nail spa), relaxation
facilities, a state-of-the-art gym complete with a timetable of
yoga, pilates and fitness classes (during the busier months), a
private tennis court and table tennis. The concierge can also
organise bike rental and external sports such as golf, horse
riding, snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. As for watersports
and beach activities, book out a private beach cabana or, for a
more active day at the beach, enjoy access to paddleboards,
catamarans, waterskis, canoes, banana boats, donuts, seabobs,
windsurfing, and more. Go a step further and arrange a day out on
Danai’s super yacht, known as The Bird. Available to rent for
between four and eight hours with staff and catering (and the best
Aperol spritz you’ll ever drink), The Bird is the most luxurious
way to explore the coast. Discover hidden coves and stop by private
beaches along the Sithonia coast and Mount Athos peninsula. (Shared
yachts and speedboat tours are also available, departing from the
private beach and heading Neos Marmaras or Mount Athos).

Danai also has its own quaint “high street” of boutiques,
which you’ll pass by to get from your room to the restaurants and
to the beach. Find clothing, accessories, holiday essentials, toys,
gifts and more, from local, national and international labels. If
you fancy trying your hand at something new, too, perhaps dancing,
painting or cooking, it’s useful to know that the team will gladly
arrange a private instructor. Day trips and excursions are also
available on request.

Things you should know

Nikiti is the nearest town to the resort. While Danai have
drivers and The Bird, if you want to explore independently, hire a
car. Enjoy walks in the hotel surrounds or, further afield, find a
selection of towns and villages to explore within Sithonia,
Kassandra and Athos. Whether you’re on the beach or by the pool, if
you’re prone to suncream-smeared sunnies or overheating, the beach
staff are at your beck and call, popping by regularly to offer
sunglass polishing and to hand out semi-frozen flannels infused
with refreshing essential oils. If you’re visiting for a special
occasion, the staff are eager to get involved. They will
enthusiastically curate a celebration or prepare a surprise to
ensure your experience is unforgettable.

Within a short walk you’ll find

The beauty of Danai is its seclusion and the way it has pretty
much anything you could need all in one place. Within a short walk,
you can enjoy 320m of private beach and explore the resort’s
farmland and herb gardens. Explore local nature trails, most of
which are unofficial – so you almost have to pave your own
path.