Tell

Tell
people you’re going to Greece and you’ll probably be asked,
which
island? Halkidiki, about an hour and a half from Thessaloniki
airport in the north of the mainland, is a fairly well-kept secret,
although Eagles Palace has been a mainstay of the high-end Greek
holiday scene for generations. Positioned just outside the village
of Ouranopolis, overlooking the Aegean Sea with its clear,
bath-like waters and perfect pastel sunsets, you’ll see why.

About two years ago, Eagles Palace gained access to
some land above the hotel, a slope of
Mediterranean heath with a higher aspect of that same sea view.
They built Eagles Villas, 40 detached suites
with private pools and beautifully landscaped gardens, ideal for
those who want resort services and the sublime setting, but a more
secluded experience than the hotel can offer. On arrival, you’ll be
hit by the lavender and brine-scented breeze: welcome to a world
where your only imminent decision is when to go for your next
dip.

Rooms

Unsurprisingly, they’re villas – but in reality that means
spacious, standalone hotel rooms (there’s not a whiff of
self-catering here). Each villa has its own private pool and deck
with a staggering view of the ocean. If swimming in the sea and
plunging into the pool in the day time aren’t enough water for you,
there’s a big-enough-for-two bath tub to soak in as you watch the
sun go down.

What’s for breakfast?

The main restaurant at Eagles Villas is Lomos, which is a buffet
at breakfast time. Offerings range from Greek favourites – like
thick white yoghurt that you can load with local honey, walnuts and
dried fruit – to continental pastries, cold meats and cheese, as
well as cooked numbers made to order. Not to mention stacks of
fruit sweetened to perfect ripeness by the hot sun.

How about lunch and dinner?

Eagles Palace and Villas combined have six restaurants in total,
of which you can do the rounds during your stay. The standouts are
Armyra, the hotel’s modern take on a Greek taverna, with squid-ink
taramasalata, fresh fish and grill-blackened aubergines loaded with
feta and tomatoes (sit in the shade at lunch time and on the jetty
for dinner, where you’ll feel at one with the sunset). For meat and
vegetables cooked in a Josper oven and excellent wine – some of
which are made at the nearby monastery at Mount Athos – try Vinum,
while upstairs, the hotel’s fine-dining restaurant, Camares, is
where local produce meets French and Italian techniques: think the
likes of ravioli filled with local graviera cheese.

Is there a bar?

Several, all with an exhaustive array of spirits for the
cocktail anorak to get excited by. If you’re a discerning coffee
drinker, it’s worth knowing that the best stuff in the resort (illy
made by a barista) is at the poolside bar at Eagles Palace –
otherwise you’re looking at Nespresso.

Amenities

Eagles is all about the sea. They have a private beach (with a
quiet section) at the far end of which you’ll find their
watersports centre, offering waterskiing, paddle-boarding, kayaks,
doughnuts and bananas.

On land, there’s a gym and, down at Eagle’s Palace, an Elemis
Spa for everything from massages to manicures. There are also three
boutiques championing pieces by Greek designers.

Things you should know

Unless you like water-skiing, this is not really a holiday for
thrill-seekers. The resort is pretty self-contained and the
emphasis is really on enjoying sweeping views, golden sand and
glittering sea. There’s not a huge amount to explore in the
surrounding area, with two exceptions. First, the nearby town of
Ouranopolis where you can find your essential take-home gear –
olive oil, halva, nuts – and a good, traditional taverna meal if
you’re looking for more “rustic” Greek fare (the hotel runs shuttle
services). Second, there’s the monastery at Mount Athos – but no
women are allowed … Ahem.

Also, in high summer, the resort is very family-oriented, so
it’s perhaps not the ideal getaway for a couple wanting a quiet
break.

Within a short walk you can find…

Make that a boat ride! You can charter a boat to Amouliani, the
island facing Eagles, as well as a host of smaller ones (with
poetic names like Frying Pan and Mouse) – and between them sip on
sparkling wine and jump into the shimmering water.