Ten Top Tips for Staying At the Sani Beach Club Resort, Halkidiki

I've always been a bit snooty about resort holidays, and I never though I would be that kind of traveller who would return to the same place year after year. But that was before I discovered Sani, a luxury resort that sprawls along an idyllic and unspoilt stretch of Greek coastline.

This is not a resort for those seeking banging clubs and cheap pitchers of frothing lager. It is calm, elegant and refined, with those touches of luxury that make you feel pampered, yet with such a warmth and friendliness you feel like part of the family.

I have had the joy of staying there for the fourth time with my son, and can earnestly say that if you are even toying with the idea of staying there, don't hestitate. Book it now!

1.As soon as you arrive, arrange your evening dining. The Olympos restaurant in the Club is excellent, with an astonishing array of both buffet and freshly cooked international delicacies, but don't forget that there are fifteen or so other restaurants in the Dine Around programme, where you can use your meal allowance. It is only a ten minute walk along the beach to the marina where there is a large selection of restaurants with Greek, Asian and fine dining cuisine. However they get booked up very quickly so arrange your choices as soon as you arrive. We particularly love Tomate and Ergon.

2.The Worldwide Kid's Club is a brilliant facility for those parents wishing for a few hours of peace and quiet. Drop the little ducks off and you can have a very satisfying frappe on the Adults Only beach with a good book. Again, this fills up very quickly so email them and reserve your place as soon as you have booked your holiday. Activities include cookery, arts and watersports (which my 8 year old loved).

3.There are free morning and sunset cruises available, sailing from the marina on the resort's own beautiful boat. However the availability is shared between all four of the hotels so ask guest relations to reserve you a place as soon as you arrive.

4. The club spa is free for guests and has excellent facililities. The usual luxury treatments are available at international prices, but the spa itself is free, with two saunas, a cold plunge and the one of the loveliest marble hamam steam baths I have seen. Tootle on down after brekkie with your swimsuit and the lovely girls there will not only provide you with a bathrobe and slippers but also a pot of chamomile tea if you ask nicely.

5.There are daily minibus trips to local attractions, and these are very reasonably priced at around 10 euros a head. We visited the Petrolonas caves, accompanied by a very knowledgeable local geologist, and there was plenty of time for a coffee and a wander round a seaside town on the way back in time for a swim and a siesta.

6.Grab a bottle of water and a map of the walking tours from the guys on the Guest Relations desk and head off to explore. The cliff-top walk from the Club takes you through pine forests and wild flowers and along the most stunning of coastlines; you never go to close to the edge but I wouldn't take kids or people with vertigo. The other walk starts from the bar on Bousolas Beach (jump in the complementary minibus over to the Beach Hotel if you don't want to walk). Suitable for kids, the trail passes through bird-filled forests and ecologically important water meadows, but is never far from the shoreline so you can take a dip if you get too hot. And there are wild tortoises!

7.Pack your best white frock and get ready to party! Wednesday night is the White Nights Beach Party, (also on Bousolas). Kids are welcome and can dance until late to the house DJ (so hopefully you will get a lie-in Thursday).

8.The Garden Arena hosts a number of different musical evenings, some aimed at kids; the Blues Brothers Night was great, with professional singers and dancers. When you order your drink ask your waitress for a blanket if you are feeling the chill and they will happily bring you one.

9.The Blue Dream Taverna is part of the campsite along the beach towards the marina from the Club. Turn right when you reach the beach bar and follow the signs; they cook excellent and very cheap mezze and traditional dishes. The campsite supermarket is also very well stocked and sells reasonably priced snacks and beach toys. And ouzo :)

10.Yes, the daily mineral water in the room is free! The lovely guys at the main gate will also give you a bottle while you are waiting for the minibus; if there isn't any on the table just ask and they will sort you one out. There is also a loo at the main gate if you need one while you are there, but the door isn't marked.

 Lia and her team at Guest Relations made our holiday one to remember. Nothing was too much trouble and we were made to feel so welcome!