If you are looking to have the Aegean Sea within arms reach and splurge on fresh seafood, then the Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel & Spa is the perfect spot for you. This 5-star hotel is located in a wonderful bay along the tranquil Elia Coast of Sithonia in Halkidiki, right on a sandy beach, awarded with the “Blue Flag” for its crystal clear waters.
With several restaurants & bars, a sensational Wellness Center, 3 pools, luxurious suites and a deliciously relaxed atmosphere, it was a much needed retreat after the one and a half hour’s drive from Thessaloniki Airport. We arrived by private taxi transfer in a huge & extremely comfortable Mercedes V-Class and were greeted with a chilled welcome drink.
ROOMS & SUITES
Formalities over, we were given a personal tour of the hotel grounds and arrived at our beachfront Suite, which, as if by magic, felt like home away from home. The Wellness Suite is filled with personal touches and thoughtfully appointed treats, geared specifically to the needs of upscale travelers. It boasts a living room with a sofa bed, a separate bedroom, a generous bathroom, a terrace with sun loungers and a private heated pool.
To put it short, the romantic vibe of the Wellness Suite is perfect for honeymooners and couples. But families with kids will love it too! That means mommy and daddy can enjoy alone time, including an evening on their own private terrace after children are tucked in bed. And the best part for families is the direct access to the beach.
WINING & DINING
We had breakfast and dinner at the Elia restaurant and the food was not only delicious but also very tempting. An abundance of fresh fruits, cheeses, meats and pastries are on offer, as well as dishes cooked to order by the chefs.
But one of the things I looked forward to the most – after a lazy morning day on the beach – was LUNCH at the Gyalos Taverna (my favorite restaurant).
I was surprised to see the full range of fresh seafood: red mullet, scorpionfish, needlefish, sea bass, mackerel, lobsters, swordfish, mussels, crabs … it’s a feast for seafood lovers!
The setting, the food and the service are second to none! I was very pleased to learn that the Maitre – Argiris – has marvellous techniques of removing the bones from any grilled fish. So if you go, ask for the precious Argiris, a Maitre well skilled in culinary arts. He will make your day!
Last but not least, the Dine Around program allowed us to have dinner also at the Horizon Piano Bar Restaurant, which serves haute cuisine in a romantic setting. With its deep-rooted Greek heritage, this sophisticated restaurant delivers ambitious and decadent dishes. Gourmands will LOVE it!
One of the best aspects of the Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel & Spa is the sleek & cosy Ammos Bar. It’s a great place to chill in the evening and enjoy impressive cocktails, magnific sunsets and great music.
Watching the sunset while sipping on a Aperol will have you thinking you’re living in a dream.
WELLNESS & SPA
Our excitement levels grew as we explored the Anthemus Oriental Spa, a world of absolute harmony, were time freezes and a new journey begins inside the sanctuary of essence. It offers a multitude of spa programs and exotic rituals, like Oriental Spicy, Jasmine Retreat, Balinese Borch, Green Tea Revival or Royal Thai.
How to enjoy the spa when traveling with kids? Fortunately, this hotel offers access to activities that will keep your kids entertained for hours: Zumba dance, Kids Yoga classes, Mini Disco, Karaoke, games & competitions. The animation team is here 7 days a week to keep kids entertained with their activities and boundless energy! So your kids will be having so much fun that they’ll hardly notice your absence.
TO DOS WHILE YOU’RE HERE
Rent a car from the AVIS office located right in the main building and head to Kalogria Beach and its surroundings. The great thing about Elia Coast is that you’ll find spectacular beaches and lots of green bays.
Thank you to the wonderful and caring staff of Anthemus Sea Beach Hotel & Spa, especially Maria Kranioti and Sakis Gililoudis! I’ll be back!
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