Ikos Oceania Hotel

Greece

If it weren’t for the fact that guests at Ikos Oceania are gently encouraged to experience some of the rich culture beyond the Aegean resort’s perimeter, one might never get further than its 350m private white-sand beach. Located a 40-minute drive from Thessaloniki, this luxe slice of paradise makes a staggeringly good first impression. A total of 290 recently-renovated (and family-friendly) rooms across 13 categories offer clean lines and calming shades in natural materials that are sympathetic to the picturesque surrounds. Elsewhere, lush gardens and tended grounds give reason to pause, and possibly consider emigrating and taking up a post as gardener here. The food and drink offering is strong, too, with no fewer than four à la carte restaurants: Ouzo (Greek cuisine), Fresco (Italian), Anaya (Asian) and Provence (French). There’s also a ‘Dine out’ programme, which assists guests in discovering the best of the local food scene at a well-curated clutch of restaurants nearby. Petrolheads will be keen to take up Ikos Oceania’s Mini adventure offer, getting out to explore the area’s breathtaking scenery from behind the wheel of a sporty Mini – included in the price of your stay. Back at base there are indoor and outdoor pools, a spa with seven treatment rooms, Jacuzzi, hammam and fitness studios, and that glorious, fir tree-fringed beach, where nodding off to the sound of lapping waves may be quite enough of an adventure for some.

Doubles from £417