Update on Sani Asterias & Ikos Olivia
by Melanie Haass, Director of Business Development LuxuryWise
Yassas! Greece has a way of calling me back – especially in the mellow magic of pre-season. This time, it’s Halkidiki that steals the show: spring air scented with pine and citrus, hills bursting with green, and the Aegean shimmering just right. But that’s not all. Sani Asterias and Ikos Olivia have emerged from their winter slumber with a fresh glow and plenty of updates worth buzzing about. So, what’s new on the coast? Time for a little on-the-ground scoop – LuxuryWise style.
Beachfront Residences
1-Bedroom Grand Balcony
Biiiiiig Bathroom
3-Bedroom Residence with Pool
Sani Asterias
After a two-year makeover, this shiny little star in the Sani universe is back – with a fresh new look and just 59 suites. Tucked into the expansive grounds of the Sani Resort, Sani Asterias is an elegant, intimate escape. Smack in the middle of it all, yet blissfully exclusive. Central, but private. Glam, but grounded. And set right on what I’d say is the most stunning beach in all of Halkidiki, with silky-soft sand and that unbelievably turquoise water.
They don’t just call them suites – they’re Residences. No matter the size or category, every single one is part of the exclusive Sani Suite Collection. That means perks galore: personal concierge, priority restaurant bookings, in-suite check-in and check-out, and even complimentary late check-out. Yes, please! With the full redesign, they’ve all been taken to the next level. Think tons of space (from the One-Bedroom up), clever layouts, gorgeous materials, and little details you’ll want to steal for your own home. Even the One-Bedroom Residence brings the wow: a large terrace with a cozy lounge set and dining nook, finally enough storage (even for that XXL monster suitcase!), and a walk-in wardrobe with two full sides – perfect for His & Hers. Or in my case: my clean side vs. his chaos corner. Love it! Bonus points for chic extras like a wine fridge and a fully stocked maxi-bar. And then there’s the bathroom – in a league of its own. You can enter from two sides: either straight from the spacious living area or through the walk-in closet off the bedroom. And as if the luxurious layout with double vanities and a freestanding tub wasn’t enough, there’s the shower – a two-in-one sensation: tropical rain meets luxe waterfall. Total spa vibes.
New to the Asterias portfolio: the One-Bedroom Residences with marina views and the generously sized Three-Bedroom Grand Residences with private pool – offering either peaceful garden surrounds or front-row seats to the buzz of Sani Marina. Perfect for multigenerational travelers or anyone who simply loves having a little (or a lot) more room to breathe.
Fine dining with serious star power: the Over Water Restaurant, right at Asterias, brings Michelin magic to the plate – courtesy of none other than three-star chef Mauro Colagreco. But hey, no pressure to go haute every night. Guests can keep it casually elegant at the Water Restaurant by the pool, or dive fork-first into the resort village’s epicurean playground – with 40+ restaurants and bars to explore. Book your clients with a superb (and seriously tasty) breakfast or half board, which includes the Dine-Around concept or flexible credits to use across the resort’s à-la-carte hotspots. Greek twists, Mediterranean flair, Japanese precision, Peruvian punch – it’s all served with style, substance, and a whole lot of flavor.
New to the Sani universe and the sweetest little add-on for summer 2025: the Little Guest Supper Club – offering supervised dining, fun entertainment, and activities for kids aged four to eleven, while parents enjoy a relaxed, grown-up dinner. Sounds like a win-win to me! Oh, and by the way: the reception area is also getting a glow-up, its redesign is scheduled for winter 2025.
Sani Resort – Overview
Sani Asterias is part of the sprawling Sani Resort, a 1,000-hectare paradise that also includes five other five-star hotels, a marina with space for up to 200 yachts, and a lineup of luxury boutiques. Guests can also take advantage of standout partnerships like the Rafa Nadal Tennis Center and the Chelsea FC Football Academy. And while Asterias guests enjoy full access to the entire resort, they also get something extra: privacy. The area behind the signature wrought-iron gate – including the Asterias pool, private beach, and more – is reserved exclusively for them. No access for guests from the other hotels – it’s a world of its own.
Pool meets Marina
Restaurant Over Water
Restaurant Lima (Porto Sani)
From luxe labels to late-night gelato: Sani Marina Promenade
Halkidiki barefoot luxury
Sani Asterias – Seaside serenity meets marina flair
Sani Asterias: One-Bedroom Residence with front-row seats to the marina
Deluxe Beach Area
Double Room in the main building
Panorama-Suite main building
Private Pool
Ikos Olivia
A few years back, I stopped by Ikos Olivia on a wildly fun (and wildly delicious) site inspection. Let’s just say the rooms gave off strong retro vibes. But now the resort’s had a serious birthday makeover – and the beauty doc didn’t hold back. Ten years old or young, Ikos Olivia is strutting its stuff like a fresh opening.
A beauty makeover in two phases: The first act took place in 2024, with the grand finale set for spring 2025. Now the resort is hitting the runway with a brand-new entrance, five freshly restyled restaurants, a brand-new culinary addition, and rooms and suites straight from the latest collection.
The rooms and suites – from entry-level doubles in the main building (28 sqm / 301 sq. ft. with French balcony) to spacious bungalows with balconies, private gardens or even private pools – have been restyled in a soft, natural Boho palette, pairing cosy textures with laid-back elegance. The haute couture piece in the Ikos Olivia collection is the all-new Deluxe Bungalow: 90 square metres (969 sq. ft.), two equally fabulous bedrooms, and a beachfront location that’s pure front-row chic.
The grounds are lush and dreamy – lavender scents the air, and hundreds of olive trees shape the landscape. Pool menu: the buzzing family-fun main pool versus the adults-only zen zone by the main building. Insider tip: for your clients, go with a category in the Deluxe Collection – their exclusive pool is the fairest of them all in Olivia-land.
When it comes to food, Ikos Olivia stays miles away from an average buffet boredom: it’s all-inclusive meets fine dining, with a mix of regional cuisines and signature dishes by award-winning chefs. Naturally, I had to try the brand-new The Garden – and what can I say: Wine & Dine in Style sums it up just right. I had a blast with the skilled Whispering God, a.k.a. the sommelier and the deliciously international à-la-carte menu.
At Ikos Olivia, Families are in for a treat. There’s a gently sloping beach, a Heroes Kids Club (ages 4 to 12), and cool hangouts for teens at the Just4Teens Club. Bonus points for the smart kids’ menus (not just nuggets in sight!) – and the chilled-out vibe as little ones join in on the dancefloor at my personal hotspot: the revamped Potami Beach Bar.
Service here shines with countless thoughtful touches: loungers on the beach aren’t just dressed with towels – they’re brushed clean of sand beforehand. From time to time, the charming Beach Buddy stops by to polish my sunglasses – naturally accompanied by regular drink service. Via the app, I can browse every menu in advance for my short one-and-a-half-day stay (just like at Sani Resort, by the way), and the WhatsApp concierge delivered almond milk or ice cream to the room in record time. With every order, I was carefully asked about any intolerances. And at my very first breakfast, I was gently guided to the child-free zone – which, for a grumpy morning person like me, turned out to be a brilliant idea. For everyone involved.
As part of the Local Discovery program, a one-day Tesla rental is included – perfect for a little road trip to the charming village of Afytos on Kassandra, the "first finger" of the Halkidiki peninsula, or for heading out to dinner beyond the resort gates. The latter? No chance – with so many culinary temptations on site and so little time, there’s just no way I’m leaving.
Beach-Bar Potami
Restaurant Provence
Restaurant Ouzo
Restaurant The Garden
Day trip highlight: Afytos
Ikos Olivia Deluxe Pool
Ikos Olivia Deluxe One-Bedroom Bungalow Suite
In the Pipeline
The luxury brand of the Sani/Ikos Group continues its expansion course:
2026 will see the opening of Ikos Kissamos on Crete. 2028 brings Ikos Marbella and Ikos Cortesia to Portugal’s Algarve. And in 2029, Ikos will unveil its very first Ikos Grand Resort – right next door to the legendary Sani Resort on the Halkidiki peninsula.