Avaton Luxury Hotel & Villas, Halkidiki, Greece

Avaton Luxury Hotel & Villas a proud member of Relais & Châteaux, is tucked away at a lush, peaceful beachfront location in the town of Nea Roda, east of the least developed of Halkidiki peninsula’s three trident-like prongs. The bar for five-star hotels has quietly been raised in this little-known corner of northern Greece.

Location

The seaside resort is perched atop a hill surrounded by manicured lawns and towering plane trees with a sandy beach washed by the gin-clear waters of Ierissos Bay. The town of Ouranoupoli, from which pilgrims depart by boat to spend a few days in the all-male monastic state of Mount Athos, is a 20-minute drive away. The isle of Ammouliani can be reached by ferry from Tripiti port. Ancient Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle, and Aristotle Park are a 45-minute drive.

Accommodation

Guests can choose from the two-level Panorama Villa, the ground-level Prestige Villa, the three-level Luxury Villa and the Presidential Villa. All accommodation features two bedrooms and a stark white open-plan kitchen; every space apart from the Panorama has a shallow private wading pool. Sunlight and fresh air flows into the sprawling all-white lounge area and it’s easy to spend a day unwinding on the large sofa. The comfy double sunbed feels as if it's floating above the pool. Bedrooms are mostly loft-style with atmospheric lighting, firm mattresses and a walk-in wardrobe.

Dining

Breakfast is served in your villa, either inside or on the spacious outdoor patio. A hearty Greek spread includes crisp spinach and cheese pies and yogurt with sage honey, and you can request a dipping bowl of extra virgin olive oil from the resort’s estate.

Chef Panos Papadopoulos sources farm produce, fish and cheese locally and his remarkable lunch and dinner menu will have you ordering room service on repeat. Among standout dishes are tuna carpaccio with black truffle oil and a buttery beef fillet. Treat yourself to the Chef’s Menu at the sea-facing restaurant

Facilities

Staff discreetly deliver warm northern Greek hospitality. Guests can relax in a stylish sun lounger area on the beach. The hands-on hotelier and the hotel manager ensure visitors are fully versed in what to see and do.

Avaton can arrange a private day cruise to view the monasteries from the deck of a catamaran, complete with mussels from nearby Olympiada and other savoury delights.