'I tried the incredible Greek spa resort that's less than £100 from Manchester Airport'
As the weather gets colder in the UK, you may be day dreaming of summer days abroad, dipping into a cold pool and enjoying a cocktail by the beach.
Another dreamy image is of an ancient olive grove in the Greek countryside, a picture-perfect idea of a holiday we'd all like to be on. Well, against this backdrop lies a luxurious spa resort overlooking the crystal-clear Aegean sea from Halkidiki's first finger, Kassandra (also known as the peninsula's left foot), also known as Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort.
The hotel only opened its doors last year, but with its standout features, including an incredible spa and bar scene, Ajul is making waves. In a secluded and peaceful setting, it's ideal for anyone looking to completely switch off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life - and what's better is it's easy accessibility from Lancashire.
READ MORE: Half-term holidays in France, Spain or Italy for under £300
Only £70 from Manchester Airport, reaching the hotel does take around an hour and a half from Thessaloniki Airport, but the drive through the Greek countryside is more than worth it.
One reporter from the Manchester Evening News, Ellie Kemp, stayed in a two-bedroom villa and recorded her thoughts on the experience.
I stayed in a two-bedroom villa, which would have more than comfortably fit a family. The rooms themselves are bright and airy, with large, comfortable beds.
Outside, the newly-built accommodation is furnished with stone exterior and a spacious decking area to relax in peace. And there's no fighting for a sunbed here, with a private pool giving me the full VIP experience.
From a lavish spa afternoon to scuba diving, here's everything I got up to during my stay...
Unwind at the luxurious spa
Ajul's spa is its crown jewel: a sanctuary that’s so luxurious you’ll never want to leave. I could have easily spent my whole stay there and was left in a state of deep relaxation after my afternoon visit.
The spa has a large indoor pool, surrounded by sunbeds and comfy sofa chairs completed with beautifully-furnished interiors. But don't worry, if you want to keep soaking up the Greek sunshine, you can: there's an infinity pool out front, featuring in-pool sunchairs to relax in. Talk about luxury!
I went for a back massage, which was an absolute treat and left me feeling completely pampered. The after-treatment room - light, airy and equally as modern as the rest of the spa - left me feeling, once more, like a VIP, with more sunbeds to relax on while sipping a warm tea.
Dine out on Greek and Mediterranean dishes
When it comes to dining and drinking, Ajul doesn’t disappoint. The resort is home to three top-class restaurants, each serving up dishes that showcase the best of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine.
The main restaurant, Infinity, serves up buffet breakfast, lunch and dinners in style. Thimari Greek Restaurant, meanwhile, offers up an immersive experience alongside its a-la-carte menu. Its Saganaki cheese appetiser and Moussaka dishes were simply the best - and best enjoyed after joining the traditional Greek dancers, and other guests, for a jig around the restaurant!
Over at Ambrosia Italian Restaurant, you can find a delectable smoked burrata dish (which features in the TikTok above), as well as your favourite pasta and pizza dishes. You can't go wrong there!
Another highlight of the resort is Ananas Pool Bar. The day-time swim-up spot stays lively into the night, with Chris on the bar eager to share his recommendations. One major thing I learned is that the country's staple spirit, Ouzo, is not best consumed in a cocktail. Instead, you should do as the Greeks do: sip the anise-flavoured alcohol slowly on the rocks alongside your meal.
What do you order for your late-night tipple instead? Well, Chris' very own Caitlin Cocktail is a tropical, rum-based delight. The carefully-crafted drink is signature-worthy and looks as enchanting as it tastes (and also features in the TikTok video above).
Dip your toes in the sand - or deep into the sea
Families will be excited to know that Ajul now features a waterpark, making it an even more attractive destination for those with children. Though it was still under construction during our visit, the waterpark promises to be a thrilling addition to the resort’s offerings.
For those looking to explore beyond the resort, Ajul offers a half-hourly shuttle service to the nearby Agia Paraskevi Village Beach. The beach itself is stunning, with soft sand and clear waters – the perfect spot for yet more relaxation.
Elsewhere, less than an hour's drive away is the quaint town of Afytos, where you can enjoy even more breath-taking views. The charming town is ideal for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of traditional shops offering handmade items including delicate jewellery and signature olive oil soap.
For a lunch time pit stop with a view, The Pirate Cods restaurant is a must-visit. Their fried courgettes and loukoumades - a dessert made of deep fried dough balls, soaked in syrup or honey and coated with cinnamon or chocolate (or in our case, a bit of both!) were particular highlights.
And for those with a taste for adventure, the nearby Triton Scuba Diving Centre is worth a visit. Some in our group even had the chance to encounter an octopus up close - a truly unforgettable experience.
Travel factfile
Ellie was a guest at the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort where a deluxe room with sea view on an all inclusive basis starts from £373 a night during peak season, and £231 a night during shoulder months in September and October.
A one way flight from Manchester to Thessaloniki Airport starts at £70 and takes approximately three hours and 25 minutes. The airport transfer takes around an hour and a half by car, available from around £127 for two people.
Check out Ajul's current offers for couples and families here.