Our family-friendly stay at Sani Beach in Greece: tips for parents with toddlers

Nov 21

Nov 21 Our family-friendly stay at Sani Beach in Greece: tips for parents with toddlers

With two little boys in tow, our holiday planning has shifted dramatically from when it was just the two of us. Back then, it was all about adventure and spontaneity - now it’s about finding the perfect balance between keeping the kids happy and maybe, just maybe, sneaking in a moment to relax.

This year, we decided to try Sani Resort in Greece. Before we went, I had a million questions: What’s the best hotel for a family with little ones? Would the weather be warm enough in May? What are the rooms like, especially when travelling with toddlers? If you’re considering a trip there too, here’s everything I wish I’d known.

When to Go: Chasing the Sun

As our boys aren’t in school yet, we took advantage of going outside the school holidays (and the hefty price tags that come with them). We visited Sani at the end of May, and honestly, I wasn’t sure if the weather would be warm enough. It turned out to be a mixed bag - mostly sunny with temperatures around 22°C, but the breeze made it feel cooler at times. The week before us had been rainy, and two weeks later, there was a heatwave.

If you’re chasing guaranteed sunshine, you might want to wait until June. But for us, May was warm enough, and it was such a treat to escape the UK drizzle.

Which hotel: Sani Beach vs. Porto Sani

There are five hotels at Sani Resort, and choosing one felt like a big decision. For us, it came down to Sani Beach or Porto Sani. Porto Sani looked lovely and a bit quieter, but it was significantly more expensive, and I really wanted to be close to the beach.

In the end, we went with Sani Beach, and I’m so glad we did. It was perfect for our morning beach trips and afternoon pool sessions. One day, I wandered over to Porto Sani to check it out - the pools are quieter, but they weren’t so different that I felt we’d missed out. For us, the easy beach access at Sani Beach was unbeatable.

Our room: a tale of two stays

We started in a family room which is basically two interconnected rooms, but they felt a bit tight for the price, especially without a bathtub (a must when you’re wrangling little ones at bath time). I forgot to take pictures, so apologies!

After the first night, we were upgraded to a two-bedroom family suite beach front, which was a total game-changer.

The suite had more space, a proper wooden cot for the baby, and direct access to the pool - such a treat! The upgrade made all the difference for us, especially since the kids still nap. If you’re booking, I’d recommend going for the larger room if you can swing it - it’s worth it for the extra comfort, especially with little ones.

2 bedroom family suite - the boys bedroom. Sacha in the cot, Leo in a single bed.

The Beach: little feet in white sand

This might have been my favourite part of the trip. The beach at Sani Resort is stunning - fine white sand, clear blue water, and a gentle slope into the sea that’s perfect for little paddlers. The water was surprisingly warm, which made it even more enjoyable for the boys to splash around without hesitation.

There’s even a canopy filled with buckets and spades, so you don’t need to pack your own (a win for our overloaded luggage!).

For parents, there’s a complimentary 20-minute “Babe Watch” service, where staff keep an eye on your kids while you steal a quiet moment to enjoy the view. It’s small touches like this that make Sani feel so special for families.

Dining: A foodie’s dream (But watch out for drinks!)

The food at Sani Resort blew us away. With over 20 restaurants to choose from, we were spoiled for choice. We went for the full-board “Dine Around” option, which let us sample everything from the buffet at Poseidon to Marina-side restaurants.

Our mornings started with slow, relaxed breakfasts at Grill by the Pool, and the boys loved the variety at the buffet when they were too tired for a sit-down meal. A tip: book your dinner spots in advance—either via the Sani app or through the concierge on WhatsApp. Popular restaurants fill up quickly, and it’s one less thing to worry about once you’re there.

You can request an evening nanny if you fancy an evening for yourself.

But here’s something worth knowing: drinks aren’t included in the full-board package, and they are not cheap. Even non-alcoholic options were pricey - a bottle of sparkling water was €7.50, and soft drinks like Coke or Sprite were €5 each. A small draught beer was €6, a large was €7.50, and the cheapest bottle of Rosé (and obviously not a Côtes de Provence) started at €39. If you love your coffee, brace yourself: a Cappuccino was €6.50.

As all bars and restaurants across the resort have similar pricing, I would usually have the wine of the day by the glass, which was usually good value and actually decent! But it’s definitely something to factor into your budget if you’re planning a trip here.

Family fun and activities at Sani

The boys had the time of their lives hopping between the pools. Their favourite? The kids’ splash pool, of course. I found it a bit chilly on windy days, but since all the pools are heated, we just moved to one in the sun.

Although we didn't enrol our boys in the kids' club, it appeared well-organised and engaging, with plenty of activities to keep little ones entertained. For families looking to carve out a bit of personal time, it seems like a great option.

For us, though, holidays are all about family time. Since our kids already go to nursery five days a week, we wanted to make the most of this opportunity to be together. We did check out the indoor playroom, which was handy on one or two occasions, but it could use a better selection of toys to really captivate the children.

There’s so much to do at Sani if you’re feeling active. My husband played tennis at the Rafa Nadal Tennis Centre (and obviously loved it), and I joined a functional training session and yoga class by the beach. We also rented a balance bike for our eldest, which added an extra layer of fun to our days.

Look at that smile at the Rafa tennis centre

Tennis courts at Rafa Nadal tennis centre in Sani Beach

Final thoughts: a luxurious, laid-back escape

Sani Resort is everything you’d hope for in a family holiday with young children - luxurious yet laid-back, with something for everyone. We had an incredible time and made memories we’ll treasure.

Normally, we’re the kind of family who loves to explore, and we know Greece has so much to offer beyond the resort. But after a few hectic months at work, we really needed some precious rest, and this type of holiday suited us perfectly. With young children, the reality is that you can’t do as much adventuring as you might as a couple. Sani provided the perfect setting to slow down, recharge, and enjoy quality time as a family.

That said, we would happily be coming back when the boys are a bit older to try out the tennis and football academy and other activities. Of course, that will mean visiting during school holidays (gulp—those prices!), so we might explore other options first.

If you’re considering a trip to Sani and have any questions, feel free to reach out - I’d be more than happy to help!