Ajul Hotel & Spa Resort review: Experience Greece’s hidden gem, you’ll never want to leave
Hidden away in the forests of Halkidiki, the Ajul is a sight to behold surrounded by heaps of natural beauty
Highlights
- Five-star service
- Breathtaking views
- Private beach
- Friendly and approachable staff
- Incredible spa facilities and treatments
- Three fantastic restaurants and bars
- Fun sports activities on offer
- Private pools in most suites
Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort review
Overlooking the Aegean Sea from a hilltop location on the beach of Agia Paraskevi village, the Ajul is a five-star luxury resort in Greece.
Hidden away in the forests of Halkidiki, the Ajul is a sight to behold surrounded by heaps of natural beauty. The hotel offers all-inclusive luxury with the personal touch of warm Greek hospitality that will put you at ease immediately.
Having first opened its doors in 2023, this brand-new luxury resort boasts sophisticated architecture, elegant pools and gardens, and spectacular Aegean views. Across its 166 suites, the hotel is thoroughly designed for leisure-seeking travellers who are also looking for the perfect place to relax and unwind with an all-inclusive offering.
Expectations for the holiday were high after viewing pictures of the hotel online - but they don't do it justice as it's even more beautiful in real life.
To arrive at the Ajul, holidaymakers will land at Thessaloniki airport and can request to be picked up by a private hotel transfer that will take them to the resort in just over one hour and 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, expect a warm greeting and outstanding service from the very friendly staff who will guide you to your room, most likely in a hotel buggy, give you a detailed tour of the room features, provide helpful information and happily solve any queries you might have.
The Rooms
Rating: 5/5
The Ajul Lujo has an impressive range of 16 different room types, including its exclusive suites, bungalows and villas. For our stay, we were given the Presidential Villa, a luxurious 122m2 space that consists of two bedrooms - one with two single beds and another with a double bed.
Upon entering the main bedroom, it’s hard to avoid heading straight out to the pool area which has loungers, an umbrella and an outdoor dining spot. Once you step foot in the pool, you’ll never want to leave.
Guests can stroll straight out the sliding doors from the villa’s bedroom or living area to step into their pool to take in the beautiful sea views.
Once you step foot into the pool, you’ll never want to leave
Inside, the main bedroom is spacious with a double bed and en-suite bathroom. This bathroom boasts a spa-like-themed aesthetic with its white and grey colour scheme. It includes a huge mirror nearly covering the entire width of one of the walls and best of all, a large whirlpool bathtub.
The second bedroom houses two single beds, with a second bathroom just next door. This bathroom is slightly smaller and includes a large shower instead of a bathtub.
The villa has extensive closet space which means there’s no need for any suitcase clutter in the living area.
When opening the door to the villa, guests are greeted by a large living/dining space that is fitted with a double and single sofa bed, a dining area and a kitchen - all giving elegant, yet minimal decor.
Travellers will have a free 24-hour buggy/car service to move around the resort, go to the beach, or visit one of the restaurants.
The Spa
How does hotel compare to other luxury hotels?
Rating: 5/5
When most suites and villas have their own private pools, it can be hard to think of a reason to leave. However, the hotel spa is worth stepping out of the water for.
Located a short walk away from the Presidential Villa, the Ajul spa uses therapeutic techniques from the region of Agia Paraskevi to give their guests the best treatments and massages.
Each guest is welcomed with a towel, infused water, and a form to fill out so they can receive the right treatment catered to them. We opted for a moderate half-body massage, which came with just the right amount of intensity that will leave you feeling relaxed whilst relieving muscle tension.
A sense of disappointment comes over you at the end of the massage, but this is soon taken away by the incredible views of the sea guests will have when they are guided to a room for relaxation after their treatments.
For those just looking for a spa experience without any treatments, they can take a dive into the heated pool or use the sauna and jacuzzi to give them a rejuvenating experience.
Dining and Drinking
Rating: 5/5
Guests will find that the Ajul isn’t like the typical resort-style hotel that offers bland international cuisines, instead, you can enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner at Infinity, which like every facility at the hotel, has incredible sea views. The Mediterranean-style buffet offers a delicious choice of dishes complemented by a wine list - what’s more, there’s no need to reserve a table.
With a choice of three restaurants, including Infinity, guests have on offer to dine at, Thimari Greek restaurant was a firm favourite. A picturesque walk through the centre of the resort brings you to this authentic restaurant. This is the perfect destination for lunch or dinner with the menu a-la-carte presenting a wide range of delicious and authentic Greek dishes. Two particular dishes stood out - the spicy baked feta and the chicken souvlaki.
Holidaymakers can’t leave without dining at the Ambrosia, an Italian restaurant that offers authentic Italian flavours using the freshest of ingredients. The porcini mushroom risotto and truffle salad are not to be missed. What makes it more special is the stunning views over the Aegean Sea. All the restaurants have a full drinks menu, featuring a wide range of wines and bubbles, as well as exquisite cocktails.
Aside from great restaurants, the resort also houses three bars, Senses Main Bar, Enoki Beach Bar and best of all Ananas Pool Bar. The Ananas pool bar is a must-visit after dinner or for those who fancy a drink in the afternoon. With a laid-back atmosphere, this is where guests will probably have the most amazing cocktails of their holiday - and they can enjoy a relaxing swim at the same time.
Amenities
- Private pools in most rooms
- Family-friendly rooms
- Five outdoor pools
- Beach access
- Spa and fitness centre
- Two tennis courts, one basketball court and a beach volleyball court
- Room service
- Three restaurants and bars - all with gorgeous views
- Wi-Fi
- Airport transfer
- Souvenir Shop
- Kids activities
- Satelite TV
- Yoga deck
Standort
Rating: 4/5
The hotel is situated on the hill of a pebble beach in the midst of a pine tree forest with views over the Agia Paraskevi region.
Ideally placed for great sunrises and sunsets, the hotel is adored for its private beach access.
The resort is its own private oasis and it’s suited to guests who want to unwind in peace, but wouldn’t necessarily work for those who want to explore the island on foot due to its hidden location. Guests primarily use the hotel’s buggy service to travel between its restaurants, bars and pools.
Although the Ajul sits in a picturesque and secluded location, the journey to and from the hotel is around one hour and a half away from Thessaloniki airport, which can be a negative for some. However, guests can book a private transfer with the hotel or grab a taxi to get to and from the resort.
Value for Money
Rating: 5/5
Rates vary depending on supply but rooms start from around £220 per night including breakfast. Find rooms and book directly on Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort website.
You also have the option to compare rates and prices for a stay at Ajul Hotel and Spa Resort on Booking.com or Hotels.com.
Final Verdict
Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort is a must-visit place to go for those looking for the perfect balance of a quiet and relaxing holiday, but also need to immerse themselves in unique outdoor experiences.
From soaking up the sun from your private pool to expert-guided hiking or a spot of tennis, there is something for everyone. The resort even boasts its own Adventure Park that includes a climbing wall and archery.
While the resort can seem a little overwhelming at times, the friendly staff are always on hand to assist you with directions or offer to take you where you need to go in a buggy.
For those looking for the perfect holiday destination to escape to, why not book yourself in at the Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort.
From waking up for a morning dip in your own pool to watching the sun go down with a cocktail in hand, every moment feels special at this hotel.