HEAVEN IS...Halkidiki

Just a short three-hour flight from London and you arrive to the famous, turquoise waters of Halkidiki. Who needs a long-haul flight when this beauty is so close to home?

A private taxi, all arranged through the attentive staff at Ajul Resort, collected me from the airport. As we turned off to the entrance of the resort I was blown away. We were transported to a world of our own, through pine forests, off the beaten track down to the extremely modern and stylish resort entrance. A grand chandelier takes centre stage as well as plenty of armchairs and cocooning egg chairs to welcome you.

REST & RELAX
For honeymooners, the location was perfect. I'd personally recommend the private villas with their own private pool. Feel free to enjoy views of the Aegean Sea away from prying eyes. Just you and your other half. Utter bliss. The elegant rooms offer bathrobes and slippers and all the amenities to feel fully spoilt and looked after.

COCKTAILS POOLSIDE
If you're after time away from your private pool, you're spoilt for choice as Ajul is home to five outdoor pools. The swim-up Ananas Pool Bar is certain to keep you refreshed, whether your tipple is the holiday-classic Pina Colada or a timeless Mojito. The hotel's private beach is just a short walk – or buggy ride away! Here, you have the opportunity to enjoy snorkelling, water sports or even scuba diving, like I did!

The friendly staff were so accommodating and arranged a local company to spend an afternoon with me exploring the waters. I was suited and booted and astonished to view a magical, colourful world beneath the surface. My knowledgeable instructor had even witnessed octopuses and dolphins over the years!

TREAT YOURSELF
Following all the stresses and build-up to a wedding, being able to reflect and fully relax with a treatment or two is a must. The Spa at Ajul ticks every box. Feel your tensions melt away in the caring hands of your therapist. Ajul is based in the region of Agia Paraskevi, an area renowned for its healing water and unique composition of chemicals having healing properties. You can experience these benefits through many of the facials and massages on offer. Well, why not!

Honeymooners, Ajul ticks all the boxes! Great food, quality cocktails, beautiful local wines. The option to have a private pool is really the cherry on the cake. What more could you want!

BE OUR GUEST
You won't go hungry at Ajul! The Resort has three beautiful restaurants. The main buffet style restaurant, Infinity, offers breakfast, lunch and dinner- and has stunning sea views. As you wake up with your morning coffee you're tempted by fresh fruits, pastries and a selection of eggs and hot food. The perfect way to start the day. At dinner time, the quality is exceptional. I thoroughly enjoyed seafood spaghetti prepared in front of me, so fresh and tasty. There really is something for every palate.

As well as the main restaurant, there's my personal favourite, Thimari. Offering a Greek, a-la-carte menu, you're presented by a choice of delicious dishes complemented by a carefully selected ouzo or local wine. Greek salad, tzatziki, grilled chicken, olives finished with a crisp glass of white is all I need on holiday – perfection.

Then there's the Italian offering, Ambrosia, for those days a pizza or a beautiful risotto hits the spot!

BOOK IT!
· Deluxe Double Room with Sharing Pool from £333/night on allinclusive basis
· Deluxe Bungalow with Sea View from £364/night on all-inclusive basis
· Executive Suites from £636/night on all-inclusive basis
· Villas from £860/night on all-inclusive basis

For further information, do check out the website which is currently offering a 20% discount for all summer booking deals made through the website: www.ajulresort.com