It has crystal sea views, a gorgeous pebbled beach surrounded by sprawling pine forests, luxuriously welcoming rooms, heavenly spa facilities and so much more. The Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa is a taste of pure relaxation with an authentic Greek feel mixed with a real touch of opulence.
Nestled in a secluded-feeling corner of Agia Paraskevi village, Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort is encased in strikingly fresh greenery and sits atop a steep hill that allows for breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Prepare for your eyes to experience water so blue that a camera certainly doesn’t do it justice. Ajul prides itself on existing in “in total harmony with the natural environment” - and that’s noticeable from the off.
While a private transfer of around 90 minutes is needed from Thessaloniki airport in order to arrive at the gates of the resort, time spent in the air and in the car feels immediately worth it during the drive up the winding track surrounded by thick pine woods and rich greenery with the fresh herbal scents that go with it. The tiresome travelling is forgotten again when stepping into the expansive and dreamily lit lobby, where the huge splashing water fountain will be the first thing that steals your attention.
The rooms at Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa
With an incredible array of room types, Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort has so much to offer for those who want more than just your usual bedroom and bathroom within a hotel building. With an impressive 16 different accommodation types to choose from, all boasting beautifully crisp and modern decor (with none of that cold, clinical feel some hotels have a hint of), everyone from couples and families of four to groups of up to six can stay in serious style.
A Deluxe Double Room with the option of a sharing pool is perfect for duos and a Deluxe Family Room is the dream for four. Meanwhile, Bungalows offering a range of views and suite types provide the option of a little more space and a little more luxury.
Experiencing the Prestige Bungalow Suite with Private Pool was something to gasp at from the off. Quietly kept away from the bustle of the main hotel building amongst lush green grace (and just a short walk away from the ultra-chilled out pool bar), the bungalow boasted 36m2 of just the right blend of elegance and comfort. Combine the spotless marble floor, rich blue details and minimalistic feel with fluffy bath robes, a super deep bath tub for two and a bed that would be impossible to argue over space in, and it’s the perfect mix. The private pool is the real star of the show, though.
Pull back the thick black-out curtains to reveal sliding glass doors that open onto your own little outdoor terrace complete with a private pool and mega plush, pillowy sun loungers. With views of the adjoining larger pool (perfect for hopping over into when you want a real swim about), cabana beds, palm trees standing tall and the glistening seas on the horizon, it’s a morning sight you won’t forget greeting you for a long time. And a real dream of a watching spot for those who think a peaceful sunset is one of life’s most special pleasures.
If you’re after even more space, Ajul also has sprawling deluxe Villas offering maximum luxury and comfort that can sleep up to six, complete with kitchen facilities and living areas plus open dining spaces for the ultimate home-away-from-home experience along with vast outdoor terraces and private pools.
The pools and beach at Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa
While there are private pools aplenty throughout Ajul's accommodation, the five outdoor pools across the expansive resort are not to be ignored. The serene spa’s beautifully warm indoor pool is heavenly, too.
If the beach is more your thing, the Ajul Luxury Resort and Spa’s pebbled private cove with crystalline waters is an easy place to let hours go by without a care. That is, other than having to carefully navigate a barefoot trip from sun lounger to sea across stones that can prove a little treacherous if you’re used to sandier bays. A pair of sea shoes definitely wouldn’t go amiss if hopping in and out of the water all day is what you love. It’s rather easy to settle down with a selection of Greek bread, pastries and a can of beer from the quaint shack meters away and enjoy the rocky green landscape from under a straw parasol, though.
Then again, if a private beach situated slap bang in the vicinity of your hotel is at the top of your resort checklist, Ajul might not be for you. Whether it’s for convenience or for ease of mobility, a resort right on the shore has undeniable perks and Ajul’s stunning pebbled offering does require a down-hill walk of around 15 minutes.
For those with a little less stamina or desire to take on hills, a trip to the beach might not seem so appealing if you aren’t taking advantage of the speedy buggy or shuttle beach drop off and pick up service.
Speaking of golf buggies, it seems there is never one too far away (being driven by one of Ajul’s endlessly helpful and friendly staff members) at any place in the undeniably steep hilltop resort. For those staying in the peaceful Villa and Bungalow areas, buggies always seem to be close by to whizz you up to the top level of the resort where the majority of the bars, restaurants and facilities can be found.
Bars and Restaurants at Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa
Having dubbed its “ultra all-inclusive” service “one-of-a-kind”, Ajul certainly delivers when it comes to food and drink. There’s three restaurants and three bars to choose from here, each offering something special. The main Infinity restaurant is where you can enjoy buffet-style dining for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The food here is noticeably more tasty and fresh than your average resort buffet food.
Then there’s the Ambrosia Italian restaurant, offering an à la carte, al fresco dinner time experience under the Greek night sky, overlooking the sparkling lit-up pools below. The dream for any Italian cuisine lover, you can indulge in incredible pasta dishes, truffle and saffron-infused risottos and expertly-cooked meats. Even the salad here is standout.
And of course, a trip to Greece would never be complete without an epic Greek banquet and heading to the à la carte Thimari restaurant for lunch or dinner is where you'll find just that. Another one for a super memorable outdoor dining experience whether that’s under the stars or in the sunshine, here expect to be wowed by everything from hot and creamy baked feta, fragrant salads packed with juicy tomatoes and cucumbers, along with succulent olives, perfectly seasoned warm bread and heaps of hummus and tzatziki. Pop the cork on a bottle of ice-cold vino and tuck in.
After a day of sunbathing and good food, a few cocktails are essential. The Ananas pool bar is a great spot for a mojito and an evening of chilled tunes, especially if you’re into laid-back live music. This bar is also where you can enjoy a dip and a sip in the day time, with the all-inclusive cocktail menu available in plastic cups instead of glasses to take into the pool.
If a holiday with buzzier nightlife to explore within walking distance from the hotel is what you’re after, it’s worth noting that that won’t be on the cards here. There’s a real focus on serenity, chilled energy and unwinding at this incredibly secluded resort.
The Spa at Ajul Hotel and Spa Resort
Relaxation is certainly off the charts when you head to the spa at Ajul. With an ethereal feel and instantly soothing atmosphere, here you can chill out in style thanks to the heated pool, hot tub, sauna with the ocean in sight and option to book in for a full-body massage and plenty more treatments. An afternoon spent at Ajul's spa is a must if you want to zone out entirely.
Our Verdict on Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort
Overall, it's hard to find real fault with what is ultimately an incredible and luxuriously serene resort, surrounded by the beauty that Greek's landscape and shores have to offer. Especially if a moments-from-the-airport transfer time or a 20-second walk to the beach aren't on your list of essential resort traits.
Of course, a trip to Ajul will no doubt be a huge 'treat yourself' getaway, but there's no way it'll be regretted if a soothing atmosphere, natural beauty, friendly staff, impeccable food, serious comfort and plenty of opulence is what you're seeking in a special holiday. If the expansive pools, breathtaking beach, heavenly spa facilities and cocktails on tap aren't enough to help you unwind, the likes of sea view yoga sessions, tennis courts and the chance to ace some archery are sure to fill your days with that carefree feel.
If getting a good dose of Greek sunshine at a standout all-inclusive resort (where unwinding and taking it slow is an unspoken mantra) is how you're dreaming of spending a summer escape this year, you can rest assured that a booking at Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort will live up to what you're hoping for.
