WHEN summer arrives in Greece, many holiday-goers flock to the iconic islands or gravitate towards bustling cities in search of culture, cuisine, and coastal charm. However, beyond the familiar favourites lies a lesser-known gem where the sunshine sparkles, the sea glistens, and the lo-fi beats of the summer echo through lush, verdant greenery. Although slightly off the well-trodden path, Halkidiki is a vibrant region located in northern Greece, southeast of Thessaloniki.
Hidden within the winding roads and small villages of Halkidiki lies an oasis of relaxation and play – Domes Noruz Kassandra. This charming adults-only five-star hotel boasts an impressive 182 rooms, two signature restaurants, a cocktail bar, a spa, two swimming pools, and much more.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
Domes Noruz Kassandra
Designed to intertwine sophistication with modernity, Grecian elegance is everywhere. Rooms are spacious and light and stocked with all the must-have amenities. Think: crisp linen sheets, a furnished balcony, a flat-screen TV, and a fully stocked mini bar.
For those seeking extra comfort and easier access to the beach and main pool, the cabana room option is an excellent choice. Found just a stone’s throw away from the infinity pool, these rooms are cosy and intimate, yet effortlessly chic.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
The food options at Domes Noruz Kassandra are also incredibly diverse. The hotel has two signature restaurants – Gustatio Restaurant and Antonio’s Restaurant. The first of the two is where guests can enjoy a buffet breakfast and dinner. Shining a light on Mediterranean culinary classics, the dishes utilise fresh, locally sourced ingredients, ensuring the flavour of the cuisine shines through.
Meanwhile, Antonino’s is as picturesque as it gets. Situated on the beachfront, this restaurant offers unrivalled views of the crystal-clear waters and the white sandy beach. Italian cuisine takes centre stage here, with the menu featuring wood-fired pizzas, fluffy focaccia, and handmade pasta. All the food served is of a very high standard, but the standout dish is definitely the cacio e pepe.
There’s also a bar on-site, the Raw Bar, where guests can enjoy tea and coffee by day, or cocktails and champagne by night.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
Situated near the Raw Bar is the hotel’s award-winning wellness retreat – SOMA Spa. Drawing on ancient Greek practices and modern healing methods, the spa offers treatments from Codage Paris and ELEMIS. The reception is deliberately cosy, making guests feel welcomed into an intimate environment that exudes tranquillity. The staff are exceptionally hospitable and guide guests on their wellness journeys with specialised treatments such as Hippocratic therapeutic massages, CBD massages, LED Mask facials, and more.
Although it can be tempting to spend hours relaxing in the SOMA Spa, the hotel’s gym also offers complimentary sunrise yoga, meditation, Pilates, and body conditioning classes, which can help further reduce stress and tension in the body. And fitness enthusiasts, don’t worry. Domez Noruz Kassandra’s open-air gym is available 24/7 and provides stunning views of the white sandy beach.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
But Halkidiki isn’t just about unwinding by the sea. The Kassandra peninsula is home to a plethora of exciting entertainment and dining destinations. For a touch of luxury, head to Casa Mersedes, a chic beach club where sun-soaked afternoons effortlessly turn into stylish evenings. Here, guests can sample some perfectly rolled sushi, drink acai-infused smoothies and cocktails, and dance to rhythmic beats curated by the club’s resident DJ.
In terms of dining outside the hotel, Afytos – a local town known for its lively yet laid-back nightlife – has some relaxing, traditional dining destinations. Thea Thalassa is a traditional Greek restaurant specialising in authentic Mediterranean cuisine. Menu highlights include smoked mackerel and sea bass ceviche, served with warm hospitality and sweeping sea views.
Domes Noruz Kassandra
Slightly closer to the hotel is Mnemes Farm – a charming farmstead turned restaurant. The atmosphere is inviting and rustic, with a sense of quiet charm. Upon entry, chickens cluck cheerfully from their nearby enclosure, while a majestic olive tree with silvery leaves keeps watch over the landscape. It’s intimate, cosy, and has some incredible Naxos lamb chops.
Far from the usual tourist trails, Halkidiki reveals itself as a tucked-away gem where modern elegance, top-tier hospitality, and sophisticated style intertwine. And Domes Noruz Kassandra proves that this lesser-known region of Greece can offer just as much, if not more, than the typical tourist hotspots.
by Sophie Richardson
Domes Noruz Kassandra offers a Standard Retreat starting from €158.00, based on two people sharing the room. For more information or to book, please visit here.