Squid, Sand & Tantrums: Sani in April with Toddlers
People often ask if April is too early for a beach break—especially with little ones. But Greece in spring? Absolute perfection. Think gentle sunshine, around 20–23°C most days, ideal for toddlers who run hot just from putting on shoes, and zero stress about overheating. We weren’t tied to term-time yet, so going in April meant huge savings compared to July or August.
Plus, no intense summer crowds. No queues. No fighting for sunbeds. And bonus? The sea was fresh, yes, but our kids didn’t mind at all—they were straight in like baby dolphins.
Welcome to Sani Beach: The Resort That Thinks of Everything
If you’ve never heard of the Sani Resort, imagine a cluster of five luxurious hotels inside a private ecological reserve—lush greenery, a stylish marina, kid-friendly beaches, spas, shops, and Michelin-star-level dining. It’s like its own little bubble of bliss.
We stayed at Sani Beach, which is the most family-focused of the five hotels—and honestly, it blew us away.
Some highlights:
A Babe Watch service (yes, someone literally watches your child while you swim).
Thoughtful touches like highchairs, toddler-friendly menus, and bottle-warming stations.
A world-class Dine Around programme that kept mealtimes fun and stress-free.
We stayed in a Junior Suite, which gave us the perfect balance of luxury and practicality. It had a comfy seating area, a big bed, and a private terrace where we’d sip morning coffees while the boys raced scooters in the early light.
Daily Rhythm: Sand, Swims & Siestas
Our days quickly found a rhythm: leisurely breakfasts, playtime on the beach or by the toddler pool, siestas (for them… and often for us too), and scooter races to dinner in the marina. There were bikes to hire, little nature walks to explore, and even a mini train that our toddler obsessed over. We didn’t use the crèche or kids’ club, since they were so young, but it was comforting to know they were there.
One favourite meal was at Psaroyannos, a traditional Greek taverna—super seafood-heavy, and so authentic we felt like locals. We used the Dine Around programme included in our full board and got to explore different dining spots almost every day.
What Made Sani So Special
Here’s what made it stand out from other family resorts:
The staff just get it. They were kind, proactive, and seemed to anticipate what we needed before we even realised it.No pool towel wars. Seriously. If you left a towel unattended for too long, staff would remove it. No stress, no racing to reserve beds.
Kids’ disco done right. It was sweet, not chaotic. Started early, ended early, and sent the kids to bed happy and exhausted.
Collection of beach toys ready to play with so you don't have to buy or bring your own.
Best sun loungers ever. Proper padding. It sounds silly, but it’s a total game changer.
Scooter hire = toddler freedom. The boys zipped around the marina each night before dinner. Less whining = more wine.
Poolside mojitos while the toddlers splashed nearby. Heaven.
Stunning views, soft sunsets, and pure calm. The whole resort is just… gorgeous. Think Pinterest, but real.
The Toddler Whisperers of Sani
One afternoon, our 2-year-old was in full "no" mode. The day was unravelling. Then out of nowhere, a Sani staff member gently scooped him up and took him for a calming beach walk—just her and him. They returned laughing, sandy, and calmer than ever. We were stunned.
That’s what Sani does best. They see you. They help before you even ask. And in that moment, it wasn’t just service—it was sanity-saving magic.
Stories to Remember
The Squid Incident
Our 2-year-old basically lived on olives and ice cream (his personal food pyramid), and nobody judged. That was it… until one unforgettable dinner. We ordered a big sharing seafood platter, and as we were admiring the spread, our 2-year-old spotted a baby squid. “My friend,” he declared! Over the next two hours, he prodded, sucked, and eventually ate said friend — tentacle by tentacle. All was well… until he noticed his best friend had gone. The meltdown? Absolutely Epic. Us? Tears of laughter running down our faces, just grateful he ate something other than olives and ice cream! RIP Squiddy!
The Baywatch Moment
One heart-stopping moment came at the toddler pool. Our youngest, loaded up with armbands and a rubber ring, jumped in and flipped upside down—completely stuck. Hubby sprinted and dived in to save him while I very ungracefully face-planted on the deck trying to follow. He was okay, thankfully. But it reminded us: even in paradise, toddlers can find chaos.
What Was Missing? Even paradise has room for improvement:
No drinks package upgrade. We were on full board, but all drinks (even soft ones) were extra unless you stayed at the all-inclusive hotel. With toddlers constantly needing juice, milk, and snacks—and us wanting the odd cocktail—it added up fast.
Less action for older kids. Our boys were happy at 2 and 4, but now that they're older, they’d probably want waterslides and more structured pool games.
Cold main pool in April. The toddler pool was lovely and warm, but the big pool was brisk. Not a dealbreaker, but worth knowing.
What We Learned:
Book early. Especially if you want babysitting or specific dinner spots.
Bring a stroller. Even for older toddlers. The resort is huge.
Don’t over plan. The magic is in the slow mornings, beach play, and unscheduled naps.
Trust the staff. They’re amazing. Let them help.
Let go of the idea of ‘perfect’. The squid might get eaten. You might face-plant. It’s still magic.
Would We Go Back?
In a heartbeat. The luxury, attentive service, and stunning surroundings make Sani an absolute dream. So, while Sani is absolutely perfect for families with preschoolers or for those with slightly older kids who prefer a more relaxed pace, I’d recommend it especially for families seeking a peaceful, luxury vibe without the hustle and bustle of constant activities. For families with high-energy older kids, a more active resort might better match their needs.
Sani’s calm elegance and incredible staff make it a place we’d happily return to.
We still talk about that holiday. We still dream of those mojitos. And we still miss Squiddy!
