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The Best Places to Experience a Hobby-Inspired Holiday

Written by:
Katura Barrows
Photography:
Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay

Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay invite travellers to discover and cultivate new and forgotten hobbies whilst on holiday.

Both hotels are currently running a Spring Promotion, offering a 20% discount on all direct bookings valid for stays between 1 May – 31 October 2024. 

A new travel trend is emerging with 2024 giving rise to hobby-inspired holidays as travellers increasingly seek opportunities to not only explore new destinations, but also reconnect with and discover old and new hobbies while on holiday. Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay, two exquisite resorts, in Halkidiki and Crete respectively, are perfectly poised to cater to the hobby-inspired traveller looking to blend leisure with their favourite pastimes to practice more self-care.  

Offering a myriad of original experiences tailored to various interests, the pair of luxury all-inclusive resorts, owned and operated by Zeus International Hotels & Resorts, invite travellers to embark on a journey of exploration and indulgence as they recapture the joy of connecting with forgotten passions and new interests. Here is glimpse into what to expect at these premier hobby-inspired destinations! 

Zeus International Group is a forward-thinking hospitality company delivering unpretentious luxury and urban concepts which invite guests to immerse themselves in the culture of each destination through authentic experiences and design aesthetics inspired by each location's unique identity and heritage. The company has announced 29 April and 14 April as the season opening dates for Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay respectively. 

For Gardening Enthusiasts  

Cultivate your green thumb at Wyndham Grand Mirabello where guests are invited to experience Crete’s rich botanical diversity within the hotel’s very own vegetable garden. Learn about the unique plants, fruits and herbs of the region as you discover the secrets to utilising local flavours within the lush aromatic oasis. As part of the immersive garden-to-table experience, and across the hotel’s 11 restaurants and bars, you’ll have the opportunity to sample fresh produce including basil, oregano, tomatoes, lettuce, peppers, and olive oil extracted from the resort’s very own olive trees. 

For Leisure Lovers, Beachgoers and Family-Fun Seekers  

This season both resorts invite guests to plunge into the ultimate relaxing holiday with each debuting all-new waterparks featuring high-speed slides, dynamic water tunnels, a pool and sun deck, and aquatic kids play space. Promising thrilling excitement for guests of all ages, the parks elevate the leisure experience to new heights of relaxation.  

For lazy loungers and family-fun seekers alike, Wyndham Grand Mirabello is additionally home to a brand-new seaside laguna. Nestled along the glistening azure shores of the Aegean, the laguna beckons guests with its calming turquoise hues, unveiling a tapestry of natural beauty where the sea meets Cretan skies in an awe-inspiring embrace.  

The resort also boasts the largest privately owned marina in Crete which offers direct ocean access to the sea, making it the ideal destination for yacht-fanatics and sailors alike! Flanked by the hotel’s two private Blue Flag-awarded beaches on either side, guests receive priority access to over and underwater activities, including snorkelling, diving, sailing, sightseeing tours, and fishing trips.    

For Movie Buffs and Budding Photographers 

For creative travellers who value the arts, the resorts offer immersive experiences to cultivate their craft and celebrate their passion. Movie buffs will enjoy Wyndham Grand Mirabello's open-air cinema which regularly hosts themed movie nights under the stars while Ajul Hotel helps guests create lasting memories with on-site photography lessons curated for all levels. With cameras available for rent, the hotel’s expert photographer’s lead immersive outdoor group classes, teaching guests how to refine their photography skills as they capture the captivating landscapes of Halkidiki. 

For Hikers and Nature Lovers 

Tucked along the soft pebble beach and verdant forests of Halkidiki, Ajul Hotel offers several original outdoor experiences for guests to immerse themselves in the breath-taking beauty of its surrounding natural environment.  

Experience scenic trails, rugged mountains and picturesque villages on expert-guided nature walks and hikes suitable for all levels, including kids, or traverse the trails by mountain bike to conquer challenging ascents which test your strength and agility alongside fellow outdoor enthusiasts. The resort also houses an Adventure Park, an outdoor recreational area featuring climbing towers, obstacle courses, archery, and lazy hammocks for adults and kids to get outdoors and in touch with nature! 

Additionally, each month to honour the full moon, the resort offers an enchanting Full Moon Hiking experience complete with a star-gazing tour that is sure to dazzle.  

For Sports Aficionados and Wellness Enthusiasts  

Built with an active and balanced lifestyle in mind, both resorts offer guests of all ages and array of sports and wellbeing activities to choose from with each boasting several state-of-the-art seaside tennis courts alongside a beach volleyball arena. Ajul Hotel also features a basketball court and open-air sports hub while Wyndham Grand Mirabello homes additional mini-football, handball and multi-purpose courts. 

For wellness enthusiasts, both resorts present an invigorating sanctuary, where the world of indulgence meets the pulse of an active lifestyle. Guests are invited to soak in panoramic sea views during a yoga class at each property’s meticulously designed outdoor yoga/Pilates deck which seamlessly blends into the sandy shores. 

For Wine Connoisseurs and Foodies 

The resorts each offer unique gastronomy experiences sure to delight budding foodies and experienced wine connoisseurs alike. 

Indulgence knows no bounds at Wyndham Grand Mirabello which invites gastronomy gurus to experience a new private wine and cigar tasting experience at SPILIA - an enchanting natural cave transformed into an exquisite setting for the exclusive experience. Create unforgettable memories and delight your senses as you sample rare wines, the finest champagnes and premium Belgian chocolate varieties whilst dining under candlelight.    

This season, the resort is also excited to introduce Mezedaki, a fresh and intimate concept honouring Greece’s vibrant culinary heritage. The seaside restaurant unveils the rich flavours of centuries-old Greek recipes across sweet and savoury traditional Greek classics. From tantalizing meze platters to expertly grilled seafood and meats, each dish is freshly prepared with locally sourced ingredients. 

Ajul Hotel additionally offers original gastronomic experiences fit for all foodies! Among these include beachside family picnics with fare prepared in authentic wooden picnic baskets and sourced from the hotel’s own lush gardens. Passionate foodies with an appetite for adventure are invited to partake in the Kaiki experience to indulge in one of the oldest professions in Greece, fishing. Whilst aboard a traditional KAIKI sailboat, guests will savour a private fishing excursion and dining experience on the crystalline Aegean Sea led by the resort’s specialised fishermen.  

Unwind, discover and reconnect with hobbies new and old at Ajul Luxury Hotel and Spa Resort and Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay this Spring/Summer. 

Book your stay today and experience the ultimate blend of leisure, luxury, and personal enrichment at these premier hobby-inspired destinations. 

Starting rate with the 20% Spring discount and breakfast for a Deluxe Double Room with Sea View at Ajul Hotel is £154 and £168 for a Deluxe Room with Sea View at Wyndham Grand Mirabello. 

About Wyndham Grand Crete Mirabello Bay 

Nestled on the serene shores of Crete, Wyndham Grand Mirabello presents 343 meticulously crafted accommodation options, inviting guests to step into a world of refined elegance. Blending modern aesthetics and classic elegance, the hotel delivers luxury accommodation with humble comforts in an inviting atmosphere with breath-taking vistas of the sea. The property exquisitely features a newly unveiled laguna and the largest private marina in Crete, providing direct access to the Aegean Sea, perfect for yacht enthusiasts and beach lovers. With two private Blue Flag-awarded beaches and a plethora of over and underwater activities, in addition to 6 state-of-the-art sports courts and four pools, this oasis is an adventure and leisure lover's dream. Gastronomy enthusiasts can savour delectable Greek and international cuisines across eleven restaurants and bars, curated by the property’s executive chef. For wellness seekers, the resort features outdoor yoga classes and state-of-the-art spa nestled within a lush olive garden oasis. In line with ZEUS International Hotels and Resorts’ stellar reputation for curating exceptional experiences, guests can expect to receive the highest standard of service. Whether you're traveling solo, with friends or family, on a business trip or looking for a romantic escape, Wyndham Grand Mirabello Bay promises an enchanting Cretan experience for all.  

About Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort 

Tucked along the soft pebble beach and verdant greenery forests of Halkidiki, Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Report is a 5* property in complete harmony with the breathtaking beauty of its surrounding natural environment. Recently opened in 2023, and owned by ZEUS International Hotels and Resorts, the idyllic sanctuary presents an unparalleled escape into a world of tranquillity and holistic wellbeing, drawing inspiration from its lush atmosphere and natural thermal springs. Not just a destination, but a celebration of choice, the resort offers a selection of 206 guestrooms, bungalows, and villas, meticulously designed with business and leisure seeking travellers in mind, delivering one one-of-a-kind ultra-all-inclusive luxury with the personal touch of warm Greek hospitality. The resort offers guests a unique range of experiences across its three restaurants and six bars, four outdoor pools, two tennis courts, basketball court, beach volleyball arena, sea-side yoga deck, adventure park and kids club! As a signature of the Zeus International brand, the hotel additionally presents original guest experiences inspired by the destination including an array of water sports, expert-guided hikes, archery classes and mountain biking excursions. The resort’s state-of-the-art Aurora Spa invites guests to enjoy treatments inspired by the natural elements abound. As the first Registry Collection Hotel by Wyndham in Europe, the property promises a memorable stay in a picturesque setting, whether for romance, family, business, or relaxation.      

About Zeus International Group 

Created in 2014, Zeus International Hotel & Resorts is a forward-thinking hospitality and hotel management company driving innovation through concepts centred around ultra-luxury, natural landscapes, and personalised services. With an award-winning reputation for providing exceptional service and original guest experiences, Zeus International Group is committed to delivering excellence in every aspect of its operations, ensuring guests enjoy a memorable stay while receiving the highest standard of service, all with the warm touch of authentic Greek hospitality. Each year, the company welcomes over one million visitors across its portfolio of 21 hotels with over 4,000 rooms. It’s diverse range of locations, from the Mediterranean Sea to Eastern Europe, offer options for every type of traveller. From families, couples and business travellers to city wanderers, leisure lovers and adventure seekers, Zeus International Group provides unpretentious premium-quality luxurious stays in breath-taking locations. Across its portfolio, the brand invites guests to immerse themselves in the culture of each destination through experiences inspired by their unique identity and heritage, enabling guests to form a memorable connection with each destination - a signature hallmark of the “Zeus Experience”. One of the leading hotel management companies within Greece, Zeus International Group is dedicated to delivering unforgettable travel experiences. 


By Liliana Alvarez

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