Ballygally Castle in Northern Ireland has introduced its latest aquatic experience
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Two resorts in Greece are focusing on self care
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| Credit: Ajul Luxury Hotel & Spa Resort |
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.
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 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.
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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 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.
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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 the 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 photographers 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, the Ajul Hotel offers several original outdoor experiences for guests to immerse themselves in the breathtaking 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 that 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.
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For sports aficionados and wellness enthusiasts
Built with an active and balanced lifestyle in mind, both resorts offer guests of all ages an 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 has 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 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 while 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 tantalising 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 are 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. While 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.
To find out more, visit www.wyndhamgrandmirabello.com and www.ajulresort.com
