Sani Dunes

Just returned from Porto (which we love) where we used the Porto / Sani Dunes beach. My understanding after speaking with management is the beach is run by Sani Dunes staff hence the review.

Last year we found it difficult getting beds since the staff were saving them for big groups of Russians. We waited once for four hours last year and nobody came and they refused to move things despite the signs saying they do. Klinsman was very rude last year.

Fast forward to this year and the situation is worse. Upon arrival ALL the front row and second row beds are reserved. Not with belongings such as bags or clothes etc just magazines and tatty old buckets which belong to the hotel and are left on the beach each day. These people have not made the effort to go to the beach and get these beds themselves and even if you got up at 7 and went down (nobody wants to do this on holiday) they’re still gone.

I asked a man called Sebastian what we have to do to get the front row and he was rude and arrogant. Said maybe yes maybe not about giving them money. His attitude was appalling. Having had enough of this I removed the buckets and we sat down.

Then a man called Kev came over and began to berate us and tell us we must move. He became aggressive and was unbelievably rude to my husband and I. Told us we had to move - kept saying it. I said who are these reserved for and he just lied and lied. We refused to move quite rightly so and he angrily said on this occasion he wouldn’t remove us. How dare he! I cannot explain how unbelievably rude he was.

The people he had reserved them for finally came down around 1pm. This is totally unacceptable behaviour from the beach staff. They are clearly taking large handouts from their favourite guests and the whole system is wrong and corrupt. Every guest should be able to have front or even second row at some point. We said we would like to speak to the manager and were laughed at.

Their attitude is appalling. We have never been treated to or spoken to in this way before. It needs sorting out.

We ended up going to Bousoulas instead which is a nicer beach with much nicer staff.

Unfortunately, our experience was somewhat disappointing, especially as the hotel had been recommended to us by friends and we were looking forward to our stay. The resort itself has a wonderful setting and the gardens are genuinely beautiful and very well maintained. However, there were a few aspects of the stay that fell short of what we expected from a 5-star property. For instance, we experienced an issue with the cleanliness of our room,, and sadly, the response and follow-up did not feel as prompt or attentive as we would have expected from a 5-star hotel. Booking restaurants was also quite challenging, as there was no availability at the times we wanted to dine. Communication with management was also difficult, as the GM’s English was not at the level we would expect from a hotel of this standard, which was honestly a little surprising and frustrating! The prices were quite high, but unfortunately, we didn’t feel that the service matched what we paid. Overall, it was disappointing, and we definitely would not come back!

Another fantastic stay with my family. Excellent experience beyond any expectations. The staff, managers, food, the room and overall hospitality were fabulous. We are looking forward to next summer. All thanks and gratitude to Nicos and team.