Sani Resort Builds New Church in Halkidiki Greece

London, United Kingdom, May 24, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Over the winter months Sani Resort has been carrying out the construction and decoration of a beautiful Greek Orthodox Church which will be open in April for the start of the 2010 season.

Couples holding their wedding in the Greek resort or renewal of vows at Sani Resort will be able to read their vows in front of the church on the lawns and enjoy champagne cocktails under the sun with friends and family before their choice of reception. The church will also be open to all guests for prayer and lighting candles.

Constructed from local sandstone, the church is faithful to the traditional Byzantine style of Basilica with Dome, usually seen at the monasteries of Mount Athos. The iconostasis - as the screen decorated with icons which divides the sanctuary from the nave in Orthodox Churches is known - is custom-made from marble by a famous local sculptor residing on the island of Tinos. Tinos, located in the Cyclades island complex, is home to the famous Halepa School, which specializes in training craftsmen in the tradition of marble sculpture, one of the oldest art forms.

All doors and windows of the church have wooden frames and the entire roof is constructed from wood. The floors and the church’s altar is made from solid marble from the area of Dionysos, the same marble that the Parthenon on the Acropolis is made of, known from ancient Greek times for its exquisite quality. The walls are decorated with icons crafted by a well-known Greek artist, Giorgos Bogdanopoulos, a distinguished religious iconographer whose work can be seen in churches around Greece, as well as at the Benaki Museum in Athens. The lighting will be atmospheric (as opposed to the bright lighting typical of most Greek Orthodox Churches), with stained glass windows, detailed ornaments in the various colours of the glass, and generous beige decorative shades creating an abundant feeling of serenity.

Other beautiful locations perfect for exchanging or renewing wedding vows at Sani Resort include Sani Hill, which has stunning panoramic views of the Kassandra peninsula and the Aegean Sea, and aboard the resort’s traditional Greek boat “Kaiki.” Sani’s very own wedding planner, Anna Wohlfart, works closely with each couple, talking through the organisation of the event and all the options possible to ensure the day is unforgettable.

Wedding packages at Sani Resort Greece start at 195 Euros, including room upgrade for the bride and groom, 1 bottle of sparkling wine, flowers in-room on wedding day, wedding cake, a candlelit dinner for the bride and groom and administration fees.

The nightly rates at Sani Beach Hotel start from 124 Euros per room per night, for a double room sea view on a Bed and Breakfast basis.

Note to Editors:
Basking in the sunshine on the shores of the Kassandra peninsula, the Sani Resort is a family owned and privately developed hideaway set on a 1000 acre ecological reserve. It comprises four hotels: Sani Asterias Suites; Porto Sani Village & Spa; Sani Beach Club and Sani Beach Hotel & Spa. There are three exclusive Sani spa venues, with a marina at the heart; alive with restaurants, cool bars, designer boutiques and art galleries.

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