Our favorite dishes were definitely the courgette risotto and the slow-cooked beef. There is a creche with the same sessions available for 3 months - 4 year olds, but this is not included in the board price you pay. This was a close second as our favorite place in the resort. In order to maximize the length of your stay we recommend that you try to arrive in the morning of your first day and go for an evening flight for your last day. Done! The most basic room on the resort, the double room is actually a perfect offering. There is a relatively good drinks selection on offer too with the likes of Absolut Vodka, Bombay Gin, Havana Club, and Campari to name a few. These posts may be worth checking out: The Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives // World's Best Resorts for Luxury Family Travel // The Best Airlines for Flying with Kids // Best Toddler Travel Essentials // Tips for Flying with an 18-Month-Old // Tips for Helping a Baby or Toddler with Jet-Lag// The Best Pushchair/Stroller for Travel // Packing List for Travel with a Baby // Tips for Flying with a Baby // Packing List for a Ski or Snowboard Holiday with a Toddler // Tips for Visiting Singapore with a Toddler // Travel Activities for Kids (to Do at Home!) Location: Costa del Sol, Spain Hotel child prices apply to children aged between 211 years. The land was owned by monks and two men - a public contractor and a civil engineer - bought the land from the monastery in the 1960s after seeing the bay from a boat on the water. However, if you have a bit more time and want to know how and why the two brands are different, and then use this to help you figure out if Ikos or Sani is the one for you, stick around because that's exactly what I'm going to do. The experience we had was very personal and had that luxury touch. So since writing this comparison of the two brands, I've found out that most of the Ikos resorts (if not all) have been launched in buildings that already existed. The standout element of the Ikos Aria compared to the other Ikos resorts is definitely the beach. This obviously means you will get a bill at the end of your holiday, and if you havent been to Sani before, drinks and food are not cheap, as of course this is a luxury 5* resort. If you book multiple sessions in a day then it only costs 50. While we only got to sample one of these restaurants while on an excursion one of the days it was well worth it. This bungalow can cater to up to 4 adults and 2 kids. The staff were really good and collected empties once you were finished. PCR tests can also be organized if you need one before returning to your home country, but this does come at an additional cost. Yes, Wi-Fi is available to you in your suite as well as throughout the resort. Best Resort For Couples In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian. The beach at the Ikos Aria was really long and spacious. Kos is a foodie town and there are loads of great options for restaurants in the area. Best Overall All-Inclusive Resort In Tulum: Barcel Maya Riviera. Free drinks, all day, every day for 7 days? The Ikos chain of resorts has become the standout chain of resorts over the last number of years in the luxury all-inclusive market and the Ikos Aria lives up to the hype. The second you walk into the resort you will notice its stunning design and decor choices. Ikos Resorts were named the best all-inclusive resorts in the world in the 2019 TripAdvisor Annual Travelers Choice Awards. After all, Ikos was acknowledged in TripAdvisor s 2020 awards as the best all-inclusive resort in the world. In fact, I wrote in my review of Ikos Dassia that the similarity was a bit disconcerting for me. Click here to submit your Ikos Odisia holiday enquiry. Theres a host of amenities that you can use throughout the resort. Every place we went to had a good few veggie options and at least one vegan option too. 1 in the world ranking for 2022 as the best All-Inclusive Resort (along with Hotels on the Water, Luxury Hotels). The staff does really go above and beyond to make it an enjoyable Vacay. Both Ikos and Sani pride themselves on being 5* luxury brands, and are very family friendly. At The Point, you can spend the day together as a couple boating on Upper Saranac Lake, playing croquet on the lawn, or (in the winter months) cross-country skiing. And both brands deliver. Ikos usual all-inclusive offerings are also included at this resort so you can explore the locale at leisure without spending a penny. Ikos Porto Petro is the second Spanish resort for the hotel group and will open in June 2023. If you have been to an all-inclusive before in South America or a Sandals resort you would probably be expecting a whole slate of activities throughout the day. So yep, Sani wins over Ikos in terms of the accommodation. I am glad the post was helpful. Sani also has a huge outdoor theatre, and the show we watched back in 2019 was excellent. Its a serious add-on. Theres even a football academy that runs over the summer holidays. Then this is the resort for you. The blue-flag awarded beach beckons sunworshippers of all ages with loungers and umbrellas aplenty alongside beach childcare if youd like to take a few moments of me time. They also have plans to open another four hotels over the next few years in Majorca, Portugal. Ikos Resorts | Discover Ikos Resorts with British Airways There are five restaurants, one buffet and four la carte, each with childrens menus as well as Ikos famous dine out programme at selected local dining destinations. Dummy textThanks for sharing your experience with this. The service was really prompt and we waited no longer than 30 minutes either time, which is good going. The rooms are broken down into four main categories. To give you an example, the bill on our last visit to Sani in October 2019 was 402. Theyre multi award-winning and together the brand has held the number one spot for all-inclusive holidays in the world for the past four consecutive years. Its a must-see. Castle Hot Springs Morristown, Arizona This boutique all-inclusive U.S. resort for couples is a true desert oasis in Arizona (Photo: Castle Hot Springs) The second Ikos resort is also in Halkidiki, Ikos Oceania, opened in 2017, but it wasn't a new property or asset, it was just revamped to be aligned with the style and offerings of Ikos Olivia. In 2018, two more Ikos resorts opened, Ikos Aria on the Greek island of Kos, and Ikos Dassia on the island of Corfu (where we stayed last September ). At the time of writing in January 2020 there are currently five Ikos resorts that are open, and a sixth opening in Andalusia in Spain (near Marbella) this May. All-Inclusive Resorts: Resorts that have thought of everything so you don't have to. But I also know that different things matter more for some people than others. Where the cosmopolitan glamour of Marbella merges with the relaxed nature of the Mediterranean, Ikos Andalusia proudly emerges as one of the best family-friendly resorts on the Costa del Sol. The water was very clear and the Ikos provided the equipment needed for it. From these room types, there is the option to add the deluxe offering to most of them. The largest suite on the resort. The only main callout we had about the spa was that it was a little difficult getting a reservation. Ikos has the huge advantage of you holidaying there, and knowing that your food and drink has all been paid for. 3 Jun 2021, We found the quality of care, professionalism of staff, and range of activities and facilities to be excellent at both Sani and Ikos. Although some extra activities may incur an additional charge, such as for water sports or ice cream trips. Its also worth mentioning that three of these pools are infinity edged, the ideal spot to take a new pic for the gram. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Best Spa & Wellness Resort In St. Lucia: BodyHoliday. As part of the dine-out feature, there are three restaurants that you can choose from that are included in your all-inclusive package. And speaking of the beach, both resorts have the Babewatch service where kids club/creche staff have a station on the beach or near a swimming pool and you can leave your kid there for up to 30 minutes for free while you go for a swim, a cocktail or a snooze on your sun lounger! Its a great place for families but isnt an ideal place if you want a quiet meal. Yes, parking is available for guests and it is complimentary. For example, in Sani our two-bedroom private pool suite was in a short row of villas all next to each other but with privacy walls and no footpaths close to the gardens. Ikos Resorts in Greece & Spain | Olympic Holidays The room offering at the Ikos Aria is pretty refined, which is how we like it. Best All-Inclusive Resort In St. Lucia: Coconut Bay Beach Resort. Sani's location in a bay in Halkidiki is easy to get to by car in around 50 minutes, but to be honest it's not very accessible by any other means, and actually walking to and from each hotel in the resort from Sani Club isn't easy. Whichever room or suite you choose, the furnishings are very similar across both brands. Likewise, it's more important to us that the food is good and varied than it is we have an extensive drinks menu (because we're generally happy with beer and wine most of the time). For meals, we tend to tip between 5 10 euro depending on the meal and quality of the service. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. We even saw one family with a cot on the beach. Both have a large presence in Greece and are fantastic for families. Just to add in another variable to think through. If we know we are going to be drinking a few rounds at the bar we would try to tip 1 euro per drink. one bedroom bungalow suites at Ikos Olivia. Their Covid policy is called the Infinite Care policy and has a host of features. We also got to have a little drive around Corfu Town which has lots of historic monuments and a pretty old town. Yes, the Ikos is a family-friendly resort and there are a host of features that are specifically for families. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Best in the Maldives: LUX South Ari Atoll See Rates at TripAdvisor "The resort's private family villas offer plenty of space with outdoor terraces facing directly onto the beach." Best They also offer almost exactly the same kids clubs, creche and babysitter services as they are managed by the UK-registered company Worldwide Kids. They are 100% confidently 5-star resorts, and to achieve this when you have several if not hundreds of kids, running around all the time, is definitely something to shout about for them and for parents to fall in love with when they travel to Sani or Ikos. Coming in at 40sq.m you get that extra little bit of space compared to the double room. On average for the most basic room, you can expect to pay around 2,500 for 7 days for two people in a double room in the off-season of September and October and up to 4,000 during the peak months. Providing dazzling views of the Ionian Sea and beyond, there are also 10 pools to choose from so you can relax under Greeces blazing sun. WebIkos Olivia - All Inclusive Gerakini, Polygyros, Central Macedonia 63100 Hotel Amenities Property Details 295 rooms 4 stories with elevator access Mediterranean architecture Smoke-free property Hotel Services Babysitting (fees apply) and kid's club (fees apply) Front-desk safe and ATM Gift shop Onsite concierge Luggage storage This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. In a secluded bay opposite sister resort Ikos Dassia, Ikos Odisia offers a wealth of low-rise buildings that blend harmoniously within its hillside setting. Obviously the best way to compare costs is to contact Ikos and Sani direct, or use a travel agent if you wish. This suite caters to up to three adults and two kids. As are a range of sports, games and activities; nightly entertainment; and dedicated age-appropriate kids clubs that have a schedule of daily fun to suit all. couples If you are staying in a deluxe room you will have access to more premium top-shelf options like Taittinger champagne on tap. Ideal for couples without smaller travelling companions, this itinerary This meant our interior exit and entrance was down a hotel corridor. This resort delivers on the 5-star luxury vacation billing. Although Greece is a truly wonderful tourist destination. Serving up Mediterranean cuisine this spot is only available to Deluxe guests. When there are dozens of categories of rooms. There is no doubt that all the family will feel relaxed. Since discovering Ikos in 2016 and Sani the year after, I often get asked which do I prefer. The accommodation has been specifically designed for all party sizes too, with rooms suitable for couples through to private bungalows that sleep up to six in utter privacy. Open date: March 2015 Currently, for stays in 2021, there are free cancellations up to 2 weeks prior to arrival as well as the full deposit refund too. You can book into restaurants on their app or by calling the reception. We have recently returned from our 4th visit to Sani (October 2022) and I have written a seperate post about the best restaurants at Sani. And it goes without saying that with the price you pay and the luxury they promise, the decor is high quality and very comfortable too. Im keeping everything crossed we get to Sani later on in the year. While Ikos Dassia's facilities and decor was a bit fresher because it was newer, you really couldn't for a second say that Sani is a tired resort. Enough about cushions and trimmings, let's actually talk about the type of accommodation that is available and why Sani wins. I would describe the entertainment at Ikos and Sani as low key, and in our 5 visits Ive never had to partake in a cheesy holiday dance, thank goodness. Both resorts have pools in their spas too. Yes, everyone is friendly. The Ikos Andalusia currently is our top-rated Ikos resort, so check out the review. The Ikos Aria on Kos is the latest addition to the portfolio, created following the wholesale reconstruction of the facilities of the islands Club Med, which had been closed for years. Book all inclusive Kos resorts with private balconies, ocean views and gourmet restaurants for romantic couples holidays. It was much more relaxing than I actually expected, and to be honest when we go back to Sani next, we have decided to go full-board during our stay. This is probably the question I get asked the most, and the most difficult to answer. Its the perfect resort for wannabe mermaids, with a private beach that spans 350m offering plenty of ocean to explore, alongside eight pools. The beach at the Ikos Aria is really stunning, so if chilling by the beach is your vibe. Living in Amsterdam we were able to easily get direct flights to Thessaloniki airport for Sani and to Corfu airport for Ikos Dassia with one of our favourite airlines for kids, Transavia. This is one of those features that really distinguishes the Ikos as a premium spot for vacations. Ikos Olivia - All Inclusive Having excellent facilities for children is one of the central pillars of both the Ikos and the Sani brand. Ikos or Sani - Which luxury resort is better - The Williams There are also events like white parties, kids discos to keep you entertained. Serious luxury. Two of which are for babies, one designed specifically for families, two adult-only, one within the spa and one for Deluxe Collection guests as well as the main pool which welcomes all ages. From an extensive kids and teens club, creche facilities, and kids menus. You will need to wait for your room, but most times you will get your room early too. Yes, the Ikos Oceania is a great spot for families to vacation with a host of features that are aimed at making your familys vacation run as smoothly as possible. While Sani offers different boards from full-board to half-board, but with both of these you still have to pay for your drinks. Ikos all the way if having a great all-inclusive bar menu to choose from is a priority. Meanwhile, Ikos is a brand with five different locations, and I would imagine more will be added in due course. The locations are two in Halkidiki ( Oceania and Olivia) on mainland Greece, a resort each on the Greek islands of Kos and Corfu, and the fifth resort which opens this year, is the first outside of Greece, in Andalusia in Spain. Room rates are already available for both resorts, and you can book your 2023 or 2024 holiday now. But if you require a little extra help planning your 2023 or 2024 Ikos holiday our expert personal travel managers have condensed the highlights for each of the resorts into a short and handy guide to help you decide. Best Resort for Staff & Service: For us, Sani. This resort is very spacious and there is more than enough room for all of the guests at the pools and beach. Which Ikos resort is The island of Kastri is a short distance away from the beach and can be reached by swimming or using a canoe/pedalo that the resort provides. If you book directly through their website and youre staying for 5 or more days, then transfers are usually included. The best thing about the pools at Ikos and Sani, are that they are heated. There are 9 bars throughout the resort. 24/7 room service is also included and has a great varied menu. Unsubscribe anytime (but why would you want to?). Asserting the brands new roots in Spain, just like its dominance in the family hotel world of Greece, Ikos Porto Petro is the second Spanish resort for Ikos which is set to open in June 2023. The facilities were slightly bigger at Ikos Dassia (and quite a bit newer because they were only in their second season) but we actually preferred the proximity of the Sani resort as it was close to the beach and very central to the whole resort, while the Ikos Dassia kids club location was on the other side of the resort to our accommodation. You can also discover age-old family recipes through the local gastronomy, all included within your all-inclusive dining package. It was nice to be able to plan out the day ahead and to know when to be out of the room for the cleaning. The reason this has the edge is because, to be very frank, the food at both Sani and Ikos is very similar. This is down to the activities on offer for teens, the resort is bigger which means there is more for them to do. The seabass was a light and refreshing dish and coupled with a glass of Taittinger you really feel like you are in the lap of luxury. The current CEO Dr. Andrea A. Andreadis is the son of one of two men who purchased the land that the Sani resort in Halkidiki now stands on. Then they began to build the luxury resort they had envisioned when they sailed past, and the Sani Beach Club - which is now incorporated into Sani Club where we stayed - their first hotel was opened in 1971. Within a few minutes, we had gone through the check-in experience and were on our way to our room. I certainly did. This does give it a slightly better feel in terms of how well it works practically and also how much more private and elegant some of the rooms were. Experiences are also included at no extra cost throughout your stay under the Infinite Lifestyle concept including borrowing a MINI cooper to explore archaeological sites, hidden caves and more. Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Puerto Vallarta for Food, Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Los Cabos for Food. The Ikos chain of resorts has become the standout chain of resorts over the last number of years in the luxury all-inclusive market and the Ikos Aria lives up to the hype. Getting there: 50-minutes by car from Thessaloniki Airport Sani is in Halkidiki on the Greek mainland, and its a resort which is made up of five luxury hotels, and a stunning marina. Alternatively, to dial up the restful levels, visit the spa where a menu of holistic treatments is available from 8am until 8pm daily. Of course, a guide is also on hand to point you in the right direction. One Bedroom Bungalow Suite with balcony and sea view. They are all about taking care of the children so the adults can relax too. ), Best Books About Travel for 2 - 6 Year Olds, Amsterdam Travel: The Best Things to do in Amsterdam in Winter, On Writing: Tips for Writing a First Draft, Both hotels had pamphlets and promotional material about, If you hadn't yet got the message, if you want to eat and drink as much as you want and not pay any extra, the. Best What you will find are white night parties on the beach (do not miss this as they are brilliant), singers and musicians in the bars, and entertainment on selected evenings. Best Resort For Couples In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian. But the service at Sani was just a bit slicker, and our personal concierge was much more professional than the one we had at Ikos Dassia, although he was very friendly and helpful. One of the negatives about the Ikos Aria is that the restaurants can be quite difficult to get bookings in when the resort is at full capacity. but that Kos would have been a longer flight, which is something we try to avoid with two young children. If you enjoyed this read, why not share it with your friends? Getting there: 20-minutes by car from Corfu Airport The outdoor terrace at Ouzo was our favorite place to eat as the view of the ocean, mountain range, and the island in the backdrop. Check out our other five-minute read: 20 fun facts about Ikos Resorts we bet you didnt know. If you've got this far, you'll know that comparing the two resorts is a bit like comparing two of your favourite films; it doesn't really matter which ones is best overall - they're both good! This contemporary resort provides a welcoming On average the sessions cost around 30 per child, but the price is dependent on the age range. Best All-Inclusive Resort In St. Lucia: Coconut Bay Beach Resort. Either way, we plan on having another Ikos holiday again in the future, for certain!
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