If you’re looking for an all-inclusive, luxury holiday that’s also incredibly child-friendly, you can’t go wrong with a stay at an Ikos resort. These luxury hotels have won numerous travellers’ choice awards and it’s easy to see why.
There are currently 7 Ikos all-inclusive resorts, scattered across Greece and Spain, and while they all offer the same exemplary standard of service and family-friendly atmosphere, they do all provide something a little bit different as well.
We’ve rounded up each resort and broken them down into their individual assets and things to consider, so you’ll be able to make a decision on the one that’s best for your family.
What is Ikos?
The Ikos hotels are a small chain of luxury resorts in various spots around the Mediterranean, including Corfu and Halkidiki in Greece, and Spain’s Costa del Sol and Mallorca.
Their all inclusive offering — known as the Infinite Lifestyle Concept — is award winning and incredibly popular with young families in the know (with an healthy amount of disposable income 😉).
They all sport their own private beach, landscaped gardens and a slew of restaurants helmed by Michelin starred chefs. Expect 24 hour room service, branded spirits, private pools and private balconies galore.
This is an all inclusive beach holiday that will absolutely blow your socks off.
Ikos Resorts Comparison
Ikos Dassia
- Location: Corfu, Greece
- Transfer: 20-minute drive from Corfu Airport
- Airlines: BA and EasyJet
We’ll say straight out of the gate, that we absolutely love Ikos Dassia. To the point where we’ve now visited 3 times in just 2 seasons.
But even accounting for our bias, there’s no doubt that Dassia is indisputably a gem.
This all inclusive hotel can be found on the east coast of Corfu, right on the beachfront of the Ioanian coast and enjoying views over to the Greek and Albanian mainlands. It’s one of the group’s bigger resorts, with over 400 rooms, suites and villas on offer, but it’s on such a spacious plot that it never feels remotely crowded.
There are 7 à la carte restaurants and the brilliant Flavors buffet, as well as the Dine Out program you can use in various participating restaurants across the island. If you’re after Michelin starred menus, head for Ouzo for authentic Greek food with an incredible sea view.
There are plenty of bars to imbibe at too, including the numerous pool bars, 2 lobby bars, an incredible wine bar (with a stonking 300-label wine list), and even a nightclub. Entertainment is plentiful throughout the day and night too.
There are 2 spas at Dassia, one in each of the main buildings, as well as an impressive 7 pools (and a kid’s splash zone). The beach stretches right along the breadth of the resort and sports some truly incredible views. Be aware that it’s not a sand beach, however — we do think the beach is perhaps the one area that Dassia falls a little short.
If you’re looking for something a little more active, there are plenty of activities to dip in and out of — from tennis and canoeing to yoga and mountain biking. There are lots of water sports and private excursions you can add on as well if you so desire.
Kids are welcome across the resort, apart from the 2 adults-only pools and the adult-only areas in some of the restaurants. The staff are all very well trained in dealing with little ones and you never feel out of place (even if your 10 month old has decided to evacuate her plate in the middle of a restaurant 🤯)
The Kids Club areas — a crèche (4 months to 3 years), kids club (4 to 12) and Just 4Teens (12+) — are all available every day with plenty of age-appropriate activities. There is a charge for the crèche but the older clubs are free of charge. Babysitting is also available, as well as a Football Academy for kids between 4 and 14. They also offer a free beachside childcare service so you can have some free time to sunbathe!
Best For:
- Sheer size and space
- Short airport transfer
- Amazing views
- Beachside childcare
Things To Consider:
- The beach isn’t sandy
Ikos Oceania
- Location: Halkidiki, Greece
- Transfer: 40-minute drive from Thessaloniki Airport
- Airlines: Ryanair, BA and EasyJet
Ikos Oceania is one of the longest-standing hotels in the chain and, as a result, is a firm favourite with plenty of guests returning year after year.
One of the best things about Oceania is the incredible views — perched on a hill, right on the beachfront, it overlooks the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. Name a better view to wake up to every morning! It’s worth mentioning that the resort itself is hilly, although definitely not inaccessible thanks to the ramps and golf buggies on standby.
Ikos Oceania is one of the smaller resorts with 290 rooms and suites, and it does feel a little more compact versus Ikos Dassia, for instance. It still never feels crowded and, if anything, offers a more intimate feel that some may find more appealing.
There are 5 à la carte restaurants onsite as well as Flavors, the Mediterranean buffet, and a small handful of bars — including an adults only one! Save some energy for the nightclub too 😅
Aside from the multiple pools, the beach is one of the biggest draws at Oceania — 350 metres of mostly white sand overlooking the turquoise Aegean. While there aren’t as many swimming pools here as at some of the larger resorts, the spa pool is truly beautiful and definitely worth a visit. There are plenty of other activities to choose from too, including beach volleyball, pilates, tennis and windsurfing.
The ‘Local Discovery’ experience is offered at all the resorts but we think Ikos Oceania is probably one of the best at this — mostly as there’s so much to see in Halkidiki. As well as the Dine Out and Mini Drive Adventure (there’s nothing like exploring Europe in a Mini Cooper!), they also have the Culture Pass which gives you a host of complimentary museum tickets for the local area. You can definitely see the brand’s ‘Infinite lifestyle concept’ at play here.
Like all the Ikos resorts, children are exceptionally well catered for with the same universal childcare offerings at the kids’ clubs and babysitting.
Best For:
- Amazing sea view and beach
- A smaller, more intimate resort
- Great Local Discovery options
Things to Consider:
- Smaller selection of pools and restaurants than other resorts
- Hilly sections
Ikos Olivia
- Location: Halkidiki, Greece
- Transfer: 60-minute drive from Thessaloniki Airport
- Airlines: Ryanair, BA and EasyJet
Also in Halkidiki, although around 20km down the road from Ikos Oceania, is the stunning Ikos Olivia. Framed by ancient olive trees (hence the name) and located on a long stretch of picturesque beach, the award winning Olivia is another firm favourite with returning guests.
This all inclusive resort is similar in size to Oceania in terms of accommodation numbers, and it has 4 à la carte restaurants and a buffet, so is again more on the intimate side, size wise, compared to Ikos Dassia, for example. It never feels crowded or that people are waiting for sun beds, however!
There are 4 individual pools to dip into, including a huge Deluxe pool for Deluxe Collection guests — already worth the price of admission! The main pool is also lovely with an excellent swim-up bar option. The indoor-outdoor pool at the spa is also a fantastic option. As mentioned, the beautiful white sand beach — 450 metres of it — is a huge draw and it’s eminently swimmable too.
Like the other Ikos resorts, there are plenty of activities to indulge in during your stay, including beach badminton, yoga, table tennis and aqua Zumba! The gym is particularly well equipped and comes with a cardio training room and TRX to boot. Kids are similarly well looked after with the usual childcare offerings, as well as free beachside childcare, and activities like baby yoga for the smallest guests!
Just like at Oceania, the Local Discovery options at Ikos Olivia are top notch thanks to the multitude of things to see and discover in Halkidiki. It’s definitely worth reserving a car (free of charge) for the Local Drive Adventure one day. There are a handful of good, local restaurants participating in the Dine Out program too.
Best For:
- Amazing, long beach
- Huge Deluxe Collection pool
- Smaller, more intimate resort
- Free beachside childcare
Things To Consider:
- Smaller selection of pools and restaurants than other resorts
- Longer transfer from the airport
Ikos Aria
- Location: Kos, Greece
- Transfer: 20-minute drive from Kos Airport
- Airlines: Jet2, BA and EasyJet
And now over to the island of Kos in Greece’s Dodecanese archipelago, and we find the gorgeous Ikos Aria.
Aria stands out from the others thanks to its stylish, boho character that reeks of laidback cool. Kos is famed for its plethora of historical sites and this is clear from the resort itself — it’s home to two such archaeological wonders slap bang in the middle. Don’t worry — they’re well protected so hopefully no toddlers will run into them!
There are over 370 rooms and suites spread across Aria’s comfortable 47 acres so this is one of the larger Ikos hotels and quite similar in size to Dassia. There are 7 restaurants with incredible Michelin starred menus, plus the ubiquitous Flavors buffet, as well as a generous handful of bars — signature cocktails looking over the crystalline blue sea are an absolute must.
Aria is located on the beautiful white sands of Kefalos beach and looks out over the Aegean sea. Definitely consider booking a room with a sea view if you can. There are plenty of sunbeds and, like the other resorts, enjoys an exclusive section for Deluxe Collection guests only. Remember to bring water shoes if you plan to take a dip in the sea as it is a little rocky where the water meets the shore. And make sure to take advantage of the free beach childcare while you’re there! There’s also 5 pools to choose from as well as a great little splash pad for the little ones.
As always at Ikos, kids are well looked after with the usual crèche, Kids Club and Just 4Teens clubs that cater for children aged between 4 months and 17 years. Babysitting is available too. Activities wise, if you’re not at the spa or the pool, you’re spoilt for choice with various sports like tennis (4 courts!), pedaloes and yoga. The fitness offerings are fantastic too with body pump, cross training, circuit training, HIIT, tabata and a cardio training room all available alongside a fitness studio.
The Local Discovery offering is fantastic at Aria, with lots of local restaurants participating in the Dine Out programme and so many things to see on the Local Drive Adventure with the Culture Pass.
Best For:
- Beachy boho vibes
- Size and space — lots of restaurants and pools to enjoy
- Excellent Local Discovery offerings
Things To Consider:
- Kos is known as a ‘windy’ island so bring a light jacket or cover-up for the evenings, even in Summer
- No direct flights from Heathrow
Ikos Andalusia
- Location: Estepona, Spain
- Transfer: 60-minute drive from Malaga Airport
- Airlines: Iberia, Vueling, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, BA and EasyJet
Andalusia is one of the newer Ikos resorts and was their first opening in Spain (now followed by Ikos Porto Petro).
It’s located on the stunning Costa-del-Sol and around an hour’s drive from Malaga airport, so extremely well connected in terms of flights. It’s the shortest flight time from the UK of any of the Ikos hotels so a good option for very young travellers!
There are just fewer than 400 rooms and suites spread across 21 acres, so that makes Andalusia one of the ‘busier’ resorts in terms of guest numbers as it is slightly more compact than Dassia and Aria, for example. If you think this might bother you, consider booking a room with a private pool or private garden. There are plenty of amenities available, however, so it never feels crowded — a whopping 9 restaurants, 6 bars and 7 pools. And, of course, there’s always the famed 24 hour room service to take advantage of!
The resort is located on Playa Guadalmansa, which frankly is not the prettiest beach setting. It’s long and narrow with dark yellow sand and a rocky entrance into the water — bring water shoes if you’re planning on a sea swim! As always at Ikos, the beach is serviced spectacularly, but prepare to be slightly underwhelmed by the beach itself.
If you’re not in the pools or spa, then you’re likely to be enjoying some of the activities on offer — whether it’s tennis, canoeing, paddle boarding or something else. We’d definitely recommend mountain biking down to the town of Estepona if you can — it’s a beautiful 10km ride down the coast.
The kids will be well taken care of whatever you choose to do, with all the usual kids’ clubs offerings available at Andalusia as well as Football Escapes for some world-class coaching.
There’s lots to do outside the resort here with both Estepona and Marbella being within easy reach so definitely take advantage of the Local Drive Adventure and Culture Pass — museums on offer include the Pablo Picasso Museum and the Centre Pompidou. Ikos also offer a complimentary green fee at the nearby Los Naranjos golf course in Nueva Andalucia.
Best For:
- Very well connected for flights from the UK
- Short flights from the UK
- Complimentary green fee at nearby golf course
- Excellent Local Discovery Options
Things to Consider:
- More compact than other Ikos resorts so it can feel a little busier
- Not the prettiest beach setting
Ikos Odisia
- Location: Corfu, Greece
- Transfer: 20-minute drive from Corfu Airport
- Airlines: BA and EasyJet
Ikos Odisia, along with Porto Petro below, opens its doors in 2023 and is one of the most exciting new luxury family-friendly resorts. It’s just across the bay from Ikos Dassia and offers the same spectacular sea view over to the mainland.
Although luxury is the name of the game here — as at every award winning Ikos hotel — there is a different vibe to enjoy at Odisia thanks to the low-rise buildings and incredibly chic and sophisticated interiors. It enjoys a massive 60 acre plot and there are just fewer than 400 rooms and suites to choose from.
One of the standouts about Odisia is the 10 heated swimming pools on offer, which includes a Deluxe Collection pool, adults only, as well as kids and baby pools for the little ones too. And you can always opt for a private pool too, if you so desire. The beach is the same one that Dassia enjoys, just a little further down the bay. It’s 420 metres long and fully serviced for guests, although again it isn’t a sandy beach.
There are 5 restaurants and a Mediterranean buffet (you guessed it… Flavors!) at Odisia. You’ll find all the old favourites here, including Anaya, Fresco and Ouzo, as well as new restaurant Elia — traditional Greek cuisine family dining. It’s always a good idea to book dinner in advance of your stay at any of the Ikos resorts, but we’d definitely recommend this even more for Odisia just where there are slightly fewer restaurants than some of the others.
Your kids are well provided for at Odisia, as always, with the usual tranche of crèche, Kids Club and Just 4Teens options. There’s also the option of free childcare on the beach for over 4s as well. While your littles ones are being looked after, you’ve got the option of heading to the spa which is particularly impressive thanks to its Ionian sea view and the incredible steam room and sauna, amongst other facilities.
Plenty of active pursuits are on offer too, including an introductory diving lesson, power beach walks and even Giant Chess.
Best For:
- Sheer size and space
- Loads of swimming pools
- Incredible spa
- Fabulous interiors
- Beachside childcare
Things To Consider:
- Beach isn’t sandy
- Slightly fewer restaurants compared to other Ikos resorts of similar size
Ikos Porto Petro
- Location: Mallorca, Spain
- Transfer: 50-minute drive from Palma De Mallorca Airport
- Airlines: Iberia, Tui, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Jet2, BA and EasyJet
Porto Petro is the latest gem in the Ikos crown and the second of their resorts to open in Spain, after Andalusia. It’s located on the gorgeous, sun-drenched island of Mallorca and promises to offer ‘a Balearic experience like no other’. Sign us up!
Very chic, very Mediterranean, you’ve got the choice of almost 320 rooms, bungalows and suites at Porto Petro — including a 3-bedroom suite option which we haven’t seen at the other resorts. And all the usual popular offerings like the one bedroom bungalow suite, suites with a private garden, and even just those with a garden view. The hotel stretches out across a kilometre of Mallorcan coastline, giving it a very spacious and paradisiacal feel.
There are five restaurants and the brand new Food Hall concept, which offers buffet breakfasts, international cuisine corners and à la carte dinner service. This does mean that reservations are required at every restaurant for dinner, given that there is no buffet option.
Porto Petro is home to 5 indoor and outdoor pools, which includes an adults-only and children’s pool. The beach offers something a little different to the norm with a handful of secluded sandy coves alongside the Porto Petro Marina. You’ve got all the usual activities on offer, as well as the spa, so you definitely won’t be bored!
As always, the kids’ clubs offerings cater to children aged between 4 months and 17 years and babysitting is also available. It doesn’t look as though they offer beachside childcare, however.
The Local Discovery options are fantastic at Porto Petro, thanks to Mallorca being an island so rich in culture and gastronomy. There are lots of Dine out options and it’s definitely worth taking the Ikos Mini out for a spin on a Local Drive Adventure to explore the area. The Infinite lifestyle concept strikes again!
Best For:
- Huge, sprawling space
- Fantastic Local Discovery options
- 3-bedroom suite options
Things To Consider:
- Slightly fewer pools and restaurants compared to some of the other resorts
- Reservations always required for dinner — requires some advance planning!
Ikos FAQs
Which Ikos resort is best for kids?
All of the Ikos resorts are fabulous for kids and they all offer the same level of childcare options with a crèche, Kids Club and Just 4Teens options. Each resort is well geared up for young children and the staff are all very friendly and welcoming with them.
As for which is the best for kids, that will probably depend on your family and individual children — Ikos Olivia, Andalucia and Oceania are all on the more compact side, which means less walking for tired legs. On the flip side, however, our kids loved Dassia as there was so much to do and so many different pools to explore.
If a sandy beach is important to your family, take a look at Aria, Olivia and Oceania as these offer the best beach experiences in our opinion. If your little one loves a buffet in the evening (🙋🏻♀️), it might be best to pick one of the resorts with the Flavors Mediterranean buffet as Porto Petro doesn’t offer an evening buffet option.
In terms of which room type is best for kids, we always recommend the one bedroom bungalow suite or two bedroom bungalow suite (two bathrooms!) if your family is bigger. A private garden never goes amiss with toddlers either. That goes for any of the all inclusive resorts.
Which Ikos resort is best for adults?
Again, this will completely come down to your individual preferences. Suffice to say that every hotel is imbued with luxury and an almost unparalleled level of service so you can’t go too far wrong!
If you’re after a smaller, more compact feel, then Ikos Olivia or Oceania are both good shouts. But for maximising choice and opportunities in dining, drinking and swimming, Dassia and Aria are probably the stand-outs.
Every Ikos resort enjoys an incredible spa by Anne Semonin, but the one at Odisia is really quite breathtaking. And if it’s golf you’re after, then a stay at Andalusia is going to net you at least one session with a complimentary green fee.
Interiors-wise, each resort has its own feel but we think Aria and Odisia both truly knock it out of the park for chic sophistication. And for an incredible sea view and an other-worldly beach, Ikos Olivia, Oceania and Porto Petro come out on top.
Are any of the Ikos resorts adults-only?
All of the Ikos resorts welcome children but each one is well served with adults-only areas in many of the restaurants and at least one adults-only pool.
If you want to up the luxury quotient, consider booking a suite with a private garden or private pool, which will give you plenty of your own space away from the rest of the resort.
Ikos vs Sani: which is better?
This is the big question — and one that probably warrants its own individual blog post.
The Ikos and Sani resorts are very similar (and owned by the same parent company) but they do have subtle differences. Ikos only offers all-inclusive whereas at Sani you can opt for full or half board (drinks not included).
Personally, we think Ikos is best suited for families with young children — under 5s — whereas the plethora of activities at Sani is better for slightly older children. Ikos offers a fair range of activities too, including some at extra cost. Sani Club and Sani Dunes are two of the most appropriate hotels in the brand for toddlers.
You can see our separate guide to the best Sani hotels for families for a look at how they compare.
Ultimately, both brands offer a luxurious European get-away experience that’s amazing for families.
Which do you think is the best Ikos resort? Where will your next holiday be?!
