Staying in a low rise suite meant we also had a private garden, complete with comfy chairs, luxury padded loungers, and a parasol incase the sun gets too much. Ikos Resorts: sit back and enjoy waiter service by the pool Ikos Resorts, Greece. Best Spa & Wellness Resort In St. Lucia: BodyHoliday. We are not beach people so please do not consider me the oracle on this topic, at all! 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. They also offer almost exactly the same kids clubs, creche and babysitter services as they are managed by the UK-registered company Worldwide Kids. If flights permit, try to leave in the afternoon/evening as you can still use the facilities and eat and drink at the resort on the day of your departure. It took eight years to drain the water and make the land habitable. Our favorite thing to do and we were not sure if you can categorize this as an amenity, but we really enjoyed the snorkeling that you could do just off the beach. View Foreign Travel Advice for Spain, To discover more on Ikos six resorts or to book your 2023 or 2024Ikos holiday, contact our team of personal travel managers today on 0203 816 0985 or click here to submit an online enquiry. View Foreign Travel Advice for Greece Its open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and there is a really wide variety of food to sample. Open date: May 2018 A contemporary Greek offering with a menu that was crafted by Michelin starred chef Lefteris Lazarou. This is actually one of the strongest benefits. Best Resort for Location: Ikos (but only just!). The standard of food at the Ikos Aria was really good. Ikos Porto Petro is the second Spanish resort for the hotel group and will open in June 2023. The 136 guest rooms and suites are ideal for couples and families sleeping up to four, while the 155 bungalow suites sleep between five and six located either on the beachfront or further in the resort but with private pools. Opening 19 May 2023. 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. Although the resort has a load of features and things to do in the complex. Getting there: 20-minutes by car from Kos Airport To discover more on how Ikos Resorts has reimagined traditional all-inclusive beach holidays, read our dedicated article. Each of the restaurants has a set menu for guests from the Ikos resort. 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. All-Inclusive Resorts: Resorts that have thought of everything so you don't have to. Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resort In Tulum: Unico FURTHER READING: Want more luxury family travel content? 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. So book your accommodation, get some great flights, and then all you have to do is start thinking about what you're going to pack and get excited. but that Kos would have been a longer flight, which is something we try to avoid with two young children. The resort has 20 or so minis that guests can use, but as with everything in this resort. And yep, it was even better ordering wine, beer, cocktails, and even Champagne and not worrying about having to pay that too! 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 ). 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. It has a large king-sized bed and a nice small seating area that opens out to a balcony. // How to "Teach" Travel to Kids // Best Books About Travel for Babies // Best Books About Travel for 2 - 6 Year Olds. But be aware I am most often comparing only Ikos Dassia in Corfu to Sani rather than all of the Ikos resorts. On our last visit in 2019, we spent an extra 52 euros over the 7 days we were there. The Ikos does incentivize you to get out of the resort and explore the local area. These areas have stayed protected and are cornered off and its nice to be able to soak up the history of the place. Location: Kos, Greece Double Bungalow with Garden View at Ikos Olivia. Ikos too is also an award-winning brand. Here are our picks for where to check in in 2023. This year we were due to holiday at both Ikos and Sani again, but unfortunately our stay at Ikos Andalusia has been cancelled. We have to give a specific shout-out to Michail at Provence. If you are a wine lover then the Ikos resorts are for you. Getting there: 50-minutes by car from Thessaloniki Airport We have booked into Sani Dunes for 5 nights, and this will be our second time staying at Dunes. Oh, and dont forget Ikos Andalusia, the first Spanish hotel for the group, and the brand new Mallorcan resort Ikos Porto Petro (opening in June 2023) are also a superb options if you want to half your flight time, particularly good for those travelling with very young children. Click here to submit your Ikos Odisia holiday enquiry. Ikos offers ONLY all-inclusive board for all guests with no exceptions, and this includes all your dining, room service and drinks, ALL OF THEM. Plus, you have free entry to a range of museums too. The same goes for the day you are leaving. Location: Halkidiki, Greece Before booking its worth double-checking that these are still in place. The menus at the restaurants were devised by Michelin-starred chefs and although they dont work in the restaurants. This room comes with two separate bedrooms, a large separate living area, and two bathrooms. Included in your stay is a local drive adventure as well as green fees at Los Naranjos golf course in Nueva Andaluca for budding McIlroys. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. Sani Beach as its now known followed in 1984 and by the early 2017 with the opening of Sani Dunes, following the earlier launch of Sani Asteria and Porto Sani, these five 5-star hotels plus the Sani Marina area (with several shops, restaurants, apartments, and a marina for boats and luxury yachts) now comprises the award-winning Sani resort. So let's dig a bit deeper in our comparison of Ikos and Sani resorts and actually compare what they offer, like for like, so you can make your own decision which would be better for you. 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. Best Resort For Couples In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian. And dont worry about whether youll need to get up at 6am to secure a sunbed, there is plenty for everybody. We definitely recommend booking in for treatments before you travel to secure a booking. This hotel is elegant, charming, and despite being newly built has tonnes of character. We don't necessarily go on holiday to make friends with the staff or form long-lasting bonds. You can also order these golf carts wherever you are in the resort. It is a 5-star resort, so its not really a surprise that its pricey. 393 contemporary rooms and suites offer every modern comfort you could possibly need, alongside exceptional views of the resorts manicured gardens and pools. 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! 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 So, if you want peak relaxation the private areas are quite nice. Plus, theres a splash pad for little ones. by Adrian updated February 4, 2023, 10:21 am, by Emma updated January 30, 2023, 8:40 pm. Babysitters were charged at 10 an hour and you had to pay this in case to the babysitter who was nearly always a member of creche staff. There are currently five different Ikos hotels, four in Greece (with two in Halkidiki where Sani resort is and one each on the Greek islands of Kos and Corfu) and one near Marbella in Andalusia, Spain. Sani and Ikos both offer a great range of accommodation to suit peoples needs, and for us personally we love staying in the one bedroom bungalow suites at Ikos Olivia. Getting there: 1-hour by car from Mlaga-Costa del Sol Airport 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. One of the beds is a pull-out bed though, so it might not be the most spacious if there are three adults going. Its pretty much like a sample of dishes from all of the a la carte restaurants on the resort, as well as some of the staples that you will find at any buffet. Ikos Aria in Greece takes its third No. We even saw one family with a cot on the beach. Theres even a football academy that runs over the summer holidays. I believe that during the closed winter season both Sani and Ikos plough lots of money and time into revamping whatever they need to to keep the resorts looking as good as new. As this is one of Ikoss more popular resorts the prices are usually a good bit more expensive than some of the Ikoss newer offerings like Oceania. Yes, every staff member is very professional. One of the great things about the Ikos resorts is that most of the restaurants have outdoor dining options as well as doors that open out to bring the outside in. PCR tests can also be organized if you need one before returning to your home country, but this does come at an additional cost. One Bedroom Bungalow Suite with balcony and sea view. The staff does really go above and beyond to make it an enjoyable Vacay. WebFamily fun. 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. It may sound difficult to decide what youre eating in two weeks time, but if you want to guarantee a table its a necessity. A coastal colour palette, expansive balconies or terraces, separate bedrooms and deluxe bathrooms ensure that these havens offer a warm hug after a busy day soaking up everything Greece and Ikos have to offer. Although guests arent required to perform an antigen test, its highly recommended from the Ikos that guests do use them. Like this article? Sani is in Halkidiki on the Greek mainland, and its a resort which is made up of five luxury hotels, and a stunning marina. The staff that worked by the pool and beachside had to get a special shoutout. If you are staying in a deluxe room you will have access to more premium top-shelf options like Taittinger champagne on tap. It really does depend on what you are looking for in your holiday. To give you an insight into pricing, Ive put below what we paid for our Ikos and Sani holiday, both of which were in 2019. Although some extra activities may incur an additional charge, such as for water sports or ice cream trips. It still maintains a boutique energy and never feels crowded, mainly thanks to its masses of space. Both resorts offer brilliant activities, and at Ikos everything will be included apart from motorised sports. It was definitely our favorite restaurant at the resort. The choice of accommodation is outstanding. The kids pool and play areas are also really nice. It would be impossible to get bored of the swimming choices at either. I also talk a bit about how the beach isn't anywhere near as good as Ikos Dassia's beach, so yes, all in all, it's fair to say that Ikos Dassia was in a slightly better location from this angle too. This was a close second as our favorite place in the resort. Q. Yes and you can read more about Ikos green initiatives here. One of the really interesting things about where this resort is located is that there are a number of historical ruins of times gone by throughout the resort. We will say, however, for one and all there were really only a few staff that we connected with in terms of having conversation that lasted longer than a few minutes, but THIS IS OKAY FOR US. All Ikos resorts welcome adults as well as children with a range of activities to suit all ages. How they do this is with the complimentary Mini one rental and the three local restaurants that are included in your all-inclusive package. WebBest for couples: Island hop in style by combining stays at both Grace Santorini and Grace Mykonos in one trip. Oh, and a wellness spa thatll have you feeling like youre walking on clouds in no time. The best thing about the pools at Ikos and Sani, are that they are heated. 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. Read More New Opening: Ikos Porto Petro Updates 16 June 2023 Discover 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. 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. Just like its six sister resorts, Ikos Porto Petro allows guests to discover the local area, at no additional charge, from the comfort of the resorts fleet of Teslas. In fact, most days we didn't venture further than the kids club or a restaurant in both Sani and Ikos resorts, but if location is important to you in terms of getting there, getting out and about, and having easy ways to explore, then yes, Ikos has the edge. Getting there: 35-minutes by car from Thessaloniki Airport Thank you Tracey, Hi Karen thank you for saying that. Ikos has the huge advantage of you holidaying there, and knowing that your food and drink has all been paid for. 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. Which Ikos resort is 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. The food here was a little disappointing. Our favorite dishes were definitely the Moussaka and the lamb kleftiko. At Ikos Dassia, our room was also a two-bedroom private pool villa and it had an almost identical layout, and plenty of space, but it wasn't independent from the main hotel building. Really appreciate everything you have said. 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. In fact, my one big bug bear with Sani was that I really begrudged paying for water because it's actually essential to drink only bottled water in Greece and yet they charged us for any bottled water we drank in the restaurants, but they did thankfully give us plenty for our room. 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. 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. Plus, all of the restaurants provide healthy childrens menus. Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Puerto Vallarta for Food, Our Best All-Inclusive Resorts in Los Cabos for Food. So I thought it was time to put my thoughts and comparisons into a blog post, based on the seven holidays we have had at Ikos and Sani. Or not really if you've stayed in both and/or looked at each brand's website. 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. The personal concierge service has a certain amount of tables that they can access, so by booking through them you can get priority, which is a great benefit. Well, having stayed in both, I can tell you that they are different. The best hotels for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Booking is advised before you go, and we tend to chose a mixture of restaurants around the marina and hotels. After all, Ikos was acknowledged in TripAdvisor s 2020 awards as the best all-inclusive resort in the world. Shock horror! This was the one restaurant that we didnt get to visit during our stay so we have excluded this from the rankings, but this Greek restaurant serves up authentic local food with a focus on fresh seafood. So yep, Sani wins over Ikos in terms of the accommodation. You can also discover the local area with help from Ikos Andalusia. The question is do the benefits outweigh the premium cost you need to be. Its a serious add-on. There was so much room for the size of the resort. In short, kids clubs that run for three sessions a day - morning, lunch and afternoon - are complimentary from 4 upwards. And with two footpaths almost immediately at the end of the garden, it also just didn't feel as private. We ate at Mylotopi restaurant and the views from the outdoor terrace were unbelievable. Best UK family holidays Best family resorts in Turkey Best UK holiday parks More DH has surprised me with a trip to Ikos Olivia later this month! On average the sessions cost around 30 per child, but the price is dependent on the age range. To summarise we felt that Sani resort did the following things "better" than Ikos: And these are the things we think Ikos Dassia did better, in comparison to Sani resort. 24/7 room service is also included and has a great varied menu. Five inviting swimming pools are complemented by charming sandy coves offering you the best of the Mediterranean on Mallorcas beautiful coast. A. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. However you might prefer to soak up the sunset on your balcony, and both Ikos and Sani have the more traditional style of hotel accommodation. Before we go any further, SPOILER ALERT! The entertainment at the Ikos Aria is a little limited. They have the high rope course which is complimentary, the teen zone which is open all season, and they also offer the football and tennis academy. Frankie is the, Frances M. Thompson - Copyright 2011 - 2023, Luxury Family Travel: Ikos vs Sani - Which Resort is Better?, at Sani (in Halkidiki on mainland Greece), my review of Sani Resort (we stayed in Sani Club), revamped to be aligned with the style and offerings of Ikos Olivia, Sani Beach Club, a purpose built high-rise hotel, Sani resort does have an adults-only hotel - Sani Dunes, The Best Resorts for Families in the Maldives, World's Best Resorts for Luxury Family Travel, Tips for Helping a Baby or Toddler with Jet-Lag, 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! Youre greeted with a glass of bubbly and your bags are taken to meet you in your room on the other side. Surrounded by the beaches of Aghios Fokas, the five-star Dimitra Beach Hotel & Suites sets the scene for romantic escapes. There are no all-inclusive options at Sani. Meanwhile, Ikos is a brand with five different locations, and I would imagine more will be added in due course. We had free airport transfers included in our accommodation package and actually they were both just as easy as the other, but Ikos Dassia at just under 40 minutes was perhaps a little shorter (and would have been much quicker if not for the traffic). Im keeping everything crossed we get to Sani later on in the year. You really cant go wrong booking your next vacation here. Honestly, there is not much need for the bigger rooms if youre a couple or two friends vacationing together. The one thing that you will not find is a decent golf course. Exception couples holiday at Ikos Dassia Review of Ikos Dassia Reviewed November 26, 2021 We had an excellent overall experience at Ikos Dassia in October this year. Kos is a foodie town and there are loads of great options for restaurants in the area. Sani offers no all-inclusive options, and instead offers bed and breakfast in some hotels, half and full board. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 3 Jun 2021, Located on Kos southwest coast, it spans 47-acres and offers access to the islands silk-soft sand beach. But I also know that different things matter more for some people than others. over a year ago Reviewed this property Kent, United Kingdom 1 Vote No, it's for everyone. With 375 rooms on this resort it can be considered a mid to large range offering, but dont let the size of the resort put you off. Although there are ways to put your best foot forward in securing the tables you want. The standout element of the Ikos Aria compared to the other Ikos resorts is definitely the beach. Add to this a 24 hour room service and a fully stocked mini bar, all-inclusive really does mean all-inclusive at Ikos. There is a very nice spa at the Ikos Aria. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Every place we went to had a good few veggie options and at least one vegan option too. 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. So you really cant go wrong vacationing here, Our review is based on our stay at the resort in a Deluxe room. Location: Costa del Sol, Spain Enough about cushions and trimmings, let's actually talk about the type of accommodation that is available and why Sani wins. Sani has been going a LONG time while when we were at Ikos Dassia the resort was only in its second season. 5 nights for 3 adults and 1 child (our eldest was classed as an adult). They both felt very authentic. apartment but to then exit and enter the property down a hotel corridor. We got room service a few times for breakfast and dinner. Although we were staying in a deluxe room and had a secluded area. Supervised age-appropriate kids clubs provide a schedule of daily activities, theres evening entertainment thats aimed towards all ages from tots to granny, as well as a wealth of local experiences you can discover under the brands Local Discover offering. As Sani is made up of five hotels and a large marina, this has the best choice of restaurants to dine at (currently 22 at the Sani resort).
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