Best Resort for Location: Ikos (but only just!). Best Resort for Staff & Service: For us, Sani. Sani also has a huge outdoor theatre, and the show we watched back in 2019 was excellent. The water was very clear and the Ikos provided the equipment needed for it. 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. FURTHER READING: Want more luxury family travel content? The majority of activities are included in the cost of the all-inclusive. Infinite Lifestyle is the name given to Ikos Resorts revolutionary all-inclusive concept. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. All of the meals that we had here from starter to dessert were really well executed. Getting there: 35-minutes by car from Corfu Airport If you can decide on where you want to eat before your holiday its best to book them as early as possible. It was our anniversary one of the nights we stayed and we had organized a private dinner by the beach. BUT this does NOT bother us. Having excellent facilities for children is one of the central pillars of both the Ikos and the Sani brand. Before we go any further, SPOILER ALERT! Just a 20-minute drive from Kos International airport you wont have to travel too far once you arrive on your vacay. To be honest I was expecting the bill to be higher, so I was happy to pay just over 400. As you can see they are roughly the same cost. From these room types, there is the option to add the deluxe offering to most of them. but that Kos would have been a longer flight, which is something we try to avoid with two young children. Booking is advised before you go, and we tend to chose a mixture of restaurants around the marina and hotels. Yes, everyone is friendly. Though if you prefer to know that everything is paid for beforehand, Ikos would be the best holiday. The wine menu was really very good, with tastefully chosen bottles from all over the world, as well as some excellent local wines and other Greek offerings. We also got to have a little drive around Corfu Town which has lots of historic monuments and a pretty old town. Or not really if you've stayed in both and/or looked at each brand's website. Both Ikos and Sani are owned by the same company however the hotels do differ. All drinks, food, amenities, and entertainment are just a few of the elements that are included with the all-inclusive. 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. There are adult-only areas available. 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. Both have a large presence in Greece and are fantastic for families. By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. They came at the same time each day and did a really thorough clean. As always make sure you shop around and think about the time of year that you are traveling if you want to bag yourself a bargain. Best Resort For Couples In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian. WebNew Opening: Ikos Odisia Updates 19 May 2023 Introducing the iconic Ikos Odisia. Best Overall All-Inclusive Resort In Tulum: Barcel Maya Riviera. Open date: 2015 The reason this has the edge is because, to be very frank, the food at both Sani and Ikos is very similar. Here is my review of Sani Resort (we stayed in Sani Club), and here is my review of Ikos Dassia, which is on the Greek island of Corfu. 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. There are plenty of things to And yep, it was even better ordering wine, beer, cocktails, and even Champagne and not worrying about having to pay that too! I also hope, perhaps most importantly of all, that regardless of which resort you choose - Sani or Ikos - you now feel reassured you are investing in a wonderful luxury family holiday for you and your family! This again is a unique thing to offer to premium room guests. It was so nice at Ikos to not have to think about ordering more water and this inflating our bill every time. This is down to the activities on offer for teens, the resort is bigger which means there is more for them to do. Enter your email address to subscribe and receive new posts by email. After staying at Ikos Dassia in Corfu, Greeceonce and at Sani (in Halkidiki on mainland Greece) twice (and our third visit booked for later this year) I thought it would be useful to do a comparison of Ikos vs Sani Resorts. There is no information regarding vacations in 2022, so be sure to double-check with the Ikos, to see if this benefit is still available. One of the great features of Ikos resorts is local discovery. Theyre all centered around making your vacation as enjoyable as possible. He went above and beyond to make sure we had the most complete dining experience. Things such as water sports, the items in the mini-mart, and treatments at the spa come at an additional cost. To be honest six restaurants, plus two buffet restaurants, plus an extensive in-room dining menu is MORE than enough choice for us for a week which is what Ikos Dassia offered, and I believe all the other Ikos resorts also offer this.. Again my reason for choosing Ikos as definitely having the edge over Sani is because of that all-inclusive element. Its a must-see. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. In Europe this is fairly unique, so you need to make sure you make the most of it. Currently based in Amsterdam, Frankie was nomadic for two years before starting a family with her Australian partner. This year we were due to holiday at both Ikos and Sani again, but unfortunately our stay at Ikos Andalusia has been cancelled. It still maintains a boutique energy and never feels crowded, mainly thanks to its masses of space. One of the first things you will see from reception is the stunning view of the ocean with Kastri Island in your sights. 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. The water is beautiful and warm in both resorts, but at Sani Club it's not possible to swim at all points on the beach, and in fact one of the "beach" sections with loungers is actually a raised up area. We got room service a few times for breakfast and dinner. There is a large bedroom with a separated living area that has a sofa that converts into three beds, so this is a great room if youre traveling with kids or teens, and what that little bit of separation between your sleeping quarters. Dreams resorts All your questions answered! to do, lots of different dining options, and really exceptional facilities and service. We even saw one family with a cot on the beach. This button will take you to a short form where we'll ask about your destination and preferences. I have seen a couple of posters have been to Ikos resorts and would love it if people fancy sharing their positive experiences of the Ikos hotels? The only main callout we had about the spa was that it was a little difficult getting a reservation. 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. The standout element of the Ikos Aria compared to the other Ikos resorts is definitely the beach. With five hotels in one complex, which one will you choose? Its definitely worth a visit as this is a quant island. Our favorite dishes were definitely the Duck and the Pad Thai. I also run the Ikos Olivia group on Facebook which you are more than welcome to join. This wasn't a big deal, of course, but it was a little odd to have such a huge (and gorgeous!) For us Ikos is a more chilled holiday. Both times we have visited Sani we have booked the half board option. Five inviting swimming pools are complemented by charming sandy coves offering you the best of the Mediterranean on Mallorcas beautiful coast. On average the sessions cost around 30 per child, but the price is dependent on the age range. 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. The kids pool and play areas are also really nice. All of the restaurants also do a great job at catering for different dietary requirements as well as having separate menus for kids and toddlers. In 2018 and 2019 at both Ikos and Sani, we paid 30 for a session (which were 3 hours in the morning or afternoon and shorter for lunch), or 45 for two sessions a day. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Open date: March 2015 Its interesting how other cultures perceive how you should be if you are an American. If youre looking for a decent location to golf while you vacation we recommend looking at resorts in the south of Spain or the Algarve. The staff does really go above and beyond to make it an enjoyable Vacay. Ikos usual all-inclusive offerings are also included at this resort so you can explore the locale at leisure without spending a penny. Room rates are already available for both resorts, and you can book your 2023 or 2024 holiday now. 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. While Sani offers different boards from full-board to half-board, but with both of these you still have to pay for your drinks. This contemporary resort provides a welcoming We did manage to get a massage booking for our second last day, but it was difficult. 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. If you book directly through their website and youre staying for 5 or more days, then transfers are usually included. They also offer almost exactly the same kids clubs, creche and babysitter services as they are managed by the UK-registered company Worldwide Kids. The staff that worked by the pool and beachside had to get a special shoutout. We found the quality of care, professionalism of staff, and range of activities and facilities to be excellent at both Sani and Ikos. Choosing which of the six family-friendly all-inclusive beach hotels in the Ikos Resorts collection is no easy decision theyre all so appealing! 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. The resort exclusively has 600m of beachfront for you to enjoy, lined with comfortable loungers and umbrellas with plenty of room in between for sandcastle building. As we tend to travel in April and October, it means we can still jump in the pool, even when the temperature is a little cooler. 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. This was a close second as our favorite place in the resort. 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. A Spanish restaurant whose menu is designed by acclaimed Chef David Ibarboure. This was our first time staying in any Ikos resort and although we had received strong recommendations from friends, we weren't sure what to expect from a luxury all-inclusive These areas have stayed protected and are cornered off and its nice to be able to soak up the history of the place. You can discover more on Sani Resorts here. Serious luxury. Plus, you have free entry to a range of museums too. This means the company have had slightly more control on the layout and logistics of Sani resort. I hope this post has been useful, and if you have any further questions Ive not covered in the post, please email me. You can also discover the local area with help from Ikos Andalusia. TOGETHER TIME: 12 Best Vacation Spots for Couples in North America 1. 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! And with two footpaths almost immediately at the end of the garden, it also just didn't feel as private. 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. We really enjoyed the food and the atmosphere here. So if you know you want all-inclusive then I suspect Ikos is going to be a better option for you. Oh, and while I have your attention, from now on all the photos will alternate from Sani to Ikos, Sani then Ikos and so on, starting with Sani resort. It is a 5-star resort, so its not really a surprise that its pricey. All the staff did their jobs well and that's more than enough for us! 393 contemporary rooms and suites offer every modern comfort you could possibly need, alongside exceptional views of the resorts manicured gardens and pools. So, no matter what time of day you went you would find a sun lounger on the beach. For example, for us, quiet and comfortable accommodation and a good swimming pool will always be more important to us than the beach because we never spend much time on beaches. ), 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. Although you do pay a premium for the treatments. Ikos Olivia has 3 pools plus a spa pool, and last year they introduced a childrens splash pad. There is still plenty of activities on offer, such as non motorised watersports, tennis, football, bike hire, gym, table tennis, kids clubs etc, and the best thing is that most activities are included at ikos. Sani, however, has grown from being one main building with some villas as Sani Club to purpose-built villas, bungalows, and in the case of Sani Beach Club, a purpose built high-rise hotel. WebAt ikos Oceania there is a totally separate adult pool which is better. This alone is the main reason we will keep on returning to Sani and Ikos resorts! From an extensive kids and teens club, creche facilities, and kids menus. If you book multiple sessions in a day then it only costs 50. Its open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and there is a really wide variety of food to sample. So looking at all the above, you would think that Ikos "wins" for us in any Ikos vs Sani comparison, however, this is not the case! If the concepts are so similar and they are actually the same company, then it's a good question to ask how Sani and Ikos resorts are different. Although there are some pockets of Greece that have decent Golf courses. If you don't like filling in forms simply give us a call on 0203 816 0985 and we'll be happy to help you. They made our days so enjoyable as we spent most of our time there. Ideal for couples without smaller travelling companions, this itinerary This resort is very spacious and there is more than enough room for all of the guests at the pools and beach. After two one-week-long stays at Sani and one week at Ikos Dassia, we did notice quite a big difference in the level of service. This suite caters to up to three adults and two kids. The sand is softer and whiter at Ikos Dassia and during our first stay at Sani Club, there was a storm and we saw actually just how much of an operation it is creating the beach at Sani Club with trucks and tractors moving and spreading sand that had been displaced in the storm. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. 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!) We definitely recommend booking in for treatments before you travel to secure a booking. The need for private areas is not as necessary compared to some of the other Ikos resorts where the space is a little bit limited. This room comes with two separate bedrooms, a large separate living area, and two bathrooms. Theres a host of amenities that you can use throughout the resort. So going back to my original question of which luxury resort is better, I honestly cant give you an answer as I love them both equally. Their Covid policy is called the Infinite Care policy and has a host of features. Plans to develop and launch Ikos as the brand we now know it to be were announced in the early 2010s and in 2015 the first Ikos all-inclusive resort, Ikos Olivia, also located in Halkidiki near Sani, was opened. There are 9 bars throughout the resort. Yes, the Ikos is a family-friendly resort and there are a host of features that are specifically for families. Getting there: 1-hour by car from Mlaga-Costa del Sol Airport 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. 22 acres of perfectly landscaped gardens on the Gulf of Toroneos in beautiful Halkidiki sits Ikos Olivia. There is a nice hike for those of you that are adventurers and a small church to see if you just want to have a quick mosey. Yes, parking is available for guests and it is complimentary. They are all about taking care of the children so the adults can relax too. On our last visit in 2019, we spent an extra 52 euros over the 7 days we were there. 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. Shock horror! 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." Deluxe rooms come at a premium. However, we did prefer the beach at Ikos, and most likely this is because it's a natural beach with lots of space, while Sani is man-made and much smaller. The food was decent too but played second fiddle to the view. 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. It was truly spectacular. Absolutely brilliant advice. Oh, and five la carte restaurants and one buffet will give you all the energy you need to enjoy this brand-new resort to the fullest. The room offering at the Ikos Aria is pretty refined, which is how we like it. Best resort for beaches: Ikos (although can only comment on Ikos Dassia!). Ikos hotels are outstanding for couples as well as families with children of all ages. The personal concierge at Sani was more experienced and in general, Sani's reception and customer service staff were quicker to respond to our requests and seemed more knowledgeable. One of the beds is a pull-out bed though, so it might not be the most spacious if there are three adults going. The occupancy of these rooms is also listed as three adults and one child and it offers plenty of room for families or a group of friends. 5 nights for 3 adults and 1 child (our eldest was classed as an adult). In short, we think that the premium is worth it if youre celebrating a special occasion and looking to treat yourself, but its not 100% necessary as the standard rooms have a great level of luxury to them. ), Dummy text Join our email network to receive exclusive offers and notifications of airline sales direct to your inbox. Some of my best memories are sitting in Sani having our evening meal, overlooking the stunning marina. There are also Michelin-starred menus available at the seven dining destinations which are all included within the cost of your stay, alongside dining at a range of local eateries. Alternatively, if you want to have more flexibility and think it will save you more money or give you more options, so would prefer a half-board option, Sani is the one. Ikos has five hotels, four of which are in Greece, and the fifth hotel opened in Spain in May 2021. In short, and in my opinion, there are two key differences you should know about at the outset, and then there are other smaller differences that are more "nice to know" rather than essential to the way the resort is set up. Some of these rooms do come with a private garden area and the balcony area for the Junior suites is a good bit larger than the Double rooms. 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. 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. If you enjoyed this read, why not share it with your friends? And both brands deliver. The choice of accommodation is outstanding. The best thing about the pools at Ikos and Sani, are that they are heated. WebBest for couples: Island hop in style by combining stays at both Grace Santorini and Grace Mykonos in one trip. The check-in staff was really good at explaining the layout of the resort, as well as all of the features of the resort. How they do this is with the complimentary Mini one rental and the three local restaurants that are included in your all-inclusive package. Which Ikos resort is The standard at this resort is top quality and the staff work incredibly hard to earn their tips. 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! There are also events like white parties, kids discos to keep you entertained. Its also worth mentioning that three of these pools are infinity edged, the ideal spot to take a new pic for the gram. 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. If you want to feel like you're getting A LOT for your money, and let's be honest, neither a holiday at an Ikos resort or at Sani is going to be cheap, then I think you'll get this feeling easier and quicker at an Ikos resort. 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. 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. This is actually one of the strongest benefits. You can also discover age-old family recipes through the local gastronomy, all included within your all-inclusive dining package. Opened in May 2019, the Ikos Aria is a 5-star all-inclusive resort that is one of the premium options in Europe. The Sani resort states that they have kept parts of the marshland in its original state and guests can explore it by walking, running and other activities like bird-spotting. Pretty much everything you see is included. So, make sure you make use of this benefit if you are staying in a deluxe room. 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 best hotels for couples looking for a romantic getaway. over a year ago Reviewed this property Kent, United Kingdom 1 Vote No, it's for everyone. Well, having stayed in both, I can tell you that they are different. Ikos too is also an award-winning brand. 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). The service was really prompt and we waited no longer than 30 minutes either time, which is good going. It would be impossible to get bored of the swimming choices at either. If youre in need of a coastal escape with an exceptional difference, Ikos Andalusia is a great choice. The largest suite on the resort. 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 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. When we visited they were basically booked out for the whole week ahead. I am SO excited! My eldest also enjoyed going off exploring Sani by himself. Typically premium room guests will just get access to the hydrotherapy run at the spa, but actually getting massages included in your package is kind of unheard of in all-inclusive. 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. We are going as a couple (leaving the kids with family) so would like to make the most of relaxing, beach, great food and some sightseeing/walking etc too. As Ikos are stand-alone hotels, the restaurant choice is smaller, but you still get a great variety of places to dine at. 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. We are not beach people so please do not consider me the oracle on this topic, at all! That being said the deluxe areas do have nicer sun loungers and day beds. 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. 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. The value that you get for that price is really good though. Join the WB club to receive our latest news and luxury holiday offers direct to your inbox, Beachside all-inclusive resort located in sunny Spains Costa del Sol, Seven restaurants with Michelin-starred menus provide a feast for the senses, A kids club and entertainment programme will entertain all ages, Brilliant leisure facilities including a theatre, spa and various watersports to indulge in, Award-winning cuisine found at all five restaurants, catering for even the youngest guest, Wonderful bars to relax in, offering signature cocktails overlooking the Aegean Sea, Relax on the 420m stretch of beach just footsteps from the resort on the coast of Corfu, Enjoy all inclusive luxury dining at five la carte restaurants and a buffet, Enjoy impressive on-site facilities and included activities plus 10 pools, Discover Europe with Scenic Eclipse II this summer, Six alternative destinations to visit on your next European break.

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