Continuing our Grecian resort adventure, our next stop was Ikos Olivia, a place that we have returned to on several special holidays
Our next stop on our Grecian resort adventure was to Ikos Olivia, half an hour away by private transfer. The marketing literature promised it had re-invented and re-elevated the all-inclusive holiday. Not a wrist-band in sight.
Indeed the only option here is all-inclusive, great for planning and not having to check your holiday money fund every day. And, it means all-inclusive. The only extras we could find were for spa treatments, the crêche and the motorised watersports. All food, all drink and all other activities included.
Hopping on the golf cart with our luggage to be shown to our room, the 22-acres was perfectly manicured with ancient olive trees at every turn and stunning views of the Gulf of Toroneos. Blended into the scenery yet modern, our room was one of the 149 bungalow suites which included its own private pool. Spacious, luxurious, yet practical too.
Of course, the first thing we did was plunge into the pool before setting off to explore. We were in the Deluxe Collection area, which meant we got some added extra touches, champagne on arrival, exclusive cocktails, massage and romantic dinner on the beach if we wanted. But also we had our own pool and bar area.
The hotel has a lengthy private beach which follows the bay with adults-only areas and activity spaces, overlooked by several restaurants and bars. Almyra was a great little bar to watch the sun go down with a cocktail and you must try Fusco, the Italian restaurant. Modern in design yet with traditional Italian cooking, there was an amazing buzz about the place.
There’s over 300 wines to choose from too. We left ourselves in the capable hands of our waitress and always went Greek. One of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, we shouldn’t have been surprised. I will be looking for it when we return.
Our other favourite was the Asian restuarant, Anya, beautifully decorated and with a menu designed by Katsuhiko Hanamure, who collaborated with Nobuyuki Matsushisa on Nobu. A selection of the most desirable flavours of Asia, from Tempura to Pad Thai.
Included in the all-inclusive is also the option to go out of the resort to a local restaurant, all arranged for my the team at Ikos Olivia. We didn’t try this but did hear from fellow guests that it was a great option.
Our stay was one of relaxation but there was plenty to do should we have suddenly become less sloth-like and loads for the kids to do too, from basketball to boccia.
We were liking this take on all-inclusive. Subtle yet chic and very simple – no having to worry about what was or wasn’t included.
Hats off to both Porto Sani and Ikos Olivia. We went with open minds but with a few niggling pre-judged ideas of resorts in the eighties. We returned with new experiences under our belt and a wider scope for our next year’s holiday plans.
In fact, since first writing this we have returned to Ikos Olivia on two occasions as a family, aged 18 months and 3 and a half. Still don’t have a bad word to say…
Jet 2 Holidays offers 7 nights at Ikos Olivia from £1,049 per person based on 2 sharing staying in a Superior Double room on an all-inclusive basis with return flights from Manchester. Includes 22kg baggage and return transfers
A Warm Hellenic Welcome – Part 1
