Greece

Ikos Olivia was awarded the ‘Best All-Inclusive Hotel in the World’ at the 2021 TripAdvisor Annual Travellers’ Choice Awards.

I was delighted when my stepson and his bride-to-be chose Ikos Olivia for their small intimate family wedding, which took place on the 4th May, it was just perfect!

Ikos Olivia is a spacious, relatively flat resort with 291 rooms and suites, which are set in a main accommodation block (where most of our party stayed) and bungalows set out across the grounds, which are perfect for families as many have separate bedrooms and a private garden, and even pools!

The grounds are manicured with walkways which are perfect for bikes, strollers and wheelchairs making this resort incredibly accessible for the less mobile.

In the grounds you’ll find children’s play areas (if you’re 75kgs or under anyone can go on the trampolines!) and four heated swimming pools, the family one is busy and has a lovely little splash park, but I prefer the quieter pools, and there’s some adults only areas too.

The all-inclusive experience is seriously impressive and goes well beyond any other 5 star resort in my experience. I love the free exercise classes (pilates, yoga, aquafit and many more), free bike hire (with helmets) and you can also borrow a Tesla for the day, again free.

The mini bar is included too, as is fine dining, with Asian, French, Italian and Greek restaurants, plus a popular buffet to choose from. The food is truly excellent and the best I’ve experienced at any all-inclusive resort. There’s also the option to dine at local restaurants (with a shuttle if you don’t want to take the short walk), and again food and drinks are included.

The wine list is extensive (you can choose from over 250 different bottles!), the pink fizz is a particular favourite of mine. The girls have also been enjoying the cocktails, and the boys the cold Greek beer, and I’ve also been introduced to ‘Baby Guinness’… something that won’t be going on my list of favourite tipples!

We have really enjoyed the evening entertainment too. The violinist, live band and white party were particular favourites!

We took a ride out to Olivia’s sister resort, Ikos Oceania for lunch, which is a 20-minute drive away, and you can enjoy your all-inclusive there too! You enter the resort at level 6 and are instantly blown-away by the stunning views, but this does mean the resort has a lot of steps, but golf-type buggies are always available.

This is certainly not a ‘cheap’ holiday option for sure, but when you factor in everything that is included, the quality of the rooms, food, drinks, service and amenities, I really feel Ikos Resorts offer incredible value for money, so it’s easy to see why clients keep returning. We booked this trip back in October 2021, and secured a free child place for our grandson, which makes this a much more affordable option.

This is a family-focused resort, but there are lots of couples here too, and the hotel manages to offer both experiences successfully alongside one another.

Prices start from £1600 per person for 7 nights (including flights from Birmingham, Manchester or East Midlands, luggage and private transfers), rising steeply in school holidays, but there are a limited number of FREE CHILD PLACES available for dates in May, June, July, August, September and October 2024.

Get in touch to start planning your next holiday, email gilly.bachelor@notjusttravel.com or call 01902 288104.