// How to "Teach" Travel to Kids // Best Books About Travel for Babies // Best Books About Travel for 2 - 6 Year Olds. This was for 5 nights and we went with our 2 teenagers. On average the sessions cost around 30 per child, but the price is dependent on the age range. Read More New Opening: Ikos Porto Petro Updates 16 June 2023 Discover Were here to arm you with the knowledge to make the right choice for your next vacation. Im keeping everything crossed we get to Sani later on in the year. 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! Every member of staff that we had interactions with was keen to help us make our stay run as smoothly as possible. There are a few caveats to that. 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 With this room, you can have three adults or two adults and a child stay in it. Serious luxury. We did manage to get a massage booking for our second last day, but it was difficult. Firstly, Sani resort is a one-off resort, albeit with five different hotels included in the resort. They came at the same time each day and did a really thorough clean. The check-in staff was really good at explaining the layout of the resort, as well as all of the features of the resort. A. WebBest for couples: Island hop in style by combining stays at both Grace Santorini and Grace Mykonos in one trip. This mountainside village has some stunning views and has a wealth of local tavernas and some nice local shops. Families are as always a big part of Ikos Odisia, and theres plenty for children of all ages to fill their time with. A Spanish restaurant whose menu is designed by acclaimed Chef David Ibarboure. Everything about it was top class and the staff were great at keeping our glasses full. So yep, Sani wins over Ikos in terms of the accommodation. Walking the sleepy streets of Kos Town will introduce you to Venetian and Ottoman architecture, traditional tavernas and bustling bars. The resort really lives up to its 5-star billing in the look and feel of it. There are no all-inclusive options at Sani. If we know we are going to be drinking a few rounds at the bar we would try to tip 1 euro per drink. The value that you get for that price is really good though. They have really optimized every area, by adding sensors to doors that open automatically, regular sanitization to door handles, and reduced points of access to name a few. We don't necessarily go on holiday to make friends with the staff or form long-lasting bonds. Sani's location in a bay in Halkidiki is easy to get to by car in around 50 minutes, but to be honest it's not very accessible by any other means, and actually walking to and from each hotel in the resort from Sani Club isn't easy. The reason this has the edge is because, to be very frank, the food at both Sani and Ikos is very similar. While we only got to sample one of these restaurants while on an excursion one of the days it was well worth it. 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. Plus, all of the restaurants provide healthy childrens menus. 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 was no hanging about for a check-in desk. 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." The design of all of the rooms is really nicely done following the modern Greek aesthetic that is seen throughout the resort. Castle Hot Springs Morristown, Arizona This boutique all-inclusive U.S. resort for couples is a true desert oasis in Arizona (Photo: Castle Hot Springs) The Ikos is the perfect spot for families. You definitely wont get bored throughout your stay. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. When we visited they were basically booked out for the whole week ahead. What I do hope this comparison of Sani and Ikos has done is help you decide which one is going to be the best fit. Sani is in Halkidiki on the Greek mainland, and its a resort which is made up of five luxury hotels, and a stunning marina. If you are a wine lover then the Ikos resorts are for you. Both Ikos and Sani pride themselves on being 5* luxury brands, and are very family friendly. You name it and they will have it. The island of Kastri is a short distance away from the beach and can be reached by swimming or using a canoe/pedalo that the resort provides. Opening date: June 2023 But I also know that different things matter more for some people than others. Location: Kos, Greece We found that the pasta dishes were a little bland and the pizzas lacked that authentic Italian cook. Best in Europe: Ikos Oceania See Rates at TripAdvisor "Appeals to couples and adult travelers but also to younger guests." We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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. How they do this is with the complimentary Mini one rental and the three local restaurants that are included in your all-inclusive package. 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. Done! FURTHER READING: Want more luxury family travel content? Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resort In Tulum: Unico You can discover more on Sani Resorts here. There's a good reason for this. Ikos and Sani are actually the same, as in they are owned by the same company. The staff that worked by the pool and beachside had to get a special shoutout. Does the Ikos Aria offer a shuttle service from the Airport. It may boast more than 400 rooms and suites, however it doesnt have a large resort feel. 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. Voted number one all-inclusive in the world and in Europe at the 2020 Tripadvisor Travellers Choice awards, Ikos Dassia has a fantastic position on Corfus coast. Both times we have visited Sani we have booked the half board option. For meals, we tend to tip between 5 10 euro depending on the meal and quality of the service. Ikos Resorts: sit back and enjoy waiter service by the pool Ikos Resorts, Greece. With a classic French menu, the dishes being served were carefully curated by Michelin-starred chef Anthony Jehanno. Best Resort For Couples In St. Lucia: Sandals Grande St. Lucian. 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. This is definitely the best beach in the Ikos chain of resorts. The buffet has similar offerings and variety, and while Sani has more options included in the Dine Out menu (read more about that in my Sani review), it's also true that we didn't really maximise this because we didn't want to venture too far away either with the kids or without them leaving them with a babysitter. If youre staying in a Deluxe room, transfers are included regardless of where you booked. PCR tests can also be organized if you need one before returning to your home country, but this does come at an additional cost. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Both resorts have pools in their spas too. So, make sure you make use of this benefit if you are staying in a deluxe room. WebFind the best offers for the best holidays at Ikos Resorts Offers Explore Special Offers Take advantage of the best summer deals. The Ikos chain of resorts has become the standout chain of resorts over the last number of years in the luxury all-inclusive market and the Ikos Aria lives up to the hype. Although there are some pockets of Greece that have decent Golf courses. Getting there: 50-minutes by car from Thessaloniki Airport 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! The beach at the Ikos Aria is really stunning, so if chilling by the beach is your vibe. Sprawling across 47 green acres, Ikos Aria promises a laidback, beach chic ambience on the Greek island of Kos. Book ahead to make sure you arent disappointed. 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. 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. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Having excellent facilities for children is one of the central pillars of both the Ikos and the Sani brand. Location: Halkidiki, Greece We had our own private entrance and exit to the outside. Which Ikos resort is 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. The Ikos Aria is also conveniently located within close distance to the lovely local village of Zia. There are plenty of things to It may sound difficult to decide what youre eating in two weeks time, but if you want to guarantee a table its a necessity. If you have visited an Ikos resort before you will be familiar with the offering as all of the restaurants are the same throughout. In other words, they are in hotels that were already built and the company bought them and then refurbished. 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. 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. The standard at this resort is top quality and the staff work incredibly hard to earn their tips. Open date: May 2018 As part of the dine-out feature, there are three restaurants that you can choose from that are included in your all-inclusive package. Just to add in another variable to think through. But to date, there are no plans to launch any other Sani-branded resorts outside of what is already there. The spa menu is also very large, so no matter what type of treatment you would like they most likely have it. The menus at the restaurants were devised by Michelin-starred chefs and although they dont work in the restaurants. 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. one bedroom bungalow suites at Ikos Olivia. Although you wont find an all-inclusive resort as nice as the Ikos Aria in those areas. Obviously the best way to compare costs is to contact Ikos and Sani direct, or use a travel agent if you wish. I certainly did. One of them is reserved for deluxe guests and there is another adult-only bar offering. One of the great features of Ikos resorts is local discovery. ), Dummy text Join our email network to receive exclusive offers and notifications of airline sales direct to your inbox. I am SO excited! Ikos or Sani - Which luxury resort is better - The Williams Best Resort for Location: Ikos (but only just!). Asserting the brands new roots in Spain, just like its dominance in the family hotel world of Greece, Ikos Porto Petro is the second Spanish resort for Ikos which is set to open in June 2023. The largest suite on the resort. But be aware I am most often comparing only Ikos Dassia in Corfu to Sani rather than all of the Ikos resorts. The only main callout we had about the spa was that it was a little difficult getting a reservation. 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. Currently, for stays in 2021, there are free cancellations up to 2 weeks prior to arrival as well as the full deposit refund too. There is also a massive patio and private garden area here that is perfect for the kids to play in for the day. Book your holidays for summer 2023 at Ikos Honestly, there is not much need for the bigger rooms if youre a couple or two friends vacationing together. This suite caters to up to three adults and two kids. We didnt really see any rubbish or empty glasses left lying around. There is yoga, volleyball, TRX to name a few of the activities. That being said the deluxe areas do have nicer sun loungers and day beds. There is always some sort of musical entertainment that is on in the evenings. Each of the restaurants has a set menu for guests from the Ikos resort. It is a 5-star resort, so its not really a surprise that its pricey. On our last visit in 2019, we spent an extra 52 euros over the 7 days we were there. 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. The room offering at the Ikos Aria is pretty refined, which is how we like it. Expect a choice of rooms and suites - some with individual pools - and all with contemporary dcor that provide the best of indoor and outdoor living at Ikos Aria. This is actually one of the strongest benefits. Sani also has a huge outdoor theatre, and the show we watched back in 2019 was excellent. One Bedroom Bungalow Suite with balcony and sea view. 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 ). Our favorite dishes were definitely the Moussaka and the lamb kleftiko. The latest hotel opening for the brand, Ikos Odisia is set to fling open its shiny doors in May 2023 but the resorts front desk is already accepting bookings so you can start planning your 2023 luxury Greek holiday today. to do, lots of different dining options, and really exceptional facilities and service. Check-in is at 3pm, but if you arrive early the staff will check you in and you will be able to use the facilities at the resort and make the most of the all-inclusive food and drink. Then this is the resort for you. Both have a large presence in Greece and are fantastic for families. It was truly spectacular. Nope, not really. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Two of which are for babies, one designed specifically for families, two adult-only, one within the spa and one for Deluxe Collection guests as well as the main pool which welcomes all ages. Of course, theres also a top-of-the-range spa, Michelin-star menus at five la carte restaurants and exceptional facilities for children of all ages, from newborn babies to teens. This meant our interior exit and entrance was down a hotel corridor. 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. We always budget a certain amount of money towards tipping. A contemporary Greek offering with a menu that was crafted by Michelin starred chef Lefteris Lazarou. 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. However, to begin with you may want to read my individual reviews for Sani and Ikos. I would describe the entertainment at Ikos and Sani as low key, and in our 5 visits Ive never had to partake in a cheesy holiday dance, thank goodness. Absolutely brilliant advice. We definitely recommend booking in for treatments before you travel to secure a booking. ALL this being said, Sani Club (and other Sani hotels in the resort) had a large indoor swimming pool just in case the weather turned nasty, while Ikos didn't aside from the small half-in and half-out swimming pool in the spa. Hotel child prices apply to children aged between 211 years. WebIkos Dassia, Corfu Perfect for couples and families, with parts of its secluded sandy beach and two of the five swimming pools reserved for adults, the resort is also 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. And dont worry about whether youll need to get up at 6am to secure a sunbed, there is plenty for everybody. This again is a unique thing to offer to premium room guests. Free drinks, all day, every day for 7 days? The second resort for the Ikos family, Ikos Oceania is also in Halkidiki on another glorious stretch of Mediterranean coastline. 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. A. Some of the differences are very subtle (or non-existent!) 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. But I can also confidently say that the Anne Semonin spa at Ikos Dassia was also a 5-star experience. 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. Here are our picks for where to check in in 2023. You can also discover age-old family recipes through the local gastronomy, all included within your all-inclusive dining package. 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! 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. The Ikos chain of resorts has become the standout chain of resorts over the last number of years in the luxury all-inclusive market and the Ikos Aria lives up to the hype. The second you walk into the resort you will notice its stunning design and decor choices. And if you love the idea of staying in one of the Ikos resorts, you need to discover more about its sister hotel Sani Resort. They also have plans to open another four hotels over the next few years in Majorca, Portugal. Meanwhile, Ikos is a brand with five different locations, and I would imagine more will be added in due course. 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 year, is the first outside of Greece, in Andalusia in Spain. Every place we went to had a good few veggie options and at least one vegan option too. Like an omelet station for breakfast. The food here was a little disappointing. While our kids are so young and we are so tired, we really don't want to leave the resort much. This is the perfect option if you want to drop off the kids and have a few hours by the adults pool or to go for a nice meal in the evening. Dimitra Beach Hotel & Suites. Double Bungalow with Garden View at Ikos Olivia. These areas have stayed protected and are cornered off and its nice to be able to soak up the history of the place. 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. For example, in Sani our two-bedroom private pool suite was in a short row of villas all next to each other but with privacy walls and no footpaths close to the gardens. Open between the hours of 10 am 6 pm there are multiple sessions that run throughout the day. Before we go any further, SPOILER ALERT! If you can decide on where you want to eat before your holiday its best to book them as early as possible. Kos is one of the best places in Greece for couples to visit as it combines incredible beaches with picturesque towns and unique architecture. Location: Corfu, Greece The food, service, and overall experience were luxurious. Ikos hotels are outstanding for couples as well as families with children of all ages. Yes, parking is available for guests and it is complimentary. Within a few minutes, we had gone through the check-in experience and were on our way to our room. 24/7 room service is also included and has a great varied menu. We found the quality of care, professionalism of staff, and range of activities and facilities to be excellent at both Sani and Ikos. This was a close second as our favorite place in the resort. 22 acres of perfectly landscaped gardens on the Gulf of Toroneos in beautiful Halkidiki sits Ikos Olivia. One of the beds is a pull-out bed though, so it might not be the most spacious if there are three adults going. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. 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. We also got to have a little drive around Corfu Town which has lots of historic monuments and a pretty old town. It was so nice at Ikos to not have to think about ordering more water and this inflating our bill every time. Getting there: 50 minutes by car from Palma De Mallorca Airport They cater very well for all ages, and part of me wishes that we had discovered Sani and Ikos when our children were little. You can go there and not worry that youll be charged over 9 euros for a bottle of water, yes that did happen to me in one of the restaurants at Sani. This Asian fusion restaurant had dishes from throughout Asia, with Japanese, Indian, Chinese, and Thai dishes on offer. Although Greece is a truly wonderful tourist destination. They also offer almost exactly the same kids clubs, creche and babysitter services as they are managed by the UK-registered company Worldwide Kids. So, you shouldnt have any issues getting a spot by the pool. 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. I also run the Ikos Olivia group on Facebook which you are more than welcome to join. Based on reviews and ratings by travellers, the resort also took 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. Ikos hotels offer Italian, Greek, Asian, French and also main buffet restaurants (though the buffet restaurant has been changed during the pandemic). BUT this does NOT bother us. 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. This is one of those features that really distinguishes the Ikos as a premium spot for vacations. Whether youre looking for the perfect hotel to host your three-generational trip or an award-winning all-inclusive concept, were here to help plan your luxury Greece holiday today. This adult-only hotel is located directly on a private sandy beach, 2.5 miles away from Marmari Village in Kos. When booking you have the option to choose bed and breakfast, half board and full board. Blogging our travels and family life since 2013. We did a bit of research and found that the Ikos resorts in Kos and Halkidiki also would have been possible with direct flights (indeed Halkidiki is the same as Sani!) With five hotels in one complex, which one will you choose? Room rates are already available for both resorts, and you can book your 2023 or 2024 holiday now. Honestly, I can't answer that for you and your family. This gives you access to over 300 wines to choose from at no additional cost. Deluxe three-bedroom bungalow suite with private pool at Ikos Porto Petro, Ikos Odisia is the latest addition to the Greek Ikos family and is set to open in May 2023. The service was really prompt and we waited no longer than 30 minutes either time, which is good going. The resort has 20 or so minis that guests can use, but as with everything in this resort. They made our days so enjoyable as we spent most of our time there. 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. Youre greeted with a glass of bubbly and your bags are taken to meet you in your room on the other side. We have booked into Sani Dunes for 5 nights, and this will be our second time staying at Dunes. We have to give a specific shout-out to Michail at Provence. Throughout the stay, the service was really impeccable. Close-up details of the room at the Ikos Andalusia The 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. Voted the number one all-inclusive hotel in the world in the 2021 Travellers Choice Awards by Tripadvisor, a stay here is certainly going to be one for the holiday hall of fame. Booking is advised before you go, and we tend to chose a mixture of restaurants around the marina and hotels. When there are dozens of categories of rooms. Plus, theres a splash pad for little ones. The same goes for the day you are leaving. Ikos all the way if having a great all-inclusive bar menu to choose from is a priority.
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