Why I Love Working With Ikos

I love working with Ikos because I know my customers will have an amazing experience. In fact, every single client I have booked to an Ikos resort so far has chosen to rebook, which speaks volumes about how it feels to stay there.

Part of that is the relationship I have with the Ikos team. I work closely with them to make sure your stay is extra special, from noting your preferences to helping arrange those thoughtful little touches. I am on hand to pre‑book as much as possible for you before you arrive, so you can simply turn up, relax and know that everything is taken care of.

At Ikos you genuinely feel looked after, and I believe that is why so many people continue to spend their precious time and money at their 8 resorts across Greece and Spain, with exciting new properties coming soon.

Arriving on the Costa del Sol

We landed into Malaga just after 9.30 am, greeted by warm sunshine and that familiar buzz of the Costa del Sol. From there it was a smooth 50‑minute transfer along the coast to Estepona, where Ikos Andalusia sits in a prime beachfront position.

The smell. It sounds strange, but the scent that greets you as you walk into reception is incredible: fresh, clean, luxurious. It instantly sets the tone for your holiday.

First Impressions: Service That Feels Effortless

From the moment we stepped inside, it was clear that service is at the heart of Ikos Andalusia. The team want you to feel welcome, relaxed and genuinely looked after, but never in a way that feels intrusive or over the top.

I also love the story behind the brand. The word Ikos means “home” in Greek, and you can really feel that this is at the core of their values. There is a warmth and ease about the way the resorts are run, a sense that you are being welcomed into a beautifully designed home rather than just checking into a hotel.

Today there are eight ultra luxury all inclusive Ikos properties across Greece and Spain, with the newest addition being Ikos Kissamos in Crete. The brand is continuing to grow, with some very exciting plans in the pipeline with Ikos Pinomar, due to open in Marbella in 2027, Ikos Cortesia in the Algarve, scheduled for summer 2028, and Ikos Kassandra “Grand Resort” which is due for completion by 2029. It is a really exciting time to be working with Ikos, and it gives my clients even more choice across some of Europe’s most sought‑after coastlines.

We were met by the lovely Katarina from the Ikos Andalusia team, who welcomed us with coffee, pastries and a warm smile. Over coffee she shared an overview of the resort, the concept behind the Ikos brand and how they look after guests of all ages. It was the perfect introduction before we set off to explore

Exploring the Resort: Big Offering, Thoughtful Layout

Our first couple of hours were spent walking the resort, and it quickly became clear that Ikos Andalusia is designed with real intention, 9 pools, 9 restaurants, 9 bars.

On paper, it sounds huge. In reality, the design feels compact and cleverly planned, so you are never far from where you need to be. This is a big plus if you are travelling with small children and do not want to spend half your holiday trekking across a sprawling resort with buggies and beach bags in tow.

Despite the hotel being over 90% full on the day we visited, it never once felt crowded. There was always space by the pool, calm corners to relax in, and a general sense of ease.

Family Friendly, Without Feeling Overrun

Ikos as a brand is very family friendly, and that is clear at Ikos Andalusia. There are dedicated children’s pools, splash pad, a playground and family facilities, but all thoughtfully placed so that everyone can enjoy the resort in their own way.

What really stood out to me was the mix of guests. Although it is perfect for families, it did not feel like a “kids resort” at all. I saw young couples, older couples, young families, teen families, multigenerational groups, groups of friends.

It genuinely caters to all, which makes it a brilliant option if you are travelling as a bigger party with different ages and interests. From a practical point of view, it is a dream for parents. The kids’ club from age 4 upwards is included, giving children plenty of activities and opportunities to make friends. For little ones under 4 there is childcare available too, offered at a supplement, so even families with babies and toddlers can still enjoy a bit of downtime. The thought that has gone into the design is lovely. In the buffet restaurant there is a dedicated kids’ area, set on a lower level so that younger guests can help themselves, complete with a small step for the tiniest travellers. There is unlimited gelato, a splashpad and a family pool, which quickly became some of my favourite spots to watch families enjoying themselves.

Bike hire is also included, and they have really considered every age and stage from bikes with child seats on the back to toddler‑friendly bikes with stabilisers, so the whole family can head off and explore together. One feature that parents really appreciate is the 30 minutes of complimentary beach childcare for children over 4. You can drop them at the supervised area and enjoy a peaceful, stress‑free dip in the sea or a quiet moment on your lounger, knowing they are being well looked after.

Back in your room, the ultra all inclusive concept continues to make life easier. The 24/7 room service menu is included, which is perfect for those evenings when the kids need an early night and you would rather dine on your balcony than brave a late sitting in a restaurant. The in‑room amenities are very family focused too, things like steps by the bathroom sinks, bottle warmers, prams on request, and the option to pre‑book baby food in the restaurants all help to take the pressure off packing and planning.

It is this combination of thoughtful detail and genuine warmth that makes Ikos Andalusia feel so effortless for families, without ever feeling chaotic or crowded for everyone else.

Perfect For Adults Too

While Ikos Andalusia is brilliantly set up for families, it also works beautifully for adults seeking a more grown‑up escape. I was really impressed by how well the resort balances the needs of different types of guests without anyone feeling compromised.

There is a dedicated adults‑only pool, which has a calm, indulgent atmosphere and is ideal if you are travelling as a couple or with friends and want to spend your days unwinding in peace. Several of the restaurants also feature adults‑only sections, so you can enjoy long, lingering dinners with a more sophisticated, child‑free ambience, even when the resort is busy.

Whether you are planning a romantic break, a child‑free week in the sun or a getaway with friends, Ikos Andalusia gives you all the benefits of a luxury, ultra all inclusive resort, with enough quiet corners and adults‑only spaces to make it feel like your own private sanctuary.

Golf & Getting Out to Explore

The Costa del Sol is known for its golf, and Ikos Andalusia leans into that beautifully. Guests are entitled to one complimentary green fee with shared buggy at the nearby Los Naranjos Golf Club, which is a lovely perk for keen golfers.

On top of that, you can enjoy complimentary use of a MINI Countryman for the day to explore the local area. If you are staying in one of the Deluxe Collection rooms, you can even have the car for two days. It is a brilliant way to add a bit of independent exploring to your stay, whether that is wandering around Marbella’s old town, discovering hidden beaches or heading into the mountains for lunch with a view.

Stepping Inside: The Deluxe Collection

As well as the stunning entry level Superior rooms, we were lucky enough to view some of the resort’s most impressive accommodation, including a Penthouse Suite and the stunning 4‑bedroom villa in the Deluxe Collection.

The décor is exactly what so many of my clients love right now: neutral, earthy tones, layered textures and a relaxed, boho‑chic feel. It feels luxurious without being stuffy, stylish yet very welcoming. These are the types of spaces where you can absolutely see yourself unwinding with a glass of wine at sunset, or enjoying a slow family breakfast on the terrace.

For larger families or multi‑generational groups, that 4‑bedroom villa is a serious “wow” option: space, privacy and all the benefits of the ultra all‑inclusive concept wrapped into one.

Dining: Ultra All Inclusive at Its Best

We ended our visit with lunch at the Beach Club restaurant, and this is where Ikos’ ultra all‑inclusive concept really shines.

Forget any preconceptions about buffet‑style all inclusive (although there is still a buffet!). At Ikos Andalusia you have a la carte dining with endless choice, beautifully presented dishes and premium drinks as standard. At the Beach Club I could have easily spent the whole afternoon working my way through the menu.

Highlights included, fresh ceviche, premium cocktails served with finesse, a dedicated vegan menu, a separate, extensive children’s menu so little ones are never an afterthought. The yogurt pavlova with mixed berries was also a big hit!

I also love that Ikos partner with carefully selected local restaurants, and these are included within the all inclusive package too. It is a fantastic way to experience authentic, local cuisine and atmosphere while still enjoying the ease and value of staying on an all inclusive basis. You can step out, dine like a local, and not worry about signing bills or adding extras to your holiday spend.

It is the kind of place where everyone at the table feels catered for, whether you are a foodie, have specific dietary requirements, or are simply travelling with fussy eaters.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth the 5.30 am Flight?

In a word: yes. In just six hours on resort, I saw enough to confidently say that Ikos Andalusia absolutely lives up to its reputation. The thoughtful layout, the genuinely warm service, the quality of the food and drink, and the way it balances family‑friendly with grown‑up luxury all combine to create something special.

For my clients, this visit means I can now match you to the right room type, guide you on whether it will suit your family, a couple’s escape or a multigenerational celebration, and help you make the most of all those added extras that are so easy to miss.

If you are considering Ikos Andalusia, or you are curious about which Ikos might be the best fit for your next holiday, I would love to share more from my visit and tailor some ideas around you. Contact me to start planning your own Ikos escape.