Ikos Dassia Corfu
Dassia is home to the TV series The Durrells and the hotel is in a beautiful bay there. As well as the two main buildings (named Sea and Sky) with a selection of rooms with balconies and terraces, there are also bungalows along the beachfront with private pools and two standalone three bedroom villas – all totally luxurious.
The décor and furniture, from the self-reclining sun loungers to the soft furnishings, are all the highest quality. There are also chic hammocks and cosy hanging pods dotted around the hotel in case you want to stop for a break en-route to your room or relax in the sun.
There are adult only areas for those who don’t have kids – or those seeking time away from the kids! The children’s area is really good fun too, with an ice cream parlour, water cannons, a splash park, fountains and a covered adventure playground – plus a kid’s club of course.
All the swimming pools (including one beautiful infinity pool) are heated and there are always sunbeds available. For deluxe guests there is a private and quiet pool where you receive an excellent personal service – I can highly recommend the cake of the day with a morning coffee and the pineapple mojitos later on.
There are six ‘unlimited visit’ a la carte restaurants at Ikos Dassia. Choose from the adult only Ergon Greek Deli (try this at lunchtime overlooking the pool and terrace), Provence – very chic and my favourite for the lamb chops, Anaya for Asian food on the balcony, Fresco for the best carbonara I have ever eaten, Ouzo for fabulous fish dishes and Kerkyra for traditional local food. I would also recommend the Dine Out experience – part of the all-inclusive plan – where you can dine out at top restaurants outside the resort. Choose from several restaurants including dining al fresco on the atmospheric streets in old Corfu town or a restaurant on Vido island and the hotel will send a boat to pick you up.
The beach at Ikos Dassia is beautiful and the sea is safe for children too. Deluxe guests access their own private area on the beach and get waiter service – I tried the delicious Ikos burger and can highly recommend it while soaking up some rays. To work off the burger there are loads of water sports to try out that are included in the price – kayaks, pedalos, paddle surfing and more – plus motorised water sports such as paragliding that you pay extra for.
There’s also a wonderful spa where deluxe guests get a treatment included in the price – there’s even a teenager treatment menu if you’re taking your older kids along.
The hotel provides a courtesy bus that can get quite busy at times, so I recommend walking to the sea building to catch the bus there to make sure you get a seat. The bus will take you to Dassia town, a busy little place where you can visit tavernas, shops and markets. The hotel can also help you with hiring a car or a moped if you would prefer this to the bus! Further afield I recommend visiting Corfu town with its traditional cobbled streets and walled fortress, and the picturesque village of Paleokastritsa with its aqua blue waters.
The one overriding highlight of this holiday was the hotel itself. Having travelled far and wide I will have to say this is one of the best hotels I have ever experienced. Nothing is too much trouble for the staff, the service is fantastic, the surroundings the ultimate in luxury and the food delicious. The concierge team is always incredibly helpful and if you are a deluxe guest you can also choose from a vast array of the finest wines and champagnes. I sincerely hope to return, and I hope I have managed to convey here how special it is.
As the hotel is new there are some great deals to be had this year so please call me on 01869 868140 and I will find you a wonderfully luxurious holiday at Ikos Dassia.