In our latest all-inclusive luxury article Caroline Dierckx takes us to paradise in Southern Spain.
An innovative concept. A precise definition of all-inclusive luxury.
Head to the south of Spain to live an “all-inclusive” experience at Ikos Andalusia. The “all in” is a familiar term to designate worry-free holidays, but not normally when they are luxury trips. We will discover why Ikos Resorts has been voted for the third year running as the best luxury all-inclusive hotel brand in the world. It also won the TripAdvisor Annual Travellers’ Choice Awards 2021.
Ikos Andalusia is a brand new resort just a 2.5 hours’ flight away from the capital of Europe. It is near the trendy town of Marbella. This five-star hotel is the fifth resort of the Ikos Resorts group in the Mediterranean region and the first outside Greece. It enjoys a privileged location at the edge of the enormous fine sandy beach of Playa de Guadalmansa and is only ten minutes’ from the historic town of Estepona.
Once arrived and through this majestic entrance you will experience the typical smell of these resorts: the fragrance of Anne Semonin Paris spa treatments. We understand immediately that Ikos Andalusia is an exceptional place. A breathtaking view of a luxury oasis created by the prestigious international design agency Studio Gronda with the Mediterranean Sea as a backdrop.
The welcome – with a small glass of champagne – is impeccable. Here everything, or nearly everything, works via ‘WhatsApp’. In other words, it is a totally personalised service: whether to reply to customers’ questions or above all to advise them during their stay, for example on restaurant opening hours, activities, themed evenings, supermarket, Kids Club, gym/fitness, or the times of the bus that takes guests to Porto Banus or Estepona.
Let’s talk about the location that exudes serenity wherever you look. The architecture of the buildings blends in perfectly with the décor. The very spacious rooms in sobre and chic colours lend themselves to rejuvenating, comfortable nights. The room service twice a day – morning and evening – is very pleasant. The eight swimming pools (4,000 m2) offer a choice to all guests to find their favourite: the large pool with games for children (a family paradise), an ‘Adult Only’ pool or the pool closest to the sea. The lush gardens that surround them are designed very well to leave a more intimate impression.
And then there are the seven restaurants which are incredible: firstly for their precise, elegant and refined décor each in its own style and secondly for the à la carte menus created by Michelin-starred chefs, a choice of 300 wines, and a bar service on the beach.
For lunch, we loved sitting at a small table in the sun at the Beach Club with its Mediterranean cooking full of flavours, as well as Flavours featuring international cuisine and an exceptional buffet with a breathtaking view over the entire Resort and the sea. You can also try the ‘Adults Only breakfast’ at the Olivia restaurant or an evening meal at Provence. A tip: in the evening, make a reservation! This is the best way of getting a table in the restaurant of your choice. It is also possible to have lunch by the pool, without leaving your deckchair! The must: gourmet treats throughout the day: ultra-fresh coconut and banana cocktails, watermelons, doughnuts… If you want to eat ‘in’, 24-hour room service is also once again included in the holiday.
Five-star service of the highest standard and unique Ikos experiences complete the ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ holiday offer.
Sports enthusiasts or beginners will enjoy an ultra-modern gym. There is also a basketball court, beach volleyball, football… Sea lovers will enjoy a range of nautical activities (all non-motorised sports are included in the price). And of course, there is a magnificent spa and exclusive treatments (the latter coming with an additional cost). We also did not hesitate to take the bikes and ride along the seafront.
It is good to know that the Kids Club is full of great activities for the little ones, and teenagers will not be left out with the ‘Teen Club’ during high season. There is even a disco!
Really All Inclusive?
Yes, and we were able to discover even more, thanks to the innovative ‘Local Discovery’ option – all included in this luxury holiday. Guests can borrow a TESLA car (brand new at the resort) for a day exploring the region and visiting the best museums in Malaga, or even trying the ‘Dine Out’ option – where you can eat at a local and authentic restaurant from a selection picked by the resort, all at no extra cost. In addition, golfers will receive a complimentary green fee at the exclusive Los Naranjos Golf Club.
There is so much to say about this resort, which meets all the expectations of a demanding clientele and all those who want a carefree stay with first class, all-inclusive services.
Living the Ikos Andalusia experience is the best way to achieve the vacation of your dreams.
www.ikosresorts.com/resorts/ikos-andalusia/
