Ikos Olivia ~ Halkidiki

” Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki is a luxury family resort located on the beautiful Torneos Gulf, boasting luxury accommodation and award winning premium service with picturesque sea views and a beach front location.

We have just returned from a 10 night stay with our free-range brood, including our two children and three grandchildren aged 8 years, 4 years and 17 months.

Our private transfer from the airport kicked off with a fun surprise and a taste of the comforts yet to come. We were transported in a rather funky Mercedes people carrier (think limousine on a larger scale) with a starlit ceiling, TV’s, reclining seats, refreshments and air conditioning. It made for a great journey compared to the customary underwhelming arrivals elsewhere and was a welcome complimentary inclusion as part of the Ikos Infinite Lifestyle concept.

On arrival at the resort we were warmly welcomed in the reception lounge with champagne and soft drinks to quench thirsts then efficiently ferried by golf cart to our rooms.  We ordered 24hr room service, where the staff were more than accommodating with a full menu late at night… all inclusive. We were starting to appreciate this might be a great holiday from the get-go, with staff showing such attention to all ours and the children’s needs.

Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki was the perfect choice for our multi-generational family holiday (especially with younger children) – the entire ethos and vibe of the resort is geared towards families. Too often, taking the family away to a luxury resort one would be forgiven for thinking children should be seen and not heard, but not here at Ikos Olivia.  The atmosphere was life-affirming, children able to simply be children, playing, laughing and splashing in the pool and on the beach, with any tantrums soon addressed with the magic cure of unlimited ice cream. This is no circus either, just a well manicured ultra luxury family resort where fun, sun and leisure prevails and family comfort takes priority.

We really were impressed with how much emphasis and consideration is offered to quality family time. The staff go above and beyond… from sterilised baby equipment to high chairs ready and waiting when and wherever needed.  No request is too much trouble, no matter what time of day.

Children aren’t just accommodated, they’re sharing of the luxury experience demonstrates the core culture at Ikos.  Activities are extensive so no reason to ever be bored – you choose from a wide range of sporting activities including two floodlight Tennis courts, Beach Badminton and Football, Aqua Aerobics, Pilates and Yoga. There’s a whole raft of non-motorised water sports also included to enjoy… Windsurfing, Canoeing and Pedalos. Motorised water sports are at extra cost, but high quality and with plenty of choice. Catamaran, Inflatable rides, Water skiing, Jet skiing, sports boats and charters. All on tap. 

Kids Inflatables are readily available for all to share. There was never a shortage of sun-loungers and no need to bring your own towels for the pool or beach as all are provided and regularly refreshed. It’s worth mentioning, and certainly welcome, that if you are not using your sun-lounger it cannot be reserved so there’s no need for that hideous early morning dawn raid to secure your sun beds.  They have a much more civilised policy, that works! The resort was 100% full when we stayed, and there were always loungers available, restaurant and cafe tables, poolside and bar seating and adequate shade. A very relaxed and enjoyable experience with no worries that you won’t be able to sun-bathe at either pool or beach.  

The beach, is on your doorstep.. quite literally if you book one of the stunning beachfront suites. The sand isn’t the soft white powder of the Maldives but it’s as good as it gets for the Med. Although this is the Aegean! At both pools and beach the service is exemplary, the staff ensured we were never short of refreshment and there’s even a guy whose sole job is to clean your sunglasses poolside. Oh boy, we did NOT want to come home.

In summary: There is no denying that Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki is a top of the line luxury resort with a phenomenal and uniquely comprehensive all-inclusive concept. But for us, what made this great holiday outstanding was the people, exceptionally trained, totally guest-focused with a family vibe and an eye for detail. The staff worked impeccably to look after us from the moment we landed and nothing was too much trouble. So for families, this is the resort of choice and one we will be sure to re-visit because of the quality and attention to detail and, as the Dalai Lama once said, ‘anyone who believes small things don’t matter hasn’t shared a room with a mosquito!’  None of those here to report either, thankfully! ” ~ Karen