MOST INCREDIBLE STAY EVER
Nov 2022
| Coolestkitz
DISCLAIMER - THIS A LONG BUT WORTHWHILE REVIEW
I write this review reminiscing and emotional with wide smile for what was easily the best and most wholesome family holiday that my family and myself have ever had the privilege of experiencing. I can't sing enough praises for the team at Ikos Andalusia and most importantly for Reservations Manger, Vasia, and Guest Services Supervisor, Maria, for they specifically were beyond a doubt the reason we had the most incredible stay.
To start off, I would just like to establish that Ikos Andalusia, and Ikos resorts as a brand, operates hands down the most authentic and true to the word "All Inclusive" holiday experience there is to offer. On Arrival, having been collected and complimentarily transferred from the Airport in a comfortable and stylish Mercedes Viano (Or V Class), we were greeted by a polite and professional chauffeur who helped with bags and offered us much needed Ikos branded refreshments for is a very hot Marbella in September. For me, the small details matter, and this was a very commendable start.
A short drive (30 mins), and arriving at Ikos Andalusia really did feel like a 5 star resort. Security was respectful and thorough in assessment and confirmation of our booking, which was noticeable and reassuring. Driving up the manicured and landscaped driveway you are met with superb architecture with neutral tones and sharp lines, creating a calming contrast to the deep, clear blue skies of Marbella. Staff were stationed at the entrance with warm, welcoming smiles and dressed in tones matching the ethos and theme of the architecture. Again, when you spend what is quite a bit of money for such a holiday the details really do matter and here they were ticking every single box.
Check-In was smooth and efficient, we were greeted by the lovely Maria who offered us refreshments (the first of a unimaginable number of Sangria's), recorded all our details and explained every aspect of the resort, as well a taking us on a brief tour of the main building facilities whilst the rooms were being freshened up and bags delivered. She was professional and patient, very relatable and really just set up the tone of the trip. The lobby and main building, which houses the main buffet style restaurant (Flavours) and shops/lounges below was beautifully contemporary and minimalist in design. Additionally, the whole resort (emphasis on WHOLE) smelt so indulgent and inviting. We had to leave with the scent in a variety of delivery modes! (Anne Semonin fragrances)
As a family of 5, we love our individual spaces but wanted to make sure we were together in one room or adjoining rooms. With the youngest at 18, we are family of adults and we wanted to treat ourselves so we booked two Junior Suites. These were super spacious, clean and well proportioned. Honestly, there wasn't much more you could ask for. Upon settling in, we did notice a fair bit of noise and excitement coming over the balcony (every room has a balcony) and unknowingly we had booked a room in a block that was very close to the Kids Pools (1 of the 7 pools the resort has!). For a family with young children, the rooms were perfectly placed, but for us and other similar families (or couples) the first block (right next to the main building) may not be the best choice. To add to that, the rooms were quite a distance from each other, so we popped back in to reservations and asked to see if something could be done to get the rooms closer to each other, and also maybe to get closer to the adults pools and private pools. The resorts was quite full and they explained it may take a day or two before something could be done. We considered upgrading the rooms to one of the deluxe collections rooms as these are the best placed rooms (closer to the adults pools, bars and there are special amenities for deluxe guests). It was now a waiting game, but honestly, besides these minor preferences, we were so happy with the rooms, the service and quality of food offered for room service!
On our second day, reservations asked us to pop in after breakfast to discuss our options and present an update. Conveniently, all communication is done via WhatsApp, where a dedicated guest service attendant updates you daily with a schedule of planned events, opening times for facilities and any special occasions taking place for the day and THERE IS A LOT going on everyday at the resort! Anyway, after breakfast, we visited reception and we were told by our dedicated supervisor (Maria) that the Reservations manager (Vasia) would be down to see us. Vasia was incredibly nice and charming, very sweet and polite. She handed us new room keys. We thought "Hey, this is great. Thanks! What block are we in now". She explained that the hotel was fully booked, but because we insisted on staying together and this was our first time visiting, the resort management and herself would like to offer us the best room in the resort. We were offered the Deluxe collection 2 Bedroom Suite with Private Pool and Terrance. SHE OFFERED IS THE BEST ROOM IN THE RESORT. We were all speechless. We were perfectly happy after our first night and thought we were being unreasonable. After all, how long can kids play for? and with how active and bubbly the resort can be I doubt kids would stay in one place too long anyway! But honestly, we were so taken aback. When I say Vasia and Maria made our trip, I sincerely mean that.
Now, on to the new room. WOW. Just wow. It was out of our budget range. It was bigger that our requirement. But when Ikos advertises something as the best on offer, they mean every word of it. The room was huge and the proportions were even better. Two extra large bedrooms, ensuite, with a perfect open living room with a study, all opening up to the generous terrance pool with DIRECT access to two Deluxe collection poolside and beachside bars. All an embodiment of indoor/outdoor living. Our trip went from outstanding to unimaginable. If you do have the privilege and luxury of choice between the superior rooms and a deluxe collection equivalent, I implore you to consider the deluxe. It really is worth it, not only for the exclusive access to great amenities, but also for the positioning of the rooms and suites. The Deluxe collection occupies the left and right hand side of the resort closest to the beachfront, which means its quiet and enjoys unobstructed views of the Mediterranean. I mean in our case, we had direct access to private cabanas seafront and enjoyed bar staff visits to the terrance to order drinks every 15 mins. The service was exquisite and nothing I have experienced has topped this and I have stayed in many 5 star resorts and hotels.
To the food, every single restaurant was amazing and for that very reason the insistence of a minimum of 5 nights makes so much sense. With 7 restaurants, you need to have ample time to try them all. They can get booked up quick so you are best booking slots and reservations as soon as you confirm your booking via the seamless and reliable Ikos app. We enjoyed every single one and ate to our hearts content, in the true sense of "All Inclusive". No small portions, no dilutive drinks. Everything was as advertised. our favourite bar was the Deluxe Bar, followed by the main bar (which has a great sea view). Our favourite restaurant was the "Dinner by the Sea" which is remarkable dining experience exclusive to Deluxe Collection guests and fortunately right outside our Terrance access. "Ouzo" the Greek restaurant was delicious too, as was all of them really.
Activities are such a vital part of the Ikos experience. Quite literally everything you can think of is on offer. All sea and land sporting activities with excellent facilities, a great gym with indoor section and Crossfit style outdoor areas that my family loved using every morning. Classes are on offer everyday and almost every hour to suit every guest's schedule, from HIIT, Yoga, Pilates etc. By the beach or not? its up to you. Bike rentals were easy and it was such a great experience riding from Ikos to Estepona via a coastline path with such picturesque views ALL the way to the port and market. It was such an enjoyable ride (approx 40 mins one way) with bikes to suit all levels. The complementary Tesla ride was such a great touch, available to all guests at least once during their stay. We enjoyed cruising to Marbella town and seeing the sights and shopping at the infamous Marina.
In spite of all the great things we did and Ikos offered, for which I have not covered half and don't think I can, I don't think anything tops the feeling of home the resort provides. We had the most fun just staying at the resort, enjoying the scenery, the facilities, picking, mixing and matching all the restaurants for breakfast, lunch an dinner. If anything, I think that is the true sign of a great resort. How at home it make you feel, and I simply haven't experienced that anywhere like I have at Ikos. A truly special place, deserving of all its praise and plaudits. Again, an experience like this wouldn't have been possible without Vasia and Maria. Thank you for making our year so memorable!
Next stop, Ikos Corfu!
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