All-Inclusive Luxury: Our Family Stay at Ikos Aria

If, like me, you’ve never been on an all-inclusive holiday before and you’re looking for a touch of luxury, then keep reading. We’ve always been a “hire a villa” kind of family when travelling abroad – it’s a great way to soak up local culture and move at your own pace. But this time, I wanted ease, indulgence, and to be completely looked after for once.

I first discovered Ikos a few years ago when some lucky travel bloggers shared glowing reviews after visiting their resorts. Everything I read was overwhelmingly positive, so when it came to booking our holiday in 2024, Ikos felt like the perfect choice.

I knew it wouldn’t be cheap, but I was happy to invest around what a typical holiday would cost us – except this time, I’d be doing absolutely nothing for five days.

Why We Chose Ikos Aria

After some research, Ikos Aria stood out with the best reviews on Google and TripAdvisor. I highly recommend joining Facebook groups dedicated to Ikos resorts – they’re full of handy tips, FAQs, and first-hand experiences. Just remember: take any negative comments with a pinch of salt – everyone has their own expectations and experiences.

One thing I wish I had known before booking was the difference between a standard stay and the Deluxe Collection. We booked through TUI, and it wasn’t obvious that Deluxe was even available via them. So, next time – we’re going Deluxe!

That said, we loved being in the main building this time. It was so convenient, and the service was impeccable. We usually spent our mornings by the beach pool, had lunch, and then relaxed by the beach in the afternoon. The staff at both the beach and the beach pool were exceptional – truly going above and beyond. We especially appreciated the beach manager’s warmth and care.

Tip: Pack water shoes! The sea has some rocky areas. While there are underwater pathways to reach the sandier parts, a few kids did catch their feet on stones. We ended up buying shoes at the hotel shop.

What You Get with Deluxe

Deluxe stays come with a higher price tag, but there are notable extras: a separate area of the resort, premium service perks, and even a Tesla transfer from the airport when booking directly with Ikos. Our first time in the main hotel was perfect for us, but knowing what we know now, Deluxe is next on the list!

Arrival Experience

From the moment we arrived, the experience felt luxurious. Our bags were taken care of, and we were welcomed with a refreshing Aperol spritz (juices for the kids) while sitting on a comfy sofa in the lobby. Heaven. The staff who checked us in were so kind, and our luggage was already waiting for us in our room.

Our Room

We stayed in a Superior Triple Room with a side sea view and balcony. It was clean, spacious, and well-equipped. There was a double bed and a sofa bed – though we ended up all sharing the main bed as the sofa bed wasn’t the most comfortable. This room is ideal for a couple with a small child or two adults, but next time, we’ll book two rooms.

Pools & Relaxation

There’s a main pool, a spa pool, an adult-only pool, a beach pool, and separate pools for Deluxe guests. We gravitated towards the beach pool – an infinity pool just steps from the beach with nearby toilets, a bar, and an ice cream station. You’re allowed to reserve sun loungers for an hour while you head to breakfast, and that was plenty of time for us.

Our rhythm was simple and relaxing: mornings by the beach pool, afternoons at the beach, and evenings filled with dinner and slow sunset strolls. Our favourite evening hangout was the Outdoor Lobby Bar, where we played giant chess and soaked in the holiday vibes.

Dining at Ikos Aria

The food options were incredible. Each restaurant has a kids’ menu and even vegan menus – which was perfect for us. You can preview menus online, and we pre-booked three dinners before arriving. Deluxe guests can book all nights in advance, while standard guests can only pre-book three.

That said, concierge can usually help you book restaurants on the day, depending on availability. We made some changes to our bookings once we arrived and had no issues.

We chose to tip at each meal – around €5 per meal. While tipping isn’t expected, it was lovely to say thank you in the moment, and it was always appreciated. We also tipped beach staff the same. Budgeting around €15-€20 per day was perfect for us.

Extras & Experiences

We didn’t book the complimentary Tesla Day, and I regret it! It’s just €10 for insurance and worth it for the experience alone. I wasn’t confident enough to drive abroad this time, but next time, I’m doing it.

Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the evening entertainment at Teatro or the nightclub, but the concierge sent a daily “What’s On” guide, which included shows, weather, and all the activities available – including sports and fitness.

Final Thoughts

We stayed during May half-term, which was ideal – great weather, not overly crowded, and more relaxed than peak summer. We all returned tanned, rested, and grateful.

Would we return to Ikos Aria? Absolutely. But next time, we’re going Deluxe all the way! Bring on next year’s trip.

Quick Tips for Ikos First-Timers:

• Pre-book your restaurants (3 nights for standard, all nights for Deluxe)
• Book Ouzo with a buggy if you’re not staying Deluxe and have very small kids or ones who find walking difficult as it’s a 10 – 15 minute walk!
• Bring water shoes for the beach
• Take tipping cash (€15–€20 per day is plenty, if you choose to tip)
• Book the Tesla Day – it’s a great opportunity
• Make the most of Teatro and entertainment – there’s something on every night
• Toiletries provided: shampoo, conditioner, body wash, and a hairdryer. No straighteners.