From vegan à la carte dining and beautiful pools to sandy beaches and WhatsApp concierge support, here are eight reasons we’re returning to Ikos Aria after first visiting when my twins were 10.
There are some holidays you enjoy while you are there, and others that stay with you long after you return home. For us, Ikos Aria is firmly in the second category.
We first visited when my twins were 10, and it gave us exactly the kind of family holiday we needed: wonderful food, plenty of time in the water, beautiful surroundings and the freedom to enjoy each day without overplanning it.
They are nearly 13 now, so we will be returning at a slightly different stage of family life. They want more independence, more choice and the freedom to decide how they spend their time. Thankfully, the things they loved about Ikos Aria before – swimming, choosing restaurants and walking around the resort – are just as appealing now.
As a vegan family, the à la carte dining and dedicated vegan options are a huge part of the experience for us. I do not drink alcohol either, but the quality of the food, alcohol-free drinks, service and surroundings means the all-inclusive concept still works brilliantly for our family.
We have never needed a packed programme of clubs or entertainment to enjoy ourselves. We are happiest eating well, swimming, wandering around the resort and spending unhurried time together. Although this year we will be making the most of the entertainment.
Ikos Aria made all of that feel effortless, which is why we’re returning in 2026. This time, we’ll be experiencing the resort as Deluxe guests – we cannot wait to see how the holiday feels now that the twins are a little older.
Here are the eight reasons we are so excited to go back.
1. We relax the moment we arrive
One of the biggest luxuries for me as a parent is not having to organise every detail of every day.
At Ikos Aria, I feel the mental load begin to lift almost as soon as we arrive. The resort is beautiful, the service feels effortless and everything we need is close by.
There are fewer decisions to make, less planning to do and no pressure to fill the day with activities. We can simply arrive, settle in and decide what we feel like doing.
For me, that means less organising, fewer decisions and more time together.
2. The à la carte restaurants work brilliantly for vegans
Food is a major part of our holidays, and the restaurants are one of the things my children remember most about Ikos.
We are all vegan, so it matters that eating out feels exciting rather than restrictive. I do not want my children to feel as though they are the difficult ones at the table, or that they have to eat the same basic option every evening.
At Ikos Aria, dining feels like an experience in itself. Instead of relying on repetitive buffet meals, we can choose where we would like to eat and look forward to trying something different.
The choice also helps the holiday feel special for older children. Getting dressed for dinner, looking at the menus (vegan specific available) and choosing the next restaurant becomes part of the fun.
I do not drink alcohol either, but I still find plenty of value in the all-inclusive experience. For me, it is about the food, service, surroundings, snacks and alcohol-free drinks – not trying to get my money’s worth at the bar.
3. There are pools for every kind of day
My twins love swimming, so having a choice of indoor and outdoor pools is a huge advantage.
They are at an age where they do not need me to organise constant entertainment. They are perfectly happy swimming, relaxing beside the pool and deciding where they want to go next.
The different pool areas also give us flexibility. We can choose somewhere lively, find a quieter space or head indoors if the weather is not quite what we hoped for.
4. The sandy beach comes with unforgettable views
A beach day is always welcome in our family, particularly when it does not involve packing the car, carrying half the house or planning an entire excursion.
The beach at Ikos Aria gives us the kind of simple day we all enjoy: swimming in the sea, relaxing on the sand and taking in the incredible views.
It is also one of those places that encourages you to stop for a moment and properly look around. The setting is a big part of what makes Ikos Aria feel so memorable.
5. We can explore the resort at our own pace
Ikos Aria feels spacious without feeling overwhelming.
My children enjoy walking around the resort and discovering different areas. We can wander after breakfast, stop for a drink, head towards the beach or return to the pool without rushing from one scheduled activity to another.
The peaceful surroundings give us space to slow down and enjoy the day at our own pace.
We did not explore much beyond the resort during our previous stay. This time, we are determined to see more of Kos as well as enjoy everything at Ikos Aria. That combination of an easy resort holiday and the opportunity to explore the island is something we are really looking forward to.
6. The evenings can work for everyone
We did not build our previous holiday around evening entertainment, and my twins have not used the clubs. That is actually one of the things I appreciate about Ikos. The entertainment is there when we want it, but we do not feel pressured to take part.
Some families will want to see the shows and enjoy the full evening programme. Other families, like us, may prefer a relaxed dinner followed by a walk around the resort.
As children get older, it is helpful to have options that can appeal to different ages without everything feeling designed for very young children. We can join in when something interests us or simply enjoy a quiet evening together. Both choices still feel like a proper holiday.
7. The WhatsApp concierge lightens the mental load
I am usually the planner, organiser and problem-solver. I keep track of the restaurant bookings, timings, room details and all the other little things that allow a family holiday to run smoothly.
Being able to contact the concierge through WhatsApp makes a real difference. It provides a straightforward point of contact when we need help or have a question, without me having to spend time working out who to speak to.
For me, this is what practical luxury looks like. It is not only about beautiful surroundings. It is about having support with the details so I do not have to carry the entire holiday around in my head.
8. This time, we’re returning as Deluxe guests
Our 2026 visit will be our first time staying as Deluxe guests, and we cannot wait. We already know that we love Ikos Aria, but the Deluxe experience will allow us to see the resort from a new perspective. I am looking forward to having more space to slow down, a little extra luxury and additional support throughout the holiday.
It also feels like the perfect way to mark this stage of family travel. My twins are growing up, our holidays are changing and we are finding new ways to enjoy travelling together.
We will still spend plenty of time swimming, eating and walking around the resort – but this time, we also want to explore more of the island and make the most of being in Kos.
Why Ikos Aria works for us as a family
What makes Ikos Aria work for us is not one particular facility or activity.
It is the overall feeling of ease.
My twins have enough freedom to feel more grown-up, but we still spend meaningful time together. They do not need to attend clubs or follow an organised programme to enjoy the resort. The pools, beach, restaurants and space to explore are enough to keep them happy.
At the same time, I get to feel as though I am on holiday too. There is less for me to organise, fewer decisions to make and support available when I need it. That matters enormously when there is only one adult carrying the responsibility.
We came home with wonderful memories from our previous stay, and we cannot wait to return to Ikos Aria in 2026 to make many more.
Planning an Ikos Aria holiday?
As a travel agent and a parent who has experienced Ikos Aria with children, I can help you decide whether it is the right resort for your family.
I can also help with room categories, vegan travel, travelling as a family and choosing between the standard and Deluxe experiences.
Get in touch through my travel enquiry page to start planning your Ikos holiday.
