Ikos Reviews

IKOS Olivia

Forgive me if this seems condescending, it's not meant to be but the definition of 'all-inclusive', relating to holidays is defined as: 'denoting or relating to a holiday in which all or most meals, drinks, and activities are included in the overall price'

With many "all-inclusive holidays", you purchase a package where you eat in a buffet and once or twice a week, you can eat in one of the a-la-carte restaurants. If you wish to use the a-la-carte restaurants any more than that, you will probably have to pay the menu prices (although you may get a discount).

That said, Olivia, like Oceania, is an IKOS resort, therefore expect more and I guarantee you won't be disappointed. This is where 5* means 5* and all inclusive means exactly that.

My wife and I have been to Oceania several times but this was our first visit to Olivia and we arrived on April 1st (unfortunate date? not for us). The holiday 'proper' started for us when we met our taxi driver (that we had pre-arranged), who turned out to be extremely personable, very interesting -- but more of him on another review -- and was well aware of the IKOS sites.

After a very pleasant 40(ish) minute drive, we arrived at the IKOS Olivia site where a security operative checked our name etc and allowed us through the barrier. We pulled up by the fountain, in the ample drive-in and there were staff ready and waiting to welcome us. We were greeted with smiles by people who were genuinely pleased to see us and our cases were removed from the taxi and placed outside the front entrance.

We were escorted inside only to be greeted with a hug by Maria and Vangelis, who had come from IKOS Oceania to help out at Olivia, because it was the first day of the season and was going to be extremely busy. You will now begin to get a sense that IKOS is all about TEAM. There is no them and us between Oceania and Olivia, there is only us. Maria introduced us to Timos, the hotel manager, Dirk and several other managers who are all approachable at any time and rarely seem to go home.

The whole check in process is quite painless, no queuing here, you are shown to a comfy chair, given champagne, juice or whatever your preference is and just asked to complete a couple of questions to confirm identity etc. You then receive your room cards and a map of Olivia. When you go to your room, your bags are probably already there or arrive very shortly after.

IKOS is about Infinite Lifestyle and that is what they spend their whole time, trying to achieve for each and every guest. There is no buying a 'package' here, where you eat in the buffet every day and can use the a-la-carte restaurant once or twice. Here there are 6 different places to eat, Ouzo - Greek style, Provence - French style, Anaya - Asian style, Fusco - Italian style, Flavours - buffet style or Off -Site in a typical Greek Taverna, (there were 3 choices) we chose Mouragio where the choice of food and wine was excellent. the walk to Mouragio was no more than 2/3 minutes. All of these are available to you and all you need do, is book them slightly in advance, it is not advisable to try and book on the same day.

The only place you need not book is Flavours however this is probably not like any other buffet you have eaten in. This buffet is as good as the other restaurants and you might be tempted to eat there many times. They also have an adult section where you can be seated but make no mistake, wherever on site you choose to eat, you will experience fine dining, with a service as good as you will find in most restaurants. The food and choice of wines are excellent and will not leave you disappointed.

Olivia is set out on 22 acres, by the beach with beautiful gardens, herb gardens and olive trees which are cared for by experienced and caring horticulturists.

There is much to do when you visit Olivia and I won't bore you with everything however it's safe to say, if you are holidaying as a family with or without children, a couple irrelevant of age, single or group, there is something at Olivia for everyone and you will come away, wondering how quickly you can book to return.

Our room 402, offered an incredible view of the Aegean and on a clear day, you can see the famous Mount Olympus. Like Oceania, the rooms are very self contained and include:

maid and nightly turn down service, TV with many channels, very large bed with memory foam mattress, telephone, kettle, coffee machine, pods, tea bags, milk etc, fruit, a fully stocked fridge with water, beer, wine, miniature spirits, mixers, juice, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, dressing gowns, slippers, hair dryer ... in fact, far too much to continue.. anything you use will be replaced the following day...

Arriving late at most resorts means, there is probably very few places, if any, to get something to eat --- NOT HERE... here there is 24 hour room service.

Things to do free of charge include:

Tennis, Football, Fitness studio, Bike hire, Windsurf, Canoe, Pedalo, Table Tennis, Beach Volleyball, Water Polo, Aerobics, Zumba, Yoga ... a complete list will be available upon request..

We were also lucky to bump into Theo, who ran the Ouzo restaurant in Oceania but has been promoted to deputy food and beverage manager, which is well deserved and who also never seems to go home.

A special mention to George the manager and his staff in Ouzo along with Dimitri and all of the managers and staff in the Indigo main bar, for whom nothing is too much trouble. Lastly the management, from Timos down who make time and would love to talk to you about your experience and feedback about their hotel. The management work just as long and maybe more hours that some of the staff.

There is much more I could say however, I don't want to spoil the adventure side of your holiday.

To sum up, IKOS is all about TEAM and that team includes you. As I previously stated, everyone wants your feedback, so don't be frightened to approach anyone, staff or manager, they all want to help and improve your experience, so help them to help you.

Lastly, IKOS or the ancient Greek word oikos refers to three related but distinct concepts: the family, the family's property, and the house ... that is the concept here, we are all welcome to the family home - the IKOS home -- and you are to use it as if it were your own home.

Room Tip: We chose a Sea view but that was our choice, all rooms have a good view

See more room tips

Stayed April 2017, travelled as a couple

All inclusive really does mean that here

My wife and I have just returned from a week in IKOS Oceania, with 2 friends. On our last evening there, one of our friends asked us all, "What was the highlight of your holiday"?

Now ordinarily that would not be a difficult question to answer, however, in this instance, it was because this probably rates as the best hotel we have stayed in. Not only is it ideal for families with all of the amenities and children's club provided but adults without children will find this exceptional too, for just plain relaxing...

Upon arrival, our car pulled up outside the main entrance behind a lovely fountain. Several members of staff were on hand to assist us out of the vehicle and handle our luggage. We were escorted inside to what I can only describe as an impressive reception area, shown to a comfortable set of chairs and informed about everything we needed to be aware of. During this time, our luggage was delivered to our rooms. This "booking in" experience was the most impressive we have experienced and was painless, quick and relaxed.

The back of the reception area boasts a huge and impressive sun deck with a wonderful uninterrupted sea view and the most comfortable outdoor furniture. The bar is situated opposite the reception desk and runs the whole length of the wall.

Although we were in Promo rooms, they were excellent and contained not only the usual bathroom shampoo, conditioner, etc but also bath robes, slippers, plenty of towels, kettle, Krupps coffee machine, fully stocked mini bar fridge (restocked every day). There are many other things in the room which you can find out about on the website.

As well as the main buffet restaurant, there are 4 other restaurants on site (French, Asian, Italian, Greek) plus a traditional Greek Taverna (off-site) all available for your use, although you must book these in advance. If you visit the off-site Taverna, you will be taken by one of the many drivers, such as Tilemachos and they will pick you up when you are ready to return.The on-site Greek restaurant run by Theo is excellent and was our favourite. He and his staff are very friendly and efficient and a joy to talk to.

There are several infinity pools (again see the website) but we mostly used the main pool area where the staff will come round and deliver your drinks without you having to move a muscle or interfere with your sunbathing. The servers here are excellent and the ever smiling Katarina is a shining star, loved by both the children and adults alike.

If you have any questions you can speak to Vangelis, Anna or Rafailia who are Guest Services in the reception area on the 6th floor. They are always on hand to help and are delightful just to stop and talk to.

You can use the Adults only bar or main bar in the reception area where there are many sofa's and armchairs. Among others, Georgia, Stella and Thekla will deliver any drink your heart desires (all branded drinks, no "local brands" here) with huge smiles on their faces and the aim of ensuring you are happy and relaxed.

Also, they do not employ the use of those awful wristbands that other hotels seem to want to inflict on their guests, here you just quote your room number.

There is a Spa/Gym and Indoor pool at your disposal, however, you do have pay for any massage/spa treatments you may choose.

This is a large resort and for your comfort and use, there are golf buggies at your disposal and you can be driven wherever you want.

What more should I say. The food is excellent and there is incredible choice, 24 hour Room service, rooms cleaned daily, wonderful staff who GENUINELY cannot do enough for you. In short, nothing is too much trouble...

It's very rare to find a hotel full of genuine staff who are happy to do anything it takes to ensure that you have the best holiday imaginable. There are no hidden charges, you could arrive from the airport with absolutely no money, eat and drink the very best and enjoy all of the amenities with no extra charge. There are so many activities, that it would be wise to check the website.

At this hotel, All Inclusive really is All Inclusive........

Oh and by the way - "what was the highlight of my holiday"?

Without doubt, for me it was arrival and booking in process, which upon your arrival is conducted in such a way as to make you feel not only special but VERY special which carries on throughout your stay. What a way to begin your holiday......

Steve, Jill, Peter and Caroline

Room Tip: All rooms are good but will book a sea view room next time

Stayed: March 2016, travelled as a couple

Value

We have just returned from a wonderful week at the Oceania.

Everything about the hotel is 5 star.

Staff and management are amazing - always friendly and willing to help with anything.

The views are breath taking.

Our room was very comfortable.

All the restaurants including the Dine Out option offered excellent food.

And lastly the facilities are very good.

Highly recommended and definitely somewhere we will happily return to for another visit.

Thank you Maria and all your wonderful hard working staff for a lovely holiday.

One of the best 5* hotels we have ever stayed in. The Staff, the Service, the Restaurants, everything is first class. The staff cannot do enough for you, most helpful, friendly, courteous we have ever encountered, nothing is too much trouble, ever. They seem as a team to want you to enjoy your holiday. Can't wait to go back to Ikos hotels, looking forward to going to the new one in Corfu next year!

We had such a lovely time staying at the Ikos Oceania. The service was excellent and the food and drink were impeccable and exceeded all expectations of an all inclusive resort. There were 4 a la carte restaurants included in the holiday as well as the main buffet restaurant - all with exquisite food and service and the views are just to die for.

24/7 Room service is also included in the all inclusive package which was extremely convenient for us with a toddler who did not want to eat until later due to the time difference and we could order at the time that she was hungry.

The pools and beach are beautiful and we enjoyed most of our days relaxing by the pool with an excellent service of free flowing drinks and food.

I would definitely recommend this resort - especially for families as it is very family friendly and nothing that we asked for was ever too much for the friendly staff.

There isn't much to do outside of the resort so this would only be ideal if you are looking to relax and enjoy the beach and pool from within the hotel which has many other sports and activities at your disposal but which we did not utilise.

Overall it was an excellent holiday which we all really enjoyed and I am already planning our trip back next year.

We have now been to this hotel for the last 3 years and can only use one word to describe our time there - Amazing! Not only has the hotel undertaken superb upgrades of certain areas, they are always looking at ways to improve on what we say is already perfection. The staff are obviously trained very well as not only do they return each year but they remember you! We have only high praise for all the staff but, especially Victor and the main bar team, Dafni and the pool bar team, Nadir, entertainment team. These people ensure your holiday is "everything and more" that you want under the guidance of Savvas, Maria and Vasilis, all of whom nothing is too much trouble. See you all again next year and thank you for our amazing time at Ikos Oceania.

Fantastic place

Absolutely wonderful hotel, food and accommodation was fantastic, no complaints. Evening entertainment could be better, the once a week shows were good, it was Michael Jackson and Mamma Mia when we was there, otherwise not much going on in the evenings.

such a shame about the surrounding area, very run down, nothing to go to which was disappointing as we like to get out and about.

We stayed at the Ikos Olivia last April and had the most amazing chilled out holiday, The ultra all inclusive was the best we have ever experienced, with all the food and drinks top quality,

Lovely surroundings, fantastic helpful staff. we are returning to Halkidiki this year with a larger party but staying at the sister hotel Oceania and we cant wait.

This was the second time we have stayed at this hotel. We loved it so much the first time that we decided to come back the next year to get married there! It was an amazing holiday and the wedding day itself was the best day of our lives! Vangelis, Maria and the whole team (sorry I can't name you all) were beyond fantastic, nothing is ever too big or small for them to deal with. All staff are faultless, accommodating and extremely friendly and helpful which makes the whole experience that notch better. Theo, the Greek restaurant manager, did a lovely job with our wedding breakfast and the restaurant looked beautiful.... the food was amazing! Anna, our wedding co-ordinator, (poor lady) was an absolute star. She answered every question, arranged every wish and even ran to the florist in the last 5 mins with a quick change....all with a big smile on her face.

To sum up this is a 5 star hotel, with 5 star food (the French is my particular favourite restaurant) but the staff make it 6 star!. All our guests loved every minute of it and all of us will certainly be returning! Thanks Oceania.....can't wait to see you next year xx

We have been holidaying at Oceania for many years now and are well known to the staff, especially Maria. The food is exceptional and the whole hotel is beautifully furnished. The staff are very friendly and are always ready to help. There is always good quality food which is nicely presented. In fact we rate Oceania as the best hotel we have ever stayed in and we have travelled to many countries in the world.

A wonderful hotel that you could recommend to anyone. The staff and service are second to none.

I first went in May this year and enjoyed myself so much I returned in September.

I took my daughter for 5 day break to celebrate my 60th birthday and we had a fabulous time. It was relaxing with good food and unlimited premium drinks. Cleanliness was second to none and staff were attentive and always smiling so many thanks for making our visit special.

No fault at this absolutely amazing ultra all-inclusive hotel. Friendly staff, fabulous food choices at all restaurants and a daily stocked mini bar in our room. Our Junior Suite had a sea view and housekeeping staff were excellent. Pool side service and beach service was great. A truly relaxing experience!

We had a really fantastic holiday at the Ikos Oceania. The location was good. The service was exceptional, particularly Vangelis the manager and all his front of house staff. The food was amazing and our room was lovely, clean and spacious. The ikos Oceania is quite simply everything you could possibly want from a holiday and much more.