Review: Ikos Dassia

_Location: While most luxury hotels are hidden away in a quiet, discreet location, Ikos Resorts has done things a little differently with Ikos Dassia. The property adjoins a busy stretch of road in the northeast of the island; however, that hustle and bustle is instantly forgotten as soon as you step foot inside the hotel. The airport is 20 minutes away.

_{First impressions:} The neutral colours of the lobby area are a perfect contrast to the blues of the clear skies and Ionian Sea. Greeted with a glass of champagne and an apple juice for my toddler, the family-friendly nature of the hotel is immediately apparent. Ikos Dassia quickly feels like home. Staff flock to make a fuss of my son, who spots a swimming pool within 30 seconds of arriving and is desperate to be let loose. They entertain him while I check in and meet my assigned ‘ambassador’. We exchange numbers and are in contact through WhatsApp throughout my stay.

_{The facts:} This 411-room all-inclusive hotel is split across two main buildings – named Sea and Sky – with a smattering of bungalows, villas and suites with private pools in between. There are eight swimming pools plus a splash area for kids. Each building has areas exclusively for adults, which is important for a hotel which attracts such a wealth of families. Some restaurants and pools are adult-only, and areas of other restaurants are set aside for those travelling without children.

There are eight places to eat, with much of the food designed by chefs with Michelin-star credentials. The children’s facilities are endless. There’s a playground, crèche, Kids’ Club, Teens’ Club and football academy. The hotel also has a babysitting service, plus there’s beachside care for children over four years old, giving parents a welcome break and chance to have a dip in peace.

_{Ideal for:} Multigenerational families. The breadth of dining options and space across the resort means there’s something for everyone to enjoy every day.

_Explore: Make use of the hotel’s complimentary Local Drive offering, which allows guests to book a Tesla for a day during their stay (car seats supplied). Drive to some of the island’s best beaches such as Paleokastritsa or Agios Gordios. The island also has a bounty of excellent restaurants, including Trilogia in Kassiopi – a must for its views, service and divine food. The hotel provides helpful driving routes to ensure clients see more of the destination.

_Wow: The food is where Ikos Dassia really excels. Some may shudder at the sight of ‘all-inclusive’ and ‘luxury’ in the same sentence, but the fare here is exceptional. Clients have paid a premium and expect excellence – and the hotel delivers. Every meal I had was delicious but my favourite restaurant was the Corfu-inspired Kerkyra, located next to the beach, where children can play in a tent-swing while their parents dine. Another favourite was French venue Provence, where I quaffed Provencal rosé and savoured French onion soup, steamed mussels and a hearty crème brûlée. I now understand why clients return to Ikos hotels year after year.

_{Book it:} A Superior Sea View Room leads in at €811 per night all-inclusive, based on a July 13 arrival.
ikosresorts.com