Review: Ikos Dassia

Hollie-Rae Brader checks into this family-favourite on the island of Corfu

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

Hollie-Rae Brader

Hollie is editor of Aspire’s print and online products. She is responsible for the running of the club and ensuring the content produced and the events organised are relevant to the Aspire audience. She was previously deputy news editor and cruise writer for sister title Travel Weekly. She loves exploring new destinations and is gradually ticking new countries off her list. She most enjoys writing about cruise, South America and Japan. Before working in the travel industry she held news reporting roles at the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star.

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