Leanne Bayley
Ikos Andalusia Marbella All Inclusive reviews – all you need to know about rooms, restaurants, kids club and dress code. Read our review of the food, drink, suites and service at the hotel and if it’s worth it.
A all inclusive hotel hasn’t been on my radar before. I thought they were for parents who are reluctant to pay 300 Diet Cokes for their teenagers to drink. Or for boozy couples who love the freedom to bleed the bar dry every night (and every day!). I used to think of trash buffets and garish green wristbands. To conclude: not for me, thank you.
But then I visited Andalucia and everything changed.
You have certainly heard of the Ikos wallet. The five-star resort is making waves around the world, and I visited one of the newest in Spain – Ikos Andalusia.
Located between the Spanish mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, it is located on Playa de Guadalmansa, just 55 minutes from Malaga airport, 20 minutes from the bustling center of Marbella and 15 minutes from the historic town of Estepona.
After registration you are greeted by these views
First impressions of Ikos Andalusia
With 411 rooms, multiple pools, and sprawling gardens, it’s a real sight as soon as you step into this all-inclusive paradise.
Actually, let’s talk about the recording, shall we? When you check into a hotel, you want to feel special. You want to feel valued. You don’t want to see the drama, the stress, you just want a welcome drink, a comfy couch and great service. Well, we have that here.
Dionisis greeted us with a big, beaming smile (it certainly helped that he looked like a contestant to Spain’s Next Top Model) and talked us through the hotel, made us laugh, offered us drinks, Guided outside to have then created a WhatsApp Group (with group selfie) so we could contact him whenever we needed anything.
After that we received a morning ‘Buenos Dias’ from Dionisis with a news bulletin and a weather report for that day. I have stayed in many luxury hotels before, but this was a level above to check in.
It should be noted that the team has a reputation to uphold – no guest can go home unhappy. After all, Ikos has been recognized in TripAdvisor‘s Awards 2020 as the best all-inclusive resort in the world.
Close-up on the bedroom of the Ikos Andalusia
Rooms at Ikos Andalusia
One of the most important parts of any vacation is the accommodation if you ask me.
Envisioned by international design group Studio Gronda, Ikos Andalusia combines classic Spanish architecture with the tropical ambience of a glamorous resort.
The Dassia Deluxe Sea View Room at Ikos Andalusia
Whether you opt for a double room or a swanky deluxe suite, you’ll be blown away by the cool Mediterranean flair and contemporary luxury, and if you have the option to upgrade to the Deluxe collection, I highly recommend it. It’s a world of private pools and gardens, balconies and unparalleled views.
Dining options at Ikos Andalusia
Another important part of any hotel stay – the dining options!
You really are spoiled for choice with seven restaurants at the station. These include a Mediterranean buffet and six à la carte menus prepared by Michelin star chefs and ranging from Modern Greek, Classic Italian, Asian/Oriental, Provençal and Authentic Spanish.
Ouzo is a popular choice with vacationers
In addition, you have a wide choice of 300 local and international wines selected by sommelier Ikos.
Cocktail lovers will be impressed to find six bars serving drinks curated by Mariam Beke, the award-winning mixologist and owner of the famous Gibson Bar in London’s Shoreditch.
As someone who loves their food, dining on vacation has to be special. And luckily every meal was perfect. From the delicious Greek feast at Ouzo, to the lunchtime pizza and rosé wine from Provence, to the cookie dessert at the Beach Club, everything was delicious.
If I have to give constructive criticism, it would be about the glacier. Rather aimed at children, the flavors were a bit too basic for my taste. Hopefully when I return (when, not if!) I’ll find more exotic flavor combinations or at least a fancy waffle cone.
Magical views of Ikos Andalusía
Is Ikos Andalusia a good place to go with children?
It seems like a good time to talk about children. I don’t, but it was clear that this is a hotel full of family benefits.
With two free kids’ clubs offering a range of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, cooking and water sports and 24-hour room service, parents will be free to enjoy all that the resort has to offer. to offer with complete peace of mind.
Ikos Andalusa is super child friendly
If, like me, you don’t have kids and feel a little discouraged about screaming kids (sorry, no offense), there’s an adults-only pool that’s absolutely dreamy .
RELATED: The Best Hotels To Go With Toddlers Or Babies
Adults-only pool is tranquil and relaxing
Anything else to note?
If the thought of being at an all-inclusive resort makes you feel trapped, I understand. I was afraid of having fomo from the outside world, of being bored and dreaming of escaping and going to Marbella. But I did not do it. I enjoyed my all-inclusive luxury oasis. Plus, I could have left if I wanted to, in my own private MINI.
Enjoy the Free Local Drive Adventure
Hotel guests are encouraged to explore the area, with free use of a MINI car for the day, tickets to Malaga’s top museums or free green passes for golfers at the exclusive golf club Los Naranjos, all included in their stay.
The hotel also offers the pioneering Ikos Dine Out initiative, allowing foodies to enjoy meals at some of the best restaurants in Marbella and Estepona, all as part of their all-inclusive experience.
I didn’t visit the Ikos spa on my trip, but it looked wonderful. There are nine private treatment rooms, an on-site hair salon, and a fitness studio with state-of-the-art equipment to train like an A-lister.
Even the reception is Instagram worthy
My final verdict on Ikos Andalusia
This changed the landscape of all-inclusive hospitality aimed at affluent travelers. I loved the freedom of being on vacation and not looking at a bill, or pointing out how much money we’d already spent. I loved ordering whatever I wanted, knowing I could order more if I was still hungry. I loved having any cocktail I wanted while watching live music during the sunsets. All you had to do was relax and unwind.
A place you’ll want to come back to time and time again
What made this trip so special? Champagne. As silly as it sounds, before making this trip, I expected my options to be limited to house white, house red, and house rosé. I couldn’t have been more wrong! A glass of Taittinger? I don’t mind if I do.
I think this trip would be perfect if you are a family going with in-laws – all age ranges are catered for here. I also think it would be a great destination for a group of couples looking for a stress-free vacation destination.
I will definitely be back, so put the Taittinger on ice for when I do.
Room rates start from €392 (approx £344) per night for a double room on an all-inclusive basis. To book, go to booking.com or see more pictures on ikosresorts.com.
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