Is Ikos Aria the right Ikos resort for your family?
You've spent hours comparing photos. You've read dozens of reviews. You've got three browser tabs open with different Ikos resorts, and they all look... pretty similar.
And now you're stuck on the question that actually matters: which one is right for your family?
Because here's what nobody tells you until it's too late: the differences between Ikos resorts aren't obvious from the website.
But they matter enormously once you're actually there — especially when you're travelling with children and you've just spent several thousand pounds.
There are now eight Ikos resorts, all firmly in the luxury price bracket, all promising a brilliant family holiday. On the surface, they can look interchangeable.
They're not.
Things like space, layout, atmosphere, location, room setup and how calm (or lively) the resort feels day to day can make the difference between a relaxing holiday and one that feels harder work than it needed to be.
This guide is here to help you work out whether Ikos Aria is the right fit for your family — or whether another Ikos, or even a different style of resort altogether, might suit you better.
I’m looking at Aria through the lens of a parent.
I’ve got two young children myself, so everything here is written with real family life in mind — naps, early mornings, changing energy levels, meal times that don’t always go to plan, and the need for a holiday that actually recharges the batteries.
So where does Ikos Aria sit?
Ikos Aria is on the Greek island of Kos, part of the Dodecanese island group in the south-eastern Aegean Sea, close to the Turkish coast.
Kos is a relatively small, easy-to-navigate island, which shapes the experience here just as much as the resort itself.
Aria is often described as one of the calmest and most spacious Ikos resorts. It opened in May 2019, so while it isn’t one of the brand-new, ultra-shiny properties like Andalusia, Odisia or Porto Petro, it’s far from dated. Instead, it feels established, well thought-through, and designed to be easy to live in as a family.
The setting is a big part of its appeal.
You’ve got a long, sandy beach directly in front of the resort, with gently shelving water that works well for younger children.
The views are lovely - open sea, mountains in the distance, and the small uninhabited islet of Kastri just offshore, which confident swimmers can reach from the beach.
Add in the regular breeze that Kos gets, and it’s a location that feels open and cooling rather than heavy and enclosed.
Among Ikos regulars, Aria consistently competes right at the top of the Ikos league table, particularly for families with babies, toddlers and primary-school-age children who want a holiday that feels calm, organised and low-stress.
It’s also especially popular with Deluxe Collection guests (if you don’t know what Deluxe is, I’ll explain later).
Aria has more clearly defined Deluxe areas than some Ikos resorts, including access to Seasons, the Deluxe-only fine-dining restaurant, which makes the upgrade feel more worthwhile here than elsewhere — especially during school holidays.
That said, it’s not perfect for everyone.
Aria’s quiet location is ideal if you’re happy spending most of your time on the resort, but there’s very little within walking distance.
If you and your kids like to wander into a town, browse shops or explore most days, that can feel limiting — particularly with older children.
Evenings here are also relaxed rather than lively. If big shows, buzz and nightlife are important to you, some other resorts do that better.
So this isn't about whether Ikos Aria is a good resort — it is. It's about whether it's the right Ikos for how your family actually holidays.
But before we go further, here's something worth knowing upfront: most of the questions I get from families aren't "is Ikos Aria good?" — they already know it's good.
The questions are more like: "We've got a 2-year-old and a 5-year-old — which room type actually makes sense?" or "Is Deluxe worth it in October, or are we just throwing money away?" or "Everyone says get a sea view, but we'll barely be in the room — does it really matter?"
These aren't questions you can answer from the Ikos website. But they're the difference between a holiday that works brilliantly and one where you think "we should have booked differently."
That's what this guide is for.
The sections below break that down properly, starting with where Aria is, how it feels on the ground, and why that matters when you're travelling with children.
Ikos Aria at a glance
Where it is, how big it feels, and what that means with young children
Ikos Aria is on the south-west coast of Kos, near Kefalos. It’s a quieter part of the island, and that shapes the holiday.
You’re not in a town and you’re not surrounded by much going on outside the resort. What you get instead is space and calm, which tends to suit families with younger children very well.
The transfer from Kos airport is around 20 minutes. After a flight with kids, that short final stretch makes a difference. You’re not dragging out the journey when everyone’s already tired — you arrive, get checked in, and start settling in fairly quickly.
Ikos Aria has around 370 rooms, which makes it a bit larger than some other Ikos resorts.
What that translates to in practice is space rather than bustle. The resort is spread out, with plenty of room to move around, and it doesn’t feel cramped.
The layout is mostly flat, with wide paths connecting the rooms, pools, beach and restaurants. You’re not dealing with lots of steps or long uphill walks.
And if little legs — or older legs, if grandparents are travelling with you — start to give up, there are golf buggies circulating around the resort that staff are happy to use to get you where you need to be.
The beach runs directly alongside the resort, so moving between your room, the pool, the sea and somewhere to eat is easy. You’re not constantly packing up or committing to a big trek just to change scenery, which makes days simpler when you’re working around naps and mealtimes.
Overall, Ikos Aria feels calm and well-organised rather than lively or high-energy. It’s a place that’s been designed to be easy to live in for a week or two with children — and that’s really the appeal.
Next, it’s worth looking at when to go, because the time of year you travel can change the experience here more than people expect.
When to go to Ikos Aria
How the time of year actually feels with young children
Ikos Aria runs from April to October, and the main thing that changes through the season is the heat.
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April and early May are on the cooler side. Days are usually in the early 20s, which is comfortable for being outside with younger children. The sea is still cool and more for paddling than proper swimming, but the resort pools are heated, so that’s rarely an issue. You can get the odd shower early in the season, but it’s usually brief and doesn’t tend to spoil a whole day.
By late May and June, the weather feels properly settled. Daytime temperatures sit in the mid-20s, and the sea starts to feel much more pleasant. It’s warm without being relentless, and a lot of families find this an easy time to travel.
July and August are hot. You’re often into the low 30s, and sometimes the mid-30s. The sea is at its warmest, which kids usually love, but the heat does shape the day a bit more. Mornings and late afternoons are when you’ll naturally be most active. Rain is very unlikely.
September and early October take the edge off again. Air temperatures drop back into the mid to high 20s, and the sea generally stays warm, though it can start to feel a bit cooler towards the very end of October, especially for younger children. The resort feels noticeably calmer once the main summer weeks are over.
You might see a bit more cloud or the odd shower later in the season, but Kos is generally very reliable for weather.
Put simply, Ikos Aria works right across the season. It mostly comes down to how much heat you’re comfortable with — everything else here adapts around that.
Next, it’s worth looking at the rooms, because where you’re based can make more difference to the day-to-day than people expect.
Rooms at Ikos Aria
A clear, practical guide to the room types – written to help families choose with confidence
I’ve gone into more detail here than most websites (including Ikos’s own), because the differences between room types aren’t always obvious — and when you’re travelling with children, those differences really matter.
Before getting into the individual categories, it’s worth knowing that all rooms at Ikos Aria come with the same everyday comforts: air conditioning and heating, Wi-Fi, Smart TV, safety deposit box, tea and coffee facilities with a kettle, iron and ironing board, bathrobes and slippers, Anne Semonin bathroom amenities, daily turndown service, and a minibar (you pay for what you take).
One thing to know before we dive in: the room category names don't always tell you what you actually need to know.
A "Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite" sounds ground floor with a garden, right? It's actually first floor with stairs — which matters enormously if you've got a buggy or a sleeping toddler you're trying to carry back after dinner.
And "sea view" can mean anything from a sweeping Aegean panorama to "you can see a bit of blue if you lean out and look left."
These are the sorts of details that only come from actually knowing these rooms — or from booking the wrong one once and learning the hard way.
A quick note on double rooms
Standard double rooms do exist, but they’re for adults only.
For families they really only come into play once children are 12 or over, as Ikos then classes them as adults. At that point, you’re usually looking at two rooms rather than trying to fit everyone into one (unless you go for one of the two-bedroom options).
Interconnecting rooms aren’t available at Ikos Aria, but it is possible to request rooms as close together as possible, and the resort will do their best to accommodate that.
For families with younger children, the rooms below are the ones that tend to work best.
Non-Deluxe Rooms
I’ll explain more about non-deluxe and deluxe rooms later in this article but deluxe rooms are better, and come with additional benefits.
Superior Triple Room
This is the most basic family-friendly option.
These rooms have a double or twin beds for the adults and a sofa bed for one child, with floor-to-ceiling windows and either a sea view or partial sea view (partial views tend to be more gardens than sea). The bathroom has a shower - no bath.
They work well if you’re travelling with one child or a baby, but space is limited once you add bags and a buggy.
Even with one child, you’ll find it more comfortable to move up to a Junior Suite.
Junior Suite – Sea View
Junior Suites give you noticeably more space.
They’re designed for two adults and up to two children, with a double bed for you and sofa beds for the kids. You get a balcony and a full Aegean Sea view through floor-to-ceiling windows.
There’s more of a lounge feel than in the Superior Triple, but it’s still open plan, so everyone sleeps in the same space.
For families with younger children that’s often fine, but with two older ones it can start to feel tight.
If space or a bit of separation matters to you, it’s worth looking at one of the one-bedroom suites instead (see below).
Junior Suite – Private Garden
This is the same layout and size as the Junior Suite above.
Instead of a balcony, you have your own private garden with a small table, chairs, sunloungers and a patch of grass, screened by a low wall and planting for privacy.
Families consistently like these rooms for the outdoor space. Being able to step straight outside with little ones — especially first thing in the morning or late afternoon — is a big part of their appeal, and that’s true of all the room types with private gardens.
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They’re also usually a little cheaper than the sea-view Junior Suites.
Panorama Junior Suite
Think of this as a step up from the standard Junior Suite.
These are a bit larger, still sleep two adults and two children, and come with a proper balcony and wide sea views. The bathroom includes a bath as well as a shower, which some families really appreciate.
They’re more expensive than the standard Junior Suite with sea view, but you’re paying for the extra space, outlook and upgraded bathroom.
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One Bedroom Suite – Private Garden
This is where the layout really changes.
These suites are larger than any of the Junior Suites and give you a separate bedroom and lounge, with sliding doors between the two. Children sleep in the lounge area on a sofa bed and rollaway bed.
They can accommodate two adults and up to three children, making them one of the most flexible non-Deluxe options.
The bathroom has both a bath and a shower, and the private garden is larger than those with the Junior Suites, with outdoor furniture and sunloungers.
Despite being at ground level, you still get a sea view.
There’s a noticeable jump in price from the Panorama Junior Suite, reflecting both the extra space and the separation.
Deluxe Collection rooms
Deluxe Collection rooms follow the same basic layouts but come with additional benefits and privileges, which I’ll cover separately.
For now, this is about how the rooms themselves compare.
Deluxe Junior Suite – Private Garden
These follow the same open-plan layout as the non-Deluxe Junior Suites, but add a bit more flexibility.
Rather than just garden views, these can also have pool or sea views, and include a bath as well as a shower.
For families with up to two children, they work in much the same way as the standard Junior Suites, just with a slightly upgraded feel.
Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite
Despite the name, these aren’t on the ground floor. They’re first-floor suites accessed by a staircase, which can surprise people (including me when I booked one!)
The upside is the view. You get a balcony and a clear sea view, along with a lot of internal space. These suites have a separate bedroom and lounge divided by sliding doors, with up to three children sleeping in the lounge on a double sofa bed and rollaway bed.
The bathroom includes both a bath and a shower and can be accessed from both the bedroom and the lounge (make sure you lock the other door!)
Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite – Beachfront
These are the ground-floor version of the bungalow suites.
Internal space is slightly smaller than the first-floor bungalows, but you gain a private garden with chairs and sunloungers and direct access to the sandy beach. Layout and bathroom setup are otherwise the same.
They come at a premium compared to the first-floor bungalow suites, mainly because of the beachfront position.
Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite – Private Pool
These add a private pool and are larger again, with guaranteed sea views.
Layout-wise, they’re the same as the other one-bedroom bungalow suites, with a separate bedroom, lounge, and a bathroom with both bath and shower.
Whether the private pool is worth it really comes down to how your family likes to spend its time.
Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suite – Seafront
These are the most flexible option for larger families.
They have two separate double bedrooms positioned either side of the lounge, with sliding doors separating each space. They can accommodate up to four adults and two children, or two adults and up to four children, which makes them ideal if grandparents are travelling with you or if your children are 12 or older.
Both bedrooms and the lounge open directly onto a large private garden with beach access.
There are two en-suite bathrooms — one with a shower and one with both a bath and shower.
Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suite – Private Pool
This is the top room category at Ikos Aria.
The layout is the same as the seafront two-bedroom bungalow suite, but with the addition of a private pool and sunloungers in the garden.
The premium for the pool isn’t as steep as people sometimes expect, given the amount of space you already have.
Insider room tips
A few things worth knowing before you choose
There are no bad rooms at Ikos Aria, but there are a couple of things that can catch people out.
Some rooms overlook service areas, which can mean an early morning wake-up when laundry and delivery wagons start rolling in. If you’re a light sleeper, or you’ve got children who don’t need any encouragement to wake early, these are best avoided.
It’s also worth knowing that “sea view” doesn’t always mean a wide, uninterrupted view. Some sea-view or side sea-view rooms have trees or landscaping in front of them, so the sea is visible rather than the main feature. If the view really matters to you, it’s worth being specific when you book.
Both of these are easy to avoid if you know what to ask for.
If you’d like a second opinion before booking, I’m always happy to help you steer clear of the common pitfalls.
And, if you’re still not sure which room is right for you, I’m happy to help – just get in touch.
Next, it’s worth looking at the facilities, because how the pools and shared spaces are laid out has a big impact on how relaxed your days feel at Ikos Aria.
Facilities at Ikos Andalusia
What you'll actually use, how it feels day to day, and why families rate it
One of the reasons Ikos Andalusia works so well for families is straightforward: there's
plenty of space and choice, but it never feels overwhelming.
It's a large resort that doesn't behave like one.
Facilities are spread out sensibly. Staff are visible and helpful. You're not constantly
deciding where to sit, what to do next, or whether you'll find space when you need it.
Food, drinks, towels, shade — they're there when you want them. Which is why so many
parents say the holiday just flowed, rather than needing constant managing.
Pools
Ikos Andalusia has nine pools, which is one reason it handles families so well — even
during busy school holiday weeks.
Most are outdoor pools spread across the resort.
Some are quieter, some have dedicated children's sections.
Rather than one central pool that everyone crowds around, they'e deliberately spaced
out so families naturally spread themselves around.
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For younger children, the family pools work particularly well. Several have shallow areas
and splash sections, so you can relax a bit while the kids are in the water.
Parents often switch between pools depending on time of day — quieter in the
morning, livelier later — rather than claiming the same spot all week.
There's also an indoor heated pool inside the spa. It's mainly for adults, but there are
designated family splash times when children are allowed in. Useful outside peak
summer months.
One thing to know about temperature: In July and August, the outdoor pools feel
comfortably warm. In April, May and October, they can feel cooler — especially for
younger children. Families often stick to certain pools or use the indoor one more at
those times.
Around the pools, service is what families mention most. Drinks and snacks are brought
to you. Staff help if you need to move loungers or find shade. You're not constantly up
and down, which makes supervising children far less tiring.
Kids clubs (at a glance)
If you want some breathing space during the week, the kids clubs matter.
There's a crèche for babies and toddlers, kids’ clubs for ages 4–12, and a teens'
programme. What comes through from families is how quickly children settle and how
professional the teams are.
Many parents don't use the clubs all day, every day. But they value knowing they're
there. Even an hour or a morning can make the holiday so much more relaxing.
I'll cover the kids’ clubs in detail later — including what's included, what costs extra, and
how booking works.
Babysitting
Babysitting is another facility families describe as quietly transformative.
You can book private babysitting in the evenings, usually around €15 per hour
(supplement after 11pm). It needs arranging in advance, but for parents with babies or
toddlers, it's often what makes evenings feel relaxed again.
Being able to finish dinner without rushing, have an actual conversation, or book a spa
treatment without watching the clock — it makes a bigger difference than people
expect.
Adult-only areas and spa time
When your children are in kids club or with a babysitter, you have places to retreat to.
There's an adults-only outdoor pool that feels noticeably calmer than the family pools.
The spa is adults-only too, apart from the indoor pool's designated family splash times.
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Inside the spa: heated pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas, all included for
adults.
Treatments cost extra, but they're worth booking if you want a proper switch-off.
The gym and fitness studio are here too, with classes included.
You're not suddenly in a couples'; hotel. But you do feel the shift when you step into
these spaces.
The layout and everyday flow
Families comment on this repeatedly, often without realising it: Andalusia is easy to
move around.
Paths are wide. The resort is buggy-friendly. Nothing feels awkwardly placed.
That sounds small. But with children — especially younger ones — it removes a lot of
stress from the day.
Even during busy periods, the resort absorbs families well. You don't feel funnelled into
one main area. You're rarely queuing or waiting for facilities.
How it all comes together
What stands out at Ikos Andalusia isn't one standout facility. It's how smoothly
everything works together.
Staff anticipate needs. Small issues get resolved quickly. The scale of the resort never
translates into stress.
You're still parenting, of course. But you'e not managing every detail in the same way
you would elsewhere.
Next: restaurants and bars. Because how easy food feels with children plays a huge role
in how relaxed your days — and evenings — actually are at Ikos Andalusia.
Restaurants & Bars at Ikos Andalusia
Why parents rate the food just as highly as the facilities
One of the biggest worries when you’re travelling with children is whether meals are
going to feel hard work — rushed dinners, limited options, or that constant low-level
anxiety about whether everyone will cope.
At Ikos Andalusia, food is one of the reasons families relax so quickly.
It isn’t just about the number of restaurants. It’s the combination of genuinely good
food, calm service and an atmosphere where families feel completely normal — not like
they’re apologising for taking up space.
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Families often say they expected meals to be “fine for an all-inclusive” but came home
surprised by how much they actually enjoyed eating out every day.
The headline facts
Ikos Andalusia has nine restaurants in total, plus nine bars spread across the resort.
Across all restaurants, families benefit from:
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ï‚· proper children’s menus
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ï‚· freshly prepared baby food on request
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ï‚· high chairs everywhere (and good ones)
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ï‚· staff who are completely comfortable around children
If your child is a cautious eater, you’ll be absolutely fine.
If you’re managing allergies, coeliac needs or a restricted diet, kitchen teams are used to
adapting — something families mention repeatedly.
À la carte restaurants – what you can actually book
The à la carte options cover a wide range of cuisines, so you’re not eating variations of
the same thing all week.
The main à la carte restaurants include:
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ï‚· Ouzo – modern Greek (breakfast, lunch and dinner), right by the beach (dinner
reservation required)
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ï‚· Fresco – Italian overseen by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini (breakfast,
lunch and dinner; dinner reservation required)
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ï‚· Anaya – refined Asian flavours (dinner only; reservation required)
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ï‚· Provence – elegant French cuisine, beachfront (dinner only; reservation
required)
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ï‚· Oliva – Spanish cuisine with a contemporary twist (dinner only; reservation
required)
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ï‚· Chiringuito – a second Spanish option, beachside tapas and seafood (lunch /
daytime dining)
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ï‚· Beach Club – relaxed beachfront dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner; dinner
reservation required)
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ï‚· Seasons – Mediterranean fine dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner), exclusively
for Deluxe Collection guests (dinner reservation required)
Dinner reservations are required for the à la carte restaurants.
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For non-Deluxe guests, you can pre-book three dinners in advance, with additional
reservations made once you arrive.
In quieter weeks this is straightforward. In peak school holiday periods, families often
say it pays to book early, be flexible with timings, and treat the buffet as part of the plan
rather than a fallback.
Deluxe Collection guests have much more freedom, with unlimited à la carte dining
and access to Seasons for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Breakfast and lunch don’t need pre-booking.
The buffet – and why parents use it more than expected
The main buffet restaurant, Flavours, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner and has
a spacious layout with sea views. You don’t need to pre-book.
Even families who love the à la carte restaurants often find themselves using the buffet
more than they expected — not because the food is better, but because it’s easy.
On evenings when children are tired, or you just want to eat well and be back in your
room within an hour, Flavours takes the pressure off.
Families often describe it as well organised, calm and far removed from the chaotic
buffets people worry about.
It’s not a downgrade — it’s a practical option that keeps evenings flexible.
How dining actually feels with children
One of the most reassuring things families say is how relaxed the atmosphere is.
Parents describe situations where a child became restless or overwhelmed partway
through dinner — and how little drama it caused.
Staff stayed calm, other families carried on with their meals, and there was no awkward
sense of disruption.
The restaurants look smart and stylish, but they’re full of families.
That shared understanding is a big reason parents stop feeling tense about evenings
after the first couple of nights.
Dine Out – eating beyond the resort
Ikos Andalusia also offers a Dine Out programme, allowing guests to eat at selected
local restaurants at no extra cost, with transfers included.
Families like the idea of getting out of the resort without needing to drive, navigate or
manage the bill. That said, many families treat it as a “nice one-off” rather than
something they do repeatedly — especially with younger children.
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Dine Out options typically include restaurants in Estepona and Marbella. The specific
restaurants can change from season to season, so it’s best to see what’s available when
you travel.
Bars – and what’s actually included
There are nine bars across the resort, including lobby bars, pool bars, a beach bar,
theatre bar and nightclub, with additional exclusive bars for Deluxe guests.
Drinks are genuinely premium. Branded spirits, properly mixed cocktails, wines from
the Ikos wine collection, beers, soft drinks and barista-style coffees are all included.
Families often comment on how pleasant it feels to have a good drink in the evening
without the atmosphere tipping into anything rowdy.
Earlier in the evening, bars are relaxed and family-friendly; later on, things naturally
quieten down as younger children head to bed.
Deluxe guests also benefit from quieter bar areas, wider champagne and wine
selections, and a more hushed feel during peak family times.
The overall feel
What Ikos Andalusia gets right is that you’re not compromising on food because you’re
travelling with children.
You’re eating really well, in attractive spaces, with staff who understand family life —
and that changes how evenings feel.
Some nights can be quick and easy. Others can be slower and more indulgent. You don’t
have to decide in advance which kind of night it’s going to be.
If you’d like help choosing between Deluxe and non-Deluxe, or planning dining around how
your family actually functions rather than how it looks on paper, that’s exactly the sort of
thing I help with.
Once you’ve got your head around food and drink, the next question is usually what
there is to do during the day — and whether evenings feel lively or low-key enough for
families.
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So next, it’s worth looking at entertainment and activities at Ikos Andalusia — what’s
included, what costs extra, and how it works in real life with children.
Entertainment & activities at Ikos Andalusia
What your days tend to look like — and how evenings usually unfold
Most days at Ikos Andalusia settle into an easy, flexible rhythm.
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Families tend to spend a good chunk of time by the pools or on the beach, dip into
activities when it suits them, and then decide in the late afternoon whether the evening
is going to be lively, low-key or somewhere in between.
That flexibility is a big part of why it works so well for families. There’s plenty going on,
but nothing ever feels compulsory.
Daytime: as active (or relaxed) as you want it to be
If you like having things to dip into, there’s a lot included during the day.
You’ll find a full programme of included fitness classes — yoga, Pilates, stretching
sessions and aqua aerobics — alongside a well-equipped gym for anyone who prefers
to do their own thing.
Tennis courts are available, and sports like beach volleyball and table tennis are easy to
do without committing to a schedule.
Watersports such as paddleboarding, canoeing and pedaloes are included for short
daily sessions, which families like because you can fit them around naps, kids’ clubs or
meals rather than planning half a day around them.
Bikes are also included, and many families enjoy cycling part of the New Golden Mile
towards Estepona — a flat, scenic coastal route that feels manageable even with
younger children.
There are additional paid options — football, swimming and tennis academies for the
kids, private boat trips, jet skiing and waterskiing — but families tend to see these as
optional extras rather than essential parts of the holiday.
If your children are in the kids’ club (which I’ll cover properly next), this is when many
parents choose to book a class, spend time at the spa, or simply enjoy some
uninterrupted time by the pool or beach.
The beach: calm, well-serviced and very usable
The beach at Ikos Andalusia is a long stretch of sand mixed with pebbles, particularly
at the water’s edge.
Families consistently describe it as calm, spacious and well organised, with excellent
service directly to your sunbed.
The sea is usually gentle, which works well for children, but the stonier entry means
water shoes are a sensible addition, especially for younger ones. Many families either
bring them or pick them up locally.
Once you’re in, the water is clear and calm, and the whole area has a relaxed, breezy
feel, backed by the resort’s landscaped grounds and coastal boardwalk.
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Beachside yoga sessions and watersports add a bit of structure for anyone who wants
it, but most families use the beach as a place to slow down.
Deluxe guests have access to a quieter, more spacious beach section, but families
staying in standard accommodation regularly say the main beach still works very well —
particularly because service, shade and spacing are well managed.
Time without the kids
When you do manage to carve out some child-free time, Ikos Andalusia gives you a few
good options.
The spa is adults-only (apart from specific family splash times in the indoor pool) and
includes a heated pool, sauna, steam room and relaxation areas. Treatments are extra,
but even a short visit to the thermal suite is often enough to reset your day.
There are also adults-only pools and quieter bar areas, which feel noticeably calmer
than the main family zones.
You won’t feel like you’ve stepped into a couples-only hotel, but the shift in atmosphere
is clear.
Evenings: sociable, flexible and family-friendly
Evenings at Ikos Andalusia are generally relaxed and sociable rather than showy.
There’s live music, shows, themed evenings and occasional beach parties, but
entertainment is spread across the resort rather than centred around one headline
venue. Families like that you can engage with as much or as little as you want.
Some nights you’ll watch a show. Other nights you’ll have a drink, let the kids wind down
and head back earlier. If your children don’t stay up late, you don’t feel like you’re
missing something essential.
Compared to quieter resorts like Aria, Andalusia does feel a little livelier in the
evenings, but it’s still very much pitched at families rather than late nights or high-
energy nightlife.
How it all comes together
What families tend to notice most isn’t one standout activity — it’s how smoothly
everything fits together.
Having space, choice and staff who anticipate what you need takes a lot of mental load
away. You’re still parenting, but you’re not constantly organising, queuing or planning
the next move.
Once you understand how days and evenings tend to flow here, the next big piece of
the puzzle is the kids’ clubs — what’s included, what’s paid for, and how they actually
work in practice for babies, toddlers, children and teens.
​
That’s where we’ll go next.
Kids clubs & childcare at Ikos Andalusia
How children are looked after — and how that changes your holiday
Ikos Andalusia does childcare extremely well, but it’s worth understanding how it
actually works day to day, rather than just skimming age brackets on a website.
For many families, this is the difference between feeling like they’re constantly
managing logistics — and feeling like they can properly switch off for parts of the day.
The crèche (6 months to 4 years)
This is a big reason families with babies and toddlers choose Ikos Andalusia.
The Heroes Crèche is professionally run by staff qualified in Early Years Education and
first aid, with structured indoor and outdoor activities designed around the age of the
children.
Sessions run three times a day (morning, early afternoon and late afternoon), which
gives you flexibility rather than locking you into full days.
Parents often say the same thing: the first drop-off can feel daunting, but confidence
comes quickly once you see how calm, capable and reassuring the team are.
Staff are used to nap schedules, unsettled moments and first-time separations — and
that experience shows.
The crèche is paid, costing around €32–€42 per session, depending on the length of
the session, and it does need booking in advance — particularly during school holidays
when sessions fill quickly.
Most families use it selectively — perhaps a morning session so they can relax properly,
book a spa treatment, or just sit somewhere quietly knowing their child is being well
cared for.
For many parents, especially on a first holiday with a baby, this is the thing that makes it
feel like a holiday rather than just parenting somewhere sunnier.
Kids Club (4–11 years)
Once children turn four, the Heroes Club becomes free, and this is where a lot of
families really start to feel the benefit.
​
The club runs three structured sessions per day and focuses on organised activities
rather than free-for-all childcare. Expect a mix of arts and crafts, group games, picnics,
pool games and themed activities, all led by professionally trained staff.
Families consistently say that children settle quickly, make friends fast and actively want
to go back — which matters more than any brochure description.
You’re rarely persuading children to attend; more often, you’re planning your day
around the sessions they’re excited about.
Sessions can fill up, especially in peak periods, so it’s sensible to book in advance once
you arrive.
Teens (12–17 years)
Teen provision at Ikos Andalusia is deliberately lighter-touch, and that works well for
most families.
The teen club runs during high season, with two daily sessions. Activities tend to focus
on sports and social interaction — things like beach volleyball, pool games and water-
based activities — without making teenagers feel over-managed.
It suits teens who want independence but still like having something organised to dip
into.
If your teenager needs constant structure, it may feel a little low-key, but for most it
strikes the right balance.
Evening childcare & babysitting
For evenings, you have a couple of useful options.
Private in-room babysitting is available at an additional cost and needs arranging in
advance, but families regularly mention how comfortable they feel using it.
It’s what allows for a quieter dinner, a longer meal, or simply some proper adult time
without watching the clock.
There’s also the Heroes Supper Club for children aged 4–12, where kids eat together
and take part in supervised evening activities while parents head out for dinner.
Families like this because it feels social and fun for the children, and they get an evening
out together on their own.
​
Next, it’s worth looking at the Deluxe Collection — what extra benefits it actually gives
you at Ikos Andalusia, and whether it’s worth the upgrade for your family.
Deluxe Collection at Ikos Andalusia
What it actually gives you — and how to decide if it’s worth it for your family
If you’ve never stayed at an Ikos resort before, the Deluxe Collection can feel a bit
confusing.
The standard Ikos experience is already very strong, so it’s not immediately obvious
what you’re paying extra for — or whether you’ll actually use the benefits enough to
justify the jump in price.
The first thing to understand is this: Deluxe isn’t an add-on. You can’t bolt it onto a
standard room.
The only way to get Deluxe benefits is to book a Deluxe Collection room, so the room
and the perks always come as a package. That’s why the Deluxe decision is really about
how you holiday, not just what the room looks like.
And crucially, the price difference for Deluxe isn’t fixed. It varies a lot depending on
dates, demand and room type — which is why families often have very different views
on whether it’s “worth it”.
A key point about rooms
If you’re considering a Junior Suite or a One Bedroom Suite — which are available in
both Deluxe and non-Deluxe — the decision is less about the room itself.
The Deluxe and non-Deluxe versions of these rooms are very similar in terms of layout,
space and comfort. You’re not paying for a dramatically better room.
What you’re really deciding is whether the additional Deluxe benefits — things like
guaranteed restaurant reservations, quieter spaces, concierge support and an easier
experience in peak periods — will genuinely improve your stay.
For lower room categories (like Superior Doubles), Deluxe isn’t an option anyway.
For higher categories (Two- and Three-Bedroom Suites and Villas), Deluxe is built in.
It’s this middle ground where the decision needs a bit of thought.
What actually changes if you go Deluxe
The biggest day-to-day difference with Deluxe is how much planning you have to do
— and how busy the resort feels at peak times.
​
Deluxe guests can pre-book all à la carte dining in advance, including Seasons, which
is exclusive to the Deluxe Collection.
Non-Deluxe guests can usually pre-book three à la carte dinners before arrival and
then book more once they’re in resort.
If you’re travelling in school holidays, like eating at specific times, or just want everything
lined up before you arrive, that difference matters more than you might expect.
You also get access to Deluxe-only areas:
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ï‚· a dedicated Deluxe pool
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ï‚· a quieter section of the beach with more space between loungers
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ï‚· exclusive Deluxe bars
Families often say these areas feel calmer rather than “fancier” — especially useful at
busy times of day.
Service is a bit more hands-on too.
You’ll have a dedicated Deluxe concierge, quicker responses (often via WhatsApp), in-
suite check-in where available, an upgraded minibar replenished daily, enhanced
bathroom amenities, a pillow menu, and two complimentary 25-minute neck and
back massages per suite or villa.
Deluxe guests also benefit from private airport transfers rather than shared ones —
something parents tend to appreciate more on arrival and departure days than they
expect.
From 2026, Deluxe guests also get:
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ï‚· complimentary access to the Heroes Supper Club
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ï‚· two days’ use of an electric MINI Countryman, rather than one
None of this is flashy. What it does is quietly remove a bit of friction.
What doesn’t change
If you don’t go Deluxe, you’re still getting:
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ï‚· very good food
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ï‚· premium branded drinks
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ï‚· à la carte dining included
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ï‚· excellent service
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ï‚· access to almost everything on the resort
You’re not stepping down to a “basic” version of Ikos by skipping it. That’s why many
families choose non-Deluxe rooms and come home perfectly happy.
So… is Deluxe worth it?
This is where the price difference really matters.
Deluxe tends to make the most sense if:
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ï‚· you’re travelling in school holidays
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ï‚· you want guaranteed dining plans sorted before you travel
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ï‚· you value quieter pool and beach areas
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ï‚· or you’re already looking at Deluxe-only room types
It’s often less compelling if:
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ï‚· you’re travelling outside peak periods
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ï‚· you’re relaxed about where and when you eat
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ï‚· or the price jump is significant for your dates
That’s why opinions are so mixed. Families aren’t disagreeing about Deluxe — they’re
reacting to very different costs and priorities.
If you’re deciding between Deluxe and non-Deluxe in that Junior Suite or One Bedroom
Suite bracket, this is one choice that’s worth talking through rather than guessing.
If you’d like to sense-check whether the price difference for your dates and room type is
actually buying you something useful — or whether your money would be better spent
elsewhere — just drop me a message or give me a call. I’m always happy to talk it through
properly.
​
Next, it’s worth stepping outside the resort and looking at what there is to see and do
around Estepona, Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol,
What to do around Ikos Andalusia with kids
Easy trips out that work around naps, heat and changing energy levels
You don’t need to leave Ikos Andalusia to have a great holiday. Most families don’t —
most days.
But if you’re staying for more than a week, or you’ve got older children who like a bit of
variety, the Costa del Sol is very easy to dip into without it feeling like hard work.
​
A big part of that is the included electric car. Non-Deluxe guests get one day. Deluxe
guests get two.
It sounds like a small thing, but it changes how confident families feel about heading
out.
You’re not relying on taxis, you’re not committing to a full day, and you can head out for
a few hours and be back for lunch, pool time or a rest.
Easy trips for a few hours
These are the outings families tend to enjoy most, because they don’t take over the day.
Estepona Old Town is the closest and easiest option. It’s relaxed, colourful, and very
easy to explore on foot. Parents talk about wandering, stopping for ice cream, maybe
sitting in a square for a drink — then heading back before anyone gets overtired.
Some families also pop into Puerto Banús, usually just for an hour or two. It’s more
about the boats and the atmosphere than “doing” anything. Kids like spotting yachts.
Parents like knowing it’s close and easy.
If you want something even lighter, many families simply drive along the coast, stop
somewhere for lunch, and come back. No plan. No agenda. Just a change of scenery.
Half-day ideas (when energy levels are good)
If everyone’s feeling up for a bit more, a half day works well.
Families often mention Selwo Aventura, just outside Estepona. It’s a wildlife park
rather than a zoo, so it feels open and spacious. It’s best done early or later in the day,
especially in warmer months.
Another popular option is cycling or walking part of the New Golden Mile. The route
runs along the coast between Estepona and Marbella. It’s flat, scenic and easy to dip
into. You don’t need to do the whole thing — most families don’t.
Some head to Marbella Old Town, which works best early morning or late afternoon.
It’s atmospheric rather than hands-on, so it suits older children more than toddlers.
If one of you plays golf, Los Naranjos Golf Club is also included as a one-off green fee
per stay.
Full days (best with older children)
These are the trips families tend to do once, if at all.
​
Some use the Culture Pass for a day in Málaga, usually picking one museum and
keeping the rest of the day loose. It works best with older children or teens, when the
heat and walking feel more manageable and there’s genuine interest rather than
endurance.
A handful of families head inland to Ronda. It’s striking and memorable, especially the
gorge and bridge, but it’s a longer drive and much better suited to older children who
can cope with a slower, more sightseeing-led day.
Others opt for a big water park day, such as Aqualand or Aquamijas. These are
energetic, noisy, and full-on — great fun if your kids love slides, but very different in
pace to the resort.
And a small number go all the way to Gibraltar. Seeing the Rock and the monkeys is
memorable, but it’s a long day with border queues and a lot of walking.
The common theme with all of these is that they’re optional extras, not essentials.
Most families are very happy picking just one full-day adventure, or skipping them
altogether and enjoying the ease of the resort.
The key thing most families say
What stands out isn’t how much there is to do — it’s how little pressure there is to do it.
Having the car included means you can keep plans loose. Head out. See how it feels.
Come back early if needed.
And because Ikos Andalusia works so well day to day, most families find that one or two
outings across the whole holiday is plenty.
If you’d like help deciding which kind of day trips would genuinely suit your children — that’s
something I’m always happy to talk through.
So… is Ikos Andalusia actually right for your family?
By this point, most parents aren’t asking whether Ikos Andalusia is a good resort.
They’re trying to work out whether it will feel right once they’re there.
That usually comes down to fairly simple things.
Will the days feel calm, or slightly chaotic?
Will meals slot easily around tired children, or feel like something you have to
organise?
​
Will the resort give you enough to do — without needing a plan just to get through
the day?
Ikos Andalusia tends to suit families who like things to feel easy.
​
Days where you can drift between the pool, the beach and lunch without watching the
clock.
Evenings where you can eat well without worrying whether your children will last
more than 30 minutes at the table.
And enough space — physically and mentally — that it never feels frantic.
It also works well for families who like having options without pressure.
You can happily stay on the resort all week — many do.
But if you want a change of scene, heading out for a few hours doesn’t feel like a
mission.
That balance matters more than people expect.
This is where talking it through properly helps.
I don’t just book Ikos — I’ve stayed at these resorts on real family holidays, not quick
site visits.
I know what they’re like when children are tired, when plans change, and when small
details end up shaping the whole week.
I also sit on the Ikos Travel Agent Advisory Panel, which means I see how the resorts
actually operate behind the scenes — what’s changing, which room types really
make a difference for families, and where upgrades are genuinely useful versus
just nice to have.
And because I’m independent, there’s no reason for me to steer you towards Ikos if
it isn’t quite right.
Sometimes another Ikos resort fits better. Occasionally a different brand altogether
does.
If that’s the case, I’ll say so.
If you’d like to sense-check whether Ikos Andalusia suits how your family holidays
— or whether there’s a better option you haven’t considered — just get in touch.
​
You can call me on 0116 414 0010, or email sam@clubvoyages.uk, and we can have a
proper, no-pressure chat.