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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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.
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Rooms at Ikos Aria
​A clear, practical guide to the room types – written to make comparisons easy
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 like a 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.
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.
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 Aria
​What you’ll actually use, how it feels day to day, and why parents rate it
One of the reasons Ikos Aria works so well when you’re travelling with younger children is that a lot of the everyday decisions are already made for you.
You’re not constantly thinking ahead to the next meal, wondering if you’ll find a sunbed, or working out where to go next.
Food, drinks, towels, shade and space tend to be there when you need them. That’s why a lot of parents come home feeling like they’ve actually had a rest — not just parented somewhere sunny.
Although you can carve out some adult time when your kids are in the kids club or you’ve booked babysitting, but you’re not going to escape children entirely.
If you go in expecting that balance, Aria tends to deliver it better than most.
Pools
You’ve got four outdoor pools in total — three family-friendly pools and one adults-only pool — plus an indoor pool in the spa.
If you’re travelling with younger children, the outdoor family pools work well. They’re generally quite shallow, which makes it easier to relax a bit when the kids are in the water. There are children’s sections and a splash pool that’s particularly popular with toddlers and pre-schoolers.
One thing to be aware of is that not all the outdoor pools are heated outside peak summer. In July and August you won’t notice, but if you’re travelling in April, May or October, the water can feel cool — especially for little ones.
The indoor pool sits inside the spa. It’s mainly an adult space, but there are specific family splash times when children are allowed in. Outside of those times, it’s adults only.
Around the pools, service is one of the things parents comment on most.
Drinks and snacks come to you, staff help move loungers if you need them to, and you’re not constantly up and down — which makes it much easier to sit back while keeping an eye on the kids.
Kids clubs (at a glance)
If you think you might want some time to yourselves, the kids clubs are a big part of how that happens.
There’s a crèche for babies and toddlers, kids clubs for ages 4–12, and activities for teens. Parents often talk about how professional the teams feel and how quickly children settle in.
I’ll go into the kids clubs properly later in this guide — what’s included, what’s paid for, and how booking works.
Babysitting
Babysitting is another big one for parents.
You can book private babysitting in the evenings, usually at around €15 per hour, with a supplement after 11pm. It needs arranging in advance, but parents often say this is what makes the biggest difference to their stay.
If you’re travelling with a baby or toddler, it’s what allows you to go for a quiet dinner, book a spa treatment, or just sit somewhere without watching the clock.
Adult-only areas and spa time
When your kids are in the kids club or being babysat, you do have places to retreat to.
There’s an adults-only outdoor pool, which feels noticeably calmer than the family pools, and the spa, which is adults only apart from the indoor pool’s family splash times.
Inside the spa, you’ve got access to the sauna, steam room and relaxation areas, which are included. Treatments and massages are paid extra, and if you’re craving a proper switch-off, they’re well worth booking.
There’s also a gym and fitness studio, with classes like yoga and Pilates included, if you like to build that into your routine.
You’re not suddenly in a couples-only hotel — but you do feel the shift when you step into these areas.
How it all comes together
What you’ll probably notice most isn’t one standout facility — it’s how smoothly everything works together.
Having staff who anticipate what you need, and knowing small issues get sorted quickly takes a lot of mental load away. You’re still parenting, of course, but you’re not managing every detail in the same way you would elsewhere.
Next, it’s worth looking at the restaurants and bars, because how easy food is with children plays a huge part in how relaxed your days — and evenings — actually feel at Ikos Aria.
Restaurants & Bars at Ikos Aria
​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 stressful — rushed dinners, limited options, or that awful feeling of being that family if a child has a wobble.
Ikos Aria handles this brilliantly.
The headline facts
There are seven à la carte restaurants, plus a main buffet, a free Gelateria (proper gelato!), and nine bars across the resort.
Every restaurant has:
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a proper children’s menu
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freshly prepared baby food on request
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high chairs everywhere (the good Stokke ones, not the wobbly plastic kind)
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staff who are completely unfazed by families
If your child only eats chicken nuggets or plain pasta, you’ll be absolutely fine.
If you’ve got allergies, coeliac needs or a very restricted diet, the kitchen teams are used to adapting — parents mention this again and again in reviews.
À la carte restaurants (what you can actually book)
The seven à la carte options cover a really good spread of cuisines:
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Ouzo – modern Greek, and a favourite for breakfast and lunch by the sea
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Fresco – Italian, overseen by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini
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Anaya – Asian / Oriental
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Provence – French
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Oliva – Spanish
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Kos – local island cuisine
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Seasons – Mediterranean fine dining (Deluxe Collection only)
Non-Deluxe guests can pre-book three à la carte dinners in advance. It’s not usually a problem to book additional meals once you arrive, but it’s worth doing that as early as you can — and being flexible with dining times definitely helps.
Deluxe Collection guests can book à la carte dining every evening, and also have access to Seasons for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You don’t need to pre-book breakfast or lunch.
Dine Out – eating beyond the resort
One of nice extras at Ikos Aria is the Dine Out programme, which lets you eat at selected local restaurants outside the resort at no extra cost.
At the time of writing, Ikos Aria’s Dine Out partners include:
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Mylotopi – Authentic Village & Gastronomy
Mediterranean cuisine in a traditional village setting, around 4km from the resort. This is often the most talked-about option, especially for families who want something that feels distinctly local without being intimidating.
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Kochylari
A traditional Kos and Greek-Mediterranean restaurant, just 2km away.
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Anipota
A relaxed Greek taverna around 3.6km from Ikos Aria, serving classic dishes in an informal setting that works well for families.
Transfers are included, so you don’t need to drive, navigate or worry about timing — you’re collected, dropped off and brought back to the resort without any fuss.
The buffet (and why parents still use it)
The main buffet, Flavours, is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s well laid out, well staffed, and has a quieter adults’ zone at one end.
Even families who love the à la carte restaurants often end up using the buffet more than they expect — not because the food is better, but because it’s easy on nights when your kids are tired or you just want to eat and be back in your room within 45 minutes.
“What if my child has a meltdown in a restaurant?”
This comes up all the time — and it’s one of the things parents are most relieved about once they arrive.
The restaurants are high-end in look and feel, but they’re also full of families. If your child kicks off, no one bats an eyelid. Other parents have been there — often that very same day.
You’ll see a few sympathetic smiles, maybe the odd “at least it’s not just us tonight” look, and that’s it.
There’s no judgement, no awkward atmosphere, and no sense that you’ve ruined anyone else’s evening.
That shared understanding is a huge part of why parents relax here so quickly.
Bars (and what’s actually included)
There are nine bars in total, spread across the resort:
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two lobby bars
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two pool bars
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a beach bar
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a theatre bar
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a nightclub
Plus two additional bars exclusively for Deluxe guests:
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a Deluxe lobby bar
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a Deluxe pool bar
Drinks are properly premium — branded spirits, cocktails mixed by trained bartenders, wines from the Ikos fine wine collection, beers, soft drinks and barista-style coffees are all included.
If you’re in the Deluxe Collection, you’ll also notice a wider champagne selection, higher-end wines by the glass and quieter exclusive bar areas, especially during peak family times.
The overall feel
What Ikos Aria gets right is this balance: you’re not “downgrading” the food because you’re travelling with children.
You’re eating really good food, in beautiful spaces, with staff who understand family life — and that makes a huge difference to how relaxed evenings feel.
You don’t have to plan military-style restaurant strategies or worry about how long your child will last.
If a night needs to be quick and easy, it can be. If you want a slower, more grown-up dinner, that’s there too.
And if you’d like help choosing between Deluxe and non-Deluxe, or planning restaurant bookings so they actually work around your family (rather than against it), that’s exactly the sort of thing I help with.
Once you’ve got your head around the food and drink side of things, the next question is usually what there actually is to do during the day — and whether there’s enough going on in the evenings too.
So next, it’s worth looking at entertainment and activities at Ikos Aria — what’s included, what costs extra, and how it all works for families in practice.
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Describe your image
Entertainment & activities at Ikos Aria
​What you’ll actually do with your days — and how evenings tend to unfold
Most days at Ikos Aria settle into a fairly natural rhythm. You’ll probably spend a good chunk of time by the pool or on the beach, dip into activities when it suits you, and then decide in the late afternoon whether the evening is going to be lively, low-key, or somewhere in between.
That flexibility is the point here. Nothing feels compulsory.
Daytime: as active (or not) as you want it to be
If you like having things to dip into, there’s plenty going on during the day.
You’ll find a full programme of fitness classes — yoga, Pilates, HIIT, aqua sessions — all included, plus a well-equipped gym if you prefer doing your own thing.
Tennis courts are busy throughout the day, and bikes are available if you fancy getting out and about for a ride.
Water sports like paddleboarding, pedaloes and canoes are included for short daily sessions, which works well if you want a quick activity rather than committing to half a day.
More advanced or specialist activities — sailing, scuba introductions, waterskiing — are available at an extra cost.
If your kids are in the kids club (which I’ll cover properly next), this is when many parents choose to book a class, head to the spa, or just enjoy some uninterrupted time doing very little at all.
Time without the kids
When you do manage to carve out some child-free time, Ikos Aria gives you a few different ways to use it.
The spa is the obvious one. The thermal areas are included, treatments are extra, and it’s one of the few places on the resort that feels consistently calm. Even a short visit can reset your day.
There are also adult-only spaces — including an adults-only pool and quieter bar areas — which work best when you’re realistic about what they are.
You won’t feel like you’re in a couples-only hotel, but you will feel a shift in pace compared to the main family areas.
Evenings: relaxed rather than showy
Evenings at Ikos Aria are generally easy-going.
There are shows and live music in the theatre, plus DJs and performers in some of the bars, but the entertainment leans more towards family-friendly and relaxed than big, headline productions. Some nights you’ll watch a show; other nights you’ll just have a drink and call it early.
That suits families with younger children well. If your kids don’t stay up late, you don’t feel like you’re missing a must-see event. And if you do want to stay out a bit longer, the bars and nightclub are there.
Compared to some other Ikos resorts — like Dassia or Andalusia — Aria is generally seen as quieter in the evenings, with less emphasis on large-scale entertainment and more on low-key atmosphere.
The beach (a big part of Aria’s appeal)
The beach is one of the standout features at Ikos Aria, and for many families it becomes the default place to spend the day.
It’s a long, sandy, private beach that runs directly along the resort, with plenty of space so it doesn’t feel cramped. The sea shelves gently, which works well with younger children, and the whole area feels calm rather than hectic.
Just offshore you’ll spot the small, uninhabited islet of Kastri Islet.
It’s only around 100 metres from the beach, and confident swimmers often swim out to it for a closer look.
There’s a small chapel on the rocks and some spots where older children and adults like to jump in from the rocks.
There’s also a designated adults-only section of the beach if you’re looking for something quieter, and staff are constantly around bringing drinks, snacks and anything else you need.
You can quite happily spend the entire day here without ever needing to head back to the main resort areas.
For families who like beach days but don’t want the usual hassle — carrying bags, queuing at bars, packing up to eat — this is where Ikos Aria really shines.
Next, it’s time to look properly at the kids clubs — what’s included, what’s paid for, and how they actually work in practice when you’re travelling with babies, toddlers and younger children.
Kids clubs & childcare at Ikos Aria
How children are looked after — and how that changes your holiday
Ikos Aria does childcare very well, but it helps to understand how it actually works day to day, rather than just reading age brackets on a website.
The crèche (6 months to 3 years)
This is one of the biggest reasons parents with babies choose Ikos Aria.
The crèche is professionally run, staffed by qualified early-years carers, and set up to UK-style standards.
Ratios are low, sessions are structured, and staff are very used to unsettled babies, nap schedules and first-time drop-offs.
Parents often say the same thing: you might feel nervous the first time you leave your baby — and then very quickly realise how calm and capable the team are.
The crèche is paid (from around €32–€42 per session, depending on length) and needs booking in advance, especially during school holidays.
Most parents use it selectively — perhaps a morning session so they can properly relax, book a treatment, or just sit somewhere quietly knowing their baby is happy and cared for.
If this is your first holiday with a baby, this is often the thing that makes it feel like a holiday, rather than just parenting somewhere sunnier.
Kids Club (4 to 12 years)
Once children turn four, the kids club becomes free, and this is where many families really feel the benefit of staying at Ikos Aria.
The club runs in structured sessions throughout the day, with organised activities rather than free-for-all childcare.
Expect a mix of arts and crafts, sports, games, pool activities and group challenges — enough variety to keep children engaged without it feeling overwhelming.
Parents regularly mention that children settle quickly, make friends fast and actively want to go back
That last point matters. You’re usually not persuading children to attend — more often you’re fitting everything else around their club sessions.
Teens (12 to 17 years)
Teen provision is deliberately lighter-touch, which works well for most families.
Rather than a traditional kids club, teens dip in and out of organised activities — beach sports, water-based sessions and social games — without feeling overly supervised.
It suits teenagers who want independence but still like having something to do.
If your teen needs constant structure or high-energy entertainment, they might find it a little low-key — but for most, it strikes the right balance.
Evening childcare and babysitting
For evenings, you’ve got a couple of options.
The Heroes Supper Club (ages 4–12) allows children to eat together and take part in supervised activities while you head out for dinner. Parents like this because it feels social for the children rather than isolating.
There’s also private babysitting in your room, which costs around €15 per hour (with a late-night supplement after 11pm). Availability is limited, so it’s something to plan ahead, but parents often comment on how comfortable they feel using it.
Both options give you flexibility in the evenings — whether that’s a quieter dinner, a longer meal, or some proper adult time.
Next, it’s worth looking at the Deluxe Collection — what extra benefits it actually gives you at Ikos Aria, and whether it’s worth the upgrade for your family, or simply nice to have rather than essential.
Deluxe Collection at Ikos Aria
What it is, what it changes, and how to decide if it makes sense for you
If you’ve never stayed at an Ikos resort before, Deluxe can be a bit confusing. The standard experience is already
very good, so it’s not always obvious what you’re actually paying more for.
The key thing to know upfront 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 (see the ‘Rooms’ section above), so the room and the perks come as a package.
That’s why deciding on Deluxe is really about weighing up how you holiday and how big the price difference is for your dates.
Here's the problem: the price difference for Deluxe isn't fixed.
So the answer to "is Deluxe worth it?" is never the same. It depends entirely on your dates, your room type, and how you actually use the resort.
This is where a lot of families either overspend on Deluxe when they didn't need to, or skip it and then wish they hadn't — especially during school holidays when the Deluxe beach area and guaranteed restaurant bookings really come into their own.
It's one of those decisions that's really worth talking through with someone who knows the numbers for your specific dates.
What actually changes if you go Deluxe
The biggest day-to-day difference with Deluxe is how much planning you have to do.
With Deluxe, you can pre-book all your à la carte dinners before you travel, including Seasons, the Deluxe-only fine-dining restaurant. That matters if you like eating at specific times — especially with younger children — or if you simply want everything lined up before you arrive.
You also get access to quieter spaces. There’s a dedicated Deluxe beach area with reserved loungers and a Deluxe-only pool, which really comes into its own during school holidays when the main family areas are busier.
Add in the two Deluxe bars — one by the pool and one in the lobby — and you’ve got places that feel noticeably calmer when you want a breather.
Service is a little more hands-on too. You’ll have a dedicated Deluxe concierge, quicker responses via WhatsApp, an upgraded minibar that’s replenished daily, a pillow menu, enhanced in-room amenities, and a complimentary neck and shoulder massage per adult during your stay.
Deluxe guests also get private airport transfers rather than shared ones, which makes that first arrival and final departure much easier with children.
And instead of one day’s car hire, you get a Mini Clubman for two days, giving you a bit more freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
None of it is flashy, but it all removes lots of small bits of friction — which is really what Deluxe is about.
What doesn’t change
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If you don’t go Deluxe, you’re still getting premium branded drinks, very good food, à la carte dining included, strong service and access to almost everything on the resort.
You’re not stepping down to a “basic” version of Ikos by skipping it.
That’s why some families happily choose non-deluxe rooms and never feel they’ve missed out.
Is Deluxe worth it for your family?
This is where the price difference really matters.
Deluxe tends to make most sense if you’re travelling in peak periods, want guaranteed dining times, value quieter beach and pool areas, or you’re already looking at one of the Deluxe-only room categories like a Deluxe junior suite or the Deluxe one or two bedroom bungalows.
It’s often less compelling if you’re travelling outside school holidays, you’re relaxed about where and when you eat, or the jump in price is significant for your dates.
That’s why reviews are so mixed. People aren’t disagreeing about Deluxe — they’re reacting to very different costs and whether it’s worth it for them.
If you’re on the fence, this is one decision that’s worth talking through rather than guessing.
A quick conversation with me can help you work out whether Deluxe will make your stay easier, or whether your money is better spent elsewhere.
Next, it’s worth looking beyond the resort and seeing what there is to do on Kos with children, because that included car hire can add a lot to the holiday if you use it well.
What to do on Kos with kids
Easy days out that work around naps, heat and changing energy levels
You don’t need to leave Ikos Aria 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, Kos is a very easy island to explore.
It’s largely flat, roads are straightforward, and you can drive from one end of the island to the other in around 90 minutes, so nothing ever feels like a big commitment.
With the included one day’s car hire, you can head out for a few hours and be back in time for lunch, naps or pool time.
Close to the resort
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The nearest area most families visit is Kefalos, just a short drive from Ikos Aria.
It has relaxed, shallow beaches and tavernas right by the sea. This works particularly well with younger children — you can paddle, eat, and head back without trying to stretch it into a full day out.
Another favourite with families is Plaka Forest. It’s shaded, calm, and home to peacocks that wander freely, which younger children tend to love. It’s the sort of place that feels like a gentle change of scene rather than an “attraction”.
For older or more energetic kids
If your children are a bit older and want something more active, Lido Water Park is the main water park on the island. It’s good fun, but it’s a full-on day and better suited to confident swimmers than toddlers.
A bit of culture
If you fancy adding a bit of history into the mix, Kos Town is worth a visit — best done early morning or later in the afternoon when it’s cooler.
Right by the harbour you’ll find the Venetian-era Castle of the Knights, which is easy to combine with a wander, ice cream and watching the boats.
It’s more about atmosphere and views than hands-on exhibits, so it tends to suit older children better.
Just outside the town is the Asclepion, the ancient healing site linked to Hippocrates, who was born on Kos. It’s an interesting stop if your children are old enough to engage with it, but most families keep the visit fairly short and pair it with something lighter afterwards.
Zia is a mountain village that many families visit in the late afternoon or early evening. It’s known for its views across the island, small shops and relaxed atmosphere. Kids usually enjoy the wandering and ice cream stops, and it feels different enough from the resort to be memorable without being hard work.
So… is Ikos Aria the right choice for you?
​​If you’ve read this far, you’re probably not just asking “is Ikos Aria a good resort?”
You’re asking something more specific:
Is it the right Ikos resort for my family — or would we be better somewhere else?
That’s exactly the right question to be asking.
The challenge with Ikos is that the differences between resorts aren’t always obvious at first glance, but they matter a lot once you’re actually there — especially when you’re travelling with children and spending a significant amount on the holiday.
This is where a conversation can really help.
I don’t just sell Ikos — I’ve stayed at these resorts on real family holidays, not rushed agent trips.
I know how they work when you’re juggling flight times, tired children, room layouts, dining slots and those small decisions that end up shaping the whole week.
I also sit on the Ikos Travel Agent Advisory Panel, which means I have direct insight into how the resorts operate, what’s changing, and where certain room types, locations or upgrades actually make a difference — and where they don’t.
Because I’m independent, my job isn’t to push you towards Ikos at all costs. If another Ikos resort — or even a different brand entirely, like Sani — is a better fit for how your family holidays, I’ll tell you.
I also manage everything for you end to end: rooms, flights, reservations, changes, special requests and those little details that are easy to miss when you book on your own.
It’s not just a transaction — and if you need help before, during or after your trip, I’m there.
In many cases, I’m also able to secure better overall value than booking direct, whether that’s through room selection, timing, upgrades or simply avoiding costly mistakes.
If you’d like a quick, chat to sanity-check whether Ikos Aria is the right choice for your family — or whether there’s a better option you haven’t considered — I’m always happy to help.
Just call me on 0116 4140010, or drop me an email at sam@clubvoyages.uk and we can arrange a time to talk.
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Get in touch so we can start working together.
