When I say Halkidiki – Greece to you – I’m sure I’m not the only one that dreams up clear blue water, whiter than white interiors and sunsets that will sit in photo frames for years to come. If you’re seeking to escape the rat race or to finally have that much-needed quality time with your family, then Ikos Olivia is where you need to head.
Resort holidays are often synonymous with loud screaming children and over-crowded swimming pools, however at Ikos Olivia, ‘life-enhancing luxuries’ and ‘extraordinary experiences’ run deep in their veins and have led to them successfully reinventing the all-inclusive holiday. It’s safe to say over my four day visit I wasn’t once woken up from a poolside nap nor did I find myself queuing for anything. Ikos Olivia have managed to create a stunning resort where space is infinite and nothing is too much trouble for the permanently smiling and attentive staff. With an unfortunate incident from London Gatwick of lost luggage, the concierge team went above and beyond their duties to reunite me with my case in less than 24 hours after arriving. It’s attention to detail like this that really sets themselves apart from anything else of this ilk.
Receiving an invite to stay in Halkidiki’s most luxurious new resort on a cold, rainy Monday morning, where activities would include four days sailing across bright blue waters and tasting Greek wine, it took me all of five minutes to clear the schedule and accept. With a flight from London Gatwick taking just over 3 hours and a half an hour drive to the resort, Ikos Olivia is the perfect destination for a week long break or even a long weekend if you’re pushed for time. Upon arrival, my first impression was how pristine everything looked, from the immaculate bright white interiors to the manicured gardens and pathways leading around the resort: presentation is everything at Ikos Olivia. Guests are made to feel like they have their own apartments with a range of small buildings and private houses dotted around the resort. So, if it’s a secluded holiday you’re after then that can definitely be achieved – because what’s more secluded than a bungalow with a private pool?
As expected from a luxury resort, the food and drink play a huge part of the whole experience. An array of dining opportunities are available with Michelin-starred chefs offering French, Italian, Greek and Asian cuisine. The staff at Ikos Olivia are also on hand to assist with dining out options with traditional local Greek restaurants just around the corner. Day trips are also meticulously organised if required, and one I would personally recommend is a tour of the Gerovasileiou Winery. Ktima Gerovassiliou has been involved in vine cultivation and winemaking since 1981, and the family run business offers an in-depth tour of the process and the chance to taste wines afterwards. It makes for the perfect break from sunbathing and swimming and the surrounding scenery is definitely worth visiting for photographic opportunities. Boat trips can also be on the agenda, with transfers provided by the resort, a great day out if travelling with family as dolphin sightings are frequent on this journey. However, if it’s total relaxation you’re opting for then the Ikos Spa by Anne Semonin is another retreat in itself with a private pool and range of treatments from massages to facials, with a bespoke gentleman’s collection for a much-needed grooming revamp.
Ikos Olivia acts as the ultimate retreat for the gentleman needing an escape from the stresses of modern day living. For the family gentleman it is perfect, a place to switch off and relax yet spend quality time with his family, all within a luxurious and safe environment. The staff and concierge are what sets this place apart, nothing is too much trouble for them and they have a special way of making you feel like you’re the only guest on the resort. For me, a previous sceptic, the resort holiday has well and truly been reinvented thanks to Ikos Olivia.
Sovereign (01293 762 003, www.sovereign.com) is offering a seven night holiday to the five star Ikos Olivia in Halkidiki, on an All Inclusive basis, from £869 per person. The price includes an exclusive private cocktail on the beach and farewell gift especially for Sovereign customers, UK airport lounge access, private resort transfers and return flights from London Gatwick with easyjet. Based on departures 10 October 2016. Book Ikos Olivia here.