Corfu is a beautiful Greek island in the Ionian sea. It is a green island with a lot of history and culture. I visited Corfu a few times and can say with certainty, that Ikos Dassia is the best hotel on the island.
Getting to Ikos Dassia
Corfu has an international airport and there is a number of direct international flights coming in from European countries. If you are connecting through Athens it is a short flight away. The Hotel arranges airport transfers at a small fee of €40.00 and within 30 minutes you are at the resort. However long-staying guests (5 nights or more) receive the transfer service complimentary.
On arrival all guests get escorted to a terrace overlooking the picturesque resort and friendly staff offer you a refreshment and explain the resort. Ikos Dassia is an all-inclusive resort and your greeter will explain all offerings and inclusions.
Accommodation
The resorts boasts many room types, suited to every budget. From modest double rooms looking towards the village (starting from around €500.00 per night in the warmer months) to spectacular pool suites that offer luxury and comfort for a whole family, there is something for everyone.
We had a pleasure of staying in a Panorama Junior Suite, a spacious room with a large terrace overlooking the sea. It is a great room for a couple, a little older in style, but boasting ample space and panoramic views. The terrace also has a lovely set up with plush sun lounges to take in the sun in privacy.
If you prefer only the best for your holidays, then choose a One- or Two-bedroom Deluxe Pool Suite Beachfront. These are the best Suites at the resort, a stone’s throw away from the sparkling blue of the Ionian Sea. They all feature a separate living room, private pool and can accommodate up to six guests.
Facilites
Ikos has huge grounds – the resort occupies most of the beach in Dassia village. The facilities are outstanding – multiple swimming pools for families and adults only, fitness centre, spa, tennis courts, yoga pavilion, private beach with non-motorised and motorized water sports.
I loved that if you’d like to do nothing and just relax, you can do just that, but if you prefer active leisure you can be busy the whole day, starting from fitness classes, watersports, tennis lessons, mountain biking, canoeing and so much more.
Every luxury resort has a spa and Ikos of course is no exception. They use a lovely French brand Anne Semonin. I haven’t tried a treatment on this trip, something to explore next time.
While adults have fun or relax, kids could partake in children programs with organised kids games and events.
But if you travel to Ikos Dassia without the kids, don’t worry, you won’t be overrun by the little guys. There is ample adults-only space and even an adults-only section of the beach.
Dining
Dining is a real highlight at Ikos Dassia and, what’s even more amazing, all fine-dining experiences are included in your rate, even the wine. Ikos Dassia has eight restaurants and a few bars for you to choose from, plus, of course, you could order room service or eat at the lounges on the beach.
There are many a’la carte options to choose from; to one of them you even take a speed boat at sunset. You could stay at Ikos Dassia for a few days and never eat at the same place twice.
Some of my favourites include Italian Fresco, serving contemporary dishes created by Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. The menu would change seasonally, but it always includes Italian classics like burratina, beef carpaccio, tuna tartar.
My other favourite is Greek Ouzo, set up in a garden overlooking the sea. White chairs and tables set by the beach are a perfect setting for a romantic evening. The menu has all the Greek delicacies we would dream of when travelling to Greece. Their tzaziki is one of the best I ever tried. Other must-try dishes are moussaka, lamb, prawn saganaki – Oh so many! It makes me hungry just remembering the food at Ouzo.
A special mention about the wine list – there are 300 beautiful wines in the all-inclusive package. I wasn’t a big wine drinker, but got converted to one by the exquisite Greek wines on this trip. Every restaurant we went to had a sommelier who would suggest a perfect wine for our taste. Every choice was wonderful and the selection of Greek and international wines exquisite.
I think the dining experiences alone are worth the daily rate. Every meal for us was a celebration!
The Lux Traveller Loved
We loved the friendly and professional service, amazing all-inclusive package, wine and dining experiences at the resort.
I loved the daily yoga and pilates, but more than anything I enjoyed being at the resort, the beach and the relaxing atmosphere at Ikos. From the minute you arrive to the minute you leave there is not a worry in the world.
I would also like to mention that Corfu Town is amazing – it has a very lively atmosphere, a maze of little pedestrian streets with churches, cafes, restaurants and shops. It is a very enjoyable day out and Ikos provides a complimentary shuttle to and from town. It’s a big saving as taxi would normally cost you around €50.00 each way.
Ikos connects guests to the local area in a very special way – providing local experiences as part of the stay. Some of these things are dinner on a local island, Vidos Island (included in the dine-around) or Drive Adventure with a complimentary Mini Cooper.
Splitting Hairs
The only thing I would improve is freshening up some of the room types. Lower room categories, even though modern, could be improved.
All In All
Exceptional all-inclusive resort, perfect for families and couples, one of the best in Europe. I would definitely return!