I spent hours choosing and editing photos for this post. Quantifying what is wonderful about our family holiday to Ikos Olivia was harder than expected.
We first visited Ikos Resorts Easter 2016 and fell in love with the beauty and all inclusive luxury in Greece at Ikos Oceania. As soon as the prices were available for 2017 we re-booked. After a hectic couple of months we were all looking forward to pressing pause on life and spending a little family time.
Ikos Olivia is a 45-minute car journey from Halkidiki airport.
The resort offers a free transfer service that is often offered as part of a booking offer when booking direct. As soon as you walk through arrivals the resort team are there waiting for you. Armed with bottles of cold water and ready to take your luggage.
Arrival at the main reception feels like coming home. The team greet you with open arms the moment you arrive into the stunning marble entrance. Where you are able to check in with glass of champagne in hand.
There is a huge choice of all luxury accommodation to suit all budgets, family size and taste.
Our 1 bedroom deluxe bungalow suite was in the deluxe area overlooking the pool, with steps from our garden terrace down to the side of the pool. Perfect for lazy mornings when you can order breakfast to your room and eat of your patio overlooking the pool. The rooms are spacious and luxurious, offering a mini bar, turn down service and an extensive room service menu. And if you want a private pool you can book a deluxe private pool room in the deluxe area
Although Ikos Olivia and Oceania have several similarities and are part of the same Ikos Hotel 5 star all inclusive format, they are also different in many ways.
Oceania blends into a mountainside the views are breathtaking. There are lifts and shuttles available to get you around if you had mobility issues. However Olivia may be preferable as the resort is flat.
I honestly cannot choose a favourite I love them both for many different reasons. But the distinct benefit at Olivia that it is the perfect all inclusive resort in Greece for families. Joe was able to easily maneuver safely around the resort and we felt comfortable with this, thus giving him a little independence.
The sport centre is just behind the deluxe area. Joe spent so much of his time either hiring a bike and going for a ride with Chris or sometimes a friend. Or taking part in the endless kids sports activities that are available.
It offers many family sporting options with 2 tennis courts, a basket ball, volley ball court, a football pitch and table tennis areas. The activities for older children and teens are well organised and inclusive. This made the holiday for the boys, who immersed themselves fully into the sports program and as a result met so many friends of all nationalities.
The resort also has 4 pools and a huge chess set which kept the boys entertained for some time. Deluxe guests can also order an Xbox or play station to the room. We did this but the boys were too busy to use it.
The boys took part in many sporting activities which kept them so busy during the day. Joe more so, as Jack had revision to do. However he still made time for a couple of hours of football before a late afternoon dip in the pool and a non alcoholic cocktail. And after full on days Joe was always exhausted but happy in the evenings.
As Chris and I sat enjoying the sun, sipping the odd cocktail and dip in the pool, we felt redundant. Yes, we kept nipping to see where the boys were, what they were up to and to check they were drinking water. But they were happy, having fun and didn’t need us.
This felt odd at first, but I have to say we embraced the peace and opportunity to read a book rather quickly. All those years of reading with one eye on the pool, it takes a little time to get used to reading with two eyes. I kept feeling like I had forgotten something.
I haven’t even got to the food available in the all inclusive package or beach yet. But will save that for another day.
A deal breaker for any family holiday in Greece is having happy and entertained children. Ours are at the age where they are too old for clubs and would rather opt for activities. Having such great facilities for kids and teens on site was wonderful, everybody was happy and we knew they were safe. And when they did had an activity free window, they joined us round the pool for a little quality time.
Holidays change as your family grows and staying at a resort that understands that makes all the difference. And Ikos Olivia is the best 5 star all inclusive resort in Greece where we enjoyed the perfect family holiday. I honestly could not fault it.
Check out my little room vlog.
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Oh Sarah how I wish it was one month ago as we would be heading to Olivia tomorrow. I knew you would love Olivia just as much as we do, and interesting to see how it differs from Oceania. It really is the perfect holiday isn’t it, and I loved that you can all go off and do your own thing but come together in the evening. The suites are amazing aren’t they, yours was very similar to ours but with very slight differences in decor. Ah take me back NOW. Gorgeous pictures as always x
I know Tracey I just loved it so much, you can’t beat Ikos for Quality and luxury I am sure x
Sarah, all of your photos are stunning, and the property looks so beautiful, like a small piece of paradise.
Nano it is just like that, paradise in every way we loved it there x
It looks gorgeous and like my sort of resort – I remember watching your Instagram stories and being very impressed with how close all the amenities were to the deluxe area x
Sam it is just beautiful, and so well styled x
Ikos Olivia seems so stunning! This is where my perfect getaway would take place, Sarah! 🙂
Oh this looks beautiful, exactly how a holiday should be – nice and relaxing with a touch of luxury. When my little terrors are slightly older and not so destructive I will look into staying here xx
We love it, and there is loads for little ones too as they have fantastic kids clubs. The boys have outgrown clubs but lots of children used them x
Wow I can see why it was so hard to chose pictures! Everything looks so beautiful and picture perfect!! What an amazing hotel! #MondayEscapes
Ah thank you so much and yes we loved it there and it is such a photogenic place x
The photo work paid off. Stunning shots #mondayescapes
Ah thanks os much, I love wandering taking photos x
This looks like a lovely place for a relaxing family break #mondayescapes
Thank you we loved it x
It looks such an amazing little place and I hadn’t realised it was like a proper apartment. My two would love those beds joined together like that and how lovely is the bath…and the pool!!
Tas it was all just so perfect we had the best time x
Oh this place looks so peaceful and relaxing. Lovely! #MondayEscapes
Keri it is we just loved it there x
Woot woot!! Looks like a refreshing break, esp. by the pool. 🙂 Cheers!! #MondayEscapes
It was sooooo relaxing we all loved it x
Looks like a great holiday for older kids, very relaxing. Great photos too. Thanks for sharing #MondayEscapes
Its actually fab for younger kids to there was a full kids club facility on offer x
That looks like a fabulous resort. I had to laugh when you mentioned being able to read a book with two eyes. I can’t remember the last time I was actually able to read a book on vacation since my kids are really little. But, there will be time for that later. For now, family vacations are very hands on and we love it. #MondayEscapes
Ah yes I agree make the most of it because as mazing as it was i miss them needing us as much x
This looks absolutely amazing! We are looking for a place to go in Greece and this just might fit the bill. We have three little ones so reading a book is totally out of the questions but I can soak up everyone else’s relaxation and know that that time is coming soon for us. Thanks for sharing #MondayEscapes
Elizabeth I would thoroughly recommend it, we had the most wonderful trip and if you have littles then the mini club is fab x
Those pools are gorgeous! This looks like a great place for a family vacation. I really enjoyed reading about it. #MondayEscapes
Ah thank you Elizabeth we had such a great time it is a wonderful resort x
This looks oh so lovely and relaxing… I just got back from Cancun Mexico, and Dominican Republic and can’t wait to go sit by the beach again!
Ah same here I am off to Greece in a couple of weeks and I cant wait x
It looks fabulous, I especially love the photographs of the pools as they look so inviting. It just looks like a perfect relaxing holiday! #Mondayescapes
The pools are incredible Coral it was just the most relaxing place ever x
This looks a wonderful hotel and fab break. I love the photos and the boys certainly look like they are having fun- even with revision to do!
Elizabeth they loved every minute of it, its such a great place x
Forgot #mondayescapes Thanks for hosting X
Wow! Splendid!
Thanks x
A total piece of paradise, it just looks wonderful and I know we need to take a visit there soon!
Karen I cant wait until our little Sani trip xxx
We were so close – we’ve just returned from five weeks in Halkidiki too. The hotel looks stunning and I can only imagine what i’s like to have the feeling of knowing that the children are all well entertained and that you can relax! Oh, if only! Just one thing, did you mean Thessaloniki airport instead of Halkidiki airport as Halkidiki itself doesn’t have one, does it?
Yes it did mean Thessaloniki Tania, and oh my it was wonderful knowing the boys were happy and playing football which is all they want to do xx
Looks lovely, what was the weather like? We were so lucky to have a late Easter this year, perfect for southern Med trips. I’ve not been to that part of Greece before, I’ll have to read some of your other posts to learn more! #Mondayescapes
It was about 21 degrees it was lovely, and yes late Easters are so much better aren’t they? Oh it is beautiful there, we were quite lazy and didn’t do much but there were lots of trips available x
Oh, what a lovely experience for the whole family! Alas I’ve never been to Greece, but I can experience it vicariously through your beautiful photos!!
Ah thank you, it is a beautiful place to visit x
what luxurious accommodation, no wonder you had difficulties choosing the right photos.
Popping over from #MondayEscapes
Ah thank you the accommodation was just mazing so luxurious we loved it there x
Oh wow! What a stunning place, I love the Greek islands. I first vivited Zakynthos when I was 17, then went back the following year – then we tried Kos and then Kefalonia. The scenery is amazing and it looks like a beautiful place. Sarah #MondayEscapes
Sarah it really is and it makes you want to explore more of Greece thats for sure x
Wow the resort looks so beautiful and decadent. What a wonderful place to truly relax. Your photographs exude serenity! #mondayescapes
Ah thanks so much Andrea, it is truly a wonderful resort I would throughly recommend it x
Looks lovely – I think you chose your photos well!
Thanks so much, it was hard to choose x
My son would love the activities although I think my teen daughter would just stay by the pool. I’m rather tempted to show her your comment about revision on holiday; there was a mutiny in our house when I suggested she brings some on holiday with us next week! (Although she’s not GCSE stage quite yet, just end of year exams). #Mondayescapes
Christine it was a condition of going and Jack decided he would rather device in Greece than at home ha ha. Our two just loved Olivia x
wow! this looks like a dream come true, I love the photo of all the water carafes; so pretty. the pool looks amazingggggg!
#mondayescapes
Naomi it honestly is and the pools are just incredible x
Stop it! Your photos are truly mesmerizing. I want to go so badly. We have a million and one on our travel list to take the kids for our next family trip it’s so hard to chose. Someday we will get here. Looks like the perfect place to recharge and that blue water and sky. Kills me what a fab trip hunny. That food looks amazing too. What a dream holiday to experience. #mondayescapes
Thanks Jenny Ikos really is a wonderful company to holiday with the attention to detail is exceptional as is the food it was all soooo good x
That pool, the breakfast, the resort – I could move right in! #MondayEscapes
So could I Kit it is just the most wonderful place to visit x
I would love to visit Greece, this looks like such a beautiful place!
It is such a lovely place to visit and Ikos Olivia is amazing x
I can see why it took you so long to choose photos. It looks stunning. It also sounds amazing for families #mondayescapes
Claire it really is, we all loved it there x
oh my goodness!!! Amazing photos… and i love your story about reading the book with two yes!!! Got a chuckle from that. Thanks!!! #MondayEscapes
ha ha yes I felt quite pleased to read with 2 eyes, its great when the kids are older and occupied x
What a beautiful resort for your family vacation! Also, what great pictures! #MondayEscapes
Thank you April it is such a beautiful resort, so easy to get lovely photos there x
Those photos are stunning, they say why you had such a wonderful time #MondayEscapes
Ah thanks Catherine it is a gorgeous resort and I am so fussy x
Looks like a perfect resort! Perfect for a fantastic holiday! #mondayescapes
Tracy it has everything you could possible need for a family holiday x
Looks like a stunning resort. Sounds like they have everything needed for a great holiday #MondayEscapes
Oh they do, it is just a wonderful resort x
It sounds like a fantastic place in which to switch off and unwind. #MondayEscapes
Helena it really is we all loved it x
What a great looking hotel! The pools are gorgeous, and that breakfast spread looks yummy. We’ll definitely have to look into the Ikos brand! #MondayEscapes
Thanks guys it is so incredible their attention to detail is just amazing x
If the kids are happy, what more could you want?! I’m so looking forward to the days I can relax with a book again…maybe not so much the feeling redundant part 🙂 Wonderful pictures as always, Sarah x
Ah thanks Claire and yes life is so much easier as they grow up and they get to choose what makes their holiday a great a little too x
Wow doesn’t it look stunning. I would love to spend some time there, it looks so relaxing.
It is just incredible, so relaxing yes there are things to do x