Latest news with #IkosResorts
Daily Mail
14-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Why all-inclusive holidays are more popular than ever as luxury hotels jump on the bandwagon
All-inclusive holidays have long been known for their bulging buffets, drink-as-much-as-you-like beers and wines, and raucous nightly entertainment. Not anymore. Premium brands are jumping on this growing bandwagon, offering a la cart menus, sophisticated cocktails and cultural experiences in sharp contrast to traditional fly and flop packages. Bookings to all-inclusive resorts have doubled every three to four years since 2018, according to data released by the Advantage Travel Partnership, representing independent travel agents in some 750 UK locations. Eight years ago, approximately 7 percent of all bookings handled by high street agents were for all-inclusive holidays. By 2022, that figure had grown to 15 percent, and, so far, by 2025 it has reached 30 percent. 'The all-inclusive has evolved hugely and now caters to all budgets, said Julia Lo Blue-Said, chief executive of the Advantage Travel Partnership, speaking at the association's conference in Malta. 'But the principle remains the same, whereby you pay up front and can then relax knowing you will keep within your budget'. Brands such as Hyatt have responded to this shift by launching its Hyatt Inclusive Collection. And family resorts like Sani, Ikos and Rixos have taken the all-inclusive upmarket, attracting more affluent clients than ever before. Rather than relying just on sun loungers on the beach, all-inclusives are offering excursions to local markets and historic sites. Ikos Resorts offers guests a 'Culture Pass', giving access to local museums and galleries, and has started a 'dine-out' option whereby packages include eating in restaurants outside the resort. 'It's hardly surprising that all-inclusives have become so popular,' says Mark White, director of Ockey White, a travel agents in Pembrokeshire. 'We started to see a big increase after Rachel Reeves's October budget, which spooked people and eroded consumer confidence.' The first all-inclusive is considered to be Club Med, launched by Belgian entrepreneur Gerard Blitz in 1950 in Alcudia, Majorca, where guests stayed in tents and basic straw huts along the beach. Today, all-inclusives increasingly are available across a variety of holiday types, including cruises, ski trips and safaris. Despite the cost of living pressures, an Advantage Travel Partnership poll of 2,000 adults from different age groups shows that people are reluctant to cut down on holidays and will make other sacrifices instead. More than 85 per cent of Gen Zs are cutting back on takeaways, eating out, gym memberships and buying clothes, while 35 percent of 45-64 year-olds are postponing home improvements. Spain, France and Greece remain popular, but new favourites are emerging based on affordability, including Slovenia, Albania and Montenegro – 'destination dupes', as they are known. And 12 percent of those polled said they go on holiday abroad to escape the UK's political and economic climate.
TTG
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- TTG
Top family agent reveals ‘red flags' for luxury hotel kids' clubs
Gone are the days when kids' clubs were little more than an afterthought. With family travel booming, luxury hotels around the world are investing heavily in curated experiences for children. From elaborate mini villages to bespoke play palaces, the standard for entertaining younger guests has never been higher. But while the options are more impressive than ever, agents should never assume all kids' clubs are created equal. We spoke with Claire Masse, founder of Frangipani Holidays and winner of New Luxury Travel Designer of the Year, to learn how to spot the exceptional from the subpar. A specialist in upscale family travel and a mother of two young boys, Claire has tested kids' clubs all around the world and is now sharing her top red flags – as well as the top picks that left her truly impressed. 1. Untrained Staff For parents, the idea of leaving their children in the care of strangers is naturally a sensitive subject. That's why trained, qualified staff should be non-negotiable – especially when younger children or those with additional needs are involved. Claire advises agents to always ask about staff qualifications, child-to-caregiver ratios, and club accreditations. Some hotel groups, like Ikos Resorts, employ childcare professionals who meet UK Ofsted standards. Others partner with reputable training providers like Worldwide Kids, which works with top-tier names including Domes Resorts and One&Only. 2. Screentime overload With children in the UK now spending an average of 6.5 hours a day on screens, many parents want a break from digital distractions during their holiday. Claire warns against clubs where screens take centre stage: 'If there's a giant TV in the middle of the room, you can guess what the kids will be doing – watching TV or playing video games.' While screens can have a place when used sparingly – such as for educational videos – they should never be the focus. Claire encourages parents to speak up if they're concerned: 'Ask the staff not to allow screen time. But be aware, there's no guarantee your request will be honoured.'
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Telegraph
Savour the island lifestyle with these luxury Greek and Spanish escapes
A collection of seven stunning beachfront escapes dotted across Greece and Spain's finest coastlines – including the three dream getaways we've selected here – Ikos Resorts evoke the magic of the Mediterranean, and strike a perfect balance between adventure and serenity; think gorgeous suites, incredible dining, lush gardens, perfect beaches, crystalline waters, glittering pools and chic bars. Whether perusing Michelin-star menus, enjoying yoga classes on the beach or exploring the coast in a complimentary Tesla, there's so much to see and do. Ikos will be adding a new resort to its elegant collection in summer 2026 on the Greek island of Crete. Ikos Kissamos will offer 53 acres of lush gardens set on a stretch of unspoiled sands. Bookings will open later this year with British Airways Holidays. Corfiot charm at Ikos Dassia Set on a bay of golden sands and surrounded by fragrant pines, Ikos Dassia blends modern Mediterranean vibes with classic Greek hospitality. And it's all just a 25-minute drive from the airport. With the Ionian Sea as your backdrop, you'll slip effortlessly into luxury mode, pampered by Ikos Resorts' signature Unconditional Luxury proposition, an all-inclusive offering that allows guests to savour gourmet cuisine from a choice of seven à la carte restaurants and one buffet eatery, and enjoy activities ranging from tennis to al fresco Pilates, scenic mountain biking and stand-up paddle boarding. Little ones will love splashing around the seven heated pools and Blue Flag beach. And while the children are busy with football, teen clubs or arts and crafts activities, parents can bliss out at the state-of-the-art Anne Semonin Spa. Head out to explore your island surrounds with Ikos' Local Discovery experiences. With Tesla car hire included, you can visit Unesco-listed Corfu Town or find hidden bays for a dip, with meals at local tavernas all included in your stay. Ikos Olivia in heavenly Halkidiki Amid an ancient olive grove on the verdant shores of Halkidiki, just 45 minutes from Thessaloniki Airport, Ikos Olivia is a stylish, modern resort, fully refurbished for the 2025 season. Overlooking Toroneos Bay, here you can choose from a stunning collection of rooms, suites and bungalows, designed with calming colours and organic textures that blend beautifully with the lush surroundings of the resort. You'll find gourmet treats aplenty at the five fully redesigned restaurants, from the all-new The Garden restaurant, pairing Mediterranean cuisine with fine wines, to teppanyaki at newly renovated Anaya, and sundowners at stylish Potami Bar. With four heated pools and a children's splash pool, kids' clubs for all ages, a babysitting service and a football academy, there is plenty for younger guests to love. Grown-ups can indulge at the Ikos Spa and enjoy everything from beachside yoga to live music. Magnificent Mallorca at Ikos Porto Petro Escape to Mallorca's south-east coast where Ikos Porto Petro is set between two picturesque coves. Just a stroll from Porto Petro Marina and with Mondrago National Park on your doorstep, this is a retreat where you can soak up incredible coastal views or head out and explore. Drift between pools and pine-clad coves and dine at the five à la carte restaurants featuring menus designed by Michelin-star chefs. Savour the sun-blushed flavours of Spanish cuisine, as well as Italian delights at the Pizza & Pasta Bar, spicy sensations at Anaya or Japanese-Peruvian fusion at the Nikkei Corner, at The Market. For a change of scene, head out in your complimentary Tesla to explore the rugged shores and rolling hills of Mallorca. Dramatic mountains, secluded harbours and quaint villages await. Whether you stay at Kos, Corfu, Halkidiki, Mallorca or Màlaga, Ikos Resorts will make it unforgettable. British Airways Holidays packages include a generous checked baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your all-inclusive holiday to Ikos Resorts with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly*.
