Ikos Andalusia – Estepona

Going on vacation during a pandemic is not easy, nor is choosing the right hotel that makes you and your family feel safe. Having formerly been at the Ikos Resorts in Greece and after carefully reading their Covid-19 protocol to keep guests and staff safe, I opted for the brand new “Ikos Andalusia in Estepona – Malaga” which opened in May 2021.

We got up early to catch the 6:50 am flight and about 2 hours later we were landing at the Malaga airport. I expected to find long queues due to the Pandemic and having to pass controls for the QR Code, incredibly, we were out of the airport within 20 minutes.

In the arrivals area, at the Ikos Andalusia desk, right next to the Duty Free shop, we were greeted by a young lady that escorted us to our private transfer where our driver was waiting for us.

Our arrival at Ikos Andalusia

After about 45 minutes drive we arrived at the Ikos Andalusia, where we were welcomed by a Guest Relations representative who was waiting for us.

Our luggage was immediately picked up by the porter in charge of sanitation and afterwards delivered directly to our room.

Before entering the hotel, my husband and I were requested to show proof that we where vaccinated, while for Lorenzo who is 14 years old proof of the negative Rapid Antigen test.

Documentation was checked and as all was in order, we accessed the structure and were invited to the terrace where we were offered a refreshing drink. Check-in formality was very smooth and we were quickly escorted to our room.

Our Junior Suite with side sea view in open-space style is, as in all Ikos Resorts, elegantly furnished with natural materials in different shades of grey, blue and cream. The suite had a comfortable living area with a sofa bed for our grandson, coffee table, a large king bed and lots of storage space for the three of us.

The suite had all the comforts of a luxury hotel: wi-fi access, flat-screen TV, mini-bar which is stocked daily with soft drinks, mineral water, miniature spirits and a bottle of wine, Nespresso coffee machine and tea facilities.

The bathroom was spacious, with a walk in shower and bathtub, soft bathrobes, slippers and Anne Semonin toiletries.

The side sea view balcony was elegantly furnished with a day bed and a small table.

The Infinite Lifestyle concept

Ikos Andalusia is the latest addition to the Ikos Resorts family where the Infinite Lifestyle reigns supreme, which is none other than their wonderful and exclusive way of being. Many people have preconceptions when you talk about all-inclusive formula; in this case, I can assure you, they would change their mind. Here, as in the other Ikos Resorts, you can enjoy the mini-bar, room service 24/24, snacks at the various bars including at the swimming pools and the beach in addition to many other benefits.

Ikos Andalusia is located on the beautiful Costa del Sol in southern Spain, not far from Marbella and the town of Estepona. The beachfront resort on the Playa de Guadalmansa is set in 21 acres of manicured gardens, palm trees and centuries-old olive trees.

Dining

After the lock-down because of the Covid-19 we really needed to relax and what better way than to do so at Ikos Andalusia!!!

Every restaurant has its own wine list, from a cellar of over 300 different brands and countries, the sommelier will be happy to help you in the choice.

Catering is one of the highlights of the Ikos Resorts and this tradition is also confirmed at Ikos Andalusia. All the 6 à la carte restaurants are of the highest standard with menus created by Michelin-starred chefs.

In addition to the à la carte restaurants, there is also a buffet restaurant “Flavors“, able to satisfy even the most demanding palates.

Breakfast is served at Flavors and also at other 4 à la carte restaurants. In order to not upset anyone, I tried all of them!!!!

Breakfast for me is the most important meal of the day and I must say I was really spoilt for choice in all of the restaurants.

Fresco, Oliva, Beach club and Ouzo restaurants offer à la carte breakfast freshly prepared by the chef. Cold meats, cheeses, various types of breads, croissants, yoghurt, fruit and jams are served at the table. You will be spoilt for choice and quality believe me!!!

For those who prefer a buffet breakfast, you will find everything you could wish for at the Flavors buffet restaurant.

Personally I prefer a light lunch or snack on the beach or pool.

But if you prefer a classic lunch, you can choose between four restaurants: Ouzo, Fresco, Provence and the Beach Club with à la carte menu, open from 13:00 to 15:00.

If, on the other hand, your preference is for a buffet lunch then Flavors is the right choice, you will find mouth watering dishes that will satisfy you and your family, open from 12:30 to 14:30.

What about dinner????

Well you are spoiled for choice whether you want à la carte dinner or informal buffet dinner.

Anaya: the Asian restaurant with à la carte menu, created in cooperation with Chef Thiou, master of Thai and Asian cuisine in Paris. This renowned Chef has revisited the traditional Thai cuisine paying particular attention to details: quality ingredients and a balance between traditional flavors and French cuisine.

Ouzo: seafront restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Greek cuisine with a modern twist. The à la carte menu was designed in cooperation with the famous Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, the first Greek chef to receive a Michelin Star. I must say that the fried calamari was delicious and the Moussaka one of the best I have ever tasted.

Provence: the French à la carte restaurant featuring a menu created in cooperation with Michelin-starred chef Anthony Jehanno. Here you can enjoy the culinary delights of the Provencal cuisine.

Fresco: the Italian restaurant with à la carte menu created in cooperation with Michelin-starred chef Ettore Botrini. To be honest being Italian, I don’t normally like to eat Italian cuisine abroad, but in this case I had to change my mind. Here you can find classic dishes and innovative creations of Italian cuisine as well as excellent wines to accompany your choice.

Beach Club: beachfront restaurant with an international à la carte menu, its interior design is the perfect combination between Mediterranean and Africa. In addition to savoring international dishes, you can, at sunset, enjoy music and sip a perfectly prepared cocktail.

Oliva: we are in Spain, so we could not miss a restaurant serving typical Iberian cuisine with authentic Spanish flavors enriched by a touch of Andalusia. Again, the menu is à la carte, the paella is really good you should definitively try it!!!!!

Flavors : the buffet restaurant located in the main building, with a fabulous view on the ocean, is perfect if you prefer informal restaurant. The choice is really incredible from seafood, meats, show cooking corner, soups, salads and vegetables and a vast choice of fruits and deserts, perfect to delight every member of the family from kids to the most difficult of the palates.

At Ikos Andalusia you will also have the possibility to eat out at a local restaurant, at no extra cost as the bill included in your room rate and part of the “Infinite Lifestyle“.

Pools and beach

At Ikos Andalusia there are 7 swimming pools, each designed to accomodate both adults and families with children.

Each pool has its own design. Different spaces have been created able to entertain families with children and offer relaxation at the adults only pool. What about the scented pool don’t forget to check it out!!!!!

All the pools have comfortable loungers and soft towels and are supervised by lifeguards. All the swimming pools have a bar and you won’t even have to leave your lounger to get a drink, smiling and courteous staff will take care of you and serve you drinks and food directly under your umbrella.

You don’t like the pool and prefer the peace and quiet of the beach!!! No problem, at the beach you will find comfortable loungers for sunbathing while relaxing with a drink in your hands listening to the sound of the waves.

Pure relaxation, headphones on your head with your favorite music, a good book to read, a snack and maybe a mojito served directly under your umbrella by courteous and smiling staff. What else do you want from life!!!!!!

Activities and relaxation

Not everyone likes to laze around the pool or beach all day; at Ikos Andalusia you and your family will be able to practice your favorite sport also during your vacation.

There is a wide choice of water sports such as canoeing, paddling and pedal boats (once a day for 20 minutes) as well as an introductory diving lesson in the pool, all included in the price of your stay.

Lighted tennis courts, aerobics, basketball, Pilates, Zumba, ping pong or free use of one of the many bicycles. There is plenty to do during the day and believe me you will not have time to get bored. For those who like walking you can take long walks to the nearby town of Estepona!!!!

There is also a fitness gym with state-of-the-art equipment and a yoga garden.

Adults have access to the Anne Sémonin Paris SPA, the ultimate place to relax and revitalize your body and mind in luxury. Highly qualified staff perform massages and treatments, specially designed to purify and nourish your skin.

At the SPA you will also find a heated indoor pool, thermal suite with sauna and Turkish bath, as well as a hairdresser.

What about your kids ????

It is unthinkable that a area dedicated to the youngest children would be missing!!! Grandparents and parents can relax and enjoy their vacation, leaving their children in the safe hands of childcare experts.

Operational dates
17th May – 30th October (open 7days a week)

Heros Crèche & Heros Kids Club
10am – 1pm (morning session), 1pm–3pm (lunch session),
3pm – 6pm (afternoon session).

Just 4Teens
Operates in High Season
10am–1pm (morning session) and 3pm–6pm (afternoon session) Staff ratio 1:12

WK Tots Football Academy

Monday – Saturday. 9:00 – 9:45am.

Operates for children aged 18 months–4 years.

A parent must be present during this session.

WK Football Academy
Monday–Saturday, 10am–12pm (5–8 years)
and 5pm–7pm (9–14 years), staff ratio 1:12

And in the evening, what do you do?

The ‘Main Bar‘ has an impressive selection of high-end spirits from around the world, you can enjoy cocktails created by bartender and mixologist Marian Beke of The Gibson bar in London!!!! We loved going there every day before dinner, for a drink while listening to music and enjoying the view.

You and your kids will, without any doubt, enjoy the open air theater where musicals, shows and movies are performed and once a week the beach is set up for the “White Party” where you will be able to dance barefoot on the beach at the sound of live music.

During our stay we really enjoyed the Flamenco Show set up under the Hayma at the Deluxe Area.

Discovering Andalusia

Ikos, to make your vacation perfect, has included in the price of your stay the use of a blue Mini One for a whole day!!!!! All you have to do is book the blue mini at your arrival and refuel the mini before returning it.

I think it is an excellent policy to encourage the guests to explore the surroundings in complete freedom without hassle.

On the day we had booked the blue mini cooper, after breakfast we picked it up and headed towards Marbella which is about 30 km from Estepona. Marbella counts about 136,000 inhabitants and is worth a visit, you will find VIP nightclubs, beautiful beaches and a historic center with Moorish architecture.

The next stop was Puerto Banús which is about 8 km from Marbella. Synonymous with luxury and exclusivity, its port is home to luxury yachts and its promenade offers boutiques with the most prestigious brands such as Gucci, Hermès and many others, bars and high-class restaurants. We stopped there more out of curiosity than anything else!!!

From there we headed towards Tarifa which is about 103 km from Malaga, via the AP-7 and Autovía del Mediterraneo/A-7 the journey was of about 1 hour 15 minutes.

Tarifa is located on the Costa de La Luz and is one of the most beautiful and enchanting seaside resorts in Andalusia. Tarifa is the closest point to the Strait of Gibraltar where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean. Apart from its golden sandy beaches, because of the wind, it is the ideal place for surfing and kitesurfing. Do not underestimate its historic center of great cultural interest.

We had lunch in Tarifa and returning towards Estepona we decided to stop and quickly visit Gibraltar. At the border, to avoid queues, we parked our mini in a car park of La Linea and to reach Gibraltar on foot. While we walked, in the distance, we could see the unmistakable profile of the Rock of Gibraltar whose summit can be reached on foot, through a very steep road, with a taxi or the funicular…

We opted for a relaxing stroll through the typically English city centre, by the way, don’t forget, Gibraltar is a VAT-free zone shopping is a must!!!!

The day passed quickly and satisfied of what we were able to see, we headed back at the hotel, without forgetting to fill the tank before returning the blue mini cooper!!!!

Deluxe collection

Of course, as in the other sister hotels in Greece, Ikos Andalusia offers deluxe rooms and suites for the discerning traveller looking for an unforgettable experience.

Guests in the Deluxe Collection Area enjoy exclusive benefits such as dinner on the beach, Tattinger Champagne, a minibar with upgraded fine spirits, a pillow menu and a free neck, shoulder and back massage. I will let you discover the other benefits by yourself!!!!!!

Final Verdict

Our vacation at Ikos Andalusia was very pleasant and relaxing. Thank you to all the staff who, despite the masks and the heat, always had smiling faces and eyes. I would like to name a few, such as Ernest and his team at Anaya, Gabriele and Marco at Fresco, Giorgios at Provence and the sweet Eleni at the Beach Club who so passionately described and told us about the wonders of the surrounding area.

It was also a pleasure to see Dimitra Spanou again and to meet Mr Timos Antonakis the General Manager of Ikos Andalusia.

Disclaimer: This article was written by me after a week spent at Ikos Andalusia in Estepona with my husband and our grandson Lorenzo. The stay was duly paid as it was not a gratuity for promotional purposes.