Over the years, I have had the privilege of staying at many of the Ikos Resorts in both Spain and Greece. However, I was particularly eager to visit Ikos Oceania. I was curious to ascertain whether the positive feedback within the various Ikos Groups, which commend the staff’s professionalism and the exceptional quality of service, was accurate. Consequently, for our spring vacation in Greece, I selected Ikos Oceania.
Ikos Oceania is situated in Halkidiki, a picturesque peninsula situated south of Thessaloniki in the Central Macedonia region of Greece. This region is renowned for its 550 kilometers of pristine white-sand beaches and its captivating historical significance, making it a true gem of the Mediterranean. Thessaloniki International Airport is the nearest, approximately 40 minutes away from Ikos Oceania.
Our arrival
Our flight from Bergamo Orio al Serio to Thessaloniki was a lovely and smooth journey, taking about an hour and thirty minutes. Our luggage arrived fast, and we were out of the airport in just ten minutes. A member of Ikos Oceania was waiting for us at the exit, with our driver who whisked us away to our private transfer.
The drive from the airport to Ikos Oceania took about 40 minutes, and as we passed the security gate, I immediately felt the unique vibe typical of Ikos Resorts. We were welcomed by porters who took our bags and by a very friendly and smiling young lady, Alexandra from the Deluxe Guest Relations. She invited us to take a seat and were offered champagne and cool lemon-scented towels. Check-in was really fast and we were quickly taken by golf buggy to our suite.
We had booked a deluxe ocean-view junior suite which did not disappoint. The spacious open-concept layout, was elegantly decorated with a harmonious blend of blue, cream and sand tones. A majestic blue fabric headboard gracefully framed the king-size bed, adding a touch of elegance to the room. The living area featured a comfortable sofa, a coffee table, a flat-screen television, and a mirrored cabinet. This combination of elements helps create a tranquil, inviting and comfortable ambiance, providing an ideal setting for a rejuvenating and enjoyable stay.
The suite had lots of storage, Wi-Fi had a excellent access, the minibar was well stocked with soft drinks, mineral water, small bottles of spirits, and a bottle of wine. We also had a Nespresso coffee machine with pods and hot water kettle with various types of tea.
The spacious bathroom features a rain shower and bathtub, bathrobes, slippers, and very high quality Anne Semonin Paris toileteries such as: shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, and body lotion all in dispensers.
The furnished terrace had a stunning view of the deluxe pool and Aegean Sea, where I loved chilling off before going to dinner sipping a glass of wine and watching the sunset.
We were greeted with a bottle of champagne, an assortment of fresh fruits, delectable macarons, and a heartfelt welcome note: embodying the epitome of elegance and sophistication that Ikos Resorts is renowned for.
The concept
Ikos Resorts are renowned for offering a vacation filled with endless luxury, and that’s exactly what you will find at Ikos Oceania. As a fully all-inclusive resort, you can treat yourself to a minibar, room service available around the clock, and free snacks at the many bars, like those by the pool and on the beach.
Imagine being pampered by menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs, indulging in yoga classes, and cruising along the coast in an electric MINI Countryman. You’ll have the chance to create lasting memories by relaxing by the pool or beach, embarking on a family bike ride, or simply enjoying a drink while watching stunning sunsets, all included in the price
.You can find all the information about the Deluxe Collection by clicking this link:
https://ikosresorts.com/deluxe-collection-luxury-all-inclusive-holidays/
Restaurants
The Ikos is renowned for its spectacular food and drinks, with both à la carte and buffet restaurants. I’m a big fan of the à la carte restaurants, but I want to highlight that the buffet is just as incredible!
During our stay at Ikos Oceania, we enjoyed dinning at the various restaurants and all were fantastic and we didn’t have a bad meal, not on this trip or any of the other 10! Even though I’m not a vegetarian or vegan, I was really impressed by how many vegan and vegetarian options were available on the menus. I have also noted that Ikos is committed to sustainability and that really comes through in their menus. Ikos are also very attentive to allergies and intolerances and have an extensive range of gluten-free and dairy-free dishes.
After this brief introduction, it is time to share with you our experience at the various restaurants.
Flavors
The main buffet restaurant offers a panoramic view of the pools and the sea.
It is open for breakfast from 7:30 AM to 11:00 AM, for lunch from 12:30 PM to 2:30 PM, for dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM, featuring themed evenings.
The buffet at Flavors is truly something special, an all-inclusive buffet experience that’s way better than anything else we have ever had. It’s a bit different from what one usually finds, and I think you’d really enjoy it as we did. Since we both love to get up early, we usually started our day with breakfast at Flavors, sometimes even going for lunch. Our breakfasts were always a treat, offering a delightful array of options such as fruit juices, fresh fruit, yogurt, pastries, and hot dishes, all crafted with the finest ingredients. I must say that the adults-only area with its stunning view over the pools and the Aegean sea is a wonderful bonus when the restaurant gets busy.
Ouzo
The Greek à la carte restaurant is open for breakfast from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, lunch from 12:30 PM to 3:00 PM (with a BBQ), and dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
One morning, we also tried the à la carte breakfast, I fell in love with the Greek bougatsa, the vanilla cream, powdered sugar, and cinnamon is one of my favourite things to have when visiting a Ikos. My husband, went for eggs Benedict, they were absolutely delicious! The menu is huge and has so many options, so you’re sure to find something you’ll enjoy.
We also had lunch at Ouzo once and were really impressed with the BBQ. Besides the salads and grilled veggies, the meat and fish were absolutely fantastic! But, just so you know, lunch at Ouzo isn’t just about grilling. You can also order from the menu if you’d prefer.
Ouzo is usually one of my favorite restaurants for dinner when going to an Ikos Resort and as usual the food was spectacular.
The grilled octopus with yellow pea purée and caramelized onions was amazing. The main course was swordfish in an olive oil sauce with fennel, arugula, cherry tomatoes, and scallions, simply wonderful, paired with a white wine from the Ikos Assyrtiko private cellar. We finished our meal with the Orange traditional cake and the famous Choco pistachio parfait both delicious.
During dinner, we were treated to a Greek performance that included dancing, singing, and a plate-breaking ritual where everyone could join in! In Greece, breaking plates during a singing and dancing is a part of Kefi (κέφι) is a Greek word with no direct English translation. It describes a spirit of joy, passion, and infectious enthusiasm, as well as an overwhelming feeling of happiness and a profound appreciation for life.
Fresco
The Italian à la carte restaurant open for dinner from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
I must say that dining on the sea-view terrace at the Italian Fresco restaurant was really a wonderful experience! The menu was crafted by Chef Ettore Botrini, a highly acclaimed chef and owner of L’Etrusco, which is ranked 68th among the world’s best restaurants
I enjoyed the San Daniele prosciutto, apple mostarda, and juniper butter as a starter. For my main course, I went with sea bass “all’acqua pazza,” served with new potatoes, olives, and tomatoes just perfect, paired with a Ikos Private cellar Pinot Grigio. Obviously I had to end my meal with a delicious panna cotta with berries and a espresso coffee.
Anaya
The Asian à la carte restaurant open for dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Here we savored refined Asian flavors, with an à la carte menu created by Michelin-starred chef Thiou, who offers dishes and influences from across the Asian continent. Dinner is served on a terrace overlooking the Aegean sea and Mount Olympus with breathtaking sunsets, or inside its elegant restaurant.
As a starter we had some truly delicious tempura shrimps and vegetarian spring rolls, followed by teriyaki salmon which was amazing and ended our dinner with a crispy banana with caramel and vanilla ice cream. During our meal we enjoyed a Taittinger Rosé Champagne.
A truly amazing dinner with a breathtaking view over the Aegean sea at sunset.
Provence
The French restaurant, where breakfast is served from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM – Light meals from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM (served only at the pool, adults only) –à la carte Lunch from 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM (à la carte) and à la carte dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Provence has a lovely French vibe, nestled in a beautiful garden with classic and stylish decor. It celebrates Southern French cuisine with a sophisticated à la carte menu and wines from some of the Mediterranean’s finest wineries. The imaginative and genuine dishes bring to mind the golden glow of the French Riviera, filled with warmth and authenticity.
Chef Pascal Barbot, born in the beautiful Bourbonnais countryside, is a modern master of French haute cuisine. After honing his skills in some of France’s most prestigious kitchens, he guided his renowned Parisian restaurant, Astrance, to achieve a Michelin star. His unique approach is all about elegance, the best of what’s in season, and a true appreciation for the quality of each ingredient.
We had lunch there, and I have to say, we ate wonderfully! We started with a Fromage de Chèvre marinated in olive oil and herbs, followed by a truly succulent Parmentie de Boeuf with purée and red wine sauce. Our meal was paired with a Ikos Private Cellar Beaujolais the perfect wine for this meal. Impossible not end our meal with “Le Profiterole” and espresso coffee.
Beach Club
The Mediterranean restaurant is open for à la carte lunch from 12:30 PM to 5:00 PM and for à la carte dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM. The Beach Club kitchen also provides meals for the Deluxe Dinner on the beach and from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm offering light snacks that are served directly on the beach, right under your umbrella!
The Beach Club restaurant serves a delightful mix of classic international dishes and fresh Mediterranean flavors in a relaxed and modern atmosphere, offering a stunning view of the Aegean Sea.
We had the pleasure of dining at the Beach Club twice, and each time, we were so impressed with the food. The grilled prawns, with its fancy chili-garlic butter and green salad, was a highlight for me and this says it all as I hate garlic! As a mains we loved the beef entrecôte, with the famous triple fried potatoes, simply unforgettable—you’ll want to try it! Dessert was a Yogurt pavlova delicious all paired with a Ikos Private Cellar Méditerrané Rosé.
Dinner on the beach
Guests of the Deluxe Collection Suite are entitled to a dinner on the beach per stay.
Let me tell you about our experience, which will remain etched in my memory for a long time. We decided to celebrate my husband’s birthday with this very special dinner on the beach. Although the weather forecast wasn’t favorable, we decided to go ahead with our plan, hoping the weather would improve. Upon arrival, we were greeted by Stavros, who very optimistically reassured us that it was unlikely to rain! and by Prodromos, a young professional of exceptional skill who masterfully managed the entire service during dinner despite the rain. The menu for the dinner on the beach is the same as that of the Beach Club Restaurant, with the addition of some particularly appetizing culinary offerings.
As Prodromos was serving our starter, “grilled prawns,” the sky opened up with a downpour. But we didn’t let a few drops of rain bring us down! We huddled under two big umbrellas and kept on enjoying our dinner. The main course, the “seafood grill” with king prawns and lobster, was absolutely amazing; it was even better with a glass of Tattinger Rosé Champagne. The rain, though it came out of nowhere, added a romantic touch to our dinner, making my husband’s birthday celebration by the sea truly unforgettable. To top it all off, Prodromos brought out a fruit cake, just for the occasion.
We couldn’t have celebrated any better!
Relax and entertainment
The pools
Although I prefer the beach, I have to admit that the pools at Ikos Oceania are exceptionally beautiful and offer breathtaking views.
The resort has a heated freshwater infinity pool and a children’s pool with a smaller section for toddlers, of a depth from 0 to 20 centimeters. Comfortable lounge chairs and a bar service, guests can order snacks and drinks to enjoy while chilling at the pool.
Adjacent to the Anaya and Provence restaurants there is another heated freshwater infinity pool exclusively for guests aged 16 and above. This pool offers bar service and the opportunity to savor light snacks during the day.
Guests of the Deluxe Collection area have access to a heated freshwater pool for their exclusive use and a children’s pool. The pool bar at the Deluxe Collection area was our favorite spot to enjoy a matcha latte mid-morning; I must say that Despina and her team are truly amazing, and the service around the pool is top-notch.
The pools are very popular, but they’re designed and laid out in such a way that they never feel crowded. There are plenty of lounge chairs, and they’re really comfortable.
The beach
Ikos Oceania boasts 550 meters of pristine Blue Flag-certified beach, featuring a private area for Deluxe guests as well as a adults over 16 years of age zone.
The Deluxe Beach at Ikos Oceania is a little slice of paradise exclusively for guests staying in the premium Deluxe suites.
Here, you can unwind and enjoy a day of relaxation with complimentary premium snacks, table service delivered right to your lounge chair, and high-quality drinks—all in an elegant and peaceful setting. Our beach days were perfect: a good book, headphones with my favorite music, and, every now and then, a refreshing cocktail with a snack. My husband, who loves to walk, had a wonderful time exploring the beach. In short, a truly unforgettable experience!
The SPA
When I’m on vacation, I always make sure to visit the SPA. It’s the perfect escape to unwind and indulge in some self-care and pampering. The atmosphere is so calming, it’s the ideal setting to refresh both body and mind. They offer a variety of tailored treatments, expertly performed by therapists using Anne Semonin products from Paris. This year, I decided to treat myself to something special, and in addition to the massage included in the deluxe package, I tried a “Beach-Ready Body and Face Scrub”—it was one of the best I’ve ever had. I can’t recommend it enough! I also tried a “Hot Candle Massage” that relaxed me so much I fell asleep—something that had never happened to me before. Both treatments were performed by Diana, who is incredibly skilled and super professional—she truly has magic hands!
At the spa, there is a heated pool with a cozy relaxation area perfect for unwinding. To truly rejuvenate, treat yourself to the thermal suite, complete with a sauna and Turkish bath.
To round out your day of relaxation, you can also treat yourself to a hair and manicure session.
If you are a gym enthusiast and can’t imagine life without it, you’ll be thrilled to find everything you need to stay in shape with a state-of-the-art fitness center open 24/7, equipped with the newest equipment.
Whether you’re into yoga, Pilates, water aerobics, aerobics, Zumba, or stretching, all you need is the motivation to get started!
If you’re a sports enthusiast, you’ll be happy to know that Ikos offer tennis and squash courts, bicycle rentals, and water sports—all at no cost! You can stay active and fit even while you’re on vacation.
To make our days and evenings at Ikos Oceania even more enjoyable, we could choose from five bars (one of which was exclusively for Deluxe guests). We could unwind with our favorite drink, enjoy a coffee, or simply chat while listening to live music.
The lobby bar
We loved going to this fancy bar with beautiful decor and outdoor seating that had amazing views. It was open from 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM, and we’d often head there after dinner to enjoy live music while having a after-dinner drink.
Adult Only Bar
We also went a few times at the adults-only bar open from 8:30 PM to midnight, it was a great spot to chat and enjoy the ocean view while sipping a drink and listening to music.
Beach Club
Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM – Dinner from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Offers al fresco dinning and cocktails with a view. During the day, the Beach Club serves light snacks and lunch throughout the day, dinner startsat 6:30 PM. Here you can sit in the shade of the pine trees and relax while sipping a cold drink.
The Pool Bar
Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, this is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail, a cold drink, or a light snack during the day
Deluxe Pool Bar
Open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM exclusively for guests staying in the Deluxe area.
My favorite spot to enjoy a Matcha Latte and admiring the incredible view of Mount Olympus. Premium drinks and delicious snacks are served by the pool, my favorite was Mango Daiquiry!
White party
Once a week, the beach transforms itself into a White Party wonderland, where you can groove to live music while dancing barefoot on the sand in a truly magical setting.
There are also various shows at the theater for all ages; we’ve never been, but we’ve heard they’re really great.
Explore the surroundings with the Mini Countryman
Just like at all the other Ikos resorts, Ikos Oceania also offers a complimentary electric Mini Countryman for a day, and for two days for Deluxe guests!
This initiative aims to encourage guests to explore the surrounding area at their own pace. For those who like to explore, the region boasts several charming villages and scenic coastal towns. Here is the link of a post I wrote on places to see around Halkidiki.
https://www.nicoelostrips.it/en/2022/08/29/halkidiki-why-should-you-go/
Final verdict
Ikos Oceania was our tenth visit to an Ikos property! There are so many reasons why we keep returning to Ikos: the exceptional cuisine and beverages, the immaculate and comfortable accommodations, the picturesque beaches and surroundings. However, one of the most compelling factors is the staff—they are truly exceptional at all Ikos properties, but at Ikos Oceania, they surpassed my expectations. Every single person we met during our stay went over and above to make us feel welcome and special, and all made sure that our special vacation became unforgettable.
Our stay at Ikos Oceania was exceptionally pleasant and relaxing. It is a luxury all-inclusive resort, where hospitality and guest satisfaction is prioritized. The high quality standards and unparalleled service are evident throughout the property. The elegant and refined surroundings are set in an incredible location with breathtaking views. The resort’s commitment to providing exceptional service is evident in its unwavering dedication to making guests feel special and pampered.
A huge thank you to all the staff for making our vacation truly special! A heartfelt thank you to Dimitris Konstantaras (Guest Relations Manager) Stavros Kelidis (Assistant Guest Relations Manager) Alexandra and all the Deluxe Collection team; Konstantina at Flavors; Prodromos at the Beach Club; Sofia and George at the Deluxe Beach; and Diana at the SPA. And to all the others of which unfortunately I do not remember the names. Get ready, because we’ve already booked for 2027! See you again soon!
Disclaimer: I wrote this article after spending a week at Ikos Oceania with my husband. We paid for our stay in full; this was not a complimentary stay for promotional purposes and all thoughts are my own.
