“You’ll need another holiday when you’re back,” chimed our friends as my husband Jamie and I set off on our first family holiday abroad with two toddlers in tow. I returned a wan smile, but privately suspected this wouldn’t actually be the case where we were headed.
Nestled between two coves and comprising 319 rooms, suites and bungalows, Ikos Resorts’ second Spanish property, Ikos Porto Petro, opened in June 2023. The brand has carved out a name for successfully managing to blend two unlikely bedfellows: luxury and family.
As part of its “Unconditional Luxury” concept, nearly every element of the holiday is included in the price, which already immediately removes one worry: cost. From menus created by Michelin-starred chefs (we were delighted to find kids’ menus offering fresh fish and steamed vegetables rather than the usual nugget-shaped suspects), to an all-day kids’ club run by qualified staff in-line with UK Ofsted standards, we were able to let go of a good swathe of that constant parental mental load.
The 24-hour room service – very handy when your little one is asking for warm milk at 7pm – and an instant messaging service took a further load off us. The amenities and services for children, such as 30 minutes of complimentary childcare on the beach or by the pool (for over-4s), freshly made pureed baby food, buggy rental and a fantastic playpark complete with trampoline are other big plusses for families.
On our first day we hopped on one of the golf buggies traversing the bougainvillea-strewn pathways and set up camp in a poolside cabana opposite Beach Club (one of five a la carte restaurants), overlooking two large family-friendly pools and a paddling pool, and just a short walk from the little sandy beach – perfect for mixing up the day.
From lunch-time naps under parasols and fresh and tasty “beach snacks” from the Beach Club Pool Bar (great for small toddler lunches if you don’t fancy packing up), to back- to-back iced coffees and cocktails (poolside service is included), this became our go-to spot.
We also spent a happy day down at the equally as family-friendly Sa Torre Pool, and enjoyed a delicious barbecue lunch at the adjacent Italian, Fresco. I even slipped off to the nearby spa for a massage, with the kids barely noticing I’d gone.
We ate dinners at Asian eatery Anaya, with the children trying chicken satay and edamame; the refined and more secluded Seasons; and our personal highlight, the Spanish offering, Oliva, overlooking Porto Petro harbour.
The children were welcomed warmly at all of the restaurants, where (clean) high chairs would be lined up waiting for their tiny wards. We ate breakfast at the Market buffet, where the kids filled up on porridge, eggs, fresh fruit and croissants.
This hospitality extended to the off-site restaurant we visited as part of Ikos’s Dine Out concept. At no extra cost, guests can request a booking at a nearby eatery. We strolled down to ES Bergant, where the children devoured tapas and Jamie and I sipped sangria. On the short wander back, we popped into a shop for souvenirs and dropped into a kids’ dance show back at the resort.
We got another taste of the outside world when we took a Tesla Model 3 out (also included for one day of the stay). There was a bit of a wait at reception to get set up (we appreciated the age-appropriate child car seats), but after we hit the road with some recommendations for quaint nearby villages and beaches, it was a really memorable morning. Clients opting for Ikos’ Deluxe Collection upgrade (granting access to signature suites, private pools, upgraded menus and complimentary spa treatments) can even take out a Tesla Model Y.
On our last day Jamie and I felt ready for a little time to ourselves. We opted for the Heroes Creche lunch session and scurried off for an alfresco meal for two in peace, followed by a dip in the adults-only infinity pool – it was bliss. On collection, the kids were happy to have eaten chicken and rice, coloured, explored new toys, and our two-year-old even had a nap in one of the carer’s arms. Turns out the only second holiday we would be needing was a return trip for more of that help with the kids at this very thoughtful resort.
