A lush, unspoiled coastline with unique rock formations and a romantic capital, Corfu it is the northernmost island of the Ionian chain.
Ikos Dassia CorfĂč
Due to its proximity and history with continental Europe, the island of Corfu was actually one of the first Greek islands to experience mass tourism.
For this reason, Corfu has numerous accommodation options, many restaurants and bars, and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere than the neighboring islands.
When I thought about organizing my trip, I decided to go for a resort that lived up to expectations of this wonderful island: after reading many reviews on hotels and resorts in Corfu, the choice was to try, for once, a all inclusive opened last May: the choice fell onIkos Dassia Resort.
I admit, the choice was a bit risky: it is well known that the new structures are beautiful but that you can run into the usual difficulties of a resort without running in.
Expectations were still very high and, believe me, I could not have made a better choice: it is no coincidence that the Ikos Resorts dominated the scene of the last year in the panorama of luxury all-inclusive resorts. vincendo il â2018 Trip Advisor Travellersâ Choice awardsâ.
Ikos Dassia remains approximately 30 minutes drive from Corfu Airport (CFU) on the east coast of the island, in a beautiful bay, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunrises and incredible views of the mainland. It is also located in a strategic position to visit the island.
As soon as we set foot outside the Corfu airport we were greeted by the representative of Ikos Dassia, who very kindly accompanied us to the car to take us to the Resort where we are given refreshing towels and we are invited to sit on the terrace.
While waiting for the room (our choice fell on one Panorama Junior Suite) we are given all the information regarding the stay: activities, restaurants, theme nights. So we are invited to have breakfast.
Since the wait for the room is prolonged, we decide to take a first tour to discover the Resort only to confirm our first impression: the rooms are wonderfully furnished with class and elegance, Nothing is left to chance. In particular, the Hall is bright and consists of several lounges where guests can read, relax and have a drink.
Relaxation areas where you can order a drink, chat or just read a good book
The terraces have one magnificent view over the swimming pools. The gardens are decorated with countless varieties of flowers and plants. The beach, of fine sand, is particularly well cared for and from it you can see the profile of the coast.
The Ikos Dassia is made up of two blocks, the Sea and Sky, in each of which you will find restaurants and bars. Between the two blocks stretches the long sandy beach and a series of cleverly designed pools. Regardless of where the room is allocated, you can take advantage of both blocks.
Rooms
Our room, the Panorama junior suite
Our Suite is ready and we are accompanied, by buggy, by the Signorina of the Guest Relation in the Sky block, also furnished with class and elegance.
The Panorama Junior Suite is very spacious and full of light, furnished with sober refinement. Equipped with a sitting area, mini bar at full disposal and wi-fi access, the Panorama Junior Suite was an excellent choice.
La view from the terrace which spans the entire resort is truly exceptional: one of the things I will do in the next week is to be enchanted for hours in front of the view.
The view on the Ikos Dassia of Corfu
In fact, the 25 beachfront acres on which the resort stretches ensure that each of the 411 luxurious rooms, suites and villas have unrivaled views and surroundings. Spacious balconies, private gardens and individual pools add that touch that makes any stay special.
Theme restaurants
The restaurants, the 24 hour room service, the list of over 24 wines and the choice of Michelin pluristellati menu they help create a superb dining experience with impeccable service.
At the buffet restaurant "Flavors", present in both blocks, you will be spoiled for choice and is open for both breakfast, lunch and dinner.
In addition to the âFlavorsâ, Ikos Dassia obviously also offers restaurants with âa la carteâ menus and table service. If you are not an expert drinker, the sommelier will help you navigate the options of the almost endless list of fine wines, advising you in your choice when you feel overwhelmed by the difficult decision.
A recommendation: definitely try a glass of light Amyntas rosé, a local wine, fresh to fruity, ideal as a pairing with the delicate flavors of summer.
ouzo: A la carte restaurant with Greek cuisine. Located opposite the Sky Aqua Pool Bar, it features menus designed with the advice of Michelin-starred Chef Lefteris Lazarou. Here you can have breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Fresco: a la carte restaurant with Italian cuisine. Located on the second floor of the Sky Building, it offers dishes created by the Michelin-starred Chef Ettore Botrini, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Provence: Ă la carte restaurant with French cuisine. Located on the second floor of the Sky Building, it offers dishes created with the advice of Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Jehanno, open for dinner.
Anaya: Asian Ă la carte restaurant. Located on the second floor of the Sea Building, it offers dishes created with the advice of Michelin-starred Chef Katsuhiko Hanamure, open for dinner.
Ergon: A la carte restaurant with Traditional Greek Deli cuisine. Located on the second floor of the Sea Building, open for lunch and dinner.
Kerkyra: A la carte restaurant with Corfiot cuisine. Located opposite the Sea Building, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Wine Bar: located in the Sea block on the second floor. Here you can taste wines of the highest quality accompanied by appetizers.
Services, Pools, Beach and Recreational Activities
The wonderful Ikos Dassia swimming pool
The Ikos Dassia offers a excellent choice of pools: pools dedicated to children, main pools and for adults only. All kept in a very accurate way with sunbeds equipped with soft beach towels, arranged for you by the always smiling and courteous staff. At the various pools there are bars where you can order drinks and even lunch to be consumed directly under your umbrella.
La white sand beach, 650 meters long, is located between olive trees and pines. Here you can relax, sunbathe on comfortable loungers and choose the drink with appetizers that best suits you at any time. Even on the beach, the staff is courteous and always careful not to make you miss anything.
Both in the pool and on the beach there are countless activities to do and all for free (with the exception of some that are paid), such as Tennis (equipment available), Fitness studio at the SPA introductory lessons to Diving at the resort pool, bicycles for adults and children, Windsurfing (1 hour per stay), Canoe, Aerobics and paddling, just to name a few.
Every evening for guests, a boat trip lasting about 90 minutes is organized, called the âSunset Cruiseâ, to admire the coast and delight you with a spectacular sunset. On board it will be offered to you champagne and drinks, obviously included in the price of this spectacular all-inclusive.
But it is not finished here. In addition to all these benefits, you have the possibility of having, for one day and free of charge, a mini cooper: all you have to do is pay a small fee for the insurance. In addition, if you wish, a packed lunch will be prepared to take with you.
A shuttle is also available to take you to Corfu town. It is a very convenient service as both the outward and return journeys take place at set times so you have plenty of time to visit this beautiful city.
⊠And for children?
Could a resort of this caliber be missing one area also dedicated to the youngest children? Obviously not. Grandparents (like us!) And parents can in fact easily relax and enjoy their holiday, leaving their children safe in the hands of qualified educators for a few moments.
In fact, every day programs are organized, games, sports and lessons specifically for the little ones and also for the less little ones. A childcare service is also provided directly on the beach.
White Party
Among the numerous events and themed evenings, the White Party on the beach is organized one evening a week. We danced barefoot by the sea to the sound of live music, surrounded by thousands of candles placed along all the paths and pools of the Resort.
Their soft light illuminated the night, small points of light dancing in the darkness, creating an enchanted atmosphere.
SPA
In the end, Belinda Carlisle was right: Heaven really is a place on earth.
La Spa dellâIkos Dassia offers luxury treatments that transport you to a âspace of slowing downâ, erasing all the little stresses of life in one fell swoop.
The Spa offers 7 rooms where the best natural ingredients and essential oils are used, carefully chosen for each skin type and lifestyle to ensure the maximum possible benefit.
But not only that, the Ikos Spa also offers a heated indoor pool and Jacuzzi, hammam and sauna, hairdresser and nail salons.
Deluxe Collection
If all this is still not enough for you, but you really want a sublime experience in the utmost luxury, L'Ikos Dassia has created the programma Deluxe Collection to meet the most demanding customers.
The Deluxe collection consists of having a series of exclusive benefits such as a private beach and swimming pool, free SPA treatments, butler service, a welcome bottle of Tattinger champagne and many other services that I leave to you to discover.
Final considerations: our verdict
No need for useless turns of words, the final verdict can only be ultra-positive: the Ikos Dassia of Corfu with its sober elegance, offers authentic and distinctive experiences on one of the most idyllic beaches of the island, re-inventing the all-inclusive concept and creating a new and stimulating luxury experience not only on the island of Corfu, but on the entire international scene.
Disclaimer: this article was written by Nicoletta and Gianmario, two dear friends of mine, after a week spent at Ikos Dassia in Corfu with their grandson Lorenzo. The stay was regularly paid for, it was not a gratuity for promotional purposes.
Nicoletta, author of the post with Gmario and their grandson Lorenzo at Ikos Dassia in Corfu
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