REVIEWS


Estepona, Spain


LOCATION: Tucked between majestic mountains and the Mediterranean, Ikos Andalusia is on the picturesque Playa de Guadalmansa. It’s extremely accessible, being 55 minutes from Malaga airport, 20 minutes from the centre of Marbella and 15 minutes from the historic town of Estepona.


FIRST IMPRESSIONS: Ikos derives from the ancient Greek word oikos, which portrays the notion of home. As I walked into the lobby, my senses were instantly drawn to the room’s scent – a blend of lemon zest and grapefruit that was crafted especially for the resort by French cosmetics company Anne Sémonin. To my delight, the aroma followed me through every room and restaurant in the property. I instantly felt at ease here; the tranquil atmosphere, pleasing design, gentle pastel hues and the friendly and professional team that greets you on arrival with a welcoming smile and the promise of something magical. I truly felt I was in my own oikos.


THE FACTS: Ikos Andalusia opened in May 2021 >Ã Ìhi wvÌh «Ào«iÀÌÞ vÀom Ìhi >ll-inVlÕÃiÛi LÀ>n` q >n` Ìhi wÀÃÌ oÕÌÃi`i ÀiiVi°


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aside all preconceptions you may have around the ¼>ll-inVlÕÃiÛi½ ÌiÀm° koà h>à Àiwni` Ìhi VonVi«Ì >n` iÝiVÕÌi` iÌ «iÀviVÌlÞ voÀ >vyÕinÌ ÌÀ>ÛilliÀð Everything from bike hire to 24/7 room service is included, and guests even get complimentary access to a car for a full day to explore the local area. Despite the hotel boasting more than 400 rooms and seven pools, it manages to maintain a feeling of intimacy and tranquillity. On the culinary front, there’s ample choice. Guests can choose between a buffet and seven à la carte restaurants, ÜiÌh minÕà `iÃi}ni` LÞ iVhilin-ÃÌ>ÀÀi` Vhivà >n` dishes paired with wines from a cellar of more than 300 variants. Food aside, there’s plenty to keep you


happy and healthy during your stay – from watersports adventures to sunrise yoga classes by the beach. In the evenings, guests can enjoy everything from live music and theatre to movies and exclusive events as they take in the breathtaking sunset views.


IDEAL FOR: The property caters to families incredibly well. Ikos Andalusia runs a Football Escapes initiative where children will have the chance to learn from former professional players such as Joe Cole, Ashley Williams and Robbie Keane – all at no extra cost. For tots, the kids’ club offers an array of activities from arts and crafts Ìo iVo-iÝ«loÀ>ÌionÃ] kii«in} iÛin Ìhi iÌVhiiÃÌ ov viiÌ busy. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy a pampering session at the Anne Sémonin Paris Spa.


EXPLORE: Discover the breathtaking coastal views ov Ìhi oÃÌ> `il -ol LÞ iÝ«loÀin} Ìhi ii}hÌ-mili ÀoÕÌi between the hotel and Estepona’s old town. Head out on bike or foot and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and the north coast of Africa. For those seeking to explore more of Andalusia, ÀiVommin` VliinÌà m>ki ÕÃi ov Ìhi vÀii] oni-`>Þ V>À- rental service and take a Tesla out for a spin. Head to the hillÌo« ÌoÜn ov ,on`> >n` injoÞ m>}niwVinÌ «>noÀ>miV ÛiiÜà vÀom Ìhi £ää-miÌÀi-`ii«


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WOW: loÛi` Ìh>Ì koýà >ll-inVlÕÃiÛi ovviÀin} vi>ÌÕÀi` the opportunity to dine at participating restaurants in Estepona or Marbella. It’s included in the room rate and is a wonderful initiative to encourage guests to sample local cuisine at traditional tavernas and restaurants.


BOOK IT: Olympic Holidays offers a night’s all-inclusive in a Classic Double Room at Ikos Andalusia from £314.


OLYMPICHOLIDAYS.COM Lina Molloholli


aspiretravelclub.co.uk


SEPTEMBER 2022 ASPIRE 103


CREDIT: CHARLY SIMON PHOTO


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