SPAIN ”


ur hope is you can relax as much as possible,” says the concierge as we’re presented with a glass of champagne at check-in. He smiles as he watches our three-year-old son attempting to climb onto the tabletop, but it’s clear he means it wholeheartedly. He goes on to reel off the list of activities Theo will be able to enjoy during our stay, crouching down to mÞ mini-mi½Ã liÛil Ìo wn` oÕÌ hià likià >n` `iÃlikið We’ve been at Ikos Porto Petro for only 10 minutes and it already feels like home. Some hotel brands – and hotel staff – would recoil at the sight of a toddler wreaking havoc, but not at Ikos Resorts, an all-inclusive brand that hangs its hat on its ultra-friendly family approach to holidays. We were certainly about to put this ethos to the test during a twin-centre to two of the brand’s latest openings: Ikos Porto Petro (on the Spanish island of Majorca) and Ikos Andalusia (on mainland Spain, close to Marbella). The all-inclusive label might touch a nerve among Ãomi >vyÕinÌ VliinÌÃ] LÕÌ koà `oiÃn½Ì ovviÀ >ll-inVlÕÃiÛi >à most may know it (there isn’t a neon wristband in sight). Everything about Ikos is high-end, including the plethora of exquisite dining options and the premium wines and spirits included during each stay – it’s all part of the appeal to make things easy for guests.


O


FROM TOP: Ikos Andalusia; Ikos Porto Petro; fresh ingredients at Seasons Restaurant PREVIOUS PAGE: Family shopping in Mijas, Spain Credits: Heinz Troll Photography; Ikos Andalusia


Island delight Ikos Porto Petro runs along half a mile of rugged Majorcan coastline, punctuated by two pristine bays. Ƃ «li>Ã>nÌ £ä-minÕÌi >mLli vÀom Ìhi Ãlii«Þ wÃhin} town of Portopetro, the resort has been designed to yoÜ liki > loV>l Ûill>}i >n`] >à ÃÕVh] iÌ niÛiÀ viilà LÕÃÞ] with cosy nooks and quiet corners dotted throughout. However, I must confess that if we weren’t beside a pool, ÞoÕ½` likilÞ wn` Õà >Ì Ìhi inoÀmoÕà on-ÃiÌi «l>Þ}ÀoÕn`° The 319-key property’s decor is in tune with its Mediterranean surrounds, featuring wicker, stone and natural wood, and the air is deliciously scented by the many pine trees that populate the impressive grounds. Within 30 minutes of our arrival, my son was jumping inÌo oni ov Ìhi hoÌil½Ã wÛi «oolð -ÕÀÀoÕn`i` LÞ ki`à Üho were happily playing with entertainment staff, we could feel at ease knowing he wasn’t going to get bored. One


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