Glass embraces the Greek mainland at Ikos Oceania

ALTHOUGH it’s Greece’s scattering of sunkissed islands across the Aegean Sea that draw the majority of its three million average annual visitors, its understated mainland also has plenty on offer. With scenery that ranges from forested national parks and craggy mountains to white sandy beaches and buzzing cosmopolitan cities, there exists a vast and diverse landscape for visitors to explore with some first-class resorts to boot.

GreeceIkos Oceania Beach

Set on the idyllic Halkidiki coastline, the five-star Ikos Oceania launched back in 2005, establishing itself as one of Greece’s leading all-inclusive brands. A 30-minute drive south east from Thessaloniki transports you to the resort, which has fast become a favourite among overseas visitors and Greeks alike thanks to its abundant facilities and sandy shores. Stepping beyond the hotel’s humble entrance and sleek reception reveals sweeping sea views as the resort slopes sharply down to a calm, umbrella-lined stretch of beach, revealing a layout that includes two sculpted infinity pools and landscaped gardens scented by fir trees.

Ikos Oceania Superior Double RoomIkos Oceania Double Room

Making the most of its setting, Ikos Oceania’s 290 well-appointed rooms are spread across 15 acres with many boasting views across the sea to Mount Olympus on the opposite shores. Their white and blue-striped textiles lend them something of a nautical theme, while the west-facing balconies allow for spectacular sunsets. Visitors can also opt for spacious, family-friendly suites, which include open-plan living areas and private gardens, complete with sun loungers.

Greece, Ikos Oceania Double Room Ikos Oceania

Across the resort, Ikos’s take on the traditional all-inclusive holiday, entitled Infinite Lifestyle, allows guests to make full use of a varied range of dining options. From the range of international a la carte restaurants, highlights include high-end French cuisine at Provence, stone-baked pizza at Fusca and Michelin-starred Lefteris Lazarou’s Greek menu – including impeccable seafood, kleftiko and moussaka – at Ouzo, which is served poolside. Another admirable twist is the resort’s Dine Out service, which offers trips to some of the best restaurants in the nearby villages, which come included within your stay and give a further slice of authenticity.

GreeceActivities on bikes at Ikos

For those eager to explore the area further, bikes can be hired, while the hotel also lays on excursions to some of Halkidiki’s lesser-trodden gems, including an ancient monastery and national parks. Closer to home, watersports, fitness and wellbeing activities – from Greek dancing and yoga to kayaking, water polo and mountain biking –  are available, while the Anne Semonin Spa provides a subterranean refuge from the sun with a wide of treatments, a hammam and sauna as well as a fitness centre overlooking the sea.

GreeceA new veranda at the hotel

All of which makes Ikos Oceania a fantastic base for both those seeking to relax and those with more energetic stay in mind. Although far from the world’s most extravagant all-inclusive venue, Ikos successfully draws on the resort’s stunning location and Halkidiki’s most alluring characteristics to ably fly the flag for Greece’s beautiful mainland.

by Ben Olsen

A seven-night stay at Ikos Oceania starts from £1,409 per person based on two adults sharing a Superior Double Room Side Sea View on an all-inclusive basis including BA return flights from London Heathrow and private transfers. This price is based on travel between September 3-16, 2017. Book with  Western & Oriental (020 3588 6130)

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