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BEACH:What can I say! ARRIVAL:Arrivals at Thessaloniki was straightforward on both occasions. Anaya, meanwhile, has an imaginative Asian-inspired menu and has the most atmospheric dining room, with moody slate-grey and burnt-orange colours, low lighting and banquette seating. Starters here are the star of the show, with a choice of Spicy Tom Yum Soup, Gyoza, Tuna Poki Salad and Deep Fried Chiu Yim Squid making it difficult to select just one dish to kick-start your meal (youll want it all). I understand they may now have put a direct-access lift in to this restaurant now, perhaps to make it feel a little bit more high quality and not an annex of the main buffet. It was a great evening, but it did mean we missed out on having another special Greek a-la-carte meal (and we were too near the end of the holiday by then to change anything else). Rates at Ikos Oceania start from180/215pernight based on two people sharing a double room on an all-inclusive basis. The beach is nice but not the best. The food and wine were excellent, but overall it was our least favourite of all the restaurants across both hotels. Chasing the dream: I write about travel and the world around me. To be honest there was nothing really that inspiring. Its perhaps no surprise then that the Olivia is a tadge more expensive than the Oceania.ROOM:At the Oceania in 2015 we had a junior suite (for 3) located on the second floor in the block nearest the beach, so we had excellent ocean views. No delays. Chef Katsuhiko Hanamures menu takes inspiration from Chinese, Thai and Indian cuisine so expect Pad Thai Noodles, Miso Marinated Salmon Lentil Dhal and Thai Yellow Curries for mains and refreshing Matcha Green Tea and White Chocolate Mousse and Mango Semi Fredo toend it all off on a high. The good news is that doesnt that mean style has been skimped on: dcor is crisp and elegant with pretty bedside chandeliers, smart velvet headboards and luxurious bedlinens all tied together with a subtle Aegean blue and white palette throughout (echoing the classic colours of Greece) and light-drenched spaces. We only ate breakfast there once as it was on the other side of the resort from us (the main buffet and Greek being closer) and we never had lunch there for the same reason. It had a lovely colourful dcor that set it apart from the white or beige of some of the other restaurants. Basically if you dont look at the programme and go to the location at the appointed time, you wouldnt even know it was on. We went for a week in April as a family of 5 (3 boys - 13,12,9).Accommodation was fine (new, clean, good amenities), and the AstroTurf football pitch meant the boys were happy (playing football all day)Whilst I wouldn't say everything was perfect (and we are incredibly fussy !) The scene is set in the vast lobby area, which also houses the Indigo Bar. We couldnt get in anywhere for the first 2 nights, but booked the rest in one go. Large statement mirrors, glass dressing tables and decorative side lamps give a layer of personality. The beach and sea at both locations is gorgeous! The return flight to East Midlands was straightforward on both occasions and the car was a 30 second stroll from the Departure exit FINAL THOUGHTS:Despite all the fantastic things about holidaying at the Ikos Oceania and Olivia (especially the quality of the food and drink) we have come away with one overriding memory, and that is the absolutely fantastic service provided by the staff. Having been spoilt with our boutique hotel experience at the Oceania, we were a little disappointed with the location, or at least we were on our first evening visit as our table overlooked the door out from reception to the main pool!
There is entertainment in the evenings. The a la carte restaurants can be booked from 7-9:30pm. We were met by the driver with a much needed bottle of water and were whisked off to the hotel. At the Oceania in 2015 we were so hungry on arrival that even after the provided sandwich, we ordered in that night! It will haveseven restaurants and a more immersive approach to island life with plenty of side trips and activities away from the resort on offer. On both occasions we booked with Thompson-First Choice (Thompson site in 2015 and First Choice site in 2016 as that was the only one with Ikos Olivia). OFF-SITE EXCURSIONS/TRIPS/ACTIVITIES:We were never inclined to go on an excursion at either hotel, which were basically the same set from 2015 to 2016. Nespresso coffee machines with pods were also provided. Local Restaurant/Dine Out optionBoth hotels also offer a dine-out option at no extra charge, where you can eat at a local taverna. We had originally only booked in there on one evening andf had book the dine-out option twice, but had such a nice time that we swapped one dine-out in order to dine-in at the Greek. The flight was straightforward on both occasions. The room was clean, spacious, good air conditioning, with three TVs, two bathrooms, living room and two balconies. If you want to sleep round the pool and want peace and quiet use the pool near the main hotel. On one occasion at the Asian we even witnessed one group walk in and sit down at a table that had just been vacated and demand the menu. PwC Cloud and Digital Transformation BrandVoice, How To Earn Cash Rewards For Everyday Spending. There is a small public road (country lane) separating the front of the hotel from the beach, which although not actually far feels quite a walk up the slope, especially if your accommodation is right up by the main building or you want to go to the buffet restaurant. ), so consequently theyve been heading the other side of the Aegean to Greece. As its short-haul there is no meal andThere are many fantastic reviews about both these hotels, so rather than just add more of the same I thought I would do a comparison of the two as we have been to both now on successive summer holidays in 2015 and 2016. What they do put on though is of good quality and far better than your standard Caribbean affair. I would highly recommend. At the Olivia in 2016 we had a couple of very windy days and on one in particular they were forced to close the parasols on the beach and by the pool, which of course led to my fair-skinned wife needing to make a dash for shade! To summarise - an amazing all inclusive resort, difficult to beat. For 2016 we had booked Champagne & Chocolates for the flight (it was our anniversary) but we had to ask the Hostess where they were and they had to go and get them for us. The beach is literally a part of the resort, with the main buffet restaurant, Greek and Italian sitting right on the edge of the sand. It has four restaurants, three pools, spa, private beach and various other amenities like tennis courts, bikes. Seriously, you don't have to move a muscle here. at the sports facility, etc). Their is not a long trouser policy for men. No delays. Excellent free wi-fi signal in both rooms.I would highlight that we struggled a little with socket availability in the room at the Oceania in 2015. They should perhaps highlight these sort of evenings when you book in.Olivia Was part of a stand-alone building set between the beach and the lagoon pool and overlooked the watersports area of the beach. No delays. From the beach cleaners to the senior management team, all are focused on customer service, attention and satisfaction. The standard/quality of the room was very good, but even so since our visit I am aware they have launched a room refurbishment, with many rooms done already and the remainder being finished by the 2017 season. The food served at all of the restaurants, even Flavours, was super fresh and delicious. You also get a beach buddy attending to you here, as you do round the pool. We used our Tesco vouchers to get Meet & Greet parking, which isnt actually meet and greet but the car park is a stones through from Departures. The main pool near the main hotel was more quiet. At the Oceania I would recommend getting to the small infinity pool (by the French) earlier to be certain as there are only a few sun loungers there. With a focus on freshly-caught fish and classic Greek recipes the standout dishes here include Shrimps Saganaki cooked with Limnio Wine, Baked Tomato and Estragon, Octopus cooked with Onions Confit and Fava, and the signature dish Lamb Kleftiko with Potato Puree, which is cooked for 48 hours and is the most popular dish in the whole resort (do NOTgo home without trying it. We went for a week in June with two kids almost 4 and almost 1. Transfer back to the airport was accompanied by a Thomson-Frst Choice rep in 2015 from the Oceania, but was unaccompanied (i.e. To further tempt you, theres Chicken Saltimbocca and Parmesan Risotto Arancini and Beef Tenderloing with Saffron Potato. At all the restaurants there are inspired childrens menus, too, which go far beyond the usual burger and basic pasta choices that the little ones are normally given. I probably wouldn't choose this place without kids because there are so many of them running around. On the nights we didn't have a booking we ate at Falvors - the buffet restaurant. Thats the way we like it :-) The evening:The theatre at the Oceania is indoors on the same floor as reception/main bar/Helios bar. Every member of staff is polite and friendly. There doesn't seem to be too much going on outside the hotel. Olivia This was located on the ground floor of one or the 3 spokes of the main building, and overlooked the main pool. Twists on Italian classics include Pizza Carbonara and Champignons Consomm with Black Truffle (the latter is a culinary dream), followed by a choice of light, summery pastas such as Seafood Linguini and Prawn Ravioli with Peas and Lemon. It has a large 3-spoke main building, but the rest of the accommodation (including the deluxe) is made up of different styles of bungalows (some double, some 1/2 bedroom suites, some with pools, many actually not a bungalow but a maisonette) spread throughout the grounds. Like cruising, the all-inclusive hotel has long had a bit of an image problem. You can email them before you arrive and they will let you book your first 3 nights if you like. We had a couple of glasses of wine and ate some nice snack food (all in the price) while sitting on some comfy seats. All went smoothly on both occasions. They have motor waterspouts like jet skis but we couldn't do that..this time. However, when we hit the bar after dinner it was pretty quiet and not many people to chat to, this could of course change from week to week. The weather was 35 degrees every day and no rain. Blue sky thinking: the beach at Ikos Oceania. At the Oceania in 2015 we had to go up to a desk near reception on the first morning after arrival to book which speciality restaurants we wanted. He even sought us out the following day to make sure everything was alright and to ensure we got the dress cleaned.More. They will however call a golf-buggy for you from the Beach Bar.The Ikos Olivia is on a very flat site. We don't and the kids didn't bother us like they did other people we spoke to. Free minibar in the room as well as room service. It was like a little boutique hotel. If you don't like kids then use them. Following on from its success, it is now further cementing its reputation of offering stylish all-inclusive properties, by revamping its original resort Ikos Oceania in the same location. The Russian guests were SO RUDE to the staff it was unbelievable. They have free pedals and kayaks which were good fun with the kids. For 2016 we booked for the two of us to have access to the Escape Lounge (42 total). On both occasions we flew on a Monday afternoon flight from East Midlands, with a Monday evening return flight.OUTBOUND TRIP:All went smoothly on both occasions. POOLS:Oceania: The main pool was nice and was an infinity pool. Same stops on the way back.INBOUND TRIP:All went smoothly on both occasions. FOOD/RESTAURANTS:Overview:If you are coming to either Ikos for the quality of the food and drink I can promise you that you will not be disappointed. (and not for the last time that holiday!) So, its no surprise, given the success of both resorts whichfollow the sameethos,that the Ikos group is already planning two further properties. If that's what you want then don't hesitate to go. The spa offers a heated pool, steam and sauna and a comprehensive range of Anne Semonin treatments for those me, me, me moments. The Ikos Oceania is set on the side of a slope/hill and the accommodation consists of five 3 storey buildings (one being the Deluxe accommodation) with about 20/25 rooms on each floor.
There are more than enough su beds with lots of space between them.
As its short-haul there is no meal and they offer you paid-for snacks and drinks. I had a chat with the assistant manager, Dirk who was was really friendly and welcoming. It just lacked a little atmosphere.Olivia Conversely, we loved the Italian here. Both were quite cool though! Over the past couple of years, however, theres been a 'quiet' revolution taking place, and just like how the cruise industry has reinvigorated itself and shaken off its pensioner profile things are looking up for the sector, witha few noted luxury hotels rejuvenating what it means to be an all-inclusive. We had a look at the Deluxe pool and it looked very nice, much more worth the money than the Deluxe pool at the Oceania, but having said that it still wouldnt make me pay the significant amount of money more to go Deluxe. When you lay round the pool you have a person bringing you drinks, bringing fresh water melon, cleaning your sunglasses, remaking your sun loungers when you go to lunch and bringing you cool flannels! The manager of the restaurant was mortified and although it was not the hotels fault, insisted that we put the dress in for dry cleaning at the hotels expense. My husband wasn't keen on the form filling on arrival as this information had already been given to the resort during the booking process. If you sat outside on the balcony you overlooked the resort and had ocean views. The selection and quality of food was excellent.Olivia - This was located right on the beach front and you could choose to sit outside looking over the ocean or inside in the AC. Its the one aspect that I think could be improved on in terms of the all inclusive experience as we have been to a number of Caribbean resorts where the watersports are more or less all included in the price. Beautifully landscaped,the resortis set into the hillside on multi-levels with stunning views over the Halkidiki peninsula. We couldnt book in anywhere that first night, but managed to book the rest of the entire 14 night stay in one go (no getting up early every day to queue! TRAVEL DETAILS: Part of the main buffet building, but completely cut off and separate from it with its own entrance, it sat right on the beach and had a great atmosphere.
I understand there for 2016 the Russians are under pressure not to use Turkey as a holiday destination (thats what happens went you shoot down a Russian plane! If kids do play up its the parents fault and not the hotels. Also one evening in the Italian at the Oceania in 2015, a guest at a nearby table knocked over their wine pedestal, smashing a bottle of red wine with the resulting explosion showering my wife and staining her lovely new summer dress. For relaxed meals, breakfasts and lunches, there is also Flavors a large, modern buffet restaurant with a constantly changing menu based around Mediterranean cuisine (and the best selection of patisserie this side of Paris). At the Olivia in 2016 we upgraded to a double bungalow (for 2) in the grounds. Thessaloniki is a fairly small airport and there isnt an awful lot there, but enough to keep you occupied. Consequently there is not a show every night. It could be that it was very hot (mid 30s into early 40s) and the bungalow was very exposed (south facing, no first floor), but it never seemed to get to the minimum 18 degrees we had it on. The staff were so good and handled it really well and eventually they left. When you first arrive, you immediately get a sense of what is to come. With a focus on fine dining, the hotels Infinite Lifestyle all-inclusive concept comes into its own across the four la carte restaurants, which all offermenus designed by Michelin-starred chefs, stylish dining rooms and slick service. On both occasions we booked with Thompson-First Choice (Thompson site in 2015 and First Choice site in 2016 as that was the only one with Ikos Olivia). There simply was no need for it. Balmy evenings can also mean al fresco meals out on the balcony overlooking the ocean.
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