7 Of The Best All-Inclusive Resorts In Europe
Ikos Porto Petro
Mallorca, Spain
Ikos paved the way for five-star all-inclusives when it opened its first resort in Halkidiki in 2015. Fast forward nearly ten years and the group now has seven luxury properties across the Med, including the newly opened Porto Petro in Mallorca. Set between two sandy coves along the southeast coast of the island, the resort is a short walk from the pretty Porto Petro Marina. Here, it’s all about relaxing into a slower pace of life – guests can lounge by one of five indoor and outdoor heated pools, and explore the nearby coves. There are 319 rooms and suites with chic Mediterranean-inspired interiors. All have garden or ocean views, while larger suites have adjoining rooms and private pools.
Food & Drink: One of the main draws of an Ikos resort are the varied dining options – guests will feel like they’re eating at a local restaurant each night, as opposed to choosing between various buffets. There are five à la carte restaurants, ranging from traditional Spanish to pan-Asian, three of which are overseen by Michelin-starred chefs. There’s also The Market for buffet-style dining, and a ‘dine out’ experience in which guests can eat at hand-picked restaurants in the local area, at no extra cost.
Facilities & Extras: Guests can take part in various wellness classes, like outdoor yoga and Pilates, use the impressive sports facilities (including floodlit tennis courts), the spa, and take a paddleboard, pedalo or kayak out to sea. Guests can also expect pool and beachside service, tasteful evening entertainment including live music, and complimentary use of a Tesla for one day.
For Kids: Little ones to teens will be entertained with the kids and teens club (for 4 to 17-year-olds) which offers arts and crafts activities, and evening shows. There are separate swimming pools for little ones, child-friendly menus, and a complimentary 30-minute childcare service.
From €662 per night.
Visit IkosResorts.com
Costa Botanica
Corfu, Greece
Loved by insiders and those in the know, this resort was designed for families – but couples can also kick back in the adult-only areas. It’s in an excellent spot in Corfu, close to the Lake of Lilies with a backdrop of green mountains and ocean. Guests are encouraged to explore the sprawling site on bike rides and peaceful walks, as well as make the most of the activities. Accommodation is spread across various complexes: there are seven village neighbourhoods in the Country House complex, plus four traditional Greek houses around a pool. Interiors are eclectic with fun pops of colour, while larger suites have more of a bohemian vibe, with woven accessories and white linens.
Food & Drink: Choose between four à la carte restaurants. There’s Greek fine dining at the adults-only Botanika restaurant, pan-Asian dishes at Asiana, Mediterranean buffets, and mezze dishes and ouzo served at the taverna. The beach club does all-day dining, while the creperie gelateria is the perfect spot for snacks in between activities.
Facilities & Extras: Where to start? There are four freshwater outdoor pools, a spa with a sauna and hammam, a huge aqua park for adults and kids, and tennis and padel courts. Fitness is also covered with the outdoor gym and numerous sports activities (like badminton, volleyball and basketball), while water sports include surfing, canoeing and paddleboarding. Families can walk – or sunbathe – along the private 1,000m beach, and visit the nearby wetland and farm.
For Kids: In addition to the activities mentioned above, the Grecoland Kids Club organises sports, team games, water activities and more. Little ones will also love the donkey farm and cooking school. Plus, the main restaurant has a separate menu for kids.
From £300 per night.
Visit Grecotel.com
Stella Island Resort
Crete, Greece
One of the chicest options on this list, Stella Island is an adults-only resort in Analipsis on Crete’s northern coast. Created for travellers looking for total relaxation, the resort is built around one of Europe’s largest lagoon pools that winds around day beds and cabanas overlooking the water. Inspired by Maldivian floating bungalows, accommodation is set around the lagoon, varying from modern doubles to overwater suites and island villas with direct pool access. Throughout the resort, expect boho chic décor with neutral interiors, rattan furniture, and light, bright rooms. Service is generous and friendly, with staff happy to recommend the best local restaurants and day trips.
Food & Drink: There are half-board packages, but the all-inclusive offering includes access to the resort’s five à la carte restaurants, including a seafood restaurant, a traditional Greek taverna and Umami for Asian food and dishes cooked over a robata grill. Best of all, the Mexican Paraiso brings the party vibe – imagine tucking into tacos and spicy margaritas while DJs and live musicians set the vibe.
Facilities & Extras: Guests can use the outdoor gym, fitness room and spa, take part in yoga and Pilates classes, and play everything from tennis to beach volleyball. You can also expect live music and themed nights (including a weekly folklore Cretan night). Other services (at an extra cost) include spa treatments, private dining and e-bike hire.
For Kids: This is an adults-only (15+) hotel. The group’s Stella Palace caters to families.
From £250 per night.
Visit StellaIsland.gr
Hillside Beach Club
Fethiye, Turkey
Hillside Beach Club is in a truly beautiful location – surrounded by pine forests and sea in Fethiye on Turkey’s southwestern Turquoise Coast. Offering a mix of relaxation and adventure, the luxury resort is set across the privately owned Kalemya Bay, home to three beaches (two are adults only) and endless activities at the impressive water sports centre. Rooms are simple and cosy, but you’ll want to spend most of your time out on the water, by the beach or swimming in the huge outdoor pool.
Food & Drink: There are three restaurants for traditional Turkish cuisine, Italian food or international options. The main restaurant has numerous chefs cooking food over sizzling grills and wood-fired ovens, while the ice-cream corner is the perfect afternoon pitstop. Food is available in abundance, and dishes are cooked with local ingredients.
Facilities & Extras: If lounging by the pool for a week doesn’t appeal, there’s plenty to keep you occupied. Head to the Water Sports Centre for water skiing, knee boarding, scuba diving and sailing, or visit the Beach Club for beach volleyball, cycling and archery, to name a few activities. There’s also a tennis court, fitness centre and outdoor deck for yoga classes.
For Kids: This is a family resort with a ‘baby park’ and nursing room for little ones, a kids club for four to seven-year-olds, and an activity centre for older kids. The restaurants have numerous choices for fussy eaters – there’s even a dedicated baby chef at the main restaurant.
From £350 per night.
Visit HillsideBeachClub.com
Club Med
Val d'Isère, France
Along with Sandals, Club Med is one of the oldest luxury all-inclusive groups. This resort in Val d'Isère is the fifth outpost in its Exclusive Collection, and you can expect endless activities, excellent service and thoughtful extras. The popular ski resort isn’t just a winter destination – visit during the summer months for mountain biking, lake swimming, kayaking and more. The resort has a luxury hotel with modern chalets with alpine views. During the winter months, there’s ski-in-ski-out access to the Tignes-Val d’Isère slopes.
Food & Drink: Guests can dine at two restaurants: Le Bellevarde is set up like a market hall with a bakery, a fishmonger, an Italian deli and a cheese cellar; and Les Millésimes is for French fine dining.
Facilities & Extras: All activities are included in your stay. Choose from half-day hikes, trips to nearby waterfalls, wellness workshops, yoga classes, high ropes courses, mountaineering and mountain biking across the region’s 150km of trails. After exploring, return to the resort for pancakes, waffles and hot drinks before the evening entertainment begins.
For Kids: Children will love this resort. The Mini Club Med will keep them entertained with numerous outdoor activities, while families can enjoy creative afternoons with pancake parties, baking workshops or picnics.
Weekly price from £1,465pp.
Visit ClubMed.co.uk
Paradisus by Meliá
Gran Canaria, Spain
Don’t overlook Gran Canaria for your next holiday. It’s a failsafe favourite among Brits for a reason – beautiful beaches, charming Spanish towns and guaranteed sun are all on offer. Part of Meliá’s premium portfolio, the newly opened Paradisus is next to San Agustín beach with its dark volcanic sand. Rooms have been decorated elegantly, with neutral interiors, while the restaurants all have the kind of laid-back beach feel you’d expect in Ibiza. It’s a family friendly resort but there are adult-only areas for couples and groups.
Food & Drink: With dining options to suit all tastes, the food at Paradisus is a highlight. There are eight restaurants and bars including: a Gastro Hall home to a steakhouse, a raw and healthy food bar, an Asian cuisine bar and a dessert station; an Italian trattoria; a snack bar for light lunches and snacks; and an outdoor seafood restaurant. Elsewhere, Kanna Beach Club has a lively vibe with free-flowing cocktails.
Facilities & Extras: Guests can swim in four pools across the resort, relax at the spa, and switch off with its wellness programme – picture time with a nutritionist and sports sessions led by experts. Plus, the resort’s ‘Destination Inclusive’ concept covers local excursions, like visits to local caves.
For Kids: Children aged 5 to ten will be occupied at the kids club with science experiments and arts and crafts, while teenagers can look forward to water polo and volleyball, or kick back in the games room which has an Xbox and PlayStation.
From £377 per night.
Visit Melia.com
Daios Cove
Crete, Greece
A favourite among parents in the SL office, Daios Cove is a luxury resort tucked along a craggy cliff overlooking a private cove in Vathi, a small village near Heraklion. You can spend an afternoon at the private beach or by the heated infinity seawater swimming pool, while someone brings cocktails and snacks to your day bed. It’s a family friendly resort, the vibe is relaxed, and everything is taken care of. Accommodation ranges from doubles with sea views to spacious suites and villas with private heated pools.
Food & Drink: Expect to eat well at Daios. There are seven restaurants and bars, each with a different vibe. The Beach House serves Cretan dishes like sharing salads, mezze spreads and grilled meats and fish, while Taverna has a more laidback atmosphere. The all-day Crystal Bar is the spot for aperitivos, while Ocean Bar serves cocktails by the pool.
Facilities & Extras: You’ll need a week just to fit in the activities on offer – think paddleboarding, kayaking or scuba diving at the water sports centre, and tennis, yoga and Pilates by the beach. There’s also a spa and wellbeing centre offering holistic treatments and a therapeutic water circuit.
For Kids: Children will be endlessly entertained at the kids club with archery, treasure hunts, games on the beach and trips to local olive farms. Parents can also unwind while little ones are at the crèche, and book childcare ahead of arrival.
Weekly price from €2,317pp.
Visit FAndPTravel.com
DISCLAIMER: We endeavour to always credit the correct original source of every image we use. If you think a credit may be incorrect, please contact us at info@sheerluxe.com.