Ikaros Beach Resort & Spa

We visited here on a weeks holiday and made use of the massage and spa services that they offer. We were looked after by Dimitris and Alexandra who were our massage therapists. Very relaxing and tranquil. Reception staff were also attentive and pleasant.

The complex is what really stands out at Ikaros beach hotel. It's very different from your average hotel layout. It's spacious and beautiful, located right by the sea. A 10 star in that aspect. As we drove in the entrance all the people on the transfer bus were commenting on how good the hotel looked. We had a garden view twin room, which was well equipped, with a safe, aircon, robes, slippers, hairdryer, a fridge, coffee machine... and bathroom scales! The bathroom was modern, with a powerful shower. It was cleaned everyday. We had a lovely big patio area, where we could see the sea in the distance. I found the cocktails were of a high standard, not weak like most all inclusive hotels. Premium spirits were definitely being used! All the staff work incredibly hard and are friendly. I will be honest the food in the buffet restaurant wasn't mind blowing for a 5 star, most dishes were quite bland - but hey that's just my opinion, and in comparison to other 5 star hotels, I have had much better. However, you get to use the Italian, Asian and Greek restaurant for 1 night each, which definitely breaks it up. I'd recommend bringing a jacket as the restaurants are outside (in early season, maybe not mid summer), and get them booked up fairly soon at guest relations. Evening entertainment varied each evening from musicians to singers. There are 2 pool areas, the main one has a bar, a seating area and bean bags along with plenty of sunbeds. There's also a beach area with lots of sunbeds available. The gym and spa is a fantastic facility, the best hotel gym I've experienced, with many fitness classes available. Location wise, the complex is about a 15 minute walk into Malia, take a left outside the hotel, we found the beautiful old town part, which has an amazing restaurant 'Avli', which I highly recommend if you like to eat out on holiday - you can book online, we went twice, it's so reasonably priced! There are many bars and restaurants along the roadside, although it is quite derelict along that route in places. However, if you take a right outside the hotel and enjoy a stroll there are many restaurants, bars and shops there too which leads to Stalida (this is a much nicer area)

Absolutely breath taking hotel! I visited with my girlfriend as young couples (19&22) for our first holiday together to an adult only which was surprisingly very nice. PROS: The baggage handler lad was spot on who I got on extremely well with being similar age and he was lovely throughout our stay. The grounds and the views were spectacular. The staff were always friendly and welcoming. CONS: we went half board on a very tight budget as it was last min planned and on the evening meals we weren’t allowed to bring our own drinks into the restaurant which was very surprising as every hotel I’ve stayed at has allowed this. We were forced to pay £3.50 for soft drinks every night for 11 nights. Very picky one that can’t be helped but there was a serious amount of ants around the pool especially the one next to the main restaurant. They ended up on our towels and crawling up our legs which wasn’t ideal.

I'll start with the very good. The hotel, grounds, views, etc. were all pretty amazing. Our room was small but very comfortable. We had a room with the private pool (too cold for us but we are from the hot desert and like the water warmer) but used the awesome private loungers for days on end. We did have a small ant problem (coming in from the pool area) but that was taken care of quickly with no further issues. Now, for the less than good. I'm writing this as a visitor from the US and so keep that in mind. I read the reviews online about this being a very "German" hotel. I thought - cool. No issues with that. I guess I didn't realize how much that would make the hotel almost a German hotel vs. a Greek hotel. It seemed to me that everything caters to the Germans - especially the food. We had a really hard time finding food we liked - but that is a result of being pretty picky and, sadly, not really fans of German food. We had exceptional service from bartenders and staff around the hotel. But, wow, the lady at the front desk in the evenings and the hotel concierge desk were ... wow, not what I would call friendly. There were two younger ladies at the front desk that were lovely and very helpful and I would purposely wait to ask any questions when they were there without the other lady. The concierge desk woman was almost comical at the way she would stare me down when I went to ask a question. I was trying to be super nice but her intial approach was pretty harsh. She would eventually end up delivery service with a helpful smile but, again, I DREADED having to ask any questions. So, I'd love to return for 80% of our experience - the suite with the private backyard was worth it all. I would pack my own food in and not go all inclusive next time.

Just back from a weeks stay at the Ikaros beach so hopefully this review will be useful to anyone thinking of visiting Check in was swift and easy all done on your phone after scanning a QR code Room had everything we needed and was kept spotless by housekeeping as usual linen changed whenever requested. Nice comfy bed, good air conditioning, safe in room etc. Slept well with no noise from doors closing that you can sometimes get in hotels with little soft furnishings in the corridors. Resort was spread out but soon able to find your way around never a problem finding a spot in the sun or shade be it on the beach or one of the three pools. Food in main restaurant and à la carte restaurants very good my top pick would be the Asian at the sunset restaurant Plenty of bars serving premium spirits I had read that some guests waited a while to be served but never had this issue myself Staff absolutely excellent and must all be congratulated on their service proved Hotel does have a spa and indoor pool but I never visited this so can’t comment Would I return it’s a YES from me Don’t hesitate making your booking