Ikos Corfu has become shorthand among luxury travelers for stress free Greek island escapes where almost everything is included and very little is left to chance. Technically, you will be choosing between two neighboring Ikos properties on Corfu’s Dassia Bay Ikos Dassia and the newer Ikos Odisia yet both share the brand’s high touch “Infinite Lifestyle” all inclusive concept.
Before you commit several thousand dollars to a week in the Ionian sun, it pays to understand how these resorts actually work, where your money is going, and what you can realistically expect on the ground.
Understanding Ikos on Corfu: Dassia vs Odisia
When travelers talk about “Ikos Corfu,” they are usually referring to Ikos Dassia, the brand’s original Corfu flagship on a long, pine fringed Blue Flag beach on the island’s east coast. A short distance away, built on a hillside overlooking the same bay, Ikos Odisia opened in mid 2023 as a slightly more intimate, village style option with sweeping sea views. Together they form the Ikos footprint on Corfu and share a similar ethos, but the experience at each resort feels subtly different.
Ikos Dassia is larger and more established, with a broad, almost linear layout stretching along about 600 meters of beach. It has eight pools, seven restaurants, and a choice of accommodation ranging from simple doubles to spacious family suites and deluxe category rooms with their own pools. For first time Ikos guests or families who want everything within easy reach from beachfront to activities to kids’ clubs this is often the default choice.
Ikos Odisia, by contrast, is more compact and built into a natural amphitheater that looks out across Dassia and Ipsos bays. Rooms are arranged in low rise clusters with bungalows and suites stepping down the hillside, many with dramatic sea views. While it still has multiple pools and restaurants, the atmosphere tends to feel a touch calmer and more exclusive, appealing to couples and repeat guests who value design details and a sense of seclusion as much as facilities.
Both properties operate under the same “Infinite Lifestyle” all inclusive model, meaning that if you are mainly weighing them up on what is included food, drinks, activities, kids’ programming they are broadly comparable. Differences come down to setting, layout, room types and the slightly different personality each has developed. If beach access, flatter grounds and a more resort like feel matter, Dassia will suit you. If you prefer hillside vistas, a more village style configuration and newer architecture, Odisia may be the better fit.
Location, Transfers and Getting Your Bearings
Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia sit on Corfu’s east coast, around 20 minutes by car from Corfu International Airport and a similar distance from UNESCO listed Corfu Town. This makes them among the most convenient luxury options on the island, particularly if you are flying in on a short break and want to lose as little time as possible to logistics. Taxi and private transfer times from the airport are typically between 12 and 20 minutes depending on traffic, and public buses also connect the Dassia area with Corfu Town several times a day.
Despite the short transfer, the resorts feel quite removed from the bustle of the old town. Dassia Bay is a sheltered stretch of coastline backed by pine trees, low hills and small clusters of shops and tavernas. You are not in the middle of nowhere there are minimarkets, car hire offices and a handful of beach bars within walking distance but the focus is very clearly on the resort experience. Many guests rarely leave, other than for an excursion arranged through the hotel or a brief wander into the nearby village.
If you plan to explore independently, it is worth knowing that Corfu’s road network can be slow in high season, with narrow rural roads and traffic bottlenecks near major beaches and in Corfu Town. That makes the resorts’ position on the east coast practical: you can easily reach the capital, drive north to popular beach areas, or cut across the island toward the dramatic west coast within an hour or so. The brand’s Local Drive concept, which includes complimentary use of a MINI Countryman for a day, makes it even easier to get a feel for the island’s interior and coastline without booking a separate car rental.
Seasonally, both Ikos properties on Corfu operate from spring through late autumn, closing over winter in line with the island’s tourism rhythm. The main high season runs from late June through August, when the island is at its busiest, prices peak and temperatures are highest. Shoulder months like May, early June, September and early October offer milder weather and slightly fewer crowds, which many repeat guests consider the sweet spot for Ikos stays as long as you are comfortable with the chance of a cooler evening or occasional rain shower.
The “Infinite Lifestyle” All Inclusive Concept
Ikos has built its reputation on a specific style of premium all inclusive that aims to remove friction without sacrificing quality or a sense of place. On Corfu, that means almost everything you are likely to want on a resort holiday is bundled into your nightly rate food, drinks, many activities, kids’ clubs, certain spa experiences and a few well curated extras. For guests used to à la carte pricing at standard five star hotels, this can feel liberating, but it is worth understanding how the model works before you arrive.
Dining is centered around multiple à la carte restaurants rather than a single buffet. At Ikos Dassia, for example, you can choose from Greek, Italian, French and Asian concepts, along with a buffet venue, beachside grills and a Corfiot inspired restaurant. Menus are designed by chefs with Michelin credentials from restaurants elsewhere, and there is a deliberate emphasis on wine pairing, presentation and table service. All of this is included in the rate, although you will usually need to pre book dinner slots, especially in high season and if you have specific times in mind.
Beverages are similarly generous. You can expect a long list of international branded spirits, classic and signature cocktails, and a wine list running to well over a hundred labels, poured by the glass at no extra charge. Minibars in the rooms are replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and snacks, and barista coffee is available throughout the day. While there may be a handful of ultra premium bottles or experiences that incur a surcharge, the vast majority of guests find they never need to sign a bill or think about prices once on site.
Perhaps the most distinctive element of Infinite Lifestyle is how it extends beyond the resort gates. The Dine Out program allows guests to book tables at selected local restaurants in Corfu, with the meal included in the package. A Culture Pass gives free access to a number of museums and cultural sites on the island, while the Local Drive in a MINI Countryman invites exploration without arranging separate car hire. Together these benefits help mitigate the “all inclusive bubble” effect and make it easier to feel you have genuinely experienced some of Corfu, even on a resort centered trip.
Rooms, Suites and the Deluxe Collection
Accommodation at Ikos Corfu spans a wide spectrum, from entry level doubles overlooking the gardens to expansive multi bedroom suites and villas in the Deluxe Collection that come with their own pools and added services. Before you book, it is worth taking the time to match room category to your travel style, as upgrades on arrival are not something you can count on in peak months and the jump in space and amenities can materially change your experience.
At Ikos Dassia, the standard and premium rooms are found in the main buildings and some low rise blocks near the pools and gardens. They are contemporary in style, with soft neutral palettes, timber detailing and plenty of glass to bring in the light. Families often gravitate toward junior suites and one bedroom suites which add a separate living area and, in some cases, partition doors to create a bit of privacy once children are asleep. Sea view categories cost more but put you in a front line position for sunrise over the Ionian, an aspect that many past guests consider well worth the premium.
The Deluxe Collection is the top tier, available at both Dassia and Odisia. These suites and villas are typically larger, better positioned and often come with private pools or shared pools exclusively for Deluxe guests. Beyond the room itself, you gain access to a separate beach and pool area, upgraded in room amenities, a dedicated concierge, complimentary spa treatments and often a more tailored approach to restaurant reservations and experiences. For honeymoons, multigenerational trips or travelers who prize a bit of exclusivity within a busy resort, this category is designed to feel like a meaningful step up.
At Ikos Odisia, room types follow a similar hierarchy but lean into the resort’s hillside setting. Many bungalows and suites are oriented to face the bay, framed by lush landscaping and low stone walls. This gives even mid tier categories a strong sense of place, with balconies or terraces that feel private and scenic. As with any hillside property, you should consider mobility: there are elevators and shuttles to minimize climbing, but if steep paths are an issue, it is worth requesting a room close to main facilities when you book and confirming that with the hotel or your agent.
Dining, Bars and the Dine Out Experience
Food and drink are not an afterthought at Ikos; they are a core part of the brand’s appeal, and Ikos Corfu is no exception. You can realistically eat at a different restaurant every evening for a week, cycling between concepts and cuisines without ever facing the same buffet twice unless you choose to. Menus lean Mediterranean but branch out confidently into pan Asian, French and more casual grill territory, with enough range to keep younger or pickier eaters happy alongside more ambitious dishes for food focused travelers.
One detail that sets Ikos apart from many all inclusive resorts is the collaboration with chefs who hold Michelin stars at their own independent restaurants. That influence shows up in the structure of menus, the sourcing of ingredients and the focus on presentation, even at lunch by the pool. You might find Corfiot olive oil highlighted on a Greek menu, or a disciplined approach to sauces and plating at the French restaurant. It is not fine dining in the formal sense you are still in a resort environment but there is a consistent attempt to rise above the generic hotel kitchen formula.
Beyond the main restaurants, there are snack options, patisseries, room service and beachfront service that will quietly keep you supplied with salads, grilled fish, ice creams and cocktails throughout the day. All inclusive here genuinely does mean you can eat and drink when it suits you without mentally calculating the bill. The wine program is particularly strong, with a sizable list of Greek and international labels poured by the glass at no extra cost and knowledgeable staff on hand to steer you toward something interesting if you wish.
The Dine Out program deserves specific attention before you book. While many guests are content to stay on site most of the time, Dine Out allows you to book a table at selected restaurants in Corfu at no additional charge, broadening your culinary experience and giving you a reason to dip into local neighborhoods. Availability can vary by season, and you should not expect every restaurant on the island to be included, but used well this benefit breaks up the week and makes it easier to justify staying in an all inclusive resort on an island known for its own food culture.
Beach, Pools and Activities for All Ages
Set on a long, gently shelving stretch of sand and pebble, Ikos Dassia is fundamentally a beach resort. The shoreline here is sheltered and calm, ideal for children and casual swimmers, with views across the Ionian toward the mainland. Sunloungers, umbrellas and attentive beach service are part of the package, so your days can quickly fall into a rhythm of swims, iced coffees or cocktails delivered to your lounger and leisurely lunches a few steps away from the water. The beach has earned Blue Flag status, underlining its cleanliness and the quality of the swimming.
Both Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia have a network of pools that give you options beyond the sea. Families gravitate toward larger, activity friendly pools with shallow areas and adjacent snack bars. Adults only pools are designed for quieter sunbathing and reading, with bar service and often some distance from the main animation points. The water is heated in shoulder seasons at some pools, extending their usefulness beyond the hottest months, though sea temperatures will naturally lag the air in early season and late autumn.
On the activity front, Ikos leans into a blend of soft adventure, wellness and light sports rather than adrenaline tourism. Expect complimentary non motorized water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking, along with organized group classes like beach yoga, Pilates and aqua fitness. Tennis courts, five a side football, table tennis and beach volleyball are usually available without extra fees, and equipment is supplied. If you prefer to explore beyond the resort, the concierge can arrange boat trips, guided hikes or cultural excursions, often tying in with the Culture Pass for entry to key sights.
Evening entertainment tends to be polished yet family friendly. You might encounter live bands, themed music nights, small scale shows and outdoor cinema screenings rather than thumping nightlife. The emphasis is on creating an atmosphere that suits both couples and families without veering into party resort territory. If you are seeking late night clubs and high energy bars, you will find more of that in parts of Corfu Town or nightlife oriented villages, not within Ikos.
Family Facilities, Kids’ Clubs and Adult Friendly Spaces
Ikos Corfu is deliberately designed to appeal to multigenerational groups, which means families are well catered for from infants through teens. Dedicated kids’ clubs typically operate in age bands, run by professionally trained staff, and follow structured schedules of crafts, games, sports and pool time. There are usually dedicated spaces for each age group, equipped with appropriate toys, technology and safety measures, and many families find that children quickly build their own holiday rhythm that gives adults time to relax.
For babies and toddlers, the resort can arrange equipment such as cots, high chairs, bottle warmers and sometimes baby monitors, reducing the amount you need to bring from home. Some services, like evening babysitting or specific baby sessions in the kids’ clubs, may carry additional charges or require advance booking, so it is worth confirming details before you travel if childcare is a key part of your holiday plan. The beachside “Heros” children’s area, stroller friendly paths and family friendly pools all contribute to making daily logistics smoother for parents.
Crucially, Ikos has also carved out spaces and services that cater to adults traveling without children or those who want quiet time away from the livelier areas. Adult only pools, spa relaxation zones and quieter corners of the beach are overseen to maintain their atmosphere. Restaurants often stagger seating so that some later services naturally skew more adult oriented, and Deluxe Collection areas tend to feel calmer by design. The net result is that, while these are very much family capable resorts, couples can still find privacy and tranquility with a bit of planning.
School holiday weeks are predictably the busiest, with a noticeable concentration of families, full kids’ clubs and higher occupancy. If you are sensitive to noise and activity levels, or if you prefer your resort stays to feel more like a boutique hotel experience, consider aiming for term time or shoulder season dates. Conversely, if you are traveling with children who thrive on having playmates and organized activities, those peak weeks can be a real asset.
Pricing, Value and When to Book
Luxury all inclusive at the level Ikos offers is not cheap, and Ikos Corfu is priced accordingly. Nightly rates vary significantly across the season, with July and August commanding the highest prices and minimum stay requirements often in place. Shoulder periods in May, early June, September and October typically offer better value for travelers who can be flexible, with similar inclusions at a lower nightly cost and frequently more availability in popular room categories.
Because so much is wrapped into the Infinite Lifestyle concept, comparing headline room rates to a standard hotel stay can be misleading. A useful exercise before you book is to consider what you would normally spend on meals, drinks, childcare, activities and car hire on a comparable holiday, then factor that into your internal price comparison. Many repeat Ikos guests report that, once they account for premium dining, branded drinks, kids’ clubs and included extras like the Local Drive and Culture Pass, the overall value feels more compelling than the raw room rate might suggest.
Booking early is strongly advised, particularly if you have fixed dates or need specific room types such as interconnecting family suites or Deluxe categories with private pools. The brand runs limited time advance purchase offers each year that may include percentage discounts, added value benefits or specific promotions, all with cutoff dates. Leaving it late can still yield the occasional deal in shoulder season, but for school holiday stays or prime sea view rooms, last minute bargains are the exception rather than the rule.
From a budgeting perspective, one of the principal benefits of Ikos is the predictability of costs once you arrive. Beyond optional spa treatments, certain excursions or private experiences, there is little need to spend on site. That can be reassuring for families or groups where shared tabs at restaurants and bars usually introduce friction. If you are someone who dislikes thinking about prices every time you order a drink or wants to avoid daily decisions about where to eat, this model can feel refreshingly simple.
The Takeaway
Ikos Corfu is not the place to come if you want rugged isolation, self catering independence or a nightlife heavy scene. It is, however, one of the most polished options in the Ionian for travelers who value high quality food, discreetly attentive service and the ease of a genuinely inclusive package in a Mediterranean setting. By wrapping à la carte dining, extensive drinks, activities and thoughtful extras into a single concept, it offers a kind of low friction luxury that is particularly appealing to time poor couples and families.
Choosing between Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia ultimately comes down to personal preferences in layout, views and atmosphere. Dassia offers direct access to a broad sandy beach and a more classically resort like feel, while Odisia leans into terraced vistas, a newer design language and a more village style configuration. Both plug you into the same island, the same curated cultural touchpoints and the same Infinite Lifestyle promise that you will not be nickel and dimed once you arrive.
Before you book, think honestly about how you like to spend your days on holiday. If your ideal week involves relaxed breakfasts, long swims, book heavy afternoons by the pool and leisurely dinners with good wine, Ikos Corfu is purpose built for you. If you are restless, craving constant exploration or hoping to dive deep into Corfu’s wilder side, it may work best as a comfortable, pampering base for forays around the island. Framed with realistic expectations, the resort’s strengths become clearer and the premium price tag easier to justify.
Most importantly, understand that you are paying as much for peace of mind as for marble lobbies or infinity pools. At its best, an Ikos stay on Corfu feels like an expertly choreographed week where logistics fade into the background, children are happily occupied, and your main daily decisions involve which restaurant to try next or whether to spend the afternoon on the beach or by one of the pools. If that vision aligns with what you want from your next Greek island escape, Ikos Corfu deserves a serious place on your shortlist.
FAQ
Q1: Is Ikos Corfu suitable for couples, or is it mainly for families?
Ikos Corfu welcomes both, and the Infinite Lifestyle concept is designed to work for multigenerational groups. Families benefit from kids’ clubs, family pools and child friendly dining, while couples can retreat to adults only pools, quieter beach zones and the spa. If you are a couple seeking calm, consider shoulder season dates and possibly a Deluxe Collection room for access to more tranquil areas.
Q2: What is the difference between Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia in practical terms?
Ikos Dassia sits on a long, flat stretch of beach with a more linear, resort style layout and slightly larger overall footprint. Ikos Odisia is terraced into a hillside overlooking the same bay, creating more elevated sea views and a village like feel. Facilities, inclusions and service levels are comparable, so your choice mainly depends on whether you prioritize direct beach access and flatter terrain or hillside vistas and a newer design.
Q3: How far are the resorts from Corfu Airport and Corfu Town?
Both Ikos Dassia and Ikos Odisia are around 20 minutes by car from Corfu International Airport and a similar distance from Corfu Town, depending on traffic. Taxis and private transfers are the most straightforward options for arrival and departure, though public buses connect the Dassia area with the town if you prefer to travel independently during your stay.
Q4: Do I need to budget extra for food and drinks once I am there?
For most guests, no. The Infinite Lifestyle all inclusive concept covers all main meals in à la carte and buffet restaurants, snacks, a wide range of branded drinks, barista coffee, a substantial wine list and daily replenished minibars. You might choose to pay extra for certain premium wines, special spa treatments or specific excursions, but it is entirely possible to enjoy a full week without incurring additional on site costs.
Q5: Is the beach sandy, and is it good for children?
The beach at Ikos Dassia is a mix of fine sand and small pebbles, gently shelving into calm, sheltered water. It carries Blue Flag recognition for cleanliness and facilities. Sunloungers and umbrellas are provided, and attentive beach service makes it easy to spend full days by the sea with children, who generally find the conditions well suited to paddling and swimming.
Q6: Do I need to reserve restaurants in advance?
For dinner, reservations are strongly recommended, particularly in high season and if you have a preferred time or are traveling in a larger group. While the resort will do its best to accommodate walk ins, popular venues and time slots fill quickly. You can usually make and adjust bookings through the hotel app or concierge once your stay is confirmed, and Deluxe guests may receive additional reservation support.
Q7: What kind of clothing and dress code should I expect?
Daytime is resort casual, with swimwear, cover ups, shorts and sandals perfectly acceptable around the pools and beach. Evenings lean to smart casual in most restaurants: think sundresses, lightweight trousers, shirts or blouses and closed shoes or smart sandals. Very formal attire is not required, but beachwear, sports jerseys and flip flops are generally discouraged in the finer dining venues at dinner.
Q8: Is Ikos Corfu a good base for exploring the island, or will I feel “stuck” in the resort?
The resorts are well placed for day trips to Corfu Town, nearby beaches and inland villages, and the brand’s Local Drive program gives you complimentary use of a MINI Countryman for a day to explore independently. However, the all inclusive model and extensive on site facilities mean many guests do choose to stay mostly within the resort. If you actively plan a few outings and make use of the Culture Pass and Dine Out options, you can balance resort comfort with a genuine taste of the island.
Q9: How far in advance should I book, and can I expect last minute deals?
Ikos properties tend to fill many months ahead, especially for school holidays, peak summer dates and sought after room types like family suites and Deluxe accommodations. Booking early also allows you to take advantage of limited time offers that are often tied to specific booking windows. While occasional last minute opportunities can appear in shoulder seasons, relying on them is risky if your dates are fixed or your room preferences are specific.
Q10: Is Ikos Corfu worth the premium compared to other hotels on the island?
Value is subjective, but Ikos Corfu justifies its higher rates for travelers who will make full use of the Infinite Lifestyle inclusions high quality à la carte dining, branded drinks, extensive kids’ facilities, organized activities and curated local experiences. If you tend to eat out sparingly, drink very little and spend most of your time off property, a more traditional hotel might work better. If you appreciate not having to think about individual prices and want a polished, low friction resort experience, the premium can feel well spent.