Main Street, Malia, Crete 700 07 Greece, Malia, Greece | (888) 399-9863
Gorgeous sandy beach with lounge chairs and umbrellas on Malia Bay
Multiple outdoor pools with two children's pools
Well-manicured grounds include a 1500-year-old olive tree
Range of rooms, some with private pools and sea views
Multiple restaurants and bars on-site with outdoor seating (all-inclusive packages available)
Spa with indoor pool, sauna, and treatment rooms
Entertainment geared toward families and children
Bright fitness center with several machines and free weights
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Significant meeting space for business travelers
Some rooms are on the smaller side
20-minute walk to Malia's town center
Dress code for dinner (pro for some)
The 245-room Ikaros Beach Resort & Spa is a luxury property on the northern coast of Crete. Situated on a gorgeous sandy beach, guests have access to ample lounge chairs both by the sea or at one of the many outdoor swimming pools. There's an all-inclusive package along with several dining options, including the main buffet restaurant; drinks can be obtained from any of the three bars. A children's pool with slides, fun entertainment team, and recreational facilities make the property suitable for kids, and the hotel brings in an equal number of families and couples. All guest rooms have unique decorations and a balcony or terrace, but it's worth upgrading to a sea-view unit.
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Scene
The hotel is busy with both families and couples, but there are many spots to relax
The Ikaros is fronted by a guarded security entrance, which then leads to the beautifully landscaped grounds filled with palm trees and blooming flowers. Marking the middle of a circular drive near the Ikaros’ shops is a 1500-year-old olive tree. Stone pathways and ample greenery contribute to the natural aesthetic. The lobby is gorgeous with rock walls, a backlit green reception desk, and chandeliers hanging overhead. There are also multiple clusters of seating, including modern earth-tone sofas and traditional red velvet armchairs. Additional touches include a weaving loom and huge works of art.
Couples can use any of the pools lined with wooden lounge chairs, but families are more likely to be spotted at the main Aeolos Pool, which has an adjacent kids' pool featuring waterslides designed to look like animals. The hotel does get very busy, attracting equal numbers of couples and families, but with multiple restaurants, bars, and a large beach area, space isn't an issue.
Location
Seafront property on the northern coast of Crete, 30 minutes from the capital Heraklion
A large draw of the Ikaros is its direct access to the sea. Many rooms and almost all restaurants and bars have a gorgeous view of Malia Bay. Malia is primarily a tourist destination due to its nightlife and archaeological sites, and it's a 20-minute walk from the hotel to reach the town center. Knossos, considered Europe's oldest city, is about a 40-minute drive west and home to the largest Bronze Age archaeological site on the island of Crete. Crete's capital, Heraklion, which also hosts the area’s international airport, is a 30-minute drive east.
Rooms
Range of choices in size and decor; all have balconies or terraces, while sea-view rooms are worth the upgrade
Rooms at the hotel range from Classic Rooms with basic amenities to seafront suites with private pools. The more standard rooms are on the small side but include a mini-fridge, flat-screen TV, air-conditioning unit, and safe. Bathrooms either have a bathtub or shower. All rooms have tile floors and slightly dated furniture with unique touches like hand painted flowers on the wall and Moroccan-style throw pillows. Wi-Fi, coffee/tea facilities, and a balcony or terrace are standard as well. Rooms either face the garden or have full or partial views of the sea. The most luxurious suites are spacious with whirlpool baths and separate showers. Some have gorgeous private pools on the terrace along with wicker chairs and wooden loungers.
Features
Several pools, restaurants, and bars, plus a gorgeous sandy beach with plenty of lounge chairs
Relaxation is key at the Ikaros. There are several pools including the Aeolos, which has an adjacent children's pool with fun animal-themed waterslides. The sandy beach area is gorgeous and there are ample sun loungers and umbrellas to snag. The Aura Spa is home to an indoor pool, sauna, and relaxation room with an extensive list of treatment options available. There's also a spacious fitness center with panoramic windows, several cardio and strength-training machines, and free weights. Other activity options include a tennis court, ping pong table, coin-operated billiards, soft animation, and live performances on an open-air stage. Parking is free.
Two pool bars and a lobby bar are on-site along with multiple restaurants that offer outdoor seating and gorgeous views of the sea. The venue’s primary eatery serves each meal buffet style and with a theme in a large area featuring a gorgeous tree centerpiece under vaulted wooden ceilings. Guests also rave about Sunset Asian Restaurant, which serves Chinese cuisine on a terrace. All-inclusive packages are available.
