Is it a mistake to go for IKOS if you can't afford to for every holiday?

[jerkorperk]

As in, if you want to book a one off or every now and then trip to an IKOS such as Dassia

But cannot afford to have that destination as your usual annual holiday. Would I be ruining other all inclusive holidays for myself?

I know not everyone does but I love all inclusive for convenience. I like them a lot

But I've heard those holidays will be deflating once you've been to an IKOS place?

No I don’t think it is a mistake. If you pay a premium for an epic one off and then next time book a bargain basement holiday then you will expect less. We go on expensive summer holidays and then take a bargain basement holiday in the winter. My expectations are less in the winter as I know I have booked a cheap holiday and I am just glad to see the sun.

I have IKOS in September. I have a self catered Airbnb coming up in Lake Garda in a couple of weeks so my expectations are different.

Admittedly what i haven't done is an all inclusive that isn't IKOS

Well I'm currently on my 5th Ikos holiday having booked a 'one off' for a special birthday. We have other holidays (self catering) but any other all inclusive is completely crap.

We are going to IKOS Dassia for the first time in October. It might not be a one off but it certainly won't be a regular occurrence.

I doubt we'll book a different all inclusive holiday next year though, probably something completely different with different expectations.

We’ve done IKOS the past two years but have a non Ikos all incl booked next week, so I’ll report back here in about 10 days.

am not super excited to go, like when we know we are going to Ikos, but the prices were wild so had to look elsewhere

I think there is that risk if it's a similar type of holiday. For us it's cruises we splash out on one every few years but in between we do totally different but cheaper holidays, self catering, camping.

Can I ask what is so amazing about these holidays?

I have heard a lot about them, and the prices is obviously £££.

I’ve never done an AI but have a small child so open to the idea of something easy…

How are the rooms for sharing with a toddler? I wouldn’t want to spend too much and still be tiptoeing around them.

First world problems right here 😂

@MidnightPatrol don't know tbh, we go as a couple.

Everything is included, branded spirits, extensive wine list, champagne. Restaurant quality meals, multiple restaurants. Amazing service. Read a few reviews and you'll get a feel for it.

We went to Ikos 3 years ago and have had other holidays since. I don’t think our other holidays since have been ruined by the experience. We may go back to Ikos this year or next. The first time we went was when DC1 was a newborn and we now have DC2 so the all inclusive nature is useful. We could afford to go to Ikos every year but it’s a lot of money and I don’t always want a holiday where I never leave the resort.

Oh god yeh they look so good. My brother was just on one and said it was fantastic.

I know for me it would ruin every other holiday but I think it's still suck it up :)

Is it any good for teenagers? It looks like it's aimed at families with younger children.

It's not really geared towards teens really. Only if they like sunbathing, eating, relaxing etc.

I suppose it depends what you like to do. We tend to have a more beach based luxury break in Easter/May where standard of accommodation is more important and then a more activities based holiday in summer, where it is less important as we will be out doing things. I haven’t been to ikos but I have been to Sani (it’s sister resort). People do tend to get obsessed by them (there’s no place like Sani bla bla bla) but we went a couple of times and although lovely, I’m happy to try other places now.

We do other holidays as I only 'do' Ikos with my friends as it's too expensive to bring the family to Ikos .
On my first post Ikos holiday the kids decided I was to get a thump every time I said ' Now in Ikos .........'😅!!
I think it does set the bar high for all inclusive . But I think some of the top end resorts in Turkey are comparable . We are heading to Barut Hemera next week .

Ikos not great for teens really , they might be a bit bored .

@FoodieToo Barut Hemera is really lovely. I've stayed at the Lara Beach one as well.

Floofydawg thank you !!! I did a lot of 'research' and am not expecting Ikos but hoping it will be very nice .

Looking at all inclusives now - and not just the usual eg tui, etc

but can I ask - is the price difference really worth it - when compared to eg a tui sensatori lux 5 star hotel?

it’s about 5 times more expensive!

I think you are mature enough to know that a one off luxury holiday is just that.
I've flown business (and once first class) and would I deny myself the opportunity even knowing that the next ten trips had to be economy (I didn't pay for the flights by the way)? No - I'd make sure I really enjoyed the experience!

Didn't ruin other holidays for me but Ikos will always be my best holiday ever. I think if I was rich and could afford to do it all the time it wouldn't be as special. Maybe I'll be able to go back again one day.

Yeah it's certainly not Ikos level but it's as close as you get to it in Turkey. I really liked it - would definitely go back.

@Namechangedforthis25 I don't do TUI so couldn't tell you, sorry. But if it's 5 times the price there's probably a reason for that!

We've been here 5 days and I haven't spent a single penny. You just don't need to. Have drunk the best drinks, ordered Tattinger to my room most days, ate at amazing restaurants for ever meal. All for £2k per person. (I got a good deal, early booking is key).

Has anyone ever done it as a solo traveller, or is it just families and couples ?

I think it's good to have a mix - the more frugal holidays are fun in their own way and make you appreciate the fancier ones more (and the comfort of your own home!).