Ikos but not Ikos. Can anyone help me - very specific end of September Europe

[Holidayornot]

I have a laundry list as long as your arm. We went to Ikos last year and I actually thought the food was very poor. Bringing a 12 and 13 year old. I’m a single Mum.
I know I can’t or won’t get all of this but any ideas from anyone welcome.
For various reasons going end of September.

1. Europe with temps of 24-28. Including Canaries as option
2. Pool and near sea
3. Restaurants really nearby. Nice ones
4. In an ideal world things for kids to do
5. 2/3 bedrooms that isn’t extortionate
6. Ideally in a hotel/resort with upside of those facilities but open to Villa etc.
7. It definitely doesn’t have to be AI. I kind of hated the waste of that.

Budget wise I’m open but don’t want to go mad.
Any ideas?

What do you mean by 'very poor' food? The way MN raves about Ikos, with the option to eat at local restaurants, I can't see many places beating that, unless you go somewhere with a load of Michelin stars, which is likely to be extortionate, although of course that is subjective. What's your budget?

Mallorca has some fancy places and I'm sure you'd also find the same Ibiza, Marbella and cities or large towns rather than 'holiday places'. Estepona in Spain has a reputation for being quite upmarket.

You'd probably also find good accommodation in Valencia, Alicante etc, but I don't know anything about Ikos beating restaurants because I'm happy with a plate of calamari at a beach bar.

In Ikos the restaurants all seemed like that pre-made food that’s put in a microwave and is on the table in 5 mins. We had much nicer fresher food in a cheap restaurant nearby.

Have a look at Creta Maris Resort. I think it’s nearest to meeting all your requirements

I have been to IKOS quite a few times and our last visit in summer 24 will be our last. The brand has new management and the food quality has dropped significantly.

Which resort was it? We’ve been to Olivia twice (3 and 2 years ago) and thought the buffet there was excellent (to the point we didn’t use the a la carte restaurants so much).

Is Turkey any good? Voyage hotels are very nice. Voyage Sorgun was excellent

Other brands that seem to have good ratings are Domes, Mitsis Resorts. I would agree that IKOS quality has slipped, our last visit was disappointing if I am honest, I still think they have a good offering, but they need to keep standards up for guests to re book.

Look at the Jiva Beach resort in Turkey. It is all inclusive, but the food is really lovely.

Look at the Zafiro Palace or Iberostar Selection brands in Majorca. They are pricey by local standards but still a lot less than Ikos, which always seems to me like a ridiculous amount of money (plus the Ikos in Majorca is on a really tiny beach and has friction with the locals).

Never been to Ikos but have been to Sani. We went to Voyage Belek which was very good and a great cheaper alternative. I think they have better hotels in the chain too. Maxx and Cullinen I believe so maybe take a look at those.

Vilamoura in Portugal is great. We stayed at the Hilton which would tick most of your boxes.

Mitsis hotels are fab. We're going here in September