ikos - best way to book

[Ikos26]

Hi, Ikos novice but considering a week at the end of July, family of 4, 2 x adults, 1 teen and 1 toddler. I've done some research but going round in circles and looking for advice. Is is usually best/cheaper to book direct and then book seperate flights or book a package (I've been looking at Jet2 indulgent escapes). Want to do it as cheaply as I can (although I know it's not cheap!) but with limited hassle.. any recommendations? TIA
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It’s definitely worth trying direct and trying the packages to see what comes out cheapest. I’ve always found it cheaper booking direct and getting flights separately (it helps that we now get a 10% repeater discount), especially as private transfers are included if you book direct.

Ok, thank you. I'll do some proper research and get a pad and pen out, just been doing it on my phone so far. I've been looking at the Olivia one. Have you been there and would you recommend?

We looks online at bespoke providers like Kenwood travel, Destinology, Destination 2 etc as well as conventional websites.

I know you can book flight and hotel separate and take out insurance but logistically it seems a night mare if one got cancelled as the other isn’t obliged to react. Imagine an engine failure and your plane can’t leave - IKOS still expects you, but you can’t get there. IKOS have no connection to the airplane booking if it’s not booked as a package somewhere.

But then again, I am a lawyer so it’s in my nature 😂 (As someone who also paid with a CC and has insurance!)

We used Destination2 recently - got IKOS Kissamos for £4K for a week this June instead of the £11K advertised everywhere !

We’ve been to Olivia and Oceania and we’re heading to Andalusia this year. They’re all lovely and very easy holidays. We really liked Olivia, I’d say it’s best suited to families with younger children.

We did Andalusia last year @2catsand2kidsand it’s converted us to IKOS - good to hear about Olivia as we’re a couple only but worth knowing for when we have kids in a year or two.

The fact I can have à la carte breakfasts, great coffee and really nice quality cocktails spoils all other luxury AI’s…!

The bars at Andalusia are all lovely. If you get a chance to sit at the pool bar under the shade between about 2-4pm to have a drink and some snacks, I recommend it! Lovely vibe, great staff and nice location for people watching in the shade for a little while. ☺️

If you book direct you get 10% off if you go to IKOS or sani again. We always book direct and then use our Avois points for flights- we’ve been 3 times now and have paid £1 PP per flight! Which IKOS are you going to? I love it so much it’s great

Sorry just seen you’ve said Olivia. Yes it’s fab!

@brunettenorthern91 I've booked...Package via Jet2 worked out cheaper than direct and separate flights anyway (and I got quotes from other providers too, Jet2 cheaper with their discount codes). Very excited now!

@Ikos26congrats! We found direct plus flights was cheaper by a long shot but could just be timeframes as we’re going June 2026. I’m excited for you! 😂🎉👏🏼

Have a great time OP. Ikos is my favourite chain of hotels. The only thing I didn’t like booking with jet2 is that we couldn’t book deluxe, but we still had a fantastic time.

Thanks. I've downloaded the Ikos app to try and look at restaurants and make reservations....but it's not recognising my e mail address as I haven't booked direct. So, I've e mailed Ikos with my Jet2 booking reference asking them to link it/set me up on the app, so hoping that does the trick