Maybe it’s something about the age and stage I’m at in life, but I feel like the Ikos chain of resorts have become some sort of parenting legend. Known for being considered the ‘ultimate’ family all inclusive resort option. Where every detail is though of to create a truly relaxing holiday experience for all the family. Not of course without a hefty price tag for something that was often considered an oxy moron (relaxing, kids and holiday rarely come together in a scentence). But, this October half term we found ourselves heading off to Sunny Malaga to experience the legend of Ikos for ourselves.
Honestly I’d love to have come away and had some sort of juicy negative critique to share but honestly, it was great. Truly it was the perfect “reset” moment I didn’t know I needed (along with the family). That’s the general take away from the Ikos resort experience overall, but let’s take a moment to focus on the spa (since this is a beauty-centric space it makes sense).
The spa facilities, like the vast majority of the Ikos offering are included. The only extra charge comes from the treatment options. So you can in all fairness just use the facilities but being a bit of a spa-junkie I couldn’t help myself and indulged in not one, but two treatments across the week we were there. One I had pre-booked before arrival and the second I booked because I enjoyed the first treatment so much.
From the moment I walked into the spa to the second I reluctantly left the facilities, everything felt purposeful, calm and fluff-free in the best possible way. It was a quiet, but not intimidating space. With friendly staff and a soothing environment.
The front-desk staff were polished and friendly, offering a drink, showing me around the space, and making sure I felt comfortable before I even changed into the robe. It felt effortless and kind. I do like it when a spa is clear about what to wear, where to put your stuff etc. It makes it less intimidating on the whole ‘do I wear pants or swimwear or nothing’ front.
Ikos Andalucía’s spa feels like a peaceful hideaway within the extensive resort. The indoor pool is millpond smooth (nobody in it made it feel even more calm and serene), a relaxing area with heated loungers and subtle ambient lighting, giving you space to breathe and unwind. There’s a thermal suite too — steam room, sauna — all beautifully maintained. The changing rooms were spotless, stocked with towels, robes, slippers and high-end products, which always says something about how seriously the spa takes the guest experience.
One of the most memorable things? The stillness. At no point did I feel like I was in a busy hotel spa. The lounge areas were quiet, the music soft and unobtrusive, and the pool area had a gentle calm. If I had to guess, I’d say that on cooler days or when the Mediterranean weather isn’t quite as toasty then more resort guests might drift in here, so perhaps the vibe might be busier then. But for me, it was blissfully tranquil.
I booked two separate appointments across the week. My first was a combined body scrub + massage session; then a second appointment for a full hour-long massage. Both were wonderful, and felt like a happy blend of functional and experiential.
In the first treatment, my therapist started giving me a choice of which oil I wanted to use. I opted for lavendar then she began the body scrub: warm, gentle yet thoroughly soothing, with marine elements and oils that left my skin silky and uplifted. She asked about pressure, checked on comfort, and following me showering off the scrub I enjoyed a smooth perfectly judged pressure massage that absolutely eased away travel tension and everyday knots. The attention was calm, attentive and unhurried.
Later in the week, I returned for the standalone hour-long massage. A different therapist, same calm professionalism, but this time the focus was pure relaxation and release. I adjusted the oil selection (to the more neutral, hydrating olive oil) and pressure to match how my body felt, and the treatment felt tailor-made rather than off-the-shelf. I floated out of the room to enjoy some calm (child free!) time in the facilities before I rejoined my family.
I can’t emphasise enough how much the staff made the experience stand out. The front-desk team were prompt, cheerful and relaxed. The therapist was intuitive, kind and expert. From setting expectations at the start to quietly checking in during the treatments, the entire flow felt seamless. What could have felt clinical instead felt personal. The timing was also generous, my biggest bug bear with spa treatments is when they conclude early or start late and it’s not even acknowledged. But there was none of that here. I’d even say the treatment ran a little long but it never felt rushed or like I had to get out.
In a nutshell: if you’re looking for a resort spa experience that doesn’t feel crowded or chaotic, that gives you space to unwind, and where the staff truly care, Ikos Andalucía delivers. The balance between luxury and genuine warmth is spot on. It’s not just about the treatments, it’s about the entire spa environment, the welcome, the quiet, the moments in between when you’re simply lying on a lounger, breathing deeply, maybe dipping into the pool.
If I were to pick one thing to flag for anyone going: if the weather turns or you visit in a busier season, the spa might naturally fill up more (especially if other resort guests come down). So I’d recommend reserving your treatments early, maybe heading down off-peak, and allowing yourself a little “spa time buffer” to arrive early, change calmly and enjoy the ambience.
It’s also worth noting, this is a spa connected to the resort – so you’re already likely shelling out generously for your holiday. I do recommend making the most of the spa facilities as they’re well worth it and if budget allows – the treatments are equally worthwhile.
All told, this spa escape at Ikos Andalucía was just what I needed – a generous dose of pampering luxury, a lot of calm, and a reminder that sometimes the best antidote to busy days is not doing much at all, in a place that truly supports that. If only a luxury 5 star resort could be a regular thing eh?!
Holiday and treatments all fully paid for by me.
