Our European adventure began with five unforgettable nights on the beautiful Greek island of Corfu, and looking back, I honestly can't imagine a better place to start our trip. If you're searching for a destination that combines effortless luxury, beautiful beaches, incredible food, and activities for children of every age, Corfu deserves to be at the very top of your list.
Where We Stayed: Ikos Dassia
We chose Ikos Dassia, and I can confidently say it exceeded every expectation. I've always been hesitant about all-inclusive resorts because, in my experience, they often sacrifice quality for convenience. Ikos completely changed my perception. This wasn't just a great all-inclusive resort — it felt every bit as luxurious as a Four Seasons or Rosewood, but with the added benefit of having nearly everything included. The property features two beautiful main pools, several smaller pools tucked throughout the resort, and a gorgeous palm-lined beach with calm, crystal-clear water that was perfect for children. Our spacious, modern suite comfortably accommodated our family of five, something that can be surprisingly difficult to find in Europe.
Sanaz's tip: Book the suite well in advance — family-sized accommodations at Ikos sell out quickly, especially in peak summer months.
A Dream Resort for Families
One of the things that impressed us most was how thoughtfully Ikos caters to families. The children's club and teen club were exceptional, staffed by some of the kindest and most attentive people we've encountered while traveling. Our kids genuinely looked forward to spending time there, giving us the opportunity to relax knowing they were having just as much fun as we were. Best of all, these clubs were included in the cost of the stay, adding tremendous value to the experience. The resort also featured a complimentary gelato shop that quickly became a daily tradition for our children.
Sanaz's tip: The teen club is a genuine highlight — not an afterthought. Teenagers who are usually hard to impress were completely won over.
The Best All-Inclusive Food We've Ever Had
If someone had told me before this trip that one of the best meals of my life would come from an all-inclusive resort, I wouldn't have believed them. The dining at Ikos was nothing short of extraordinary. Our absolute favorite restaurant was Anaya, the resort's Asian restaurant. Every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious — easily some of the best Asian cuisine I've ever had. We also loved Ouzo, the Greek restaurant, where dinner often included traditional live music, dancing, and the famous Greek plate-breaking celebrations. It was such a fun way to experience local culture while still enjoying the comfort of the resort. Even the casual poolside dining exceeded expectations — every meal was consistently fresh, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious.
Sanaz's tip: Make a reservation at Anaya on your first day — it books up fast and you'll want to go back more than once.
Endless Water Activities
Our first day was dedicated to simply enjoying everything the resort had to offer. The calm beach and warm Ionian Sea were perfect for families, and my children absolutely loved the complimentary pedal boats available right from the beach. For a little more adventure, we booked several water sports through the resort, including the banana boat and parasailing. Watching my children experience parasailing for the very first time was unforgettable. Floating quietly high above the turquoise water while taking in the breathtaking coastline became one of our favorite memories of the trip. It was peaceful, surprisingly relaxing, and offered spectacular views of Corfu from above.
Sanaz's tip: Book water sports early in your stay — availability fills up quickly during peak season and you don't want to miss the parasailing.
A Private Yacht to Paxos & Antipaxos
One of the highlights of our vacation was chartering a private yacht for the day to visit Paxos and Antipaxos. The journey takes about an hour each way, making it a full-day excursion, but it is worth every minute. If you've ever dreamed of Caribbean-style water in Europe, Antipaxos is the place. The water is unbelievably clear — shimmering shades of turquoise and sapphire that honestly rival some of the most beautiful beaches we've seen anywhere in the world. We spent the day swimming, relaxing, and exploring before stopping in the charming village of Paxos for lunch, shopping, and wandering through its picturesque harbor. Without question, this was one of the highlights of our time in Greece.
Sanaz's tip: Charter a private yacht rather than joining a group tour — the freedom to linger at Antipaxos as long as you want is worth every penny.
Becoming Our Own Captain
The following day brought another unforgettable adventure. Through Ikos, we rented a private boat to explore Corfu's coastline — and for the day, my husband became our captain. One of the many thoughtful touches from the hotel was providing us with a complimentary picnic basket filled with sandwiches, snacks, fresh fruit, and drinks for our day on the water. We spent hours cruising along the coast, stopping in secluded coves to swim and enjoy the sunshine. While the water wasn't quite as brilliantly turquoise as Antipaxos, having the freedom to explore at our own pace made for one of our favorite family memories. We even arranged a family photo shoot that day, capturing moments we'll treasure forever.
Sanaz's tip: Ask Ikos to arrange the complimentary picnic basket when you book the boat rental — it's a lovely touch that makes the day feel extra special.
A Family-Friendly White Party
One evening, the resort hosted a beautiful White Party on the beach complete with a live DJ, performers, dancing, and entertainment. The atmosphere reminded me of the famous beach clubs in Mykonos — but what made it so special was that it was designed for families. Parents and children danced together under the stars, creating an elegant yet relaxed celebration that everyone could enjoy. It was one of those evenings that perfectly captures why Ikos is such a special place.
Sanaz's tip: Pack a white outfit for everyone — the White Party is a resort tradition and you'll want to be dressed for the occasion.
Thoughtful Service That Makes All the Difference
The exceptional service at Ikos truly set it apart. One of our favorite perks was the complimentary one-day car rental offered to guests when reserved in advance. It gave us the flexibility to explore more of Corfu while still enjoying all the conveniences of the resort. Every member of the staff went out of their way to make our stay memorable, anticipating needs before we even had to ask. It's this level of genuine hospitality that transforms a beautiful hotel into an unforgettable experience.
Sanaz's tip: Reserve the complimentary car rental as soon as you check in — it's one of the most underrated perks and it books up quickly.
Where to Eat
Ikos Dassia's dining exceeded every expectation — these were our standout experiences at the resort.
Anaya (Ikos Dassia)
Best on propertyThe resort's Asian restaurant was, without exaggeration, one of the best dining experiences of our entire trip. Every dish was beautifully presented and absolutely delicious — easily some of the best Asian cuisine I've ever had anywhere in the world. The fact that it's included in the all-inclusive rate makes it even more extraordinary.
Ouzo (Ikos Dassia)
Cultural experienceThe resort's Greek restaurant is a full cultural experience as much as a meal. Dinner often includes traditional live music, dancing, and the famous Greek plate-breaking celebrations. It's a joyful, festive atmosphere that the whole family loves — and the food is genuinely excellent.
Poolside Dining (Ikos Dassia)
Casual & includedEven the casual poolside dining exceeded expectations. Whether grabbing lunch between swimming or enjoying a relaxed afternoon snack, every meal was consistently fresh, beautifully prepared, and genuinely delicious. Don't overlook the gelato shop — it became a non-negotiable daily tradition for our children.
