As demand for premium all-inclusive continues to grow, explore an exciting new offering at Majorca’s Ikos Porto Petro
I’m overlooking Porto Petro’s winding shoreline and buzzy harbour – boats bobbing on lapping sapphire water, sailing masts swaying in the wind – with two glasses of wine on the go.
After perusing Ikos Porto Petro’s activity programme on check-in, I’d decided to save the sporty stuff such as tennis, paddleboarding and yoga for later and ease myself in with a 4pm wine tasting at the resort’s waterside Oliva restaurant. It’s much more fun.
“The first wine we’re trying is a rugby player – a hooligan,” says head sommelier Roberto of a red produced on Majorca. “It grows in a harsh environment, where there’s not much water, so it has to protect itself against the environment.
“The second wine is a gentleman, the son of the head of the Swiss national bank. It didn’t have to try very hard.”
Roberto’s lively-but-relaxed style – and generous pouring – has our small group roaring with laughter in this down-to-earth session, where there are no wrong answers. The easy metaphors mean I’ve learnt more (and had more fun) here than in any other wine tasting that I’ve experienced.
Premium all-inclusive at Porto Petro
As well as being a welcome start to the stay following a 5.55am flight from Stansted, the wine tasting is just one of many activities that come as part of the premium all-inclusive offering at Ikos Porto Petro.
It is one of a crop of stylish properties that Ikos has been busy opening over the past two years – Ikos Porto Petro and Ikos Odisia launched in June 2023, while another is currently being built on Crete – off the back of its successful premium all-inclusive model, which the company credits for its success.
Chief sales officer Antonis Avdelas says: “Since launching our concept in 2015, Ikos has redefined the all-inclusive model by seamlessly combining ease with high-quality, personalised luxury. This innovative approach has driven our rapid expansion.”
Indeed, Ikos has an edge when it comes to premium all-inclusive in an increasingly competitive market – with big names such as Marriott and Hyatt having recently entered the luxury all-inclusive space in a bid to capitalise on demand.
“More holidaymakers are looking for premium all-inclusive offers,” says Zoe Towers, head of product at Jet2holidays. “We have more hotels offering this sort of experience for summer 2025, which is great news for independent travel agents, as we know they are seeing more customers asking for this.”
Ikos Porto Petro has five à la carte restaurants, with dishes shaped by Michelin-level chefs – think beautifully presented tuna tiradito (a raw dish similar to sashimi) with ginger and soy, and perfectly cooked steaks in a red wine jus. Even the buffet is fancy, with Japanese-Peruvian fusion food and pretty patisserie treats among the choices.
There’s also a blissed-out spa with a saltwater pool and sauna and steam rooms, as well as a choice of five pools that range from family-friendly and beachside to adult-oriented with daytime DJs.
Away from the resort, all-inclusive guests receive complimentary extras including museum tickets and the option to visit a choice of two local restaurants, with the bill taken care of.
E-bikes in Majorca
We decide to use the resort’s e-bikes to zip along the coast to the next town, Cala d’Or, where we find a lively-but-uncrowded, well-heeled harbourfront lined with restaurants and bars.
It’s fun pedalling around this quiet corner of Majorca, as is driving farther afield the following day. Guests can borrow a Tesla to explore the island – so we take a drive on winding lanes through the coastal reserve of Mondrago Natural Park, all undulating hills dotted with pine and olive trees. Where it meets the coast, there are sandy coves and inlets that make for an invigorating hike.
We continue our drive through the lively town of Santanyi and some beautiful bays with eye-poppingly cerulean waters, then park up close to Mirador Es Pontàs – a lookout to a natural arch formed by crashing waves.
I pause to soak up the beauty of Majorca’s gorgeous coastline, looking out to the craggy formations, with a soundtrack of the forceful waves below and cicadas busy chirping from the bushes.
It’s the shoreline that makes Ikos Porto Petro so stunning too – the resort follows the rocky coast, curving around inlets and coves. Sunbathing on a lounger in a secluded spot near the Deluxe Pool, overlooking a peaceful garden with burgeoning rosemary bushes and jasmine flowers, watching those boat masts gently swaying in the wind, is true Mediterranean magic.
Book it:
Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at Ikos Porto Petro, from £1,929 per person, based on two sharing. The price includes flights from Manchester on April 21 next year, 25kg baggage and transfers.
jet2holidays.com/indulgent-escapes
Holiday Extras offers accommodation at Stansted airport prior to an early-morning flight from £71 per night on April 21, 2025.
holidayextras.com/login.php
Selling tips
❂ Location is key. Ikos Porto Petro has a stunning location, perched on the seafront between two sandy coves so it essentially enjoys its own bay.
❂ The resort offers a wide range of dining options, while wine lovers are spoilt for choice, with more than 300 available – a treat for the taste buds.
❂ The All-Inclusive Plus package includes sporting activities, wellness classes and lots of sessions for kids. Children’s clubs and tailored activities ensure that families are well catered for.
❂ A choice of exclusive extras is available when upgrading to a room in the Deluxe Collection, including private pools and balconies, a bottle of champagne, a personal concierge, and a meal on the beach or two complimentary massages.
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Vulcano; Shutterstock/Balate Dorin; Heinz Troll Photography
