Plans unveiled for first 'Ikos Grand Resort'

Sani/Ikos Group has confirmed plans to open its “most expansive Ikos property to date” following the acquisition of three hotels in Halkidiki, Greece.

The luxury all-inclusive hotel operator has pledged €400 million to redevelop Athos Palace, Pallini Beach and Theophano Imperial, transforming the 40-acre site into Ikos Kassandra, the first ‘Ikos Grand Resort’.

Ikos Kassandra is scheduled to open in April 2029 and will feature 750 contemporary rooms, suites and villas as well as multiple public and private pools, state-of-the-art spas, sports centres and exclusive spaces tailored to both families and adults.

A beachfront promenade will offer more than 30 restaurants and bars, ranging from beach snacks to fine-dining venues, as well as theatres, spas, sports academies, kids and teen clubs and immersive experiences.

The resort is located in Kallithea, an hour from Thessaloniki International Airport, and will boast a beachfront setting with 600 metres of shoreline.

Sani/Ikos Group owns and operates 12 properties across Greece and Spain, with three new Ikos properties in the pipeline: Ikos Kissamos in Crete, Ikos Marbella in Spain, and Ikos Cortesia in the Algarve, Portugal, which are expected to open between 2026 and 2028.

A statement from the group said the addition of Ikos Kassandra would bring the group’s total capacity to more than 5,600 keys by 2029.

Major investments are also underway at Sani Resort, including the renovation and extension of Sani Asterias and the renovation of Sani Club, both of which will be completed by April 2025, as well as a two-phase renovation of Sani Beach, set to be completed by April 2028.

The developments form part of Sani/Ikos Group’s broader five-year investment plan of more than €1 billion, aimed at expanding its regional footprint across the Mediterranean “while delivering lasting economic benefits and supporting local labour markets”.

The brand said the construction phase of Ikos Kassandra would generate 1,000 jobs, and 1,300 direct positions upon opening.

It added that investment in Ikos Kassandra would “play a key role in advancing Greek hospitality and tourism by elevating Halkidiki’s profile as a luxury destination in the Mediterranean”.

Photo: Sani/Ikos Group