Ikos Resorts to open first Spanish property

A total of €180 million has been invested in transforming the former Princess Hotel – located between Marbella and Estepona – into an all-inclusive property.

The hotel will offer 411 rooms, 4,000 sqm of swimming pools and “extensive gardens”, as well as a la carte menus “curated by Michelin starred chefs”, a choice of 300 wine labels, beach waiter service and 24-hour room service.

Guests will also have the use of a Mini car for one full day, and museum tickets and golf passes are also included as part of the stay.

Ikos Andalusia will the group’s fifth property, joining two all-inclusive hotels in Halkidiki in northern Greece, as well as properties on the islands of Corfu and Kos.

Commenting on the delayed opening of the hotel, Ikos said:

“The demanding construction of Ikos Andalusia was completed ahead of schedule and operational preparations were finalised for the September 1 opening. The result is indeed amazing, and we were eagerly waiting to welcome our guests to this outstanding new Ikos resort.

“Over the last few weeks, however, infections in Spain have progressively spiked, reaching the highest number of daily recorded cases since May, with the upward trend leading to growing fears of an imminent second wave. Based on the current assessment of COVID-19 increased risks, the Foreign & Commonwealth Office UK (FCO) has recently advised against all non-essential travel to mainland Spain from July 26 and has stipulated that return travel is subject to a subsequent 14-day self-isolation period.

“Other countries have also introduced similar restrictions and travel warnings for all the country or parts of it. In light of these recent developments, we have become increasingly concerned about the prudence of an opening so late in the season and putting our guests and staff in harm’s way.

“Therefore, in line with the guidance from the FCO and other national Foreign Offices, and as part of our pledge to protect the health of all those involved, we have taken the difficult decision to postpone the opening of the new Ikos Andalusia from September 2020 to April 2021.”