INTERVIEW — Savvas Sidiropoulos, Senior General Manager Ikos Andalusia

The arrival of Ikos Resorts in Spain has redefined the concept of all-inclusive within the luxury segment. With a presence in privileged destinations such as the Costa del Sol and Mallorca, the brand has positioned itself with a distinctive offering that blends personalised service, high-end gastronomy, and a sophisticated Mediterranean lifestyle. We speak with Savvas Sidiropoulos, Senior General Manager at Ikos Andalusia, about his vision of the Spanish market, the Ikos experience, and the operational keys that allow them to remain a benchmark in luxury hospitality.

Ikos has redefined the concept of all-inclusive luxury. What would you say makes Ikos Andalusia stand out from other hotels on the Costa del Sol?

Like every Ikos resort, Ikos Andalusia raises the bar with its globally acclaimed Unconditional Luxury concept, seamlessly blending Michelin-inspired dining, bespoke service, and curated local experiences. Our unique fusion of world-class hospitality with the authentic essence of the Costa del Sol creates an unmatched guest experience.

How does the Estepona location contribute to the guest experience? What makes the destination attractive to your international clientele?

Estepona’s captivating charm and prime coastal location enhance our guests’ experiences through the exclusive Ikos Golden Mile Experience, and our complimentary Local Discovery concept, giving privileged access to cultural hotspots, museums, and gourmet dining. This allows guests to immerse themselves effortlessly in the vibrant Andalusian lifestyle.

The ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ (Unconditional Luxury) concept is a core part of your brand. How does it translate into the daily operations of the hotel?

Unconditional Luxury means every detail—from gourmet à la carte dining to enriching experiences beyond the resort—is thoughtfully included. This approach ensures every moment is seamless, elegant, and effortless, reflecting consistent excellence in our daily operations.

From an operational perspective, what are the main challenges of maintaining excellence in an all-inclusive model, especially during peak season?

Balancing exceptional quality with peak occupancy requires meticulous planning, robust training, and streamlined logistics. Our greatest asset remains our dedicated team’s heartfelt commitment to personalized guest service, ensuring excellence even in the busiest periods.

Ikos Resorts has firmly committed to the Spanish market. How has demand evolved in recent years, and what trends are you seeing for the 2025 season?

Demand has steadily increased, driven by guests seeking immersive, sustainable, and effortless luxury experiences. Early trends for 2025 indicate robust growth from both traditional markets and emerging segments focused on meaningful, high-quality holidays.

F&B is a cornerstone of your offering. How do you craft a dining experience that lives up to the expectations of discerning luxury guests?

We collaborate with renowned Michelin-starred chefs, meticulously source the finest local ingredients, and deliver distinctive, personalized culinary experiences across each restaurant, continuously exceeding luxury expectations.

Many luxury hotels are seeking new ways to personalise the guest experience. What role does technology play in your service approach?

Our technology, including the intuitive Ikos app, enhances personalization through seamless pre-arrival planning and easy access to resort services. Technology serves as a tool to elevate, never replace, our genuine human interactions, making guest stays effortlessly personalized.

What is the share of national versus international guests? Do you observe different expectations or behaviours between them?

The majority of our guests remain international, although domestic guests are notably increasing. While international visitors typically seek extended stays and exploratory experiences, domestic guests frequently choose shorter, indulgent escapes focused on relaxation and culinary enjoyment.

How does sustainability fit into the Ikos model, and how is it implemented in your Spanish properties?

Sustainability is integral to our operational ethos, encompassing energy-efficient practices, waste minimization, local sourcing, and active community engagement. Our Spanish resorts proudly hold esteemed environmental certifications, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to responsible luxury.

Finally, what are your plans for the future of Ikos in Spain? Can we expect new openings on the horizon?

Spain continues to be strategically significant for Ikos. We are actively exploring new premium coastal locations, notably Marbella, where we are planning our next exciting opening. Stay tuned—further announcements will follow soon, underlining our continued commitment to growth and excellence in Spain