Mallorca has always been a favourite family holiday destination and now parents have even more reason to choose the Balearic hotspot: Ikos Porto Petro has arrived.
Ikos has become the gold standard for holidays with young children, and the first of their resorts to open in the Balearics lives up to the reputation. Synonymous with luxury family holidays; at Ikos hotels you’re always made to feel comfortable taking children to their many Michelin-star-chef backed restaurants – even if pasta sauce might be thrown on the floor.
The latest five-star opening by Ikos is the picturesque Porto Petro resort in Mallorca; it opened in June 2023 and is named after the little fishing village it sits next to. Like its sister properties, Porto Petro offers Ikos’ ultra all-inclusive package – where food and drink are taken care of but so are activities, the crèche and the kids’ club – so parents can relax, and won’t have to whip out a bank card during the entire stay.
The Vibe
With understated and elegant surroundings spread out along half a mile of picturesque coastline and serviced by a small army of friendly staff, it’s no wonder this Mallorcan hotel has quickly become a firm-favourite with families. Just 50 minutes from Palma airport, find the resort on a tranquil corner of the island, close to Mondrago National Park. Located between two idyllic and quiet sandy beaches, its low-rise modern buildings are surrounded by verdant grounds where billowing grass and mature pines frame sea views.
The resort is large, and it takes some time to find your bearings, but there are plenty of buggies whizzing around to whisk you to the beach or to a restaurant. In terms of facilities, Ikos Porto Petro doesn’t miss a beat. The hotel has five outdoor and indoor heated pools for families and children (including one exclusively for Deluxe category guests) and two secluded sandy coves. There are six bars, a mini market, an ice cream parlour, a gym and an exclusive Anne Semonin Spa – a must for tired parents who want to unwind.
The Rooms
With more than 300 rooms, suites and bungalows there’s plenty of choice, but the three-bedroom bungalow suites are ideal for larger families and multigenerational groups. All rooms have great views, most have glass-fronted balconies, and some have gardens and private pools. Contemporary in style, decor is a warming palette of yellow, beige and cream, with natural wood and raffia accents to compliment the Mallorcan landscape.
Expect big comfy sofas, coffee and tea-making facilities, built-in wardrobes, plasma TVs, excellent air conditioning and a complimentary minibar that’s replenished every day. Deluxe rooms come with a welcome bottle of Taittinger too. Parents will love the ease at which the rooms can be adapted to suit families. Nothing is too much trouble to ensure the comfort of little guests; staff will assist with cots, roll-away beds, baby monitors, baby bath tubs and more.
The Food + Drink
Differing from all-inclusive resort hotels of old, Ikos Porto Petro offers top level restaurant service, food and drink. All (adult) guests are offered limitless champagne and access to 300 international wines at no extra cost during their stay. There are five restaurants, all with menus curated by international Michelin-starred chefs, plus a superb buffet restaurant, The Market which is ideal for an early dinner with young children.
Head to the Beach Club for Mediterranean classics, Seasons for Latin American dishes, Oliva for Spanish and Fresco for Italian, while Anaya has an Asian fusion menu. A buffet breakfast is available at The Market or opt for the à la carte breakfast at Oliva and Seasons. Be sure to make use of the Dine Out experience for authentic Mallorcan cuisine at local restaurants, Es Bergant (600m away from Ikos) or Porto Cari (3km away), at no extra cost.
The Child’s Play
Expect daily entertainment and activities at Heroes Crèche and Kids Club that include group sports lessons, cooking classes, karaoke, art, magic shows, treasure hunts and beach and pool games – all carefully overseen by qualified professionals in line with UK Ofsted standards. There’s also a Just4Teens sports and activities club for over twelves.
Aside from baby amenities in rooms such as cots, nappy bins and sterilisers, there are highchairs in the restaurants, pram rentals and babysitting services if mum and dad fancy a night out on their own. All restaurants serve an extensive list of delicious and nutritious children’s menus including freshly prepared and pureed baby food; child-friendly cups and cutlery are produced before you have time to ask.
The To-Do List
Beautiful view of the coast in Porto Petro, Spain Majorca island, Mediterranean Sea, Balearic Islands.
Make use of a complimentary Tesla for the day to soak up the island’s natural beauty; explore mountains, local villages, rugged coastline or the capital city, Palma.
If you prefer to explore on foot, the sleepy village of Porto Petro – an ideal setting for water sports, boat trips and sea-caving adventures – is a 10-minute walk away, or hike the pathways in the nature reserves of Parc Natural de S’Albufera. The Palma Aquarium is well worth a visit to see many colourful species of fish, or for a quaint family outing, take the traditional wooden train from Palma to the beautiful Port de Sóller. It’s been running since 1912 and will take you through the stunning scenery of the Sierra Norte de Mallorca during the short journey.
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