Ikos Porto Petro comes with a pretty big claim: one of the best all-inclusive resorts in the world, where everything – from Michelin-designed menus to beachfront cocktails – is included. And it’s not just Ikos saying it. The brand has picked up major awards from TripAdvisor, World Travel Awards, and Condé Nast Traveller. So when I was invited to stay, I was eager to see if it lives up to the hype.
First Impressions
A little over an hour from Palma, on Mallorca’s quieter east coast, Porto Petro is a small fishing village tucked along the shoreline. Past the bobbing boats and harbourfront restaurants, a road winds uphill behind a line of palm trees before Ikos Porto Petro finally comes into view. On arrival, the welcome from smiling staff feels straight out of The White Lotus, followed by my first question of the day: indoor or outdoor check-in? It’s a nice touch and a good sign of what’s to come.
Buggies to Your Bedroom
Spread across a kilometre of virgin coastline, getting around the resort requires hiking shoes or one of the many buggies available. Within minutes, I’ve whizzed past beach bars, pools, restaurants, and manicured gardens to my sea-view abode. It’s not the largest room I’ve ever stayed in, but it’s light, airy, and dressed in neutral tones and natural textures that echo the rest of the resort – a nod to the brand’s eco credentials.
As you’d expect from a five-star resort, the details are pristine: crisp white bedding, a scaled-up bathroom with double sinks, plenty of storage, and a free minibar. The all-inclusive tag extends to the fridge, with mini bottles of spirits, snacks, and a full bottle of rosé ready for balcony drinks. The extended balcony is another highlight, with leafy trees framing a clear view of the Med.
Rooms range from Superior Doubles (where I’m staying) and Junior Suites to larger family suites, residences, and three- and four-bedroom villas, with options including garden, pool, and sea views, plus private gardens and pools in some categories.
Flop and Drop Gets the Ultimate Upgrade
If your ideal holiday involves being largely horizontal, the pools are waiting. The Beach Club area is the main hub, where families gather and kids splash in shallower lanes. If that’s not your scene, there are adults-only pools dotted further up the resort, including a quieter Central Pool and the suite-only Deluxe pool – both better for the ‘read a book and leave my phone in the room’ crowd.
Plenty of sunbeds mean no dawn dash, and all-inclusive drinks ensure you’re never far from a daiquiri or beer. With more than 1,000 staff for around 360 rooms, service is seamless. Even during the first week of the season at full capacity, it never feels crowded. Canopy beds were always available, and smaller beachfront areas were just as appealing. Families are well looked after with a crèche for babies and toddlers (six months to four years), a kids club for four to 12-year-olds, a supper club, poolside childcare, and baby-friendly extras like monitors and pram rental.
Food and Drink Fit for Royalty
The dining offering goes beyond any all-inclusive formula I’ve experienced. Guests can choose from six à la carte restaurants: Italian at Fresco, Spanish at Oliva, Asian at Anaya, Greek-inspired dishes at Ouzo, and Mediterranean plates at Beach Club – all with menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs and a 100-strong wine list. For something more casual, head to The Market for an international spread with live cooking corners and a buffet that changes daily. Deluxe guests also get access to Seasons restaurant and a beachfront dining experience.
You can even venture into the neighbouring village and dine at local restaurants as part of your all-inclusive allowance – a nice touch that supports local businesses. When the resort is at full capacity, it’s worth reserving tables before arrival. The Ikos app makes booking easy, with automatic email reminders.
If you’re a DINK (Double Income No Kids) like me, be prepared for most dinner tables to be surrounded by families. Ikos is marketed as a family resort, so the luxury vibe takes a small hit at dinner with shouting children and messy tables. Fortunately, the drinking options punch above their all-inclusive weight. Five main bars plus smaller spots cater to every corner of the resort. The menu is extensive, and my taste test of cocktails gets the stamp of approval – the espresso martini and passion and wild are standouts.
When ‘Pool Day’ Isn’t Enough
If you can tear yourself away from the water, the resort and surrounding area offer more than sun loungers. There’s a well-equipped gym with modern machines and free weights, plus on-site sports including tennis, volleyball, and football. Watersports are covered with complimentary kayaking, paddleboarding, and snorkelling gear. The spa is worth a visit for a massage, but book ahead – I met guests who couldn’t get a booking for their entire stay. Inside, there’s a heated pool perfect for laps, a sauna, and a steam room (no booking needed).
One standout perk is the complimentary electric MINI Countryman hire as part of the ‘Local Drive Adventure’. Every guest gets at least one full day behind the wheel to explore Mallorca. The hour trip to Palma is a breeze in this smooth ride. Ikos’ Culture Pass gives free entry to Palma’s cathedral, and free bike hire is available for nearby coastal paths.
The Verdict
This is the best all-inclusive I’ve ever stayed at, and probably the best I ever will. The food and drink offering was impeccable, the service flawless. That said, the number of children and families made it a little less appealing for someone like me, though I can see the appeal if you’re travelling as a family – especially if you book a cheaper room category and make the most of everything included. Would I stay again? Absolutely… but far, far away from school holidays. Until then, I’ll have to keep paying for my espresso martinis.
Getting to Ikos Porto Petro in Mallorca
Ryanair flies from London Stansted to Palma. Return fares in June start from £48. Other airlines including British Airways, WizzAir, easyJet, and Jet2 also fly here regularly. At the hotel, prices for a last-minute trip this June start from £975 per night for a standard room. Booking a season ahead can massively reduce costs. From summer 2026, newer and larger villas are opening for the first time – among the nicest I’ve seen, with a nightly price tag in late August of almost €10,000.
