pools

The 5-star resort has won Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for the second year running, and lucky guests can enjoy a wide range of facilities that include a whopping 10 pools

A luxury hotel nestled on a peninsula in Corfu has grabbed the title of Europe’s Leading All-Inclusive Resort at the World Travel Awards for the second year running.

Ikos Odisia bagged the prestigious award in 2024 and has won again in 2025 for its resort situated on the tranquil eastern coast of the island, within the serene Dassia Bay area. Considering this modern resort only welcomed its first guests in 2023, it’s quite an achievement. So, what sets this all-inclusive holiday apart from the rest?

When you’re holidaying at an all-inclusive resort, a top-notch pool is a must-have, and Ikos Odisia doesn’t disappoint with a staggering 10 heated outdoor pools to pick from. There’s also a splash pool for the little ones and an indoor pool in the spa area.

And if you prefer your own space, rooms with private pools are on offer, including brand new three and four-bedroom villas set to launch in summer 2026, reports the Express.

Once you’ve claimed your sunlounger, you can simply sit back and bask in the sunshine, with towel service and waiting staff on hand to deliver your chosen cocktail. The same high standard of service extends to the hotel’s sandy beach, decked out with cushioned loungers and parasols, ensuring you can settle in comfortably after a refreshing dip in the azure sea.

Another spot to relax is the resort’s opulent spa, which boasts a thermal suite featuring a sauna and steam bath, a spa pool with stunning sea views, and an array of high-end treatments. If you’re holidaying with little ones and fancy some peace, kids’ clubs are on hand for children aged six months and up, offering both morning and afternoon sessions.

For those under four, there’s an additional charge for the creche. However, for 4-12-year-olds, the kids’ club is part of the package and provides a vast selection of activities to keep them entertained all day.

Guests can also book activities like paddleboarding, yoga classes, tennis, or a round of golf. Complimentary bike hire is available if you fancy exploring the peninsula, and the resort can organise electric car hire should you wish to venture further afield.

Dassia boasts numerous stunning beaches, offering popular activities from sailing to water skiing, so it’s well worth taking some time to explore.

When it comes to all-inclusive dining, many might envision chaotic buffets, but at Ikos Odisia, you’re spoilt for choice. While a Mediterranean buffet is available for all-day dining, there are also seven à la carte restaurants serving a diverse range of cuisine, including Greek, Spanish, Peruvian, and Asian options, complemented by an impressive premium wine list.

Naturally, it’s always nice to venture out from the resort in the evenings to sample some local cuisine. As part of your all-inclusive package, you can take advantage of the Dine Out option at three local restaurants. This allows you to experience the local cuisine and soak up the town’s atmosphere without any additional cost.

As dusk falls, why not pop into one of the resort’s cocktail bars for a pre-dinner drink?

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The hotel also offers a variety of entertainment options, ranging from live music to fireworks displays, as well as beach parties to fully embrace those balmy summer nights. For more information about Ikos Odisia and to make a booking, visit their official website.

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NEXT time you’re exploring France, you might spot something that looks like a UFO.

However, it is more likely to be a swimming pool, built back in the 1970s.

Called “Piscines Tournesol” – or “sunflower pools” – it aimed to build 1,000 swimming pools across the country.

This was launched by then Secretary of State for Youth and Sport, Joseph Comiti.

They hoped to encourage more people to swim, after the a series of drowning incidents.

Not only that, but it followed a poor performance from the French swimming team in the 1968 Summer Olympics.

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Around 700 were built, but there was one particular style that was praised.

With a number of designs put forward, the winner was created by architect Bernard Schoellerr – called Piscines Tournesol.

Despite plans for 250 “sunflower” pools across the UK, around 183 were built.

Each one was around 25m long and 10m wide, with a 35m diamater domed roof.

Most of the light came from the round port-hole style windows.

While named after the flower, the pools look more like a spaceship, many have said.

In good weather, the roofs open 120 degrees, so are half indoors and half outdoors.

Sadly only 100 remain across France, although a number are still open to the public, although there are a few also across Luxembourg and Belgium.

One of the easiest for Brits to visit is Piscine Tournesol d’Hellemmes, on the outskirts of Lille.

Or there is Tournesol Raymond-Mulinghausen, 30 minutes from the centre of Paris which even launched €1 swims this summer for kids.

And one of the oldest is Piscine Tournesol de Bonneveine in Marseille, which was granted heritage status in 2000.

I saw one on holiday in Luxembourg, in the early 80’s. It was on top of a hill, hidden behind some trees, just like a real UFO

It’s beautiful, so Space Age looking. Does it open any further, to expose the whole pool?

Here’s how to find the grand Grecian-style pool in the UK.

And we’ve rounded up the best outdoor swimming pools in the UK.