Ikion Eco Boutique hotel listed in 20 best Greek island hotels

Ikion Eco Alonissos

THE TIMES Saturday April 12 2014The Times_12-04-2014_1GW_p25

Rocky uninhaboted islets to the north of Alonissos have been designated a marine park to help conserve the largest known population of the mediterranean monk seal, and the  green them continues at this hotel that has a string of enviromental certificates. Surrounted by pines, it has 13 rooms and suites with a contemporary feel, and good beaches are just few minutes walk away.! Visit this site for more details.

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities

Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities
Ζοοm in – Zoom out

To increase the text size use the settings of your browser. In most browsers, the size increases from the keyboard by pressing Ctrl and + (plus), while decreases with simultaneous pressing Ctrl and – (minus). Alternatively, press Ctrl and roll the mouse wheel to zoom in and zoom out. By simultaneously pressing Ctrl and 0 (zero), return to original size.

Zoom in: Ctrl and +

Zoom out: Ctrl and –

Original size: Ctrl and 0

Alternatively, use the following (Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox or Opera or Google Chrome only). The first ‘A’ returns to original size.

Adjust Contrast

To achieve high contrast to most browsers, press simultaneously left ALT, left SHIFT and PRINT SCREEN. By the same keys you can turn off high contrast. Alternatively, use the following buttons (Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox or Opera or Google Chrome only).

High Contrast: left ALT and left SHIFT and PRINT SCREEN

Renovation and Rebranding το IKION ECO BOUTIQUE HOTEL

On September 15, 2010 general renovation work began at the Hotel which completed on mid May 2011. The design and supervision of work undertaken by the Architect Studio and Designers Mr. Christophoros Lazaridis and Partners. The aim is to improve facilities and upgrade our services.

Ikion with respect and sensitivity to the environment of the island of Alonissos which is a symbol of global ecology, redirected to developing of green functions,  actions and activities. As an Eco hotel IKION  has made important environmental improvements to its structure in order to minimize its impact on the environment. It is a green hotel  environmentally-responsible that follows the practices of green living. Ikion Eco Boutique hotel follows strict green guidelines to ensure that our guests are staying in a safe, non-toxic and energy-efficient accommodation.

Here are some basic characteristics of IKION ECO green hotel actions:

  • Housekeeping uses non-toxic cleaning agents and laundry detergent
  • substrates, mattresses, pillows, curtains, furniture made by COCO-MAT only from natural materials (seaweed, horsehair, coco-fibres, natural rubber, cotton, wool, goose down, cactus, silk)
  • 100% organic cotton sheets, towels and mattresses
  • Non-smoking environment
  • Renewable energy sources for hot water, solar water heaters.
  • Bulk organic soap and amenities instead of individual packages to reduce waste
  • Guest room and hotel lobby recycling bins
  • Towel and sheet re-use (guests can tell housekeeping to leave these slightly used items to reduce water consumption)
  • Energy-efficient lighting (LED type 90% energy saving)
  • Serves organic and local-grown food
  • Non-disposable dishes
  • Electrical energy efficient devices
  • Rainwater collection tanks,  for garden and landscaping
  • Recycling program

Ikion Eco is furnished in a unique themed, stylish and aspirational manner. Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel is furnished and decorated in a minimal matter referred to the sense of water flow.

As a Boutique hotel, the IKION ECO is always individual and focused on offering it’s services in a comfortable, intimate, and welcoming setting, so that it is extremely unlikely to be found amongst the homogeneity of large chain hotel groups. Guest rooms and suites are fitted with telephony and cable fast internet/intranet, Wi-Fi Internet, air-conditioning, honesty bars and  satelight TV, cable/pay TV etc.

IKION ECO is focusing on quiet and comfort. Guest services are attended to by 24-hour hotel staff.

The works constitute a comprehensive plan and includes 5 sections:

1. Renovation of building infrastructure to ensure high aesthetic quality, functionality and comfort.

2. Upgrading of the production process for renewal of all furnishings and equipment. The design and quality standards aimed at creating high quality class 4 or even 5 stars.

3. Development of innovations in the operation of the hotel in order to distinguish it from the classical form of sleeping accommodation

4. Application procedures enviroment direction with emphasis on energy saving and environmental protection.

5. Implementing and developing information systems designed to offer modern amenities for hotel guests. The project is included in the Programme of 1st Action of the (ΕΣΠΑ) to strengthen SMEs and funded by the Greek Government and the European Union.

Partners and Suppliers for Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel Renovation

COCO-MAT (substrates, mattresses, pillows, curtains, furniture, sheets, towels)

NAFPLIOTIS Bros Company specialized in the field of glass Box Douche, Mirrors, inscription, stairs, windows glass

BRIGHT SPECIAL LIGHTING S.A Lighting Techniques Design Projects

ALMECO Decor for Furnitures

KYPRIOTIS SA for BATH – TILES – BATHROOM – SHOWER – FLOOR

LG HELLAS and AMF electronics for air conditions, TV,  satelight recievers

SYCHEM for Sea water desalination Plants

Certification EN ISO 14001-2004 for Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel

Certificate of Registration ISO 14001:2004

For a hotel that proclaims itself to be environmentally friendly, only having adopted practices and actions during its operation to protect the environment, is not enough. To be effective, it must be conducted within a structured management system, integrated in the overall activity of its administration.
The Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel settled Environmental Management System (EMS) ISO 14001 in order to:
-To achieve compliance with the Applicable Company for this Legislation
-To minimize negative environmental impacts from Operations
-To Improve constantly the techniques used
-To reduce energy consumption
-To reduce the consumption of natural resources

This EMS system includes:
-A strategic planning of the Environmental Management
-The developing of the required documentation (Procedures and Guidelines Manual for Environmental Management, etc.) considering the   results of an initial environmental analysis and compliance with the requirements of Standard ISO 14001,
-The implementation of Environmental Management System
-The preparation of an Environmental Plan which sets out the objectives of the company in relation to the environment,
-The inspections in order to identify points of non-compliance
-The corrective actions and adjustments in relation to the Environmental Management System
-The staff training in Environmental Management System

The benefits arising from the adoption of an Environmental Management System are divided into two categories:
(a) The benefits for the company:
- Operating cost savings through saving resources spent,
- Obtaining competitive advantage as the consequent increase in Sales
- Education and Awareness of Human Resources in protecting the environment
- Improving the organization and operation of the hotel on environmental issues
- saving Energy
- Saving Natural Resources

(b) The benefits for the society and the environment.

Classification Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel and cooperation with Green Hotels

   

GreenHotels is the first network of Greek Eco Hotels. By the term “Eco Hotels” we refer to those hotels which are committed to environmental management and aim at:     

  • Water saving
  • Waste reduction
  • Establishing Recycling Policies
  • Minimizing their Energy Footprint (ie the amount of carbon dioxide which is emitted at the atmosphere by everyday activities that require energy consumption)
  • Offering Biological and Local products to their guests
  • Using Renewable Energy Sources
  • Building an Environmental Culture and communicating it to staff and guests

Every day, more and more hotels in Greece are embracing green tourism and are establishing an environmental management system. We, the GreenHotels team, are giving you the opportunity to track the Eco Hotels in your favorite destinations of Greece, through our constantly updated database. The hotels classification has been based on selected criteria and management policies that have been proposed by the International Tourism Partnership, ITP, which works to promote the highest possible standards of environmental and social management and responsible business practices within the tourism industry.                  

We, the GreenHotels team, we are COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY and INNOVATION.                  

* Greenhotels is not a certification or award

Certification and awarding of the Q Quality Label to the Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel of Alonissos in Greece.

On November 17th 2011, Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel was the first Hotel in Alonissos to be qualified with the Q Label. “ The Quality Certification for Tourism” and the Q Label come to crown the quality services Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel offers in the field of tourism. The Q Label reflects the top level of the services Ikion Eco offers,as it functions according to the advanced criteria of Swiss tourism, which are the highest in Europe. “The Quality Certification for Tourism” and the Q Label are represented in Greece by Mr. Giannis Agglos. Consultant on tourism issues, former EOT Secretary General. The realization of the program has been appointed to I-LEARN.
For “The Quality Certification for Tourism” and the Q Quality Label, procedures in accordance to the international standards set by the Accredited Certification Institution, were followed.
Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel certification aims to reassure the confidence in the quality of the services provided and to the broadening of the knowledge on different approaches in quality management. Furthermore, it aims to create especially designed services addressing to specialized types of visitors.
Through the certification above, the complete and continuous quality of the services provided by Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel to its clients worldwide is proved.
By the Q quality Label Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel promises to its clients and partners, that the provision of services are characterized by the highest quality before and after the sale. In being awarded with the “Quality Certification for Tourism” and the Q quality Label for Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel , many factors such as the fully trained personnel, the organized processes within the company departments and the communication management of the company to its customers, played important role.
The Management and personnel of Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel believe that in a world with rising competition the continuous application of quality management systems will contribute to the fulfillment of the company aims, in relation to the continual improvement of its services and its customers’ continual satisfaction.
Quality is the foundation of the services sector for Ikion Eco Boutique Hotel and the Q label is a major asset for the company, which compensates its continuous effort to provide customers with services of the highest quality.
 

 

How to get to Alonissos

By boat
   There are ferries to and from Alonissos Agios Konstantinos (4h30 ‘). There are also routes from Kimi (2h15′) and Volos (4h30′)

With Dolphin
   Dolphins and Flying Cat Alonissos link to Volos and Agios Konstantinos (2h45 ‘). Also, these routes syndeeoun Alonissos to Skopelos (30′) Skiathos (1h15 ‘), and Language (50′).

By plane
    It is also possible to travel to Skiathos by plane and then from Skiathos to get to Alonissos by hydrofoil or ferry.

On-line tickets boats and dolphins
For online reservations and ticketing services visit one of the following links:

www.openseas.gr (for all ports except Kymi)

For more information, including prices and timetables, for Kymi please visit the site of the “Skyros Shipping Company”, which can be found at www.sne.gr

On-line airline tickets and flights
For schedules and online booking air tickets to visit the links below:

        

        

Alonissos Holiday Villas

We supply a selection of beautifully appointed Greek islands holiday villas, from secluded waterfront cottages to large luxurious villas with swimming pool. All have full service for linen, cleaning and pool maintenance, and options include TV, music and air-conditioning to sleep comfortably through the hot summer nights.

More info at : http://www.alonisos.net/

Ferry, Catamaran and Hydrofoil Tickets

One of the problems you face with the sea crossing to Alonissos is the need for tickets on the ferry, Catamaran or Flying Dolphin.  Due to the potential for delays it was best not to book tickets in advance as they were non-transferable and you could lose your money.  However things have changed and tickets are now transferable and can be made into open tickets.  There are certain conditions and restrictions that apply, so check at the local booking agent.You can now book tickets online and collect them at a designated booking agent at the port from which you are travelling.  Except around holiday dates there is not normally a problem with seat availability and we find that booking tickets on the day means you can often leave your luggage in the agents office if you want to wander off to shop or eat before the departure.  However in the tourist high season it is prudent to have tickets booked early, especially if you are leaving the island and flying back to the UK on the same day.  Book your return tickets in Patitiri shortly after you arrive as it is easier to sort out problems with weather related delays with the same booking agent who will also know what departures are available.
There are two problems that have cropped up in recent years on Alonissos in the summer months:

 
Block booking during the summer by holiday company agents has meant that independent travellers have been told they cannot have tickets and to come back 1 – 2 days before the departure date with no guarantee of a ticket. 

Independent travellers from Alonissos to Skiathos have been refused tickets to Skiathos and told that they would have to buy tickets to Volos or Agios Konstantinos which means that they are paying twice the price for the ticket.

 

Leisure Activities

The ecosystem in the north side of the island is in good condition. The Mediteranean Monk Seal (Monachus-Monachus) is common around the island, and in 1992 the Alonissos Marine Park was created to protect these seals and other animals.

Popular with sail boat aficionados, Alonissos is the ideal destination for those who prefer roaming the Aegean with their own – or rented – boat. The marinas at Patitiri and Steni Vala offer all amenities to boats and the innumerable bays of the Alonissos and surrounding islands offer seclusion, privacy and warm, green waters. The winds in this part of the Aegean are always milder than in the Cyclades and this adds to the area’s popularity as a sailing destination.

Hiking, snorkelling, swimming and nature watching is also popular in Alonissos, as the unspoiled nature hosts rare species of fauna and flora.

Scuba diving is on the rise in Alonissos, as the marine park hides caves, sunken ships, ruins and a world of sea life. Special permit is required for scuba diving, obtainable from the port authorities at Patitiri, as parts of the marine park are off limits to scuba divers due to research and wildlife preservation programmes. More info on:

http://www.alonissos.biz/activities.htm

Alonissos Health & Fitness
Alonissos Museum
Greek Island Thespians Drama Group
Painting with Chris Hughes
Poseidon Diving
Yoga & Massage in Alonissos

In 1995 the International Academy of Classical Homeopathy was established on the island of Alonissos, under the auspices of the Greek Ministry of Cultural Affairs. The director, George Vithoulkas, was recently awarded, for his outstanding contribution to Classical Homeopathy, the Right Livelihood Award – known as the “Alternative Nobel Prize”,- at the Swedish Parliament in 1996. He runs courses in Classical Homeopathy at the Academy for medical doctors, medical students, and health practitioners. It is the aim of the Academy to educate these students to the highest standard possible, in order to become classical homeopaths according to the principles of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann.

There are various groups attending the four-year course: an International, a German, Italian, Mexican, and Russian an Italian group. The groups come to the island for a two week session each time. Once a year Mr. Vithoulkas also gives a five-day seminar on the island for experienced homeopaths from all over the world. Throughout the year he gives seminars in different countries. The Academy has an extensive homeopathic library for the students use. For the futurre, Mr. Vithoulkas’ teaching will be shown on video in 2000 at the International Academy and also in different countries. This video project is already in operation in Germany, and shortly will commence in the U.S.A., and Holland.