OK!’s Zoe Cripps checks into KOAI’s swanky adults-only Kos hotel, 15 years after she first visited the island as a teen
Like many Brits, my first introduction to the Greek island came courtesy of an 18-30 holiday. I remember cheap cocktails, sticky dancefloors and a hotel where they flat-out refused to give out more than one deflated pillow to guests. It was fun in the way only your early twenties can be, but I'd mentally filed Kos alongside the other party islands I'd ticked off and moved on from.
So when I was invited back this summer, I'll admit I wasn't expecting much. I certainly wasn't expecting to find one of the most peaceful hotels I've stayed in.
Perched high above the Aegean Sea, KOIA All-Suite Wellbeing Resort feels like it belongs on a completely different island. There's no booming music by the pool, no inflatable flamingoes drifting through the water and certainly no wristbands. Instead, it delivered ultimate luxury in the form of quiet infinity pools, first-class dining and wellness experiences – all at a reasonable price.
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Opened in 2023, the five-star adults-only retreat has just 51 suites, so it never feels crowded, even when the hotel is full. Built into the hillside above Agios Fokas, around a 12-minute drive from Kos Town, the resort is inspired by the ancient teachings of Hippocrates, who was born on the island, with wellbeing woven into every detail. Suites range from minimalist Cave Suites to more spacious Sea View Suites with private infinity pools or outdoor whirlpools, all dressed in calming neutral tones, natural stone and wood.
The beauty of the hotel is that all suites offer full or partial views overlooking the Aegean, so there really is no dud room. Nice touches like a pillow menu, rainfall showers, smart-controlled blinds and room-service dining options really help cement the feel of ‘private luxury’. As for amenities, you’ll find two pools – an indoor one within the spa and a main pool – and a gym.
The foodThough there’s only one restaurant, Thyme, I didn’t find myself wishing for more dining options, which is a real testament to how amazing the food was there. For breakfast, a generous buffet of local fruit, pastries and cooked-to-order dishes can be enjoyed with uninterrupted sea views.
In the evening, Thyme transforms into an elegant à la carte restaurant celebrating Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal produce, fresh seafood and local wines. I’m not joking when I say I ordered the shrimp linguine four times. Lunch is also served there, but there’s an entirely different menu from evenings, so there’s plenty of variety in the form of fancy sandwiches and grilled foods.
During the day, my book and I camped out at the pool bar for iced coffees between swims, before moving to the sophisticated Elixir Bar at sunset, where cocktails are served against a backdrop of one of the best views on the island.
What’s onIf you need more than pool and book to pass the time, the curated selection of activities on offer are well worth booking. There’s the al fresco morning yoga overlooking the sparkling sea or a traditional baking class with Thyme’s head chef, to name a couple. I headed to the hotel’s Ydor Spa (on the one cloudy day we got) and loved being able to privately book out the Himalayan salt room and sauna cabin before indulging in a full body massage. I also recommend treating yourself to the floating breakfast experience. I’ve never eaten so much food in one morning, and there really is nothing more thrilling than swimming after your strawberries as they float away across your private pool.
Further afieldReception can point you towards hiking trails leading to the medieval ruins of Palio Pyli or the summit of Mount Díkaios, where sunset views from the island's highest peak are well worth the climb. Kos Town offers a completely different pace, with Roman landmarks like the beautifully preserved Odeon of Kos and Casa Romana, alongside some excellent tavernas to eat at. If you have a rental car, take a trip to the island’s thermal springs, found at the northern end of the island at Therma Beach, where the seawater bubbles.
Why I’ll be returningIt’s rare to feel magic from a hotel, but I felt it here. It was a calming haven, perfect for anyone looking to escape noise. I think the biggest surprise was that I found it on an island I had written off as a party place. The fact that it's small means the service feels really personal, and after only a few days, the staff already knew my morning coffee order and favourite sunbed. Also, if you’re booking from August 2026, you’ll be able to check out a new Greek restaurant, a second pool and new suites.
Book itA Junior Suite with Sea View and Hot Tub starts from £220 per night, and a Sea View Suite with Private Pool starts from £256 with breakfast included. Book via koiaresort.com to make the most of offers like complimentary airport transfers. Half board and full board dining also available. Flights to Kos from major UK airports operate daily May-October; return pricing from around £60.
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