Kos is one of the most popular Greek islands for good reason – it’s beautiful, sunny and a great value option for all-inclusive holidays.
(Photo: Ikos Aria / Courtesy Booking.com)
Kos is one of the jewels in the crown of the Aegean Sea. One of the most popular Greek islands, Kos is well set up for tourism, but thankfully retains some of its remote mountain villages and quaint fishing towns. The island is a paradise for all-inclusive holidays, with many modern, newly built hotels offering everything you could wish for in a holiday at a price that is, at times, hard to believe.
Ikos Aria
This is by no means a cheap option, but if you really want to splash out on the best five-star experience then Ikos Aria is hard to beat. From the mini bar being quietly topped up every day, to the evening entertainment that looks like it could be on a London stage, everything is the highest quality. The setting in Kefalos, just 600m from the beach, is idyllic and looks like something from a Hollywood epic, with palm trees and dramatic rock formations falling into the sea – the hotel even has an open air museum. There are four swimming pools, a fitness center, sauna and a garden, as well as a kids’ club, free shuttle service, and excellent free WiFi throughout the property. The budget junior suites also feature their own private garden. From €849 per night.
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Utopia Blu Hotel
(Photo: Utopia Blu Hotel / Courtesy Booking.com)
The Blu Hotel might be at the other end of the scale when it comes to price but it’s still a really stylish place to stay. Packed with contemporary design, this four-star hotel definitely punches above its weight, with a large, organically-shaped pool that runs through the middle of the complex of swim-up double rooms. The air-conditioned rooms and junior suites at Utopia Blu Hotel have a private balcony or terrace. There are light meals and drinks at the poolside bar, as well as BBQ nights organized by the hotel’s friendly staff. From €185 per night.
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Astir Odysseus
This five-star hotel is worth a mention for its stunning pool alone, which looks like a gigantic man made lagoon from above. It’s a quality product everywhere else too, with five swimming pools, a spa and indoor pool, plus a climbing wall, gym and tennis courts for anyone who fancies getting active. Achilleas Restaurant offers dining in buffet style, with a barbecue buffet for lunch. An à la carte menu for dinner is served at Taverna Argo. There are two bars for refreshments too – coffees and cocktails are offered at the pool bar Dawn and at the stylish Sirens Bar. From €301 per night.
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Kipriotis Maris Suites
(Photo: Kipriotis Maris Suites / Courtesy Booking.com)
Who would have thought a five-star hotel would be a budget friendly option? The Kipriotis Maris Suites maxes out the luxury and still keeps the price for two in high season way under € 100 a night, including everything. It’s not just some crumbling old hotel that’s hanging onto its stars either, this is a modern take on a classical hotel, designed around grand-yet-minimalistic interiors and contemporary-thinking Mediterranean cuisine. But along with all this swish, chic interior is a focus on family holidays, with plenty of areas for children to play. It’s all very zen, with yoga classes and healthy living built in, so hopefully the kids won’t be craving burgers and Slurpees after five minutes. From € 177 per night.
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