The bell rings throughout the day, accompanied by the soft lapping of the waves – and what could easily be an annoying interruption to a good beach read, turns out to be an incredibly soothing soundtrack to soaking up the sun.
Kastri Island with its idyllic church.
The beach belonging to the newly-opened resort Ikos Aria, found on the south-western tip of the island of Kos, is undoubtedly one of the prettiest in Greece. Not only does it have its own unique – and somewhat dulcet – bell-ringing, but its horseshoe-shaped bay couldn’t be more idyllically Greek. In the distance, across what looks like turquoise waters, but which are in fact crystal-clear, is the island of Nisaros, its outline frequently shrouded in mist on the horizon. While, closer still, is the tiny islet of Kastri, a short 100m swim away, and it is from its pretty blue-roofed white church that the bell rings out. It's picture-postcard-pretty.
The pretty beach setting of Ikos Aria.
Whether you swim or hop on one of the pedalos to visit the church of Saint Nicolas, perched perilously on top of Kastri, rumour has it that it’s good luck to ring the bell... although you have to clamber up the rocks to reach it first. From the frequency of the ringing, it seems that there’s quite a few fortunate – and brave – guests staying at the resort.
The boho-chic design makes most of the natural beauty of Kos.
Ikos Aria is the fifth property from Ikos Resorts. Having first opened its first hotel in Halkidiki in 2015, the brand has gone on to carve out its own niche for top-end, all-inclusive holidays that don’t skimp on style. Appealing to sophisticated families wanting restaurant-standard food, fun activities, pretty interiors and, crucially, who also want to get in touch with a given destination – the group are ticking all the boxes. As well as having a second property in Halkidiki, last year it went on to open Ikos Dassia in Corfu. Next year, the company turns its sights outside of Greece to Spain, with the opening of Ikos Andalusia, but so far it is the Kos hotel that is the most lavish yet.
The outdoor Lobby Bar.
Carved out of a defunct Club Med property, the resort is found across 47 acres. The revamp and part-rebuild was overseen by architect Niki Manou-Andreadis, who has designed of all the Ikos resorts so far. With five pools, nine bars, an 850m Blue Flag beach, a nightclub, sports facilities and even its own theatre – it’s a sprawling place. And, while the resort may have 374 rooms, its aesthetic is more boho chic than ‘build-it-brash’.
The Lagoon Bar.
“Our goal with this huge hotel, with its indoor and outdoor spaces, was to be completely part of the beauty and majesty of the nature around it,” Niki says.
One of the Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suites with its own private pool.
You see what she’s getting at on arrival – the huge lobby-lounge is airy and bright – with glass walls drenching the area with light, and a mix-match of textures: think – rattan chairs, rough-hewn cushions in earthy tones and rustic tree-trunk tables adding charm and character. Oversized white-washed pots sit on woven rugs, metal light installations droop over pools of water, hanging eggs chairs beckon you to swing on them, and a living-wall adds a nice touch of greenery to the white-on-white décor.
Family-style dining can be found at Flavors Restaurant.
The bedrooms are just as sweet. Cooling dove-grey tones give a respite to the Greek heat outside. Soft linens, fabric headboards and sleek bathrooms add a luxury feel, while pared-back art work and statement pendant lights bring a chic ambiance. There’s a variety of rooms on offer – some with terraces, others with their own gardens. There’s also a Deluxe Collection to the hotel, where guests get perks such as a massage in the spa, a bottle of Tattinger cooling on arrival, a 24/7 concierge and larger rooms – some which are more akin to private villas, with their own pools and living areas.
This ancient Basilica Site Bis found in the middle of Ikos Aria's beach.
Making it even more unique, at its heart, Ikos Aria has not one but two archaeological sites – one within the gardens of the hotel (originally destined to be a children’s pool until they uncovered the ruins), and the other adjacent to its beach – complete with fallen-down pillars and crumbling walls… it’s an architect’s dream. “It was the ideal place for an architect to get creative,” agrees Niki. They also make for atmospheric, and very photogenic, spots for guests to wander around and soak up a splice of Greece's rich history, especially in the golden hour just before sunset.
With a Mini for the day you can explore some of Kos's standout beaches.
Manicured gardens, encompassing a fragrant botanical area, and nicely curated public spaces will please interior design buffs, but there’s also enough activities and sports to keep fitness fanatics, and the little ones, happy. Pedalos, kayaks and paddle boards are all available to guests at no extra cost, while motorised water-sports are also available, if you want to pay a bit extra. There’s also bikes, tennis, fitness classes – including yoga and HIIT – basketball, table tennis and a comprehensive gym to allow you to work off the all-inclusive over-indulgence that's sure to happen.
Tapas is on the menu at Oliva Restaurant.
Refreshingly, there's more to Ikos than what happens within its resorts – the company also passionate about getting guests out beyond its walls to discover the local destination. Across all properties, it offers a dine-out option at local restaurants (Mylotopi, carved out of a windmill with magnificent views over the Bay of Kastri, is a highlight at Ikos Aria). In addition, as part of its Local Discovery programme, each guest is offered a complimentary navy-blue ‘Ikos Mini Cooper’ for the day, complete with pre-arranged entry to local attractions and a choice of itineraries for you use so you can drive out and discover more about the island.
The Spa at Ikos Aria.
It’s the sort of attention to detail that has garnered the group a legion of fans. It may be on a roll with its expansion, but you never feel like quality is being compromised. Service, for instance is continuously slick – even at your sunbed, including a sunglasses polishing offering, fruit skewers to snack on and an endless supply of iced drinks. As well as Anne Semonin treatments in the spa, you’ll also find the brand’s products in your own bathroom. Drinks throughout the resort are all premium label and, if for some unfathomable reason, you collapse at the end of the day and can’t make it out to one of the restaurants, room service is also included. What’s more, you will be picked up and taken to the airport in your own private vehicle, no matter how many other guests are also going your way. It’s the ultimate in the feel-good factor.
Kos Restaurant offers Greek cuisine with a local twist.
Like all Ikos resorts, a large focus has gone into the dining offering. At Ikos Aria, there are eight restaurants to choose from, and all have been spearheaded by Michelin-starred chefs who have collaborated on the menus. Italian to French, Asian to Mediterranean – there’s enough to satisfy all. Seasonal ingredients, comprehensive wine lists offering guests 380 varieties, and little extras like delightful amuse bouche at each evening meal elevate your experience further. Kos Restaurant is a good starting point for those wanting to taste local cuisine, while Oliva, with its Spanish tapas, gives a nod to the new resort yet to open. Bars, meanwhile, have professional mixologists to create bespoke and signature cocktails. It's heady stuff.
With its pretty setting Ouzo is a highlight.
A highlight is the semi-al-fresco Ouzo restaurant – a blue-and-white-hued eaterie, with driftwood features, that just shouts 'Greece' (picture a scene from Mama Mia). At lunch-time, there’s seafood on the BBQ, freshly-baked pittas, and a Greek salad station, with little bowls of fresh feta, cucumber, tomatoes, onions and olives made up fresh for you. It’s even more appealing come evening, however. Its menus are designed by Michelin-starred chef Lefteris Lazarou, with dishes inspired by contemporary Greek cuisine – think perfectly-formed moussaka, lamb kleftiko, grilled sardines and freshly-caught sea-bass. Perched at the end of the resort, with an ocean front setting, it looks directly out to the church of Saint Nicolas. As its watery visitors retire for the night, the bell falls silent. Book your table to time with sun-down, so you can watch the last of the day’s rays reflecting off the stark white chapel. It’s spiritual.
Rates at Ikos Aria start from €256 (£233 approx.*) per night based on two people sharing a double room (ikos-aria.com , +30 23730 95300). *Rate according to today's exchange rate.
