The Best Hotels to Book in Kos for Every Traveller

Opulence and boho beach vibes meet at Ikos Aria. Situated on the southwest coast of the island, it has whitewashed rooms with wood-encrusted mirrors, cratered metal coffee tables and hanging lamps, plus balconies with either sea or garden views. There’s direct access to a Blue Flag beach – where the beach team are at hand with refreshments and towels – two archaeological sites to explore, and pilates, yoga and four tennis courts. Whatever your plans, replenish your energy by exploring the local cuisine in the nearby restaurants – all at no extra cost when you book the Dine Out experience.

Prefer your poolside glamour with a botanical touch? Take your pick of three different seawater pools at Kos Imperial, ranging from a lagoon with a river and waterfalls to a quieter garden oasis, all framed by exotic tropical gardens that cascade towards the edge of the beach. Additional natural touches can be found in the floral bedding, coral ornaments and orchids within the rooms, while you can enjoy views of coconut trees and the Aegean while dining on gourmet cuisine at the Pavilions restaurant.

With an exterior that might resemble the home of a billionaire James Bond villain, the Lango doesn’t fall short when it comes to luxury. Brownstone en-suites come with matching bowl basins and walk-in showers, making for a tranquil haven. Spend your days with a cocktail from the pool bar, at the nearby Lambi Beach or enjoying a revitalising massage at the Kocoon spa. At dinnertime, head to the on-site KOAN restaurant, where you can watch the chefs cook up a fusion of Greek, Italian and Mediterranean dishes – the black cod with Greek chorta (leafy greens) and bottarga mousse from Messolonghi is a must-try.

Set among olive groves on a hill with views of Kalymnos Island, the Small Village gives an insight into the traditional, modest lifestyle of Kos inhabitants. The Zafiratos family and their staff can organise tours of the hotel farm (where vegetables, meat and eggs are collected for the hotel’s restaurant), the Hippocrates Garden and boat excursions to Kalymnos, Pserimos and Platy. Foodies should opt for the culinary vacation, on which your seven-night stay will include five cooking classes, an educational trip to the local winery and a tour of a beekeeping unit in Kefalos.

This family-friendly hotel in Kos ensures adults and kids can’t fail to enjoy themselves. Kids can make new friends at the weekly mini-disco nights and cooking competitions, while the parents can discover their inner child through banana boat rides and inflatable obstacle courses on the Aegean Sea. Spacious rooms and balconies come as standard, and the traditionally Greek aesthetic includes floor tiles in whatever type of room you choose, meaning tired feet – big or small – are soothed after a long day of fun.

Kos Aktis Art Hotel is a boutique design destination in the heart of the island’s capital, Kos Town. Extensive use of glass creates a light, airy feel throughout the hotel, while sea views come with every room. Connecting visitors with the natural world is one of the key focusses of the design, and it works: guests can see the sea from almost any spot in the hotel. The aptly named H20 restaurant serves a delicious Greek breakfast of locally sourced ingredients, and there’s no better start to the day than a delicious local cheese accompanied by sweet Kos tomatoes and pure island honey. At night, the bright and modern design of the restaurant serves as a lively spot to enjoy sea views with a cocktail in hand.

Offering bohemian luxury on the beach, Casa Cook Kos is a dreamy place to relax and unwind. The Kos hotel’s chic design is inspired by traditional Greek villages, with cube residences in terracotta tones topped off with thatched roofs. Guests hankering after secluded luxury can book a suite with a private pool, but all rooms offer a sense of ease and well-being. Outside there’s a yoga terrace to further the relaxation factor, and an on-site tutor is available to book for private lessons. At the spa, embrace traditional Greek practice with a Hippocratic anatripsis (friction) massage.

This beachside hotel in Kos offers a luxurious spa and two pools, as well as easy access to the sea. The main attraction is the Tamaris Spa, where guests can enjoy a range of traditional treatments, from massages to facials, body wraps and body scrubs. For activity lovers, there’s also a tennis court and the opportunity to rent bicycles to explore the town. If cycling isn’t your thing, the central location means that all of Kos’s main historical attractions are within easy walking distance. Once back at the hotel, enjoy an evening of traditional Greek cuisine at the in-house Cuvee Restaurant. Throughout you’ll find impeccable, friendly service.

Large and lively, Mitsis Blue Domes Resort and Spa is an all-inclusive hotel in Kos set on doing things differently. In total there are 499 luxury rooms, of which 65 have their own pool; the latter are great for couples and families who want everything taken care of while still enjoying privacy. Located amongst striking natural scenery, the hotel caters for every need, but never feels corporate. The resort’s design mixes traditional Greek elements with a slick, minimalist finish, paired with fantastic, attentive and friendly service. A variety of restaurants and bars ensure you’re never bored, with Greek, Italian, Asian and Mexican cuisine all on offer. You might even find it hard to tear yourself away long enough to see more of the island.

If you’re looking for a spa resort in the heart of Kos, this adults-only luxury hotel is perfect. Located a short ride away from the main town of Kos, the hotel puts relaxation and wellness at the heart of its experience. Alongside the extensive range of spa treatments, guests will also find themselves able to unwind in the minimalist interiors with the help of attentive, friendly staff. Poolside rooms are a must-book for those that want to splash (ahem) out, while all guests also have access to the hotel’s private beach.