Serene, soulful and secluded, OKU Kos is slow living at its finest.
Hammocks sway in the breeze, sun-dappled sunshine creeps through thatched canopies, palm trees tower above squishy sun beds – and you’re encouraged to spend time enjoying them all.
An adult-only property, there’s no rush to do anything at OKU Kos. In fact it’s perfectly ok to do nothing at all. This is a space built with intention: the intention to help guests slow down and find balance.
The Vibe
All paths lead to water at OKU Kos, but they take the scenic route to get there. Low-level, white-washed buildings dot verdant pathways – wander them and you’ll end up at the pool or beach in a matter of minutes. Built with a village-like feel – in both the architecture and the atmosphere – this is a space that encourages guests to slow down, take time for themselves and soak up a slower pace of life.
Located on the north of the island and with sweeping sea views to the west, landscapes here are just the right kind of wild. Sunsets are impressive too, and perhaps sum up the entire experience: they, and a stay at the hotel, are a moment where time stands still and nature takes centre stage.
The Rooms
Natural, earthy tones and textures lead the way in bedrooms; think straw-weaved rugs, hanging raffia lampshades and brushed-concrete floors.
Some rooms have a private pool, some don’t. Ours, a Junior Suite, fell somewhere in the middle. Its pool may be semi-private (shared with just one or two neighbours) but the outdoor space it’s a part of is impressive. Swing open the bedroom doors to a private terrace dotted with heavy wood seating and (another) hammock; this is about as relaxed as it gets. From here, it’s a few steps down to a pool-side sun bed where it’s all too easy to while away the day dipping your nose into a book and your feet into the water.
In-room amenities deserve a mention too. There’s a Marshall speaker, a rainfall shower stocked with Meraki products, plus a mini-bar featuring Greek-distilled Grace Gin and cocktail mixes from Athens bar The Clumsies, which has a well-deserved, long-standing place on The World’s 50 Best Bars list.
The Food + Drink
Breakfast is buffet-style, surrounding an open kitchen – and it’s one of the largest breakfast buffets we’ve had the pleasure of choosing from for a while. Healthy options abound, including fresh fruit, granola bowls, eggs à la carte, Greek yoghurt and charcuterie favourites, alongside homemade cakes and all manner of spreads. Take it seated on the outdoor, beach-facing terrace.
Lunch and dinner are served at To Kima in the same space, though it brings an altogether different vibe as evening falls. Greek dishes such as lamb chop with a fava hummus, slow-cooked pork belly with cumin, grilled octopus with olives, and dolma served with Greek yoghurt were table favourites, and there’s also a dedicated vegan menu. Don’t miss the chocolate, cacao, macadamia and dulce de leche dessert either.
The Little Extras
The chic raffia bag hanging on the wall in your room isn’t just for decoration, you’re invited to use it during your stay. It will no doubt come in handy for your many trips to and from the pool and beach, as will the mini library found towards the entrance of the beach – ideal if you’re looking for your next sun-bed read.
If you like the interior design of the hotel (and we have no doubt you will) then stop at the concept store next to the check in area, first for a freddo espresso from the in-store café, but also to stock up on some of the products found across the hotel. They include the Meraki products and raffia bags found in the bedrooms, alongside pieces from Greek designers including chic summer cover ups, dresses, jewellery, sunglasses and T-shirts.
Sustainability
Across all four properties – Kos, Ibiza, and soon-to-open Andalusia and Bodrum (mark your calendars for spring 2025) – OKU takes sustainability seriously. As well as supply chain and waste disposal efforts, solar panels supply 100 per cent of energy to bedrooms; tap water is triple filtered and safe to drink; swimming pools are left unheated; vegetables and herbs are grown on site for use in the kitchen (with other ingredients primarily sourced from local farmers). OKU also partners with local initiatives and takes in stray cats – there are eight that now call OKU Kos home, and you’ll see them purring their way around the property.
The To-Do List
There’s not much in the vicinity – but even the most energetic of people will likely find they don’t want to leave the hotel anyway (guilty!). Many guests find themselves spending the day moving from spa to pool to beach. If you do want to explore the island, Kos Town is just a twenty minute drive away, and it’s worth asking concierge about chartering a yacht for a morning or afternoon – they leave from Kos Harbour and you’ll find yourself approaching neighbouring Turkey within minutes. The hotel also offers some impressive experiences, including horseback riding along the beach, guided hikes to nearby Mount Dikaios, visits to the archeological site of Asklepion, watersports, and trips to nearby wineries and olive oil farms.
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