Experience Crete the Ikos way
Ikos does the luxury thing better than most. Think dreamy destinations – hello Kissamos Bay – Michelin-starred chefs, and experiences you might just find yourself writing home about – or making space on your Insta grid for. But this place is a world away from old-fashioned, stuffy luxury. It’s laid-back, let-your-hair-down luxury. And that’s why we love it. All the exclusivity, all the sophistication, but a bit less buttoned-up. And their brand of Unconditional Luxury means pretty much everything is included. That's what we like to hear.
But you can’t book a holiday on vibes alone – or can you? – so let’s talk specifics. Spread across the mere 53 acres of Cretan shoreline that Ikos have snagged, you’ll find just about everything. Pool? Eight of them, all heated, with a couple dedicated to splash-happy youngsters. And with waiter service straight to your sunbed, you needn’t even tear yourself away from that page turner when you fancy a cocktail. There's fine dining, too, and all the activities you could dream of.
Your time at Ikos Kissamos might only last a week or two, but we’re certain it’ll stick with you long after you’ve chucked your suitcase back in the attic.
Just so you know, a selection of the current displayed images are artist's impressions of proposed finishes, and may differ from the final product.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Hotel highlights
Food is make or break, we know, but you needn’t worry. From the flavours of Peru to contemporary Mediterranean fare, it really is a bit of a trip round the world. And did we mention the menus crafted by Michelin-starred chefs? Seven restaurants feels like the perfect number, too – stay seven nights and you can hit them all. What a mouthful – literally.
As for watering holes, four bars make light work of coffees and cocktails. There’s the lobby bar that’s open 'til late, the breezy vibes of the beach bar, and the laid-back pool bar scene – including one bar exclusively for Deluxe Collection guests. Expect fine wines, premium beers, and expertly-mixed cocktails. And all delivered to your sunbed. Pure bliss.
We reckon everybody deserves a little bit (or a lot) of pampering on holiday. Enter the Ikos Spa. And with an offering designed by Parisian luxury brand Anne Sémonin, you can expect big things. You might emerge feeling like a whole new person after a stint in the ice room, a trip to the salt wall, or even just a few precious minutes in the relaxation area. If you need something more substantial to deal with your stress? Book yourself an indulgent massage or bespoke treatment. You've (probably) earned it.
You’ll leave feeling so zen, you might just float back to your room. And if you're worried about what to do with the kids while you're finding a new plane of relaxation, the kids' club has got you covered.
No pressure, but if you’re the itchy feet type, there’s plenty to keep you busy. And we do mean plenty. Beach volleyball, aerobics, yoga, Pilates, canoeing, mountain biking… the list goes on and on (and on). If you’re convinced you were Andy Murray in another life, grab a racket and head for the tennis courts – though you’ll have to supply your own adoring fans. There’s padel, too, plus a fitness centre stocked with all the usual suspects if you can’t bear to miss a workout.
And you’re not limited to on-site activities, either. You’ll get one full day of complimentary car rental in an electric MINI Countryman, so why not see where the wind takes you?
The location. It doesn’t get much better than right on the beach, and Kissamos Bay feels particularly dreaming on a sunlit afternoon.
The line-up for little ones. Whether it’s the tiny tots at the creche or the arts and crafts of the kids’ club, this is luxury for the whole family.
Rooms that feel like a personal retreat. From fluffy bathrobes to comfy beds an a mini bar restocked daily as if by magic, it’s the perfect setting for an afternoon siesta. Or a doom-scroll – no judgement here.
Facilities
Food & Drink
- 1 international buffet restaurant (open for breakfast and dinner)
- 1 Italian à la carte restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 1 Asian à la carte restaurant (open for dinner)
- 1 Peruvian à la carte restaurant (open for lunch and dinner)
- 1 Cretan à la carte restaurant (open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 1 Mediterranean à la carte restaurant (located at the beach, open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- 1 French à la carte restaurant with a menu curated by three-Michelin-starred chef Pascal Barbot (breakfast and lunch available for Deluxe Collection guests only, dinner available for all guests)
- Food trucks serving ice cream and snacks
- 4 bars (including lobby bar, pool bar, beach bar, and exclusive Deluxe Collection bar)
- 24-hour room service
- Beach and pool food and beverage service (served to your sunbed)
- Ikos Dine Out Service with opportunity to visit selected local restaurants (subject to availability)
Entertainment
- Playground
- Children's pool
- Entertainment programme
- Indoor heated pool
- Kids club
- Outdoor pool
Family facilities
- 3 heated children's pools
- 1 splash pad
- Outdoor playground
- Heroes Creche (6mo-4yrs) offering three sessions daily: 10am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-6pm (charges apply)
- Heroes Kids' Club (4-12yrs) offering activities such as arts and crafts, sensory play, cooking, singing, and more across three sessions daily: 10am-1pm, 1pm-3pm, 3pm-6pm (1 session can be pre-booked per day)
- Just4Teens (12yrs+) with a range of organised activities (check timetable upon arrival for details)
- Heroes Supper Club (4-12yrs) daily 7pm-10pm (subject to availability, charges apply*)
- Baby monitors and baby baths available on request (subject to availability)
- Pram rental on request (subject to availability)
- Babysitting available on request (charges apply)
- 30 minutes of dedicated beach childcare available during specific hours, free of charge for children aged 4-12yrs
- Children's menus in the restaurants
- Freshly prepared baby food available on request
*Heroes Supper Club is complimentary for guests staying in Deluxe Collection rooms only, for all other guests, charges apply.
Sports & Health
- Beach volleyball
- Padel tennis
- Pilates
- Tennis
- Yoga
- Gym
- Massage
- Sauna
- Spa centre
- Spa treatments
- Steam bath
But wait, there’s more…
If you fancy amping up the luxury even more – you are on holiday after all – why not spring for a Deluxe Collection room? Tailored for the discerning – but never fussy – traveller, this is all about personalising your getaway. You’ll have a dedicated Deluxe Concierge for the duration of your stay, to help you meticulously plan your holiday – all the benefits of a itemised itinerary without actually having to plan it yourself.
There are loads of other perks, too. It starts with express check-in, to get you into full holiday mode as soon as possible. You’ll also be treated to a taste of what the spa has to offer, with two complimentary 25-minute minute neck and back massages per room per stay. You'll get two bites at the MINI Countryman cherry, with an extra day to help you explore your surroundings to the fullest, champagne service throughout your stay, and one very special dinner by the sea. Add the upgraded mini bar offering, the pillow menu, and the dedicated exclusive beach area and pool, and it really is next-level luxury.