Ikos Aria

Ikos Aria Review: The Best All-Inclusive Resort in Greece

Here is the single most important thing to know about Ikos Aria: they will hand you the keys to an electric MINI Countryman, point you toward a local taverna, and pick up the tab when you get there. No catch, no surcharge, no voucher with a spending cap. You sit down at a real restaurant in a real Kos village, eat grilled octopus and drink local wine with locals at the next table, and the bill goes back to the resort.

That is the Ikos “Dine Out” concept, and it is the single feature that separates this resort from every other luxury all-inclusive in Greece. It is also a perfect encapsulation of the Ikos philosophy: give people more than they expect, and they will come back. Based on the fact that Ikos Aria has held TripAdvisor’s number one spot in Greece for multiple consecutive years, that philosophy is working.

Sitting on 47 acres along Kefalos Bay on the southwestern coast of Kos, Ikos Aria opened in 2019 and quickly established itself as the standard by which Greek all-inclusives are measured. With 374 rooms, eight restaurants, nine bars, five pools, an 850-metre Blue Flag beach, and an Anne Semonin Paris spa, this is not a small boutique hideaway. It is a full-scale luxury resort that manages — mostly — to feel personal.

Quick Verdict

Who it’s for: Couples seeking a refined Greek island escape, families who want luxury without sacrificing kids’ programming, and honeymooners who value great food and a beautiful beach over nightlife.

Worth it? Yes — with one major caveat. Book the Deluxe Collection tier if your budget allows. The difference between Deluxe and standard is not subtle, and it is the single most common piece of advice from returning guests.

Score: 9.1 / 10

Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
TripAdvisor #1 in Greece, multiple years running	Two-tier experience — non-Deluxe pools are crowded in peak season
Dine Out at 3 local Kos tavernas, fully covered	Adults-only pool is small with limited privacy
7 a la carte restaurants, zero supplements	Year-on-year price increases noted by repeat guests
Complimentary electric MINI Countryman	Sunset cruise does not actually show a sunset from Kefalos Bay
850m Blue Flag beach with ancient ruins	Kos has limited nightlife outside the resort
Deluxe Collection pool has the best views on property	Promo second-floor rooms get early morning service noise
Strong kids’ and teens’ programming (ages 4-17)	Long walk from Deluxe bungalows to main building

The Resort at a Glance

Detail	Info
Location	Kefalos Bay, southwest coast of Kos, Greece
Rooms	374
Restaurants	8 (7 a la carte + 1 buffet)
Bars	9
Pools	5 (including Deluxe-exclusive and indoor spa pool)
Beach	850m Blue Flag, fine golden sand
Airport	15-20 min from Kos International (KGS)
Season	May through October only
Chain	Ikos Resorts (Sani/Ikos Group)
Opened	2019

Rooms and Suites

Standard Collection (from $424/night)

The entry-level Double Room gives you 344 square feet of clean, contemporary Mediterranean design with panoramic windows and a furnished private balcony. Views are inland or side sea — not the sweeping Aegean panorama you see in the brochure photos. The rooms are well-appointed with Nespresso machines, Anne Semonin Paris amenities, and daily mini-bar replenishment, but they are not why people rave about Ikos Aria.

The Superior Triple Room (same 344 sq ft, from $488) accommodates three guests and adds floor-to-ceiling windows with sea or side-sea views. For families, the Junior Suite (452 sq ft, from $580) is the entry point worth considering — it sleeps four with a family-style living space. The Junior Suite Private Garden variant (also 452 sq ft, from $546) trades the sea view for a fully furnished garden and is actually cheaper — a solid pick for families with young children who will spend more time on the terrace than looking at the horizon.

The Panorama Junior Suite (538 sq ft, from $620) and One Bedroom Suite Private Garden (624 sq ft, from $716) round out the standard tier. Both are spacious and well-designed, but they sit in a slightly uncomfortable middle ground: you are paying serious money without accessing the Deluxe Collection benefits that transform the Ikos Aria experience.

A word of caution: Promotional rooms on the second floor of the main building can pick up early-morning service noise from the area below. If you are booking the cheapest rate, request a room away from service areas.

Deluxe Collection (from $632/night)

This is where Ikos Aria becomes the resort that earned that TripAdvisor ranking. The Deluxe Collection is not just a room upgrade — it is a fundamentally different experience with its own reception, pool, beach section, bar, restaurant, concierge, and set of inclusions.

Entry to the Deluxe tier starts with the Deluxe Junior Suite Private Garden (560 sq ft, from $632), which gets you a private garden sanctuary plus everything on the Deluxe inclusion list: welcome Taittinger Champagne, private airport transfers, exclusive pool access, reserved beach area, Seasons restaurant access, two complimentary Anne Semonin massages per suite, a sommelier-curated wine list of 30 additional labels, and — new for 2026 — two days with the electric MINI Countryman instead of one.

The Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite (861 sq ft, from $796) is a standalone bungalow with sea views and minimalist design. For beachfront access, the Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite Beachfront (775 sq ft, from $900) puts you steps from the sand with a private emerald garden — this is one of the most sought-after categories and books out early.

At the top end, the Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite Private Pool (861 sq ft, from $992) adds your own pool, and the Deluxe Two Bedroom suites (from $1,258 beachfront, $1,346 with private pool at 1,184 sq ft) are the best family accommodations on Kos, period.

Our Pick

For couples: Deluxe One Bedroom Bungalow Suite Private Pool ($992). Your own pool, sea views, and full Deluxe Collection access. This is the sweet spot where price and experience align.

For families: Deluxe Two Bedroom Bungalow Suite Beachfront ($1,258). Two bedrooms, beachfront location, and — critically — complimentary Heroes Supper Club for the kids (a $30/child saving per evening for non-Deluxe guests).

Food and Dining

The Dine Out Programme

Let’s start with what makes Ikos Aria genuinely different. Three local partner restaurants on Kos are included at no extra cost:

• Mylotopi (4km from resort) — Mediterranean village gastronomy in a traditional setting
• Kochylari (2km from resort) — Greek-Mediterranean taverna dining
• Anipota (3.6km from resort) — Authentic Greek

You book through the hotel concierge, drive over in your complimentary electric MINI (or arrange a transfer), sit down, order whatever you want, and Ikos picks up the entire bill. This is not a set menu with a spending cap. This is dinner at a real restaurant where locals eat, fully covered. Slots fill quickly in peak season — book on your first day.

The Dine Out concept is the single best inclusion in the all-inclusive industry. It is the reason first-time Ikos guests become repeat Ikos guests.

A La Carte Restaurants

Seven a la carte restaurants, all with Michelin-starred chef-designed menus, all included with zero supplements. No reservation fees, no premium charges for lobster or steak. This is what “ultra all-inclusive” actually means.

Ouzo — Contemporary Greek with a seafood focus. Steamed mussels, grilled swordfish, halloumi. Also serves as a buffet breakfast venue and does a BBQ lunch. The dinner service is where it shines.

Kos — Named for the island, celebrating local gastronomy. Seafood starters, Katimeria mains, proper baklava. This is the restaurant that makes you feel most connected to where you actually are.

Provence — French fine dining that consistently draws the highest praise from reviewers. Multiple guests have described the beef and lamb as “melt in your mouth.” This is the restaurant to book on your first night.

Fresco — Italian and the only a la carte option available all day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). Convenient for flexible dining, though not the standout of the lineup.

Anaya — Asian cuisine with particularly strong satay and perfectly cooked salmon. A good change of pace on day three or four.

Oliva — Spanish-Mediterranean. Garlic-chili prawns, octopus, fillet steak with roasted roots. Solid rather than spectacular.

Seasons — Asian-Mediterranean fusion, and the only restaurant reserved exclusively for Deluxe Collection guests. Burrata pizza, tuna tartare, pork kimchi. If you are in the Deluxe tier, this is another strong reason to feel good about the upgrade.

The Buffet: Flavors

Flavors handles breakfast, lunch, and dinner in a spectacular seafront location. The quality is good for a buffet — well above the typical all-inclusive standard — but consistency varies. Some reviewers have noted gristly lamb kofta and uneven dishes at dinner. The breakfast spread is solid with a wide selection, though if you want a la carte breakfast, your options are limited: Ouzo offers egg dishes and Fresco is the only full all-day a la carte.

Food verdict: Ikos Aria’s dining is the best you will find at any all-inclusive in Greece. Provence and Ouzo are genuinely excellent, the Dine Out programme is a game-changer, and the fact that there are zero supplements on any menu — including premium wines, spirits, and ingredients — means you never have to think about what something costs. The only weakness is breakfast: the buffet is fine but the a la carte options are limited.

Bars and Drinks

Nine bars serve premium branded spirits, signature cocktails, and over 100 wine labels — all included. The Lobby Bar (open until 1 AM) is the main evening gathering spot. The Lagoon Lobby Bar opens at 6 PM for pre-dinner cocktails. Deluxe guests get their own bar. The Gelaterie serves complimentary gelato poolside. There is a Night Club open until 1 AM, though this is not Ibiza — expect low-key entertainment rather than serious clubbing.

The 24-hour room service menu and daily mini-bar replenishment complete the picture. You will not spend a single extra dollar on drinks here unless you are actively trying to.

Beach and Pools

The Beach

The 850-metre Blue Flag beach at Kefalos Bay is one of the finest stretches of sand attached to any all-inclusive in Greece. Fine golden sand, clear Aegean water, complimentary sunbeds and umbrellas, cabanas, and full beachside food and drink service.

What makes this beach genuinely special: ancient basilica ruins are visible along the shoreline. You are sunbathing next to actual history. Some rocky sections limit swimming in certain spots, but the main swimming area is sandy with calm, clear water. The beach is less crowded than what you will find at package resorts elsewhere on Kos — the resort’s 47-acre footprint and premium pricing naturally filter the crowd density.

Deluxe Collection guests get a reserved beach area with enhanced lounger spacing. In July and August, this distinction matters.

The Pools

Five pools, but not all are created equal:

Main Pool — Three-section layout with a toddler splash pad, kids zone, and adult zone. Family-friendly and active. Busy in peak season.

Beach Pool — Larger pool near the beachfront. Described as “hectic” by some reviewers during July-August. If you are here in peak season without Deluxe access, arrive early to claim a lounger.

Adults Pool — Marketed as a quieter option near the Seasons restaurant, but it is quite small. Some loungers have sightlines onto the restaurant terrace, which limits the sense of seclusion. The two private beds at the back, bordered by hedges, are the best spots — claim them early.

Deluxe Collection Pool — The jewel. Commands the best sea-view position at the entire resort. Significantly less crowded than non-Deluxe pools with a dedicated Deluxe Pool Bar and enhanced lounger spacing. This pool is the single most cited reason for upgrading to the Deluxe Collection. If you are debating the upgrade, picture yourself at the crowded Beach Pool on a 95-degree July afternoon, then picture this pool. Decision made.

Indoor Spa Pool — Heated pool with floor-to-ceiling windows inside the Ikos Spa facility. Part of the thermal suite. Lovely on cooler mornings or overcast days.

Activities and Entertainment

Daytime

Ikos Aria includes more activities than most guests will use in a week. Sunrise yoga on the beach. Fitness classes including cardio, TRX, and aqua aerobics. A proper gym. Clay tennis courts. 5G football pitches. Basketball. Beach volleyball. Mountain biking. Stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing — all non-motorized water sports included.

The standout inclusion is the complimentary electric MINI Countryman. Standard guests get one day; Deluxe Collection guests get two days starting in 2026. Use it to explore Kos Town, drive to Asklepion (the ancient healing temple), or simply find a quiet beach on the north coast. This is the kind of inclusion that changes how you experience a resort — it transforms Ikos Aria from a contained bubble into a base for genuine island exploration.

The Culture Pass grants complimentary access to local museums and historical sites, which pairs perfectly with the MINI. Wine tastings led by the Ikos sommelier and cocktail-making classes round out the daytime programming.

A sunset cruise along the coast is included, though manage your expectations: the Kefalos Bay position means you will not actually see the sun dip below the horizon. It is still a pleasant boat trip, just not the Instagram sunset moment the name implies.

Evening

Live music and entertainment in the Teatro Bar (8-11 PM), followed by the Night Club until 1 AM. The entertainment is polished but restrained — professional performers, not foam parties. This is a resort for people who want a good cocktail and conversation after dinner, not a nightlife destination.

Kids’ Club and Teens

The kids’ club covers ages 4 to 17 with dedicated programming for each age group. There is also an infant programme from 6 months. Arts and crafts, games, sports, and entertainment keep younger children occupied. But the real differentiator is the teen programme for ages 13-17 — most all-inclusive resorts abandon this age group, leaving teenagers bored and glued to phones. Ikos does not.

The Heroes Supper Club (ages 4-12, 7-10 PM) is a three-hour supervised dinner and activities session that gives parents a genuine evening off. Complimentary for Deluxe Collection guests; $30 per child per session for standard rooms. There is also a complimentary 30-minute beach childcare service for ages 4 and up.

Spa and Wellness

The Ikos Spa by Anne Semonin Paris brings a respected Parisian beauty house to Kos — this is a meaningful luxury partnership, not a generic in-house brand slapped on a treatment menu. Facilities include a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, fitness studio, and couples’ suite.

Spa facility access — the thermal area, sauna, and steam room — is included for all guests. Fitness classes (yoga, cardio, TRX, aqua aerobics) and gym access are also included. Treatments (facials, body wraps, full-body massages, hairdressing, nails) cost extra, except for Deluxe Collection guests who receive two complimentary 25-minute neck and back massages per suite per stay.

What’s Included vs. What Costs Extra

Included	Costs Extra
All meals at 8 restaurants — no supplements	Spa treatments (beyond Deluxe massages)
100+ wine labels, premium spirits, cocktails	Motorized water sports and scuba diving
24-hour room service	Hairdressing and nail salon
Daily mini-bar replenishment	Off-resort excursions (beyond Dine Out)
Dine Out at 3 local Kos restaurants	Heroes Supper Club for non-Deluxe ($30/child)
Non-motorized water sports	Photography packages
All land sports and fitness classes
Spa thermal facilities (sauna, steam, indoor pool)
Kids’ Club (ages 4-17)
Sunset cruise
Culture Pass (museum access)
Electric MINI Countryman (1-2 days)
Anne Semonin amenities and Nespresso in room
Wi-Fi, sunbeds, umbrellas, towels

Pricing and How to Book

Price Ranges by Season

Season	Period	Double Room (per night)	Deluxe Suite (per night)
Opening / Closing	May, late Oct	$424 - $500	$632 - $800
Shoulder	June, Sept	$500 - $700	$800 - $1,100
Peak	July - August	$700 - $900	$1,100 - $1,776

All prices are per room per night, all-inclusive. Prices from the Ikos direct booking engine and KAYAK for 2025/2026 season.

UK package reference: 7 nights for 2 adults and 1 child starts from approximately $4,200 (standard) to $6,300 (Deluxe suite), flights extra. A family of four from approximately $10,700. These prices have been climbing year-on-year, and repeat visitors have noticed.

Best Time to Book

Book four to six months ahead for July-August peak season. The resort operates May through October only — there is no winter season. January sales on the Ikos website often surface good value for shoulder season dates. May, June, and September offer the best balance of warm Aegean weather, smaller crowds, and better availability for Dine Out reservations.

Where to Book

• Ikos direct (ikosresorts.com) — Often the best price guarantee and the most room category availability
• Booking.com — Good for comparing rates and flexible cancellation options
• UK tour operators — Sovereign, Olympic Holidays, Destinology, and Inspiring Travel Company often package flights with competitive rates
• Jet2holidays — Package deals with direct UK flights to Kos

Check latest Ikos Aria prices →

Compared to Nearby Resorts

Ikos Oceania (Halkidiki) — Same Ikos standard, longer beach, and generally lower prices. But it is on the mainland, not an island. If you want the Greek island experience, Aria wins. If you want the best value within the Ikos family, Oceania deserves a look.

Ikos Dassia (Corfu) — The foodie pick within the Ikos portfolio. Better cultural access thanks to Corfu Town, and arguably stronger Dine Out partners. Choose Dassia if culture and food variety matter more than beach quality.

Mitsis Selection Blue Domes (Kos) — Same island, located in Kardamena. Twelve restaurants, 24-hour all-inclusive model, and significantly cheaper. But it is a larger, more commercial resort without the design polish or service culture that defines Ikos. If budget matters more than refinement, Blue Domes delivers solid value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Deluxe Collection upgrade worth it at Ikos Aria?

Yes, emphatically. The Deluxe Collection pool occupies the best position at the resort with unobstructed sea views and far fewer guests. You also get private airport transfers, Taittinger Champagne on arrival, access to the exclusive Seasons restaurant, two complimentary Anne Semonin massages, an exclusive wine list, and — new for 2026 — two days with the electric MINI instead of one. Non-Deluxe guests consistently report feeling the difference, especially during peak season when the standard pools become crowded. If you are visiting in July or August, consider the Deluxe upgrade essential rather than optional.

Is Ikos Aria good for families with teenagers?

Exceptionally so. While most all-inclusive resorts stop programming at age 12, Ikos Aria runs a dedicated teens programme for ages 13-17. The Heroes Supper Club (ages 4-12) gives parents a three-hour evening break. The electric MINI lets older teenagers explore the island with parents. The Junior Suites and Two Bedroom Bungalow Suites provide the space families need. And the food is good enough that even picky teenage palates will find something at eight restaurants.

What is the Dine Out programme and how does it work?

Ikos covers your meal at one of three local partner restaurants on Kos: Mylotopi (village Mediterranean, 4km away), Kochylari (Greek-Mediterranean, 2km away), and Anipota (Greek, 3.6km away). You book through the hotel concierge, drive over in the complimentary electric MINI or arrange transport, order whatever you want from the full menu, and Ikos pays the bill. There is no spending cap or set menu. Book early — slots fill up fast in peak season.

When is the best time to visit Ikos Aria?

May to June and September to October. The weather is warm, the pools are manageable, Dine Out availability is better, and prices are 30-40% lower than peak. July and August are the most expensive and most crowded months — all pools, especially non-Deluxe ones, will be busy. The resort is seasonal and closes for winter, typically reopening in May.

How far is Ikos Aria from Kos airport?

Just 15-20 minutes from Kos International Airport (KGS). Deluxe Collection guests receive complimentary private airport transfers. Standard guests can arrange a taxi or pre-book a transfer through the resort. The short transfer is a genuine advantage — you are poolside within an hour of landing.

Is the food really included with no extra charges?

Yes. All seven a la carte restaurants and the buffet are fully included with no supplements, no reservation fees, and no surcharges on premium ingredients. Over 100 wine labels and premium branded spirits are included at all meals and bars. The 24-hour room service menu is included. The daily mini-bar replenishment is included. The Dine Out meals at local restaurants are included. The only dining-related extra is the Heroes Supper Club for non-Deluxe guests ($30 per child). This level of genuine all-inclusive is rare and is the primary reason Ikos commands the prices it does.

Final Verdict

Ikos Aria: 9.1 / 10

Ikos Aria is the best all-inclusive resort in Greece. That is not hyperbole — TripAdvisor’s travelers have voted it number one for multiple consecutive years, and after examining every detail, the ranking is earned.

The Dine Out programme alone would set it apart. Add Michelin-chef designed menus across seven a la carte restaurants with zero supplements, over 100 included wine labels, an electric MINI Countryman for island exploration, an 850-metre Blue Flag beach with ancient ruins along the shore, and an Anne Semonin spa — and you have a resort that genuinely redefines what “all-inclusive” means in Europe.

The caveats are real. The two-tier Deluxe/standard divide creates a noticeable gap in experience, particularly around pool access and crowd levels in peak season. Prices are climbing year-on-year. The adults-only pool underwhelms. And Kos itself is a quiet island — if you want vibrant nightlife or cultural depth beyond what the resort provides, look at Ikos Dassia on Corfu instead.

But for couples, families, and honeymooners who want a luxury Greek island all-inclusive where the food is genuinely outstanding, the inclusions are genuinely generous, and the beach is genuinely beautiful — Ikos Aria is the one to book. Just book the Deluxe Collection.