If you’re craving sunshine, suaveness and some serious sustenance this summer, coast along to the newly-opened Ikos Kissamos resort in Crete for a break that combines exceptional design with an ultra-relaxed ambience. Editor Sophie Ritchie slathers on the sunscreen and steps into the heat to share more about this five-star stay
Whether you prefer a holiday spent horizontal on a sun lounger or prefer working up a sweat with class after class, there’s a way to unwind for everyone at the brand-new Ikos Kissamos resort. A slice of modern calm nestled by the Cretan coastline, this contemporary resort offers its guests the ideal equilibrium of relaxation, beautiful surroundings and excellent restaurant cuisine.
Part of the wider Ikos group, whose award-winning portfolio now spans eight luxury all-inclusive resorts in Greece and Spain, Ikos Kissamos is a vast property designed for families and couples alike. A stay here offers couples and families alike the ideal opportunity for grinding the daily grind to a halt, donning something chic and simply soaking in some serious serenity instead (yes, even when traveling with the kids in tow).
About the resort
Located in the Chania region about a 45-minute transfer from the airport, arriving at Ikos Kissamos leads guests to an inner awaiting world of 53 acres of exquisitely verdant gardens, shimmering pools and exceptional accommodation inspired by the surrounding Mediterranean scenery. According to recent British Airways Holidays search data, searches to Chania have increased by 11% since the start of 2026 – making this an excellent choice for anyone seeking a beachfront escape.
Once over the threshold, it’s hard for the various sophisticated rooms, restaurants and outdoor spaces not to evoke a little “ooh” as guests explore their way around this expansive resort and get settled into the various sections.
With 414 modern meets elegant rooms and suites, this sprawling Greek development signifies the island’s most impressive luxury opening to-date – it’s as large as it is luxurious, but cleverly blends into its surroundings thanks to a carefully-curated design. Surrounded by a turquoise sea with water so blue you’ll ponder whether someone’s increased the saturation with real-life Photoshop when staring across the waves, this spacious resort even boasts its own private beach – complete with glittering sand dunes and patrolling security team.
The grand guest experience starts right at check-in – a process that takes place at a grand, light-filled lobby that hums with energy from dawn to dusk with people arriving, departing or simply sitting with a glass of something delicious from one of the nearby bars on one of the many sofas. For what service during a stay can sometimes lack in speed, it instantly makes up for in staff friendliness – the hospitable and warm nature of the team here is practically contagious.
Whilst the contemporary design of the buildings is gorgeous, the outside spaces are equally worth exploring. Neat and carefully-curated footpaths lead guests around the resort, which is neatly organised and sectioned by various room categories.
There’s the option for strolling, cycling with a complimentary bicycle or grabbing a lift via one of the many friendly chauffeur-driven golf buggies that shuttle residents from A to B (well, when wearing heels…). Come nightfall, soft sultry lighting guides the way for those meandering around the different areas in an enchanting fashion.
For those who like to explore further during a holiday, the resort also offers every guest with a valid driving license the opportunity to venture out via one of its bookable on-site MINI Countryman cars. There’s also a complimentary shuttle service into the nearby city of Chania on a daily basis (although admittedly it’s better suited for those planning an entire day out due to the slightly awkward timings).
The room
Rooms and suites at Ikos Kissamos are a destination in themselves, featuring spacious, neutral and easy-on-the-eye interiors. With mocha, cream and sand colour tones, the abodes here are simple in feel but pristinely elegant, creating a sense of calm that could easily leave you sleeping in for hours.
Drawing inspiration from the island’s rich heritage, ancient Minoan motifs and the rhythmic lull of the Aegean sea, outside and inside spaces are intended to blur into one – creating a world within a world here and adding to the heightened sense of tranquility.
Guests have the choice of a wide range of room categories, starting with a snugger Double Room and stretching the budget further to more lavish Deluxe Three Bedroom Suite Private Pool (best suited for families or those splashing out on something extra special).
For accommodation that feels both impressive and comfortable, a Deluxe One Bedroom Suite makes an excellent choice. Think wide sliding doors that lead to a private terrace, comfortable places to lounge, heaps of wardrobe space and the all-inclusive essential – a minibar stocked to the absolute brim with soft drinks, mini alcoholic beverages and snacks galore.
The suites here are large enough to feel like an entire apartment as you pad around in one of the comfortable bathrobes – especially the bathroom, where the hardest choice of the day becomes choosing between the enormous walk-in shower or decadent freestanding bathtub.
There’s an undeniable sophisticated feel from tip to toe. I’m not awoken by the sound of screaming children and there’s no garish wrist band system here either. This might technically be an all-inclusive property, but it’s nothing like you might expect with visions of buffet scrums and pool lounger madness (I’ve clearly watched one too many episodes of Benidorm in my time).
For the wellness seekers
1 Spa visit: Spoil yourself with a treatment at the resort’s lavish spa, where massages, facials and other serene pampering can be booked both in advance or on a whim for a dose of added serenity.
2 Get moving: With excellent on-site fitness facilities including a gym and small indoor pool, the resort also offers a varied Sports Program of daily exercise sessions for guests. These include yoga, mat pilates and intimate reformer pilates sessions, plus group jogging, volleyball and more. Book slots in advance to avoid disappointment and get ready to limber up, Grecian style.
3 Run around the resort or into Kissamos: If you’re an avid runner, the flat looped paths here simply summon a trainer session. Lace them up and head out as early as you can (the temperatures soar in summer months) to clock up the kilometres and Strava kudos. For those who like to play tourist en-foot, a nearby explore into the small town of Kissamos provides an excellent 5km-ish route.
The dining
Don’t forget to pack your appetite. As part of the Ikos Unconditional Luxury experience, there’s plenty of culinary delights to be devoured within these walls. Ikos Kissamos is home to seven sleek restaurants dotted around different parts of the resort, each offering either thoughtfully curated à la carte menus created in collaboration with Michelin-starred chefs or high end buffet offerings.
From refined Mediterranean and traditional Greek fare (complete with matching plate throwing depending on where you dine) through to international cuisine with the likes of South American, French and Asian dishes on offer, mealtimes can be as authentic or as experimental as you’d like. Plus, with additional simple poolside bites and a buffet of dreams over at the more casual Market restaurant, you can be guaranteed mouthful after mouthful of flavoursome goodness.
As well as the fine dining platefuls found at venues such as Anaya, Kriti and La Plage, simpler food carts tucked away by each pool area also offer guests the chance to grab quick BBQ items throughout the day as well as the holiday essential for both kids and adults – unlimited ice cream cones, with ample flavours to try and devour before the sun melts them first.
The Wordrobe verdict
A slice of modern calm nestled by the Cretan coastline, the brand-new Ikos Kissamos resort offers its guests the ideal equilibrium of relaxation, beautiful surroundings and excellent restaurant cuisine. A vast property designed for families and couples alike, a stay here delivers the ideal opportunity to grind the daily grind to a halt, swap stress for a sundress and soak in some serious serenity instead (yes, even with the kids in tow). Grab the suitcase – it’s time to coast on over.
Start the adventure
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5* Ikos Kissamos, from £3469pp (includes €53pp Environmental Fee payable locally), travelling on selected dates between 1 September – 30 September 2026 inclusive. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, one checked bag per person and accommodation on All Inclusive board basis. Book by 5 August 2026. For reservations visit https://www.britishairways.com/crete
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
