Discover how a weekend at Koia, an adults-only resort in Kos, Greece, offered private pools, herbal rituals, and a peaceful rhythm inspired by Hippocratic wellness. A soulful Greek escape like no other
Some escapes offer luxury. Others offer peace. At Koia All Suite Wellbeing Resort on the island of Kos, we found both—and something even deeper: a sense of connection to the land, to tradition, and to ourselves. Our long weekend in July stretched out like a dream, the kind of stay that resets your inner rhythm and stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Set high on the sun-drenched hillside of Agios Fokas, Koia is a resort designed for those seeking not just relaxation, but renewal. What makes it truly special is its foundation: the philosophy of Hippocrates, the ancient physician born on Kos, whose teachings on balance, nature, and the healing power of food and herbs still resonate today. This is not wellness in a trendy or performative way—it’s woven into the essence of the place.
From the architecture to the menus to the smallest gesture of hospitality, everything at Koia reflects that philosophy. And from the moment we arrived, we felt it. The impressive entrance—framed by tall palm trees and thick stone walls that immediately reminded us of the medieval castle in Kos town—gave us the feeling we were entering a serene, self-contained world. We were welcomed with a cinnamon spritz, an old island tradition made refreshing and modern, and ushered into an atmosphere of calm, elegance, and care.
Private Pools, Herbal Teas, and a Journal Just for Us
Our suite became our peaceful retreat—completely private, tastefully minimal, and built to frame the Aegean view like a painting. The private pool was our favorite spot. We spent hours floating in silence, soaking in the horizon, and feeling time expand. Inside, we found a curated herbal tea blend, ready to be brewed and sipped slowly in the soft island light.
Another thoughtful surprise was the beautiful journal waiting for us on the table. Placed there for guests to write down thoughts, dreams, or quiet observations, it was a reminder of the inner stillness Koia invites you to rediscover.
Breakfast Under the Mulberry Trees
Every morning, we found ourselves drawn to the shaded terrace beneath the mulberry trees, where breakfast was served. It was one of our favorite parts of each day. The buffet offered a generous variety of local delicacies: traditional pies, fruits, cheeses, freshly baked bread, and even mini pizzas coming straight out of the stone oven at the live bakery station. It was warm, hearty, and unpretentious—like everything else at Koia.
Herbs and infusions were everywhere—from teas served at breakfast to herbal spritzes at the bar. Even the cocktails were laced with sage, thyme, or mint, adding that distinct earthy freshness that defined the whole stay.
Slow living by the Sea
The resort’s beach is a secluded, peaceful spot at the foot of the hill, reached by a short buggy ride. There, a few sunbeds and umbrellas were set up with plenty of space between them, offering a natural sense of privacy. A small box on the sand held chilled bottles of water—a small but thoughtful touch that made us feel cared for without ever needing to ask. We spent long, lazy hours swimming, reading, and simply listening to the waves.
Dining at Thyme: Flavors, Herbs, and a Magical View
At Thyme, Koia’s elegant restaurant, much of the produce—and many of the fragrant herbs—used in the kitchen come straight from the hotel’s garden, bringing the Hippocratic philosophy full circle to the plate. The menu changes with the seasons and is crafted with care, highlighting fresh, nourishing ingredients and herbal accents in unexpected ways. One evening, we chose the degustation menu, and every dish felt like a celebration of land and sea. We especially loved the shrimp kataifi, perfectly crisp and delicate, and the beetroot carpaccio—light, earthy, and full of flavor. On select evenings, Thyme also hosts themed dinners such as Greek Night or Barbecue Night, adding a festive, communal touch to the calm of the resort.
As a tea enthusiast, I also loved the blind tea tasting experience. It was intimate and engaging, a playful yet meditative moment where we tasted and guessed a series of herbal blends, each one designed to support different aspects of wellbeing. It was another subtle yet memorable detail that made Koia feel personal and special
A Garden Visit to Remember
But the true highlight of our stay came when we visited Koia’s herb and vegetable garden. It’s not just a decorative feature—it’s a working garden, central to the resort’s philosophy and cuisine. And we were lucky enough to be guided by the hotel’s owner himself, a man with a genuine love for cultivation and sustainability.
He proudly walked us through his innovative greenhouse, which he designed with special netting to protect the plants from the island’s strong sun and winds. With quiet excitement, he picked handfuls of wild rocket, mint, juicy tomatoes, fresh cucumbers, and crisp lettuce, describing the flavors as he went. This wasn’t just a garden—it was his personal project, a living part of Koia’s story.
Then came the magic: he personally created a vibrant salad mix with the ingredients we’d just picked, and the kitchen team brought it to us to enjoy next to the sea. I still think about that salad. It was extraordinary—not just for the taste, which was bursting with freshness and aroma, but for what it represented. The rocket had a peppery bite, the mint was cooling, the cucumbers impossibly crisp. It was the most delicious salad I’ve ever tasted, and the entire experience—from field to plate—was a joy. One of the absolute highlights of my summer.
A Spa Experience in Harmony with the Island
The spa at Koia is a sanctuary within a sanctuary. Designed in harmony with the resort’s earthy tones and soft lines, it offered a deep sense of calm from the moment I walked in. I chose a signature massage that used locally inspired oils. The treatment was soothing, balancing, and truly grounding—more than relaxation, it felt like a reset.
Afterwards, I sipped a warm herbal tea in the quiet lounge with the view to the sea, letting the silence wrap around me like a second skin. Everything about the spa echoed the island’s rhythm: slow, nourishing, and deeply natural.
Leaving with a Basil Plant and a Full Heart
On our final morning, we took one last swim, had one last breakfast under the trees, and tried to hold on to the sense of stillness we’d found. As we checked out, we were given a small pot of basil to take home—a living reminder of our stay. It now sits in our kitchen, fragrant and thriving, and with every touch of its leaves, we’re brought back to Koia’s calm and care.
Koia is not just a resort. It’s a philosophy, an experience, and a memory waiting to be revisited. A place where Greek tradition meets modern wellness in the most genuine, generous way.
