My first time in Greece was seven years ago, and like most people, I fell in love with the landscape, the blue and white architecture, the fresh seafood, and the warm, laid back culture. So when I received an invitation from Casa Cook to the opening of their hotel on the island of Kos, I was excited to return to Greece. Having already seen the stylish design of their first hotel which opened last summer in Rhodes, I knew this was an opportunity not to be missed. Turns out: it’s the hotel of my dreams.   

reception area

concept store & juice bar

The property itself resembles a modern Greek village, with cubic, one- and two-story buildings and lots of open communal spaces, like gardens, terraces and a pool, in between. The sun was setting when I arrived and the white buildings were painted pink by the light as I watched the sun slowly disappear behind the mountains across the sea. It was the kind of sight that makes you fall in love with a place. 

Stylish and minimal, yet warm and inviting, the interior of the hotel is made up of cool pale grey concrete surfaces, and is strategically furnished with wood and wickerwork pieces. I stayed in a luxurious junior suite, which came with a semi-private pool shared with two connecting suites. I think that what I enjoyed most about Casa Cook and its layout, is that even though the it’s very open and airy, there are lots of intimate ‘pockets’ where guests can enjoy their privacy as well. 

dining room

grilled octopus

negroni in cask

basil mezcalitos

In my four day stay at the hotel, I managed to try *almost* everything on restaurant’s farm-to-table menu (a tough job, but someone’s got to do it) and can attest that every dish is delicious! The kitchen uses ingredients grown on their own farm, located next to the hotel, and the menu is made up of Mediterranean dishes with a modern twist. The cocktails, created by David Wiedemann, bartender and owner of Berlin’s popular Reingold bar, are works of art. I was especially delighted to discover that David and I share a mutual love of mezcal. It’s hard to pick favourites from the cocktail menu, but if you get the chance, don’t miss the Oaxaca Tribe, an herbal whiskey sour, and the refreshing Melon Smash.

With its perfect harmony of minimal luxury and earthy, restful decor, Casa Cook is the perfect Greek getaway. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, sipping a killer cocktail on the terrace or enjoying a quiet minute in your room, you’ll never want to leave this one-of-a-kind sanctuary. I know I didn’t…

For more on what to do while in Kos, I’ll be sharing a separate blog post on activities on the island soon.