Monday, July 14, 2025

The largest and most diverse island in Greece, Crete, is to become home to a new icon of luxury and sustainability when Ikos Kissamos is due to open in April 2026. With an investment worth €150 million, Ikos Kissamos is going to be the largest luxury resort project on the island, further solidifying Ikos Resorts as a regional hospitality giant.

Situated on the picturesque shores of Kissamos Bay in Chania, Ikos Kissamos will offer 414 attractively furnished rooms, suites, and private villas. Set on 53 acres, carefully landscaped to blend seamlessly amidst the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the resort will be set amidst rolling sand dunes, blooming gardens, and the seemingly endless stretch of the clear blue waters of the Aegean Sea. The resort promises to be an oasis for relaxation and renewal.

Drawing on the island’s lively culture, the architecture of the resort is a blend of contemporary luxury and traditional Mediterranean style. Ancient Minoan motifs and raw building materials such as stone, terracotta, and wood are employed to express a natural, organic atmosphere. The soothing color palette in warm neutrals is interrupted by terracotta and olive accents, conveying the dynamic spirit of Crete.

Ikos Kissamos will cater to the most discerning tourists, providing unprecedented facilities and memorable moments. The resort will provide seven gourmet restaurants, all of which emphasize locally cultivated ingredients and dishes chosen by Michelin-starred chefs. Tourists can taste their desired Mediterranean cuisine, from seafood specialties to innovative Greek dishes, all prepared keeping in mind sustainability and local flavors.

There are three outside bars, too, as well as a spa courtesy of Anne Semonin, and a choice of wellness facilities, including yoga decks looking down to the sea, an equipped gym, and a collection of sensory gardens for getting guests in touch with the calming environment.

Ikos Kissamos is going to be family-friendly, targeting to offer an environment in which parents can unwind as much as their offspring. There will be three heated children’s pools, splash pool, and outdoor play area. The resort’s award-winning children’s programs, like Heroes Crèche for the children aged between 6 months and 4 years, and the Just4Teens program, will keep the tiny guests completely taken care of when parents need some me-time.

As is typical for Ikos Resorts in following sustainability, Ikos Kissamos is aiming LEED Gold for Building Design and Construction. The resort is in dedication to Ikos Green standards, which provide aspirational targets for reaching net-zero carbon emissions in 2030. The net-zero carbon emissions aim is to be accomplished through a partnership between renewable energy, building construction methods, as well as green guest ground transportation.

The resort will also do away with single-use plastics, recycle all organic waste, and implement a zero-waste-to-landfill policy. Ikos Kissamos will even attain 100% water reuse, further lessening its footprint on the environment while continuing the luxurious, eco-conscious experience for which Ikos is known.

Ikos Kissamos allows guests an opportunity to explore some of the most well-known attractions in Crete. The resort is just a short walk away from numerous untouched beaches, including the popular Balos Lagoon and Elafonisi Beach, which are particularly well known for their beautiful sceneries and turquoise seas. The guests can also visit the ancient port of Falasarna, regarded as one of Europe’s best beaches, known for their beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere.

True to its aim to offer local in-depth experiences, the resort’s Local Discovery initiative will offer guests an authentic means of experiencing Crete. Guests will be treated to an included car rental for them to explore the island’s diverse landscapes, ancient points of interest, and charming villages, allowing them to sample the heritage and culture of Crete. Ikos Kissamos promotes sustainable holidays through the recommendation of less touristy, local hotspots which offer insight to the natural and patrimonial assets of Crete.

The opening of Ikos Kissamos will positively impact the regional economy significantly, creating over 750 new jobs in hospitality, retail, and services. The development will also spur local tourism, further strengthening the position of Crete as a luxury resort destination and appealing to high-income travelers from all over the world.

The local businesses will be positively impacted due to tourist influx, and the resort will try to buy locally, ensuring that the tourist benefits are extended all across the island. Ikos Kissamos will team up with local producers, artisans, and farmers in an effort to provide guests with authentic, Cretan encounters, stimulating the local economy.

Ikos Kissamos is a new paradigm in island luxury holidays on the island of Crete. With sustainable operations, contemporary architecture, and an ethos for local authenticity, the resort sets a new standard for all-inclusive luxury in the Mediterranean. The resort’s seamless coexistence with the land, upscale facilities, and green-friendly mindset will be an oasis for travelers seeking a quiet, high-end, and eco-conscience holiday getaway. As the island of Crete becomes increasingly popular as a luxury destination, Ikos Kissamos is set to revolutionize luxury travel in the region, offering guests an environment in which they can retreat, relax, and be treated to the very best in Greek hospitality.