Ikos Resorts has opened its first property on Crete, Ikos Kissamos, taking its portfolio to eight resorts and marking the largest hospitality investment on the island to date.
Located on Kissamos Bay, on Crete’s northwest coast, the beachfront property is set within 53 acres of landscaped gardens and features 414 rooms, suites and bungalows, stretching across 600 metres of unspoiled coastline.
Just two kilometres from the fishing village of Kissamos, facilities include eight heated pools, a children’s splash area and sports amenities such as tennis and padel courts, alongside a spa. The new resort has a total of seven restaurants including concepts curated by Michelin-starred chefs and a new venue, Kriti, celebrating traditional Cretan cuisine.
The transfer time to this lesser-explored part of the island from Chania Airport is approximately 45 minutes.
The resort is divided into four distinct areas – Main Village, River Village, Dunes Village and Sea Village – with the latter two forming part of the Deluxe Collection.
The opening also reflects a ‘destination-led’ luxury all-inclusive concept, with a stronger emphasis on cultural immersion and local connection alongside traditional resort facilities.
Ikos Kissamos offers a Local Discovery programme including access to a MINI Countryman and a Dine Out offering at selected local restaurants. Nearby attractions include Balos Lagoon, Falassarna Beach and Chania Old Town.
Sustainability measures at the resort include alignment with the Ikos Green framework, with initiatives such as a net-zero carbon target by 2030, zero waste to landfill and the elimination of single-use plastics.
More than 70% of ingredients used at the resort are sourced from across Crete, supported by partnerships with local producers and artisans.
Ikos said the new resort has already seen strong demand from the UK and Ireland market, generating €29 million in bookings since going on sale last July. The property is currently at 89% occupancy for the upcoming season.
Regional Director of Sales and Marketing Lee Barker said the level of support from the UK and Irish trade had played ‘a pivotal role in the resort’s early success’.
He added: “We are incredibly grateful for their confidence in the Ikos brand and their commitment to driving strong demand from the outset. This partnership has been instrumental in positioning Ikos Kissamos as one of the most anticipated resort openings in the Mediterranean, and we look forward to building on this momentum as we welcome our first guests.”
Ikos Resorts, which operates across Greece and Spain, said it expects the new opening to strengthen its position in the all-inclusive luxury market, combining beachfront locations with high-end dining and service.
