Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel Spa

The all-suite Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel + Spa has a contemporary exterior, made of angular sections of concrete and stone that cut a sharp silhouette against the waterfront landscape. The inside is more of the same, with a dim-lit lounge area whose plush couches and cushioned benches offset all the right angles. The words "love at first sight" are inscribed into the stone floor at the base of the polished reception desk, while common areas have trendy white furnishings and quasi-industrial light fixtures. Regular post-dinner jazz nights with saxophones filling the halls liven things up a bit at this resort that sees almost exclusively couples.

The hotel is on the northernmost tip of Kos island, across the street from a white-sand beach. The location offers plenty of safe walking and biking opportunities, but there are only a few restaurants within walking distance. The town of Kos -- where travelers can explore the Ancient Agora, Roman Odeon, the Knights of Saint John, and the Neratzia Castle -- is under a 10-minute drive away. The town also has the liveliest scene on the island, and it's where visitors will find the best selection of restaurants, bars, and shopping. The ancient ruins of Asklepion are 12 minutes by car and Kos Island International Airport is a half-hour drive away. The hotel offers free parking.

The hotel's 53 suites have oak floors and contemporary furnishings in chalky earth tones, brightened by floor-to-ceiling windows. All have private furnished balconies or patios, but some suites overlook unkempt grounds, construction sites, or makeshift parking lots, with only partial sea views. Built-in work desks with transparent plastic chairs are opposite vanities with lighted mirrors, and separate the open bathrooms from the bedrooms. Sitting areas have small couches and 40-inch flat-screen TVs. Minibars and coffeemakers also come standard, along with free Wi-Fi (though it's not always reliable). Partially open bathrooms lack privacy due to glass doors to both the toilets and shower/tub combos with rainfall showerheads. Upgraded suites have better sea views, and extra perks such as gas fireplaces and hot tubs. Some suites add private plunge pools and sundecks with daybeds. 

Lambi Beach tends to be windy and rocky, but the hotel's stretch of white sand across the road is remarkably pleasant. Wooden boardwalks provide reliable footing between pairs of sun loungers and reed umbrellas reserved for hotel guests. There are also towels available next to small changing huts. The common outdoor pool isn't that big, but it has a lovely design with sundecks and plush wicker loungers on three sides, along with daybeds on platforms that jut into the water. There are also a hot tub and a poolside bar where drinks and snacks are served on a covered terrace. 

Restaurant Cuvee features fine dining options from locally sourced ingredients on a broadly Greek and Mediterranean menu. Highlights include dishes like sea bass with artichokes, mussels, and wild fennel juice, and a lamb fillet on baked potato puree with soy sauce and honey. Guests can also get picnic baskets to take to the beach. The full-service Tamaris spa offers a typical range of body treatments, scrubs, and massages, along with men's and women's saunas, and a Turkish hammam equipped with color therapy and aromatherapy. A small indoor pool and a fitness room with modern cardio machines are also available.