Guide To Uncovering The Best Kept Secrets On The Island Of Kos

The Greek island of Kos is where you can disconnect amid hidden beaches, lunch at cafes with sweeping views, and indulge in luxurious spa treatments, discovers Trish Travieso as she flies solo.

- Trish Travieso

It was time to put my money where my mouth was and cut off in a big way. I’d heard of a little island in the Aegean Sea with sand dunes trickling onto untouched beaches. Kos, a Greek island in the Dodecanese, beckoned, so I gave in to persuasion (from myself) and booked a ticket. One ticket. That’s right, no husband, no toddlers, just me, myself and my camera. I was in search of that off-the-beaten-track experience and I admit, lots of pampering, so I booked a room at Casa Cook Kos and announced this was Momma time. Sitting on the plane, I gave mindfulness a go, gazing at the little islands below. The island is full of contrasts, like ancient columns serving as sunbathing spots for local beachgoers. The economy has not been kind to the country, yet here on Kos there is a strong pride for local culture (this is the home of Hippocrates—enough said).

When I get to the hotel—I’d dreamt about the private pool of my junior suite in-between my children’s temper tantrums, I admit—the late afternoon sun is preparing another perfect Aegean sunset. A friendly staffer drives my bags and me to my room in a golf cart. I’ll settle in later I tell myself, as I wink at the private pool and notice the perfect decoration (hello Marshall speakers, we’ll groove later). I head to the beach for the most delectable sundowner, ever. The next morning I hop into a white 4x4, my panama hat, shades and SPF 50 in check (I don’t play around) for a tour of the island. I’m driven along the main road that stretches from one end of the island to the other—it’s hard to get lost here, Kos is 40 kilometers long and only 8 kilometers wide.