Cook’s Club Kolymbia almost feels like its own little village. The site has seven different buildings with 271 newly refurbished rooms, three trendy bars, three delicious restaurants, a spa and two aesthetically pleasing outdoor pools. The aesthetics of this hotel were just to my taste, it has an abundance of moody textures like grey stone and rustic woods, paired with tropical greenery and expensive linens in white and chocolate. The hotel definitely has a rustic, minimalist vibe, maybe a little Japanese inspiration too. The suites barely have any storage as it’s all open living design, which I loved, but if you like to get all your belongings packed away in cupboards – you may struggle. There’s also an outdoor gym that has probably the most beautiful looking equipment I’ve ever seen and yes, I did use it. Once.
I love a hotel that ultimately makes you feel a little cooler than you do when you’re at home and Cook’s Club does just that. While you chill by the pool soaking-up the vitamin-D of the Grecian sun, sipping away on locally inspired cocktails to electronic beats that match your mood all day long, no kids splashing around, the atmosphere is top-notch.
The restaurants at the hotel include the cantina, which is Cook’s Club signature restaurant serving-up a buffet style breakfast in the mornings and I’ve got to say, one of the best buffet breakfast I’ve come across. There’s a huge variety of hot breakfast bites, fresh fruits, greek pastries, breads and yoghurts that sets your day up perfectly. In the evening, it has an a la carte menu with a range of dishes from healthy vegan snacks to hearty, wholesome treats and traditional Greek island favourites like moussaka, gyros or souvlaki. There’s an Italian restaurant that serves a selection of pastas, pizzas and salads. My favourite eatery at Cook’s Club was Street Food Asia, whether it was refreshing poolside sushi during the day or a spicy pad thai in the evening, every dish I had at this place was *chef’s kiss*. I’m still dreaming of the deep fried ice cream.
While the hotel is adults-only, it’s not overly young and buzzy. It’s elegant, cool and offers a feel good social scene, especially in the evenings. The two poolside bars, specifically the one near the main bar was definitely a highlight, with swinging hammocks, sumptuous beanbags and jute rugs spotted everywhere to make you feel super comfy and casual. You can wander around barefoot, favourite cocktail in hand (I recommend the Cook’s Club negroni or the a blackberry flavoured one named ART) while you bop around to some funky disco sets played by a local live DJ.