In a nutshell: This resort is a unique blend of Greek hospitality and boho-chic Ibiza vibes.
Three things I loved: The yoga space, great during organised lessons but also perfect for solo practices; the traditional Samian dinner hosted by a local grandmother; and the hotel’s proximity to Pythagorion.
Rooms
Although it doesn’t look very big from the exterior, there are 128 rooms, and eight different room categories in Casa Cook Samos. Design-wise, they’re all similar, with muted, relaxing tones and natural materials used throughout – from the linen of the bed throw to the stone and wood of the furniture.
I stayed in their Private Pool Suite, which felt comfortable without being very large. The main attraction here is the outdoor space, featuring a private pool with a double daybed positioned right at the water’s edge, and two chairs to enjoy the sun in private – the perfect retreat for a couple. If you’re travelling as a group, a cluster of adjacent swim-up suites would be ideal. There’s no Jacuzzi in the spa, so book a rooftop suite to enjoy the one up there if it’s your thing.
Food and drink
Food is one of the highlights here. The breakfast offers all the classics, from scrambled eggs and omelettes to pastries and traditional cakes. Everything on offer was delicious, but I invariably opted for chia pudding and Greek yoghurt topped with local honey, fresh fruit and nuts, always accompanied by an excellent freddo cappuccino.
Lunch brought an overwhelming amount of choice. In three days, we managed to sample most of what was on offer – the octopus and grilled pineapple salad was my favourite dish – and what stood out was the fact that, no matter what you order, everything comes in a main portion size. The dinner menu shared a lot of the same dishes as lunch, with some extra delicacies like lobster spaghetti and duck moussaka.
Highlights and experiences
There are all the expected resort highlights – a spa, gym, six pools and a private beach club – but the experiences are the standout at Casa Cook Samos. I loved the outdoor yoga space where yoga and pilates classes are organised daily, as well as the electric bikes that can be easily rented through an app. There is also a daily group run that departs every morning from the lobby, for anyone missing their usual running club back home.
The hotel also organises cacao ceremonies twice a week and cocktail classes where you can sample some of the drinks available at the beach bar and learn how to make your own. Our teacher, Yórgos, taught us how to make a Manhattan with a Greek twist, which I will be trying to reproduce at home. The standout experience, however, was the weekly Samian dinner, organised every Friday, where a Greek grandmother cooks a traditional feast for forty guests.
What to do nearby
The hotel is a 20-minute walk from Pythagorion, where you’ll find a charming shopping street lined with souvenir shops, cafés and restaurants. There is a lot that can be done and seen around the hotel, which is particularly handy for those who do not want to rent a car – something that’s often necessary when exploring the Greek islands.
Maybe a bit far by foot, but definitely reachable by bike – you can rent one easily at the hotel – are the Temple of Hera and the Archaeological Site of Heraion of Samos. If you want to venture a bit further, you can hike to Panagia Spiliani Holy Monastery in about half an hour to enjoy the view over the sea, and on the way back, stop to visit Eupalinus Aqueduct, an ancient masterpiece of engineering. If you don’t mind a longer drive, the town of Kokkari is only a thirty-minute ride away and one of the island’s prettiest spots for an afternoon wander.
The backstory
Casa Cook Samos is one of five Casa Cook hotels, owned by the hospitality platform Casa Collective and previously part of Thomas Cook Hotels & Resorts.
Insider tip
Casa Cook offers amazing Greek food, but if you want something different, make sure you visit their sister hotel Doryssa, which is so close it can be reached on foot or by bike. Its Japanese-inspired restaurant Unan Asian Fusion is great for a fancy dinner out eating some delicious sushi rolls, or head to Asterias Seaside Experience, their Italian beach restaurant, for some excellent pasta and pizza at lunch. Another place easily reached by hopping on one of Casa Cook’s bikes is the little shop of Kostantinos Skaliaris, who sells his own honey, local dried herbs, olive oil, homemade organic beauty products made with his own beeswax and more local delicacies that make for a perfect souvenir of this rugged and rich island – just make sure you carry cash on you.
Wellness
The spa is not big – it features a steam room, a relaxation area, and a sensory shower – but it’s a nice place to spend a couple of hours getting pampered. A wide range of treatments, all inspired by the Mediterranean, are on offer as well as an exclusive hammam experience that will leave your skin soft and ready for an afternoon by the sea. I tried the Mediterranean massage and it was a fabulously relaxing interlude in my day.
The gym is small but it has all the basics for cardio workouts and light strength-training sessions. It also has two reformer pilates machines. The wellness highlight for me was definitely the daily yoga session offered in the morning, a great way to start the day in such a calming location. Some mornings were particularly busy though, so it’s worth arriving a bit earlier to secure a spot and do some extra stretches.
Final considerations
Can’t-miss: The steam room, especially when booked as part of a hammam treatment, the empty pool at sunrise, and the Samian dinner experience
Best for: Groups of friends or couples
Location: Samos, Greece
Family friendly: Although this is an adults-only resort, it seems to be popular with families with older teenagers (16+)
Accessibility: The communal areas are accessible – the lobby through a ramp, while the restaurant and beach club are at street level – and there are accessible rooms available for wheelchair users
Wellness: There is a small spa with a peaceful relaxation room and a spacious hammam, but no sauna or indoor pool
Loyalty group/Hotel brand: Casa Cook (part of Casa Collective)
First published in CNT UK