THE ART OF SLOW LIVING: AN ESCAPE TO OKU

As I stepped off the plane at Kos International Airport, a soft breeze carried the scent of the sea, filling me with a sense of excitement and peace. The 15-minute drive to OKU Kos, nestled by a serene beach, was picturesque—an endless stretch of sand dunes and blue waters meeting the skyline. Arriving at the resort, I was greeted by an atmosphere of relaxed luxury. Inspired by the traditional Greek village, OKU Kos was a minimalist haven, where whitewashed walls met earthy tones and the sound of waves became an ever-present melody.

From the moment I walked through the open-air lobby, I could feel the island’s slow rhythm urging me to let go of the fast pace of life I had left behind. My home for the next few days was a spacious sea-view suite, complete with its own private pool. OKU Kos features 100 guest rooms, including suites with private and semi-private pools, as well as a few two-bedroom villas for those seeking even more seclusion. The design was sleek yet comforting, with natural wood accents, wide windows, and soft linens—all thoughtfully arranged to create a calming space.

On my first morning, I decided to start the day with a group yoga class held at the resort. These classes, offered daily, provide a mix of styles, and the morning session focused on gentle stretches to awaken the body. The instructor’s soothing voice combined with the panoramic views of the Aegean Sea made for a truly rejuvenating experience. For those looking for a more personalized touch, private yoga sessions were also available, and I was tempted to book one later in the week.

After yoga, I joined a meditation and healing workshop led by one of the resort’s in-house guides. These workshops, held weekly in small groups, offer a variety of practices aimed at reconnecting with oneself. On this particular day, the session was centered on breathwork and guided visualization. I was told that on occasion, the resort also invites visiting shamans who lead healing retreats. The peaceful energy of the space made it easy to immerse myself fully in the practice.

As the afternoon sun warmed the earth, I made my way to to Kima, the resort’s main restaurant, for lunch. True to OKU Kos’s commitment to sustainability, the menu featured farm-to-table dishes made from locally sourced ingredients. I indulged in fresh seafood, grilled to perfection, paired with vegetables picked from nearby farms. The flavors were simple but rich, honoring the bounty of the land and sea. The restaurant’s laid-back yet refined vibe was the perfect setting for savoring the fresh, Mediterranean flavors.

Next, I wandered down to the private beach, where sunbeds were spaced far apart to ensure each guest could enjoy their own patch of paradise. The sandy shoreline and clear waters called to me, so I spent the next few hours alternating between reading a book and dipping into the cool, turquoise sea. The sun overhead, the gentle sound of waves, and the sheer beauty of the Aegean made me feel completely at ease.

Later that day, I decided to explore the resort’s spa, renowned for its holistic treatments and tranquil ambiance. The spa, inspired by Kos’s ancient healing traditions, features a carefully curated treatment menu, but what caught my attention was the hammam—a traditional steam room designed to cleanse the body and relax the mind. I spent a few minutes in the steam before enjoying a soothing full-body massage that melted away any lingering tension. Afterward, I retreated to the quiet pool and relaxation area, where I sat in silence, sipping herbal tea and watching the sunlight play on the water’s surface.

One of the most memorable aspects of OKU Kos was its state-of-the-art fitness studio, open to all guests. On my second morning, I spent time there, using the selection of cardio and strength-based machines to reinvigorate myself before breakfast. The resort’s commitment to wellness extended beyond relaxation; it was about balance—energizing the body while quieting the mind.

As the sun began to set, I made my way to the To Kima bar, where the golden hour brought the most magical light to the terrace. I ordered a cocktail made from fresh, local herbs and citrus, and watched in awe as the sky blazed with pinks and oranges, reflecting off the still waters of the Aegean. The sunsets at OKU Kos were legendary, and now I understood why. It felt like the entire world had paused, just for a moment, to marvel at the beauty of nature.

That evening, I joined a small group of guests for a private dinner on the beach. The menu was simple yet elegant, highlighting the best of Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. We dined by candlelight, the soft lapping of the waves providing a soundtrack to the evening. Each dish celebrated local ingredients—fresh fish, fragrant herbs, and olive oil from the island’s groves. The farm-to-fork philosophy wasn’t just about eating well; it was about being mindful of where the food came from and how it connected us to the land.

On my final day, I took a trip to Therma Hot Springs, located on the southern coast of Kos. The hot springs are a natural phenomenon, where volcanic activity heats the water, creating a warm and therapeutic experience. Soaking in the springs while gazing at the rugged coastline was the perfect way to cap off my trip. I felt deeply connected to the island’s history of healing, knowing that Kos was the birthplace of Hippocrates, the father of modern medicine.

Back at the resort, I took one last dip in my private pool, reflecting on the past few days. OKU Kos had offered more than just luxury—it had provided a space for deep relaxation and rejuvenation. Whether it was the yoga classes, the tranquil spa, the quiet moments on the beach, or the rich history I explored, every experience seemed designed to soothe my soul and help me reconnect with myself.

As I packed my bags, I knew this was not a goodbye, but a “see you again.” Kos, with its rich cultural heritage and laid-back beauty, had worked its way into my heart. And OKU Kos, with its seamless blend of luxury and mindfulness, had given me an experience I would carry with me long after I left the island.