Akti Beach Club on the island of Kos is one of those resorts that inspires fiercely loyal repeat visitors as well as a steady stream of first timers lured by the promise of a 5 star ultra all inclusive escape. Set on a long beach just outside Kardamena and about a 10 minute drive from Kos International Airport, it is a large, activity packed property framed by palm filled gardens, multiple pools and a lively entertainment scene.
This review looks at the resort’s biggest strengths and weaknesses and, crucially, helps you decide whether Akti Beach is the right fit for your style of holiday.
Location and First Impressions
Akti Beach Club sits on the south coast of Kos near the buzzy village of Kardamena, one of the island’s most popular resort towns. The transfer from Kos International Airport typically takes around 10 minutes by taxi or hotel arranged transport, which is a major plus after an early morning or late night flight.
At the same time, the resort is about 4 kilometers from Kardamena, so you are close enough to dip into the nightlife, tavernas and shops but far enough away to enjoy a more secluded setting when you return to base.
The hotel occupies a sprawling 85,000 square meter plot with low rise buildings spread through lawns and palms rather than one dominant tower. That layout helps soften the scale of this 400 plus room property. On arrival, the lobby is bright and modern, with contemporary furnishings that reflect the most recent refurbishments completed in winter 2019 and 2020. Many guests comment that first impressions are better than expected for an all inclusive resort, with the grounds in particular feeling more like a small village than a single block style hotel.
The other immediate impression is the sound and energy. Akti Beach is not a sleepy hideaway. Music, children playing, poolside announcements from the animation team and the hum of conversation are part of the backdrop during the day in the main areas. If you associate “beach club” with a chic, minimalist atmosphere, it is important to recalibrate. This is a classic Greek island all inclusive: casual, family friendly and social.
Rooms, Layout and Comfort
With 416 rooms in several categories, choosing the right accommodation has a big impact on your stay. All rooms were renovated in time for the 2020 season and are decorated in a clean, modern, fairly neutral style, with pale woods, light colored textiles and tiled floors that help keep spaces cool in summer. Standard double rooms are the entry level option and come with either garden or partial sea views. They are adequate for couples or solo travelers who do not plan to spend long stretches in the room, though storage can feel tight for longer stays.
Families have several options. Standard family rooms and maisonettes cater to up to four or five guests, with configurations that may include a separate sleeping area for children or an internal staircase leading to a mezzanine style upper level. These setups can feel more like small apartments than traditional hotel rooms, which many families appreciate. However, they can also be noisier if located near the main pool or activity areas, so requesting a quieter block at the time of booking is wise if sleep is a priority.
One of the hotel’s signature offerings is its extensive collection of sharing pool rooms. These are ground floor rooms that open directly onto a semi communal pool shared with several neighboring units. They are popular with couples and older families who like the idea of rolling straight from terrace to water without crossing the grounds. The trade off is less privacy and, in some cases, the sound of others using the same pool. If you are seeking a quieter environment, rooms further back from the main pools and amphitheater are generally the best bet.
In terms of comfort, air conditioning, modern bathrooms, hairdryers and basic toiletries are standard. Higher room categories include in room tea and coffee facilities and a mini bar restocked daily with soft drinks, beer and wine, which can add value if you enjoy refreshments on your balcony or terrace. Wi fi is free throughout the resort, including in rooms, though with the usual caveat that speeds may dip at peak times in such a large property. Overall, the accommodation is more functional than luxurious, but it is well kept and aligned with the resort’s focus on active, outdoors oriented stays.
Dining, Drinks and the Ultra All Inclusive Offering
The ultra all inclusive program is central to Akti Beach’s appeal. Food is available around the clock in one form or another, with the main buffet restaurant handling breakfast, lunch and dinner and additional snack stations, pool bars and an express night buffet filling the gaps. That 24 hour promise is particularly attractive for guests arriving on late flights or for those who simply like the flexibility to grab something at odd hours.
Main meals at the buffet are generous and varied, with a mix of Greek, Mediterranean and international dishes. Live show cooking stations typically feature fresh pasta and pizza, grilled meats and fish, and themed options such as Asian specialties or sushi on certain nights. There is also a dedicated seafood themed restaurant, included in the ultra all inclusive package for one dinner per stay with reservations required in advance. For many guests, that evening stands out as a highlight, with table service and a more intimate atmosphere compared to the main buffet.
The drinks package is wide ranging rather than boutique. Guests can expect a roster of local wines, draught beer, soft drinks, juices and a selection of branded and local spirits included in the program. Three main pool bars, additional beach and lobby bars and a coffee corner ensure you are rarely far from refreshments. Coffee and cookies available 24 hours in the lobby area are a thoughtful touch for early risers and night owls alike.
On the downside, as with many high volume all inclusive resorts, the buffet can feel crowded at peak times, with queues forming at the most popular stations and a certain cafeteria like ambiance. While the food is generally considered good and varied, it is not a gourmet destination. Guests with very specific dietary needs will find some options, but those with serious food allergies or strict preferences may want to contact the hotel ahead of time and plan meals carefully. The smart casual dress code in the evening is lightly enforced, mostly to discourage beachwear at dinner rather than to create a formal environment.
Pools, Beach and Activities
Akti Beach is highly focused on pools, water and activities, which is a core part of its personality. The resort features two main pools plus numerous sharing pools, creating distinct zones for different types of guests. The amphitheater pool is the beating heart of daytime entertainment, with loud music, water aerobics, games, competitions and a constant buzz all day long. It is tailor made for guests who want to be at the center of the action and do not mind sharing space with organized activities.
In contrast, the main pool near the dining room is more relaxed and tends to suit families or couples who prefer a mellower atmosphere without the soundtrack of daily animation. Freshwater is used in the pools, with a slight salt content for easier maintenance. Sunbeds and parasols are included at the pools and on the beach, although at high occupancy times you may still encounter the familiar early morning scramble to secure prime spots.
The beach itself is directly in front of the hotel, separated only by a small access road. It is a mix of sand and pebbles, and the hotel openly recommends bathing shoes for maximum comfort when entering the water. The sea here is typically clear and calm on good weather days, and a water sports station on the beach offers everything from canoes and pedal boats to more adrenaline filled activities such as jet skis, parasailing, ringos and banana boat rides. Non motorized options like canoes and pedal boats are usually included or discounted in the ultra all inclusive offering, while motorized sports incur an extra charge with a small discount for hotel guests.
Back on land, the list of activities is long. Guests can play beach volleyball, water polo, mini soccer, tennis, table tennis, darts and boccia. There are giant chess sets in the grounds and an on site fitness center with cardio and weight equipment open to guests over 16 years of age. Organized tournaments and games run daily, led by the international animation team. For travelers who dislike boredom on holiday, this is a major plus. For those craving quiet corners, it reinforces the importance of choosing the right pool and room location away from the main activity hubs.
Family Features and Adults Only Options
One of Akti Beach Club’s biggest strengths is its family friendly infrastructure. Kids are front and center in the daily program, with dedicated clubs divided by age: a Baby Club for ages 1 to 3, a Mini Club for ages 4 to 12 and a Teen Club for 13 to 17 year olds.
These run from mid morning into the early evening, giving parents meaningful pockets of child free time while youngsters enjoy crafts, games, sports and pool time supervised by trained staff. The daily mini disco in the evening has become something of a ritual, with children filling the amphitheater area to dance along with the animation team before dinner or the evening show.
The hotel’s layout also caters well to families. Many buildings are low rise and surrounded by lawns where children can safely burn off energy. Shallow sections in the pools and separate children’s areas help younger swimmers stay comfortable, and the all inclusive setup means ice creams and snacks are easily accessible without extra expense every time a craving hits. For multi generational trips, the variety of room categories makes it possible to cluster families in the same area while still allowing grandparents or couples a bit more privacy in neighboring units.
At the same time, the resort has made a deliberate effort to carve out space for adults seeking a quieter or more refined environment. The adults only section, restricted to guests aged 16 and over, includes its own pools, a dedicated bar and restaurant, and even separate beach space. While it still operates on the same ultra all inclusive basis, the mood is generally calmer and less child focused. Guests staying in the adults only wing have access to the full facilities of Akti Beach Club, and adult guests from the main resort can use the adults only area during the day, subject to the 16 plus rule.
This duality is central to understanding whether the property is right for you. Families with children of almost any age will find a huge amount on offer. Couples and groups of friends who enjoy a resort with a strong entertainment program and do not mind the presence of kids can also have a great time, especially if they anchor themselves in the adults only section. Travelers seeking a boutique style hideaway or deep tranquility, however, are likely better served by one of Kos’s smaller adults only hotels or traditional guesthouses.
Service, Atmosphere and Practicalities
Service at Akti Beach Club generally reflects the tone of the resort itself: friendly, energetic and geared more toward efficiency than formality. Staff at reception, in the restaurants and behind the bars juggle high volumes, particularly in peak school holiday periods, yet many guests remark on the genuine warmth of individual team members and the way the multilingual animation team remembers names and faces.
It is not a setting where you will be fussed over, but there is solid support when issues arise, whether that is arranging medical attention, helping with lost property or answering questions about excursions.
The atmosphere is, above all, sociable. Daily entertainment includes everything from aqua aerobics and quiz games to evening shows, live music and a weekly Greek night with live band and folkloric dancers. Professional dance performances and interactive games with audience participation appear several times a week, giving nights a festive air without necessarily turning the resort into a full blown party hotel. Families with younger children often retire earlier, but couples and groups who enjoy a drink and a show will find plenty to keep them up later.
From a practical perspective, the resort operates on the now standard wristband system for ultra all inclusive benefits, which must be worn throughout the stay. Local regulations mean all indoor areas and rooms are non smoking, though smoking is permitted in designated outdoor spaces. A tourist tax, currently charged per room per night and payable on arrival, is one cost that sits outside the all inclusive framework and should be factored into budgets. The hotel accepts major credit and debit cards, making incidental payments straightforward.
Transport to and from Kardamena is another point in the hotel’s favor. A free shuttle bus runs several times a day between the resort and the village, which is especially useful for guests who want to explore local tavernas, shop for souvenirs or join boat trips without hiring a car. For broader exploration of Kos, such as visiting Kos Town, exploring mountain villages or touring archaeological sites, car hire or organized excursions are easy to arrange through the hotel or local agencies.
Pros, Cons and Who It’s Best For
Weighing up the pros and cons of Akti Beach Club comes down to what type of holiday you are seeking. On the positive side, the ultra all inclusive plan is extensive, with 24 hour access to food and drinks, multiple dining options and a wide range of included snacks, ice creams and beverages.
The location is convenient for the airport and Kardamena yet still enjoys a beachside setting, and the renovated rooms and well maintained gardens create a pleasant physical environment. Families benefit from dedicated clubs, children’s facilities and family oriented entertainment, while activity lovers have a long list of sports and water based pursuits at their disposal.
The adults only section is another clear advantage, allowing the resort to appeal to couples and adult groups who enjoy an upbeat atmosphere but also appreciate the chance to retreat to a more serene space. The free shuttle to Kardamena, clear communication about beach conditions and the availability of discounted or included water sports round out the list of practical positives. For many guests, value for money is strong, particularly outside the highest peak weeks, given the level of inclusions and the island location.
On the minus side, this is a large, busy hotel that rarely feels remote or intimate. Those who crave peace and quiet may find the soundtrack of entertainment, children and poolside activity intrusive, even in some of the quieter corners. The beach’s pebbly sections and recommendation to wear bathing shoes may disappoint travelers expecting a powder soft sandy shore. Buffet dining, while varied, can feel repetitive over a long stay, and the sheer scale of the operation can lead to occasional waits for tables, drinks or service during peak times.
Taking all that into account, Akti Beach Club is best suited to active families, social couples and groups of friends who want a lively, fully inclusive base on Kos with minimal need to reach for their wallets during the stay. It particularly appeals to those who like structured entertainment, a broad choice of pools and a wide array of sports. It is less ideal for honeymooners seeking seclusion, travelers who prefer boutique scale properties or guests who prioritize gourmet, made to order dining over the convenience of buffets and all day snacks.
The Takeaway
Akti Beach Club is a confident expression of the modern Greek island mega resort: expansive, energetic and unapologetically geared toward guests who want everything on site. Its strengths lie in the breadth of its ultra all inclusive program, its commitment to family friendly facilities and activities, and its location on a beach that combines easy sea access with proximity to one of Kos’s liveliest resort villages. The adults only wing adds versatility, giving the property a valuable second identity that appeals to older travelers and couples who might otherwise avoid such a family heavy environment.
At the same time, the very features that make Akti Beach Club a dream fit for some will be a deal breaker for others. If your ideal holiday is defined by soft spoken sophistication, discreet service and long, contemplative afternoons in near silence, this is unlikely to be the place that wins your heart. But if you are picturing a week or two of sea, sun, constant entertainment for the kids, easygoing evenings with shows and cocktails, and the simple ease of leaving your wallet in the room while you roam from pool to beach to bar, then Akti Beach Club delivers exactly that style of escape on the shores of Kos.
FAQ
Q1. Is Akti Beach Club right for couples, or is it mainly for families?
Akti Beach Club is strongly family oriented, but the adults only section with dedicated pools, bar and restaurant makes it a viable choice for couples who enjoy a lively resort atmosphere yet want places to retreat from the bustle and the presence of small children.
Q2. How far is the hotel from the airport and from Kardamena?
The resort is approximately a 10 minute drive from Kos International Airport, which keeps transfer times short, and about 4 kilometers from Kardamena village. A complimentary shuttle bus operates several times a day between the hotel and Kardamena, so you can explore without needing a rental car.
Q3. What is the beach like in front of the hotel?
The beach directly in front of Akti Beach Club is a mix of sand and pebbles, and the hotel recommends wearing bathing shoes when entering the water. Sunbeds and parasols are provided for guests, and there is an on site water sports station offering everything from canoes and pedal boats to jet skis and parasailing, with some activities included or discounted for hotel guests.
Q4. What does the ultra all inclusive package include?
The ultra all inclusive program covers buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner, a seafood themed restaurant once per stay with advance reservation, an express night buffet, snacks and ice cream during the day, and a wide range of drinks including local wine, draught beer, soft drinks, juices, coffee and selected branded and local spirits. It also includes access to multiple pools, the beach facilities, organized activities, evening entertainment and the children’s clubs.
Q5. Are there good facilities for children and teenagers?
Yes, Akti Beach Club is particularly strong on family facilities. There is a Baby Club for ages 1 to 3, a Mini Club for 4 to 12 year olds and a Teen Club for guests aged 13 to 17, all run by a multilingual animation team. Children’s pools, playground style spaces and a nightly mini disco round out the offering, giving younger guests plenty to do from morning to evening.
Q6. Is the resort noisy, and are there quiet areas?
The main pool and amphitheater areas are lively and can be noisy due to music, games and organized entertainment throughout the day and evening. However, there are quieter zones, including the main pool near the dining room, some of the more secluded sharing pool blocks and, especially, the adults only section. Guests who value calm should request rooms away from the amphitheater and central activity zones.
Q7. Do I need to budget for extra costs on top of the ultra all inclusive?
Most meals, snacks, drinks, pool access and many activities are covered, but you should budget separately for the local accommodation tax payable per room per night, premium water sports, spa treatments, souvenirs from the mini market and any off site excursions or car rentals. Late check out, if available, and certain optional services may also incur extra charges.
Q8. How is the food quality and variety over a one or two week stay?
Guests generally find the food plentiful and varied, with Greek, Mediterranean and international dishes, show cooking for items like pasta and grilled meats, and themed evenings that introduce Asian or seafood focused menus. Over a longer stay the buffet can feel repetitive, as is common at large all inclusive resorts, but most visitors feel they can mix things up enough to avoid boredom, especially with the seafood restaurant visit included.
Q9. Is there a dress code in the restaurants?
There is a smart casual dress code for evening meals in the main restaurant and the themed seafood venue. Beachwear, wet swimwear and very casual items are discouraged at dinner, but there is no requirement for formal attire. Daytime dining is more relaxed, with standard resort wear accepted.
Q10. Who is most likely to enjoy a stay at Akti Beach Club?
Akti Beach Club suits active families, social couples and groups of friends who value an action packed resort environment, extensive all inclusive benefits and easy access to both beach and nearby village life. It is ideal for guests who want structured entertainment, children’s clubs and a broad choice of pools rather than a boutique, low key or food centric experience.