All-inclusive in Greece used to mean plastic wristbands and a lukewarm buffet. Not any more. A wave of upscale resorts has been quietly reinventing the format, pairing proper luxury-hotel design and dining with the easy, everything's-paid-for convenience that makes all-inclusive appealing in the first place.
The newest proof point is Ikos Kissamos on Crete, a sprawling multi-village resort that opened in spring 2026 and is reported to be the biggest hotel investment the island has ever seen. It's part of the Ikos stable, the brand widely credited with dragging Greek all-inclusive upmarket, alongside sister properties such as Ikos Odisia on Corfu — the pick for families, thanks to kids' clubs and activities that are booked and paid for before you land.
What does the new breed actually look like? Think private beaches with loungers for every guest, several proper restaurants rather than one cavernous dining hall, and bars pouring top-shelf spirits. Interiors are the sort you'd expect from a standalone design hotel, not a package resort. Because meals, drinks, kids' entertainment and often non-motorised activities are bundled in, the format suits multi-generational trips especially well — grandparents, parents and teenagers can all do their own thing without anyone reaching for a wallet.
Condé Nast Traveller UK's editors have rounded up seven of the best, individually selected by journalists who've stayed at each property. Beyond Ikos Odisia, their adult-only standout is Mayia Exclusive Resort and Spa on Rhodes, an option for couples who want the all-inclusive ease without the children's disco. The list favours properties with strong design, good locations, warm service and genuine sustainability credentials, and it's refreshed regularly as new openings land — worth rechecking before you commit for next summer.
For travellers, the takeaway is simple: all-inclusive no longer means compromising. If your idea of a good holiday is minimal admin — one booking, no surprise bar bills, kids occupied — Greece's upgraded end of the market now delivers it with genuine style. Book early for the school holidays, as the best-regarded properties fill fast.
