Aqua Blu Boutique Hotel and Spa

Stayed here recently and I have good / mixed feelings about this hotel - I do not usually write reviews if I am middle of the road but I hope Aqua Blu management read this and accept some constructive criticism - as well as credit where credit is due Arrived at 11:00 and was very politely and efficiently taken care of by the luggage concierge as well as front desk staff who were incredibly professional and genuinely friendly - handed over my passport and was whisked to a lovely poolside seat with a glass of champagne by the (who i assume is) the guest experience manager, while they checked me in. I was very early as check-in is 3pm, but I was very politely assured they would do everything they could to get me into my booked room at their earliest convenience. Sat by the pool and enjoyed my bubbles (and another glass of paid for wine) for just over an hour when I then went to enquire about upgrading to a private pool (Pool Signature) room - which was available and I then paid the difference to upgrade. Within 30 mins the room was ready as I was met at poolside by one of the reception to take me to my room. Room itself - large and very clean - lovely welcome amenity of sweets and a handwritten note by the hotel manager. My pool and sunbed were unfortunately covered by a balcony or such from above and lacked sunlight - on asking to switch to something with more sunlight I was told there was nothing that day but offered to move me to a pool 'experience' room the next day (which is one grade down i think - but i could be wrong). Got settled in and decided to lounge by the pool in hopes of some cocktails. This is where things started to go a bit south. I lay on my lounger and politely asked one of the pool/bar concierge for a glass of wine. 30 mins later despite the other guests around me being served, my glass of wine was nowhere to be seen. I then went to the pool bar to ask, and it would appear it was forgotten. Expecting 5 star service levels and the utmost attention to detail I politely asked to speak to the manager who then came out and I voiced my dissatisfaction to - I was promptly apologised to by 3 different members of staff and the glass of wine was on the house. The hotel manager explained very discreetly to me that there is a staff shortage and finding polished 5* trained staff is very difficult given the current circumstances around the world. Totally understood and taken so no feedback on that. Next morning at breakfast, the setup is buffet as well as an a la carte menu for eggs etc. I ordered an Eggs Benedict (and despite being on the menu I had to explain to the waiter what that was) - well that did not go quite as planned. I received two very almost raw eggs (no muffins or bacon) covered in hollandaise sauce - that was inedible given the eggs were essentially raw. I thought I would chose my battles given the previous days mishaps and did not say anything - and enjoyed the buffet items. Later that afternoon, when I was heading out for a walk, the guest experience manager asked if I would still be interested in moving to the pool experience room and offered to show me the room - which I did have a look at - so very thoughtful and 5* attention to detail as expected. I declined the room move as the room and pool were lovely but I was checking out the next day and was content with my current room for the evening. Had I been staying a few more days I would have accepted the offer as the pool and sunbed are directly in the sun - albeit the pool experience rooms are a grade down from the pool signature which have a jacuzzi bath. That evening I dined at their fine dining restaurant (Cuvee) - I will honestly say this experience was phenomenal. I am very rarely impressed with fine dining - but Cuvee quite frankly deserves 2 Michelin Stars. The food was (point blank) phenomenal. The King Crab, Steak Tartare, Lobster - was a culinary journey that I have not experienced in years (and having recently dined at 2* and 3* Michelin's) this was simply sublime. Well done to the chef at Cuvee! The next morning I had breakfast and avoided the eggs benedict :) - so ordered an egg white omelette with turkey and cheese - of which I was given a normal omelette with ham and cheese - but again choosing my battles I ate it and it was actually lovely (despite not what I ordered). Overall, the hotel has all the makings of what is a 5* hotel but needs serious training on the morning / day bar staff as it shows they are not 5* trained - understanding the global staff shortage I will not go too difficult on the service there but Aqua Blu needs to at least invest in basic 5* training for these staff - attention to detail is key! 4/5 Aqua Blu - well done, fix the staff issues and you are operating as a fabulous small hotel :)

A very clean, stylish hotel with exceptional staff who really deliver great service. Some extra little touches provided by the hotel were welcoming. Breakfast choices are wide and food well presented.

We have just returned from an amazing holiday at this hotel! The hotel is quiet and relaxing. The staff go out of their way to make sure you are well looked after, and always with a wonderful smile! Nothing is too much trouble. Whatever you ask for, they are straight there in response. The manager Kostas is always around to greet you and takes an interest in what you have been doing. He recommended a great beach bar, Mylos, which is 400 yards down towards Kos town. It just opened for the season while we where there and is well worth a visit. We loved it and went several times. The location of the hotel is perfect. Around 30 mins by foot to Kos town, or bicycle hire is available everywhere and is very popular for getting around, as cycle lanes are everywhere! There is also a regular bus from the hotel and of course the taxi option. We also hired a car and explored the island. Very easy to get around as really only one main road from one end to the other. In all, we had a lovely relaxing stay, and would like to thank Kostas and his amazing team for looking after us so well. We shall be returning!