Ilios K – Village Hotel
A Family Story
A Family Story Rooted in Hospitality: The Ilios K Journey
In a time when many hotels are built by corporations and managed from afar, family-run hotels tell a very different story. They are shaped by people, values, and daily presence rather than systems or formulas. Ilios K. Village Resort belongs to this rare and meaningful tradition. Its story is not only about a hotel, but about a family, a journey, and a promise: to welcome every guest as if they were coming home.
Where the Journey Began
The story begins in 1964, when Konstantinos Ilios left the island of Kos and moved to Germany in search of opportunity. Like many Greeks of his generation, he carried with him strong family values, a deep respect for work, and an instinctive sense of hospitality. In Germany, he met Panagoula Ketsiou, who became his wife and lifelong partner. Together, they built a family of five children and a life based on dedication, responsibility, and care for others.
Sharing Greek Hospitality Far From Home
In 1972, Konstantinos and Panagoula opened their first hospitality business, a traditional Greek restaurant in Beckum, near Lippstadt. The restaurant was not just a place to eat; it was a place where guests felt welcome, where Greek culture was shared, and where hospitality was expressed through warmth, generosity, and honest food. Even during their successful years in Germany, one dream never faded: to return to Kos and create a place where guests would feel truly at home.
Returning Home to Build a Family Hotel
That dream began to take shape in 1982, when the family returned to Kos to build what would become Ilios K. Village Resort. From the very beginning, the vision was clear: a family-run village hotel with open spaces, a calm atmosphere, and personal hospitality at its heart.
On 4 July 1984, Ilios welcomed its first guests. From the very start, the hotel reflected the values of the family: low-rise buildings instead of towers, gardens instead of concrete, and personal care instead of anonymous service. Located in Tigaki, close to the beach and surrounded by open landscapes, Ilios quickly became a place where guests felt relaxed, safe, and welcome.
From Family Life to Guest Care
Raising five children shaped the way the Ilios family understands hospitality. A family that knows how to care for many also knows how to carefor guests. Today, all five children are actively involved in the hotel, each contributing in their own way while following the principles passed on by their parents. Dimitra, one of the daughters, is often the first family member guests meet, welcoming them with warmth and a personal touch. Nikos works behind the scenes, ensuring the hotel operates smoothly, while the rest of the family supports daily life and long-term care of the resort.
Mr Ilios, a Farming as a Way of Life
One of the most special aspects of Ilios is that Mr. Konstantinos Ilios remains present every day. Guests often see him in the gardens or on the land, caring for plants, trees, and fields with the same dedication as when the journey began. His deep love for farming is an essential part of the hotel’s identity. What started as a small garden has grown into a family farm that produces vegetables, fruits, and herbs used in the hotel’s kitchen.
This farm-to-table philosophy allows ingredients to travel only a few meters from the ground of Kos to the buffet. Fresh, seasonal produce becomes part of daily meals, offering honest flavors and supporting guest wellbeing. For the family, farming is not a trend but a way of life, rooted in respect for nature and the land that supports them.
Why Guests Come Back
Many guests return to Ilios year after year, not because of marketing promises, but because of familiarity and trust. They return for the calm days, quiet evenings, open spaces, honest food, and familiar faces. In a fast-moving world, Ilios offers continuity, comfort, and a sense of belonging.
Welcome to Our Family
Ilios K. Village Resort is not simply a place to stay. It is a family story that began far from home and returned with purpose. It is a place where hospitality is personal, food is honest, and guests are welcomed to feel at home. Welcome to our family. Welcome to Ilios K.
Content & Strategy
This article was created in collaboration with Verano Hotels Synergy, the commercial strategy and brand positioning partner of Ilios K. Village Resort.
