Frequented for years by boisterous party people and those in search of scenic solitude, Corfu was the original greek holiday destination for British holiday makers. Before Mykonos and Cyprus were swathed with thousands of tourists every year, Corfu was the place to be.

I’ve always been slightly in love with this picturesque island, surrounded by the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea and adorned with fragrant trees laden with juniper berries. So, when I was invited to stay at the newly renovated Marbella Corfu Hotel, I jumped at the chance and made sure my phone memory had enough space to accommodate all the impending photos.

As soon as I stepped foot into the spacious lobby area and handed a cool welcome beverage, I was made to feel at home in this luxurious hotel set amidst the olive groves. We were given a private tour of the pristine landscaped gardens, 6 inviting restaurants and four shimmering swimming pools.

Our plush suite had comfortable lounge area, chic bathroom, king-sized bed and breathtaking views of the sea. We would spend our days worshiping the sun on the beach or by the pools, feasting on fresh avocado salads and sipping ice cold cocktails.

Breakfast has always been my favourite meal of the day, and every morning during my stay at the Marbella Corfu Hotel, I would gorge on fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, cheese-filled omelettes and fresh watermelon slices smothered in thick Greek yogurt and mountain honey.

Dinners were a lavish and varied affair in the La Terrazza main restaurant, where each night we would dine on plates of freshly-caught fish, healthy vegetable dishes, grilled meats and a shamless number of puddings (buffets are dangerous things).

On one evening we got dolled up and dined in the authentic Plateu Greek restaurant which served up plates of traditional regional specialities such as moussaka and kleftico – slow-cooked lamb marinated in garlic, lemon and wild herbs.

Marbella Corfu’s spa is open daily for any one in need of a muscle-relaxing fill body massage or skin-hydrating facial – perfect after long days spent soaking up the Mediterranean sun.

I am the lazy sod who is quite happy to laze about all day at the hotel, if it is pleasing enough, yet for those prone to cabin fever, a range of historical sights and activities are close by. water sports, hiking, castle tours and museum mincing can all be arranged with the help of Marbella Corfu’s friendly concierge.

Aqualand, hailed on its website as “the most amazing water park in Europe,” is a 30 minute taxi ride from the hotel, and features a range of enticing pools, water slides, games arcades and naughty fast food restaurants to keep everybody happy.

After battling with my incessant FOMO disorder, I  decided to pass on waterpark frolicking and instead chose to delve further into the delights of the hotel. I had found a happy haven in one of the most beautiful islands in Europe complete with welcoming staff to ply me with Pina Coladas every hour. I wasn’t going nowhere…

 

Marbella Corfu Hotel, Agios Ioannis Peristeron, 490 84 Corfu, Greece