The Durrells have put on the map an island where history coexists with nature. In which the Greek tradition refuses to let go of the Italian (Venetian, to be exact) tradition and in which everything that once was, still is. Even its most emblematic hotels.
Grecotel Corfu Imperial, Exclusive Resort became the first luxury hotel in Corfu – located on a private peninsula in the kommen bay – which, in 2018, was updated in response to the demands of the modern traveler to be renewed as Grecotel Corfu Imperial. And so, continue in harmony with the island but with the comforts of a family resort… luxury.
Just what we were looking for to say goodbye to summer.
Hotel beach.
Take a look: A review of the best hotels in Greece unquestionably leads to the Grecotel Hotels & Resorts portfolio, in 12 different destinations and 40 hotels, including boutique resorts, beach resorts, “luxury all inclusive” and villas in the middle of the beach. Almost nothing.
But Corfu was our stop before we welcomed autumn, drawn by the grandeur of this lodging inspired by a lush italian palace (note the collection of Christie's pieces in the lounge), with extensive and inspiring gardens and the brightness of the Ionian Sea in the middle of Kommen Bay. Right between the towns of Dassia and Gouvia.
Lobby.
What to do (outside the hotel): Is this hotel a destination in itself? Yes and no equally. Because you have everything you need (and more) to not have to leave it and still be able to enjoy the benefits of the island (the views of the sea from the rooms are already a valid excuse). But since you're here, what better than rent a car and explore.
Danilia, for example, is one of the stops that you have to do, yes or yes, even more so because it is part of the Grecotel chain, so they themselves can take care of giving you a tour in this unique replica of a traditional villa from the 1930s . There is no lack of detail, from the church, to a café, several squares and the largest indoor tavern on the island of Corfu.
For Your Eyes Only it was rolled here and more recently was the tv series The Durrells (ITV / Filmin) the one that used it as a stage . The villa is owned by Grecotel –and it is available to celebrate any type of event–, so if you stay in any of its accommodations (theirs is also Eva Palace, on the same island of Corfu) you have a VIP pass.
There is more: the aquileon palace it's half an hour's drive south, right in the town of Gastouri and it's where Elisabeth von Wiltelsbach (Sissi) lived at the end of the 19th century . The Mon Repos Palace and its 100 hectares dominate the mountain of Analipsis (place where Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh was born).
The old town of Corfu.
The monastery of Vlacherna is in Kanonini , in a 17th century building and next to Pontikonisi, with the most iconic views of Corfu.
And, of course, the old town is a must, with its narrow and labyrinthine streets , in which local businesses coexist with souvenir shops and the self-confidence of their owners. There you can visit its forts, churches, the famous Spianada where the English (who controlled it under the British protectorate) used to play cricket, and Liston, galleries full of cafes sheltered by the most famous arches in the city.
What to do (inside the hotel)? It will be for options. If the plan is not to take the car but still get lost (and find yourself) on the island, the options are several . Spacious and more than seductive. Starting by rent a yacht in the same hotel , which will take you straight to the surrounding beaches on a tour designed to be the envy of Instagram (literally, it's called the Instagrammable Tour).
You can too rent your own boat from 20 to 70 horses. And we say your own because you will lead it: here you do not need to have a license . Tennis lessons can be received at one of the seven courts in the nearby Lux Me Daphnila Bay Dassi a , as well as soccer and volleyball. There are also guided mountain bike routes or even boccia matches. To ride a horse? Go for it.
Mansions and villas facing the sea owned by the hotel.
With the sea next to it, it is impossible to ignore it at leisure. That is why the hotel has opened Amphitrite, a diving center with (sub)aquatic experiences –such as scuba diving, photographic immersions or preparation to obtain the title of Master Diver SSI– together with the firm Mares.
Bedrooms: The palm takes it Palazzo Libro D'Oro , a two storey villa located in a private zone , away from everything and everyone, and opulent beyond measure. Now, within the resort itself, one of the best options is the Il Boschetto Family Suite , on the ground floor and with direct access to the garden and pool, perfect for children (who have their own room).
Although our favorite are the Swim Up Junior Bungalows Suites , with an (almost) private pool that is shared with guests of adjoining suites.
Boschetto Family Suite.
amenities and minibar: Hotel courtesies include the usual classics (shower cap, toothbrush or shampoo and body wash) but are livened up with natural sea sponges, a tortoiseshell comb, metal scissors and a body brush.
The minibar, apart from having a Nespresso coffee machine, also has several organic teas and thyme honey from the brand (owned by the hotel) Agrecofarms.
Eat and drink: The breakfast here is sacred. Or well, it should be because the deployment of means to make it to your liking is noticeable and felt. It is a buffet yes, but not as you knew it until now. Because nothing is industrial and everything is made at home. Everything you can, at least: like bread, pastries, pancakes, waffles, crepes and natural juices. Cold meats and cheeses, as well as honey and jams, bear the hallmark of the house, while fruits and vegetables are seasonal.
Mon Repos Restaurant.
Not everything is carbohydrate and protein, because the salads they take center stage (yes, for breakfast), with a wide variety that is complemented by different sauces and dressings. Although beware of its open kitchen, which prepares at the moment the eggs in the style that you most want every morning.
Our favorites (we'd get out of bed first thing in the morning only to run into them, we agree) were the ones that made Benedict style with hollandaise sauce, spinach and on top of a soft roll, although they also embroider it following the guidelines of your taste. So fear not, ask.
And for asking, score the goal in the pool. Inside her to be exact.
Aristotle Onassis he was the owner of Scorpios Island, located very close to the hotel. It is because of that the star restaurant of the house is called Aristos , perfect for alfresco dining. Or, if it rains, in the covered area (where they have a huge king crab found in Asia on display). steak tartare, fennel soup, lobster ravioli with foie gras, herb risotto with prawns and fish such as grouper or sea bass are some of its specialties.
Trattoria Wine & Bar.
In a square reminiscent of the typical corfiots, there is a gelateria (open from July to September) that delights the summer and next to it, a perfect trattoria for more informal meals, with an extensive list of local, Italian and French wines; designed to combine with salads, sausages, pasta –carbonara or with clams– and pizzas –with gorgonzola and truffle; tomato and feta cheese; or pepperoni and mozzarella–.
After sunbathing in any of the three private hotel beaches (three!) , it's worth leaving aside the Piña Coladas to settle in the seafood paradise that is Yali Seafood. Fancy some oysters overlooking the sea? Well that.
Gelateria.
Children, welcome: The smallest of the house here are treated like real kings and queens. It is his thing, so that you can also enjoy your stay without worries. Already in the room they are received with their own amenities (there are even a duckling for the bathtub) , special menus and access to the hotel nursery, where they will be supervised throughout the day and entertained with different activities.