Enjoy a deluxe Corfu getaway in these five-star hotels
There's a lot to love about Corfu, with its serene beaches facing the Ionian Sea and its heritage-listed old town. You'll fall head-over for its hotels, too, some of which go above and beyond to impress guests with their wide-ranging activities and retreat-like accommodation.
Two hotels that set this very high benchmark are The Olivar Suites and Kontokali Bay Resort, which you can book with British Airways Holidays. Both properties are perfect for a relaxing couple's getaway yet have been thoughtfully designed to welcome families, too.
With British Airways Holidays, your holiday package is Atol protected from the moment you book and can be secured with a low deposit with the option of flexible payments* which allows you to spread the cost of your holiday. There's a generous checked baggage allowance and dedicated 24-hour holiday helpline, giving you peace of mind from the start to the finish of your getaway. And if you're a member of The British Airways Club, you can collect Avios and earn tier points on your holiday package with British Airways Holidays. For a little extra luxury, why not upgrade to Club Europe (Business Class) and enjoy delicious food and drink on board, as well as lounge access**, inflight extras, priority check-in desks and boarding?
The big question is, which hotel will win you over?
The Olivar Suites
The setting of this boutique hotel is sublime. Ancient olive trees stud the grounds, and a restored 18th-century olive mill, which houses the hotel's characterful Olibar, provides a charming focal point within its centre.
Luxurious touches abound, too, from the club cars that whizz guests around the property, to the in-room Nespresso machines, slick fitness centre and gorgeous Aegeo Spa which uses quality, organic products.
The Olivar Suites are certainly fit for a romantic getaway with ultra-private suites, which come with a private balcony, terrace or garden, and if you upgrade to a Junior Suite, private plunge pools. But the airy two-bedroomed suites provide plenty of space for families, too. You have direct access to a pristine beach which offers shaded sun loungers, towel service and safe, shallow waters. The beachfront Ionian Suite, which sleeps two adults and a child and comes with its own beachfront gazebo, is ideal for new parents, too, allowing you to sashay between beach and suite within minutes.
When you're lounging luxuriously beside the hotel's inviting pool, opt for enticing refreshments such as melon mojitos and fresh meze from Olibar. You're in for a treat, too, at the all-day Mediterranean Flya restaurant where artistic plates of sea bream carpaccio and fresh Corfiot salads are served in a sophisticated setting.
Those who are keen on a local wander will find cafes, tavernas and ice-cream stalls aplenty in nearby Messonghi and Moraitika. You can also turn to the hotel's super-efficient concierge team for help organising local excursions, onsite cooking classes or a private transfer to Corfu Old Town. Alternatively, get behind the wheel yourself and hire a car and enjoy the freedom to explore the island at your own pace.
Kontokali Bay Resort
If you'd like to be close to a beautiful beach and Corfu's cultural riches, book a stay at Kontokali Bay Resort. It's a 15-minute drive from Corfu Old Town, a stone's throw from local shops and restaurants, and feels alluringly secluded, thanks to its position on a verdant peninsula.
This hotel is primed for relaxation, thanks to its luxurious rooms, bungalows and suites. They come with a furnished terrace, with some overlooking flower-dotted gardens. Others deliver knockout views of the nearby Gouvia Marina or sparkling Ionian Sea. Couples seeking extra luxury can upgrade to a Junior Suite Bungalow which, with its private pool, feels like a real treat. Families, meanwhile, are right at home in the spacious family rooms, partitioned by sliding doors.
The wealth of activities offered here is particularly impressive. Unwind with a yoga or aqua aerobics class or take a lesson in traditional Syrtaki dance. Alternatively, hit the floodlit tennis court, enjoy hiking and biking or take a local excursion. The hotel, handily, offers a free shuttle to the Old Town.
On the Blue Flag beach, you'll find all sorts of water-based fun, ranging from paddle boarding and pedaloes to banana boat rides. Adults can decompress in the spa, with its indoor pool, Jacuzzi, hammam and wide-ranging wellness packages. There's a superb pool (with fabulous sea views) and childcare is taken care of, with babysitting and an activity-packed Mini Club also available.
When it's time to dine, take your pick of four restaurants and two bars spanning a range of Mediterranean flavours. Horizon is a buffet restaurant featuring various food stations while the Marina serves up hearty comfort food. The charming Parea by the Sea serves up classy meze plates while trendsetting Asterias, helmed by Group Executive Chef Spiros Voulismas, is primed for a romantic meal for two, showcasing fantastic Greek fine dining.
British Airways Holidays packages include a generous baggage allowance for each customer and come with full Atol protection for complete peace of mind. Secure your Corfu holiday to The Olivar Suites or Kontokali Bay Resort with a low deposit and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*
*Based on two sharing. Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holiday bookings. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply.
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