Glass visits the MarBella Corfu hotel

CORFU, the Greek island with a unique set of influences gained over hundreds of years, the land of olive trees and kumquat which the Corfiots make into candied sweets, marmalades and liqueurs – is the perfect place for a relaxing holiday. Corfu is a unique place with a unique history, being occupied by the Roman and Venetian empires for centuries and being at war with the Turks while staying true to being Greek. So it is no surprise the locals enjoy a piece of baklawa after their Greek salad and that the buildings resemble the architecture of Italy, or the south of Spain, with no white houses and blue roofs in sight. However unlike Mykonos or Ios, Corfu isn’t notorious for being a party island, it is rather a place to unwind. And one of the best places to do that is MarBella Corfu in the southern part of the island.

 

 

Marbella Beach Hotel14 , CorfuSuites at MarBella Corfu come with an extensive terrace with a jacuzzi and a gorgeous view of the sea

The recently restored luxury resort with two private beaches and a breath-taking view of the Ionian Sea has also developed its wellness offering starting this year. To set into the relaxed holiday mood, we recommend a treatment at the discreetly tucked away spa following your arrival as soon as possible. The Glass favourite was the probiotic facial based on nutritional antioxidant and completely natural ingredients such as honey, orange, cucumber, pomegranate and an apricot exfoliator with added capsules of probiotics which stimulate the growth of beneficial micro-organisms. The treatment is so soothing, it will probably send you to sleep for a very short power nap as the facial lasts only 30 minutes.

Marbella Beach Hotel14 , CorfuThe resort’s private beach with a crystal-clear sea

In the spirit of wellness, the resort has joined forces with a holistic psychotherapist Dirk Stikker to create a five-day Mastermind2.0 programme of individual sessions which aim to teach how to manage and release stress and maintain a healthy body and mind.

Speaking of the body, an hour of the morning should be dedicated either to aerial yoga, which utilises a hammock and allows you to be suspended and weight-free which is both deeply meditative and incredibly fun, or to an In-Trinity class. In-Trinity is a new form of exercise developed by the resort in partnership with a UK-based spa and fitness management company, 3d Leisure. It combines elements of pilates, martial arts, yoga and meditation and is practiced on a special wooden tilted board.

Marbella Beach Hotel14 , Corfu

The hotel’s Italian restaurant Comodo, a nod to the Italian influence on Corfu during the reign of the Venetian Empire

After a day of working out, swimming and relaxing, head down for dinner to the Corfiot restaurant Platea which serves hearty meals of locally produced traditional food – made of ingredients coming only from the island. Start with the manestra kolobibiri, a creamy red pepper and vegetable soup, follow with the rooster pastisada as the main which is a traditional pasta dish with tomato sauce and beef but here replaced with rooster and the sauce so rich in taste boasts a mix of spices and red wine. To finish off, have the kumquat ice cream. It wouldn’t be Corfu without some kumquat.

 

Marbella Beach Hotel14 , CorfuAside from the sea, there are also pools set in the mountains to have a swim in

It’s good to get out of the resort at some point of your holiday to explore Corfu like taking a boat ride along the shore to the very south of the island and visiting a fisherman village for some delicious and freshly caught fish and seafood such as the Limnopoula fish tavern in Petriti where the waiter can read your fortune from your cup of Greek coffee. While there you can do some bird-watching at the wetlands which can also be arranged by the hotel.

Marbella Beach Hotel14 , CorfuThe view of MarBella Corfu from the sea

To finish your getaway, get a bit of culture and context and visit the charming Old Town of Corfu and its picturesque architecture, narrow streets and restaurants and cafes spilling onto the streets.

by Sara Hesikova

For more information about MarBella Corfu, please visit this link

Classic Collection Holidays ( 0800 047 1064www.classic-collection.co.uk) offers 5 nights at Marbella Corfu from £1059 per person. Price based on 2 adults sharing a superior sea view room on an all-inclusive basis and includes return flights from London Gatwick ( other UK departure airports available) and private transfers. Departs late September.

Images courtesy of Ophir PR

Leave a Reply