Greece has always been a favourite of British holidaymakers, with the mainland and each island having its own identity and offering a different experience. This time, my journey took me to Corfu at Kerkyra Blue Hotel Corfu. It’s a large island, with a rich and historical culture that is present in its architecture, food, drink, lifestyle and flora and fauna.
The idea of an all inclusive holiday has become increasingly polarising. Some swear by them, consider them the ultimate retreat, the ultimate opportunity to relax. Others see them as ‘not for them’, however, the all-inclusive trip is changing. Like the wider travel industry, people are returning to the all-inclusive, as the selection of trips on offer grows and becomes more adventurous. Travellers, quite rightly, want the best of both worlds. Great experiences in exciting locations, with the added comforts of an affordable luxury hotel.
I was invited to spend 4 nights at the impressive Kerkyra Blue Hotel in association with TUI, situated about 3 miles outside of Corfu town, and a convenient 15-minute drive from Corfu airport. Having reopened its doors in May of 2023, the Kerkyra Blue has undergone a 6 Million Euro restoration, bringing the hotel up to five-star quality. The Kerkyra Blue Hotel N’ Spa is part of the Louis Hotels’ Elegant Collection. The Elegant Collection includes hotels perfect for couples and families who seek luxury, comfort and exclusive touches that are tailored to their personal preferences.
The hotel boasts 240 bedrooms, all of which have been renovated, two swimming pools, four restaurants, three bars and a brand new health spa. The hotel even has its own private beach!
ROOMS
A warm welcome drink in the bar is exactly what’s needed after a long trip, and the friendly staff kindly offered a locally inspired cocktail, Ginger Beer, Prosecco and Kumquat, for the occasion.
The neatly landscaped gardens welcome you to the complex and are a fantastic prelude to the brilliance of the newly renovated rooms. Decorated in a modern style, with clear Eastern influences and rattan furnishings, this space is designed for ultimate relaxation. A huge comfortable bed which gave me a fantastic night’s sleep, the balcony in my room offered a wonderful panoramic of the Ionian Sea looking towards the distant hills of Albania and mainland Greece. I always think the bathroom is a good measure of quality in a hotel, and these newly renovated wet rooms are a real highlight. Bright, clean and modern, the dual showers are powerful, and rooms are fitted with demisting mirrors and great quality lighting to ensure a practical and relaxing experience.
Upon arrival, a small welcome platter of fruit and chocs was available, there’s also a well stocked mini bar that is replenished daily. Your room can be serviced daily, and turned over before bed – always a nice comfort when returning from dinner or evening drinks.
BARS AND RESTAURANTS
The hotel now boasts 4 fantastic restaurants. A mixture of a la carte and buffet service, guests will have no concerns about the quality of the food and drink on offer during their stay. The main restaurant, Naiada, serves a stunning array of fresh food for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Live cooking stations offer freshly cooked chicken, lamb, fish, and beef, served in a variety of styles. There is an extensive fresh salad bar, as well as ready made salads with a plentiful selection of dressings and of course, a mountainous amount of fresh Greek olives, feta and tzatziki. For those who prefer to stick with what they know, there’s a daily selection of pizza, pasta, burgers and plain options available such as chicken, rice and chips. Experienced foodies may roll their eyes at this, but all travellers know that offering this wide of a selection is the key to a successful group or family trip.
While the daily buffets would be enough to satisfy all needs, it’s the a la carte menus that really impress. I dined in Fiki, the Asian fusion restaurant on my second night, and enjoyed a fantastic selection of dishes, expertly cooked. You will enjoy maki, soups, a wonderful fish course and my personal favourite, the beautiful Bulgogi beef! The atmosphere is calm and tranquil, looking out over a beautiful garden watching the dragonflies zip around in the evening heat.
The Alati Greek Flavours restaurant offers a menu of authentic Greek dishes, along with a brilliant selection of wines. You will enjoy olives, Mykoniatiki Salad and calamari. Located on the other side of the hotel, you will enjoy ocean views and a panoramic of the pool whilst dining with impeccable service.
POOLS AND SPA
For me, the main feature of any hotel is the pool, and Kerkyra does not disappoint. Both large and at a perfect temperature, it would be incredibly easy to spend the entire day poolside. Families will be very happy, as the resident entertainment team are there to entertain little ones, but don’t worry, the grounds are so large, that you are never distracted and interrupted by them if what you want is solitude. Sunbeds are plentiful. The hotel was running at around 80-90% capacity on my visit, and there was always a bed available for use, usually with an empty space next to you as well. There is waiter service by the pool, with a selection of wines, beers, soft drinks and cocktails. There is also an adults-only area, however, due to the availability of a kids’ pool and activity area, the presence of children in the main areas is barely noticeable.
The staff at Kerkyra are nothing short of fantastic. Attentive and friendly, I enjoyed daily conversation with cleaning staff, bar staff, waiters and management. The traditional Greek welcome is alive and well here, and within hours of arriving, you feel like part of the family. There is no request too big or too small. The team seem to genuinely love working here, which adds to the feeling of safety and tranquillity during your stay. The private beach is enjoyable, if small, but it never feels crowded. The sea is very shallow, however, and you have to walk out a good 20 -30 meters before it’s possible to swim. There is a water sports centre which offers boats, water skiing and more.
The spa and treatments at Kerkyra Blue are a true delight. The spa was recently renovated and offers a wide range of treatments, from massages to facials. The medium-sized sauna and steam room are both clean and very private. The treatment rooms themselves are comfortable and incredibly relaxing. I opted for a deep tissue massage, and it was truly one of the best I’ve ever had. The therapists at Kerkyra Blue are clearly highly skilled and experienced. They were knowledgeable and put me at ease, so I could really relax and enjoy my treatment. For me, it was a highlight of the trip and definitely worth the extra spend.
LOCAL AREA AND DAY TRIPS
The hotel is perfectly situated to enjoy the history of Corfu and regularly runs bus trips into the main town. The town is a fascinating rabbit warren of old streets, populated by tavernas, old churches and hundred-year-old houses, all tightly packed together. Our walking tour was provided by the amazing Nausica of Corfu Walking Tours (Check them out on Instagram). They are highly recommended to ensure that you get the best out of your visit to the town. The fortress is an exciting highlight, as is seeing the statues in memory of the Durrells, who are held responsible for the establishment of tourism on the island, as a result of Gerald Durrell’s book My Family And Other Animals published in 1954.
Kumquat liquors, Corfu Ginger Beer (The best ginger beer I’ve ever tasted, with the stunning fresh flavour of Lemon) and freshly caught seafood and tasty Gyros are all highlights of a trip to the town. Take time to explore the many winding streets where you will find many independent restaurants. Greek Orthodox Christianity is also prevalent here, with its ornate churches and tight sense of community. Walking the streets on a warm evening is an absolute joy, and not to be missed.
Olive production is an important part of Corfu’s history, the climate is perfect and a trip to Dr Kavvadia olive grove is fascinating. This organic olive producer offers a fantastic experience and produces extra virgin olive oil, 2 bottles of which thankfully made their way into my suitcase to be well-used in my kitchen since my return.
Those with sea legs may wish to enjoy a day trip to Paxos aboard a tourist boat. Trips include swimming in the sea, onboard BBQs and an amusing ‘onboard party’. Don’t worry, it’s not too wild and suitable for families or groups of all ages, offering stunning views of the entire coastline on your trip.
IN A NUTSHELL
Kerkyra Blue offers a friendly, affordable yet luxurious environment in which to unwind and enjoy the Corfu landscape and climate. It is easily accessible, the food selection is vast and of high quality and the staff are welcoming and informative. If you’re looking for a sense of adrenaline and adventure, you might have to venture out to other parts of the island, but if laid back, good quality, pure relaxation is what you’re after, you’re in for a treat with Kerkyra Blue. The rooms are impeccable with the pools and newly renovated rooms being worth the trip alone.
TUI offers 7-night holidays to Corfu, Greece staying at the Kerkyra Blue Hotel & Spa on an all-inclusive basis. Prices from £876 per person based on two adults sharing a Superior Double Room with Inland View and Balcony, flights departing from London Gatwick airport on 29th September 2023, luggage and transfers. To find out more about this holiday or to book go to tui.co.uk, visit your local TUI holiday store or download the app.
To discover more, visit: kerkyrablue.com
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All imagery courtesy of Kerkyra Blue Hotel Corfu.