From Rooftop Sunsets to Secret Coves: Why Corfu Stole My Heart
Corfu
I'm just back from a wonderfully relaxing family trip to Corfu, staying at the beautiful all‑inclusive Hyatt Ziva. In true Travel Counsellor style, I also made time to explore some of the island’s standout hotels: Ikos Odisia, Ikos Dassia, Corfu Imperial and Grecotel Eva Palace, so I can share genuine, first-hand recommendations with my clients. Corfu has really stolen my heart: from wandering the cobbled streets of Corfu Old Town and watching the sunset from a rooftop restaurant, to swimming in the crystal-clear waters of Paleokastritsa and hiring a little boat to explore the north-east coast’s hidden coves. I am a huge fan of the Greek islands, and Corfu is such a fantastic option, especially with the shorter flight time from the UK. If Corfu is on your wish list, or you would like a tailor-made escape, I would love to help you plan it.
Sun‑kissed family time at the Hyatt Ziva
For this trip we based ourselves at the Hyatt Ziva, which was perfect for a relaxed family break. We stayed in a Preferred Club room with wonderful sea views, and waking up to that sparkling blue every morning felt incredibly special. Having that extra touch of comfort and those elevated amenities made it feel like a real treat, while still being very family friendly.
Hotel hopping: my first‑hand reviews
While we were in Corfu I also took the opportunity to visit some of the island’s leading hotels, so I can match the right property to the right travellers when I am planning holidays.
Ikos Odisia & Ikos Dassia
If your idea of holiday heaven is ultra‑all‑inclusive luxury, then Ikos will be right up your street. I visited both Ikos Odisia and Ikos Dassia, and they are fantastic choices for those who love a refined look and feel, with impeccable service.
Both properties offer:
- Beautiful beaches and calm, shallow waters ideal for children
- Stylish pools and gorgeous outdoor spaces
- A real focus on food, with à la carte dining and high‑quality ingredients
- Thoughtful touches that make family life easier, such as kids’ clubs and family‑friendly rooms
They are perfect for anyone who wants an elevated, stress‑free experience where almost everything is taken care of, from dining to activities.
Corfu Imperial
Corfu Imperial has that classic, elegant Greek‑island feel. Perched on its own peninsula, it enjoys stunning views and a very special setting, which really comes into its own at sunrise and sunset. I would recommend this hotel for families or couples who appreciate a more traditional, five‑star style: marble, beautiful gardens and a sense of occasion.
It feels exclusive and serene, yet still welcoming for families.
Grecotel Eva Palace
Grecotel Eva Palace has a wonderfully romantic atmosphere, with lush gardens and sweeping sea views. It feels intimate and peaceful, while still being close enough to explore the rest of the island.
It is a great option for couples and families with older children who want somewhere stylish and relaxed, with easy access to the sea and a good base for getting out and about.
Moments that made me fall in love with Corfu
Some of my favourite memories from this trip were the simple ones:
- Wandering Corfu Old Town: Getting lost in the cobbled streets, admiring the pastel shutters and little balconies, and browsing the independent shops.
- Sunset from a rooftop: Watching the sky turn shades of pink and gold from a rooftop restaurant, with views across the Old Town’s rooftops and out to sea.
- Swimming in Paleokastritsa: The water here is unbelievably clear. We spent time swimming, snorkelling and simply floating around, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush greenery.
- Boat day along the north‑east coast: Hiring a small boat and pottering along the coastline, discovering hidden coves and stopping for swims in quiet bays. It felt like our own little adventure and was a real highlight of the holiday.
These are exactly the kind of experiences I love to build into my clients’ itineraries, so that a holiday becomes a collection of special, personal memories.
Let me tailor your Corfu escape
Every traveller is different, and that is why I believe in creating holidays that are completely tailored to you. Whether you are dreaming of:
- A luxury all‑inclusive break where everything is taken care of
- A chic resort with plenty to keep children entertained
- A romantic hideaway with sea views and lazy days by the pool
- A quieter base with boat trips, day explorations and authentic tavernas
I can use my first‑hand experience of Corfu and its hotels to design a trip that fits you perfectly, from the right resort and room type to private transfers, boat days and restaurant recommendations. If Corfu is on your wish list, or you would like a tailor‑made escape in the Greek islands, I would love to help you plan it. Get in touch with me to start creating your next holiday.







