Why Corfu continues to captivate travellers year after year

Beachfront bliss

Cloaked in greenery on a secluded peninsula, Corfu Imperial is one of three Grecotel properties on the island and one of 40 in the brand’s wider portfolio, which spans Crete, Kos, Rhodes, Mykonos and the mainland. Grecotel has undeniably made its mark on the luxury hotel scene since the group’s inception 50 years ago and, based on the three days we spend at Corfu Imperial, it’s easy to see why.

The main building stretches languorously towards the tip of the peninsula, fringed by a sparkling pool uniformly studded with white parasols and loungers, while sloping pathways wind from the hotel’s hub to its three beaches, oceanfront dining spots and collection of chic villas.

The showstopper in the property’s 22-strong villa portfolio is the Two Villa Residence with Private Beach. On the outside, exposed stone walls rise up from an expansive terrace, the ivory tiles contrasting delightfully with the vivid turquoise of the pool. Beyond, at the edge of the patio, panoramic ocean views beckon, with a set of steps leading down to a secluded pocket of sand.

The terrace itself is large enough to fit a barbecue, a spread of fresh salads and seafood, and a DJ station, all of which create the backdrop for an epic lunch set-up beneath the sun’s warm rays. I follow the terrace as it stretches round the back of the property and leads to a second set of steps, this time ushering me down to a private deck laying atop the waves.

Just for a moment, with the sea stretching far into the distance and greenery shrouding any other signs of life, I feel like the only person in the world.

Island adventure

Seclusion doesn’t come at the cost of location, either – from Corfu Imperial, the rest of the island is easily discoverable, both by water and land. The hotel’s private jetty serves as the perfect jumping-off point for an adventure at sea, whether that be a serene sunset tour, a scuba diving excursion or a day trip to neighbouring Paxos.

Guests can also take a short drive into Corfu Old Town to explore the labyrinth of traffic‑free lanes dotted with ice cream stalls, cosy cafes and shops with stands of handcrafted accessories spilling onto the pavement.

More picture-perfect streets await at Danilia Village, the charming replica of a traditional Greek hamlet, complete with pastel-hued buildings, a meticulously kept vineyard and Greek Orthodox church. Grecotel purchased the village in 2000 and transformed it into an open-air dining venue that’s open to both guests and the public.

We visit Danilia on our final night and wander the streets in the dusky early-evening light, before taking our seats in the courtyard for a feast of Greek delights. Tummies full, the last few glasses of raki swigged and the final cheers of “yamas” shared, we sit back with a bittersweet sense the evening was coming to an end. In fact, it was only just beginning – from our tables, we watch four Greek dancers emerge and put on a traditional performance, before opening the floor and inviting us to join. Arms around one another, we attempt to follow the dancers’ moves, laughing joyfully at missed steps and the sense of togetherness that comes from sharing special experiences like this one. And that’s exactly what I’ll remember Corfu to be: special.