Back from Corfu and I’m still thinking about it.

This wasn’t just a hotel inspection. It was an ideal reset. A reminder of what luxury travel should feel like — calm, effortless, personal.

Let’s be clear — this is for you if you’re craving total relaxation, some of the best food I’ve ever tasted, and experiences that genuinely support local businesses.

The second I walked into Grecotel Corfu Imperial, I knew I was in the right place.

Classic, grown-up luxury. Not flashy, not corporate. Marble floors, beautiful lighting, thoughtful staff who know when to step in and when to leave you be.

Every room has a sea view. Not a glimpse — full, sweeping, straight-out-to-the-horizon views. I didn’t touch the curtains once.

Dinner at Yali was seafood straight from the water, a perfectly chilled glass of rosé, and a sunset that made me forget I even had a phone.

Corfu doesn’t need to shout. It’s all soft shutters, stone streets and that low, golden light that makes everything feel cinematic.

Old Town Corfu felt more Italian than Greek in the best possible way, think Florence vibes with better olives.

What stood out most? Every local experience we did was actually local. Independent businesses, family-run tavernas, producers who live and work here. No greenwashing. Just the real thing.

This was the moment everything shifted.

We were told to dress “beach club chic” (no heels) and meet at the hotel’s private jetty. Waiting for us? Sleek black RIB boats, engines ready, sea sparkling.

We sped up the northeast coast — hair wild, grinning, soaking up the freedom. That feeling of no schedule, just open water and secret spots.

We stopped at Oliva, a restaurant tucked into the cliffs. Local wine, grilled bites, olive trees twisting overhead. It felt hidden, sacred, special.

Then we reached Villa Electra — and everything changed.

You don’t stay here for the show-off factor. You stay because it makes you exhale.

Soft interiors, flowy spaces, everything connected to the outside. A hot tub tucked away. A pool that catches the morning light. Nooks for reading, for chatting, for doing absolutely nothing.

Dinner was prepared by a private chef using the freshest local seafood and seasonal veg. No buffet trays. Just real food and real care.

The evening ended with music, wine, and barefoot dancing by the pool.

ABOVE by CV Villas invited me to stay longer — and I’m so glad I said YES!

Slow mornings on the terrace in pyjamas. Long poolside lunches. Rustic Greek food done properly at Old School in Kassiopi.

Evenings? Cocktails at Wave Bar in St Stephano. Then boat rides to The White House in Kalami — prawns, feta, sea air. Views that made me go quiet (which is unusual)

It’s not just villa life. It’s village meets villa. The sweet spot where everything feels easy but nothing feels mass-produced.

Luxury isn’t marble bathtubs or gold taps. It’s:

☑️ Space to breathe

☑️ Service that just works - magnificently

☑️ Food that makes you think

☑️ Local people being part of your experience

☑️ And moments of real freedom (yes, the RIB boats again)