"If you are looking for a four-star hotel at the southern end of Corfu, pleasantly positioned somewhere between “peaceful retreat” and “did the satnav give up?”, this may be the place for you.
The location is certainly secluded, which is a charming way of saying that there is very little nearby unless you count scenery, silence and the occasional existential thought. Ideal for guests who want to get away from it all — including shops, attractions and, at times, basic infrastructure.
One of the hotel’s most memorable features is the water. The tap water appears to be produced through what I can only describe as a spirited but incomplete attempt to desalinate the Ionian Sea. Even more impressively, the same water seems to lend its distinctive maritime personality to drinks served in the bar and restaurant. Cocktails with a gentle hint of harbour are, I suppose, an acquired taste.
The air conditioning system also deserves recognition for its commitment to variety. Some units cool the room, some simply move warm air around with great confidence, and others contribute a decorative indoor-water-feature effect by dripping onto the floor. It keeps guests guessing, which is always good for mental agility.
The rooms are generally clean and serviced regularly. The level of thoroughness appears to improve in direct proportion to one’s generosity towards housekeeping, which adds a pleasant interactive element to the stay. Some toilets, meanwhile, offer a similarly character-building experience, especially when flushing becomes less of a function and more of a negotiation.
The private pools beside the bungalows are a lovely touch and are evidently appreciated not only by guests but also by the local wildlife. In our case, a coypu and its young seemed to have taken up residence, giving the area the feel of a small nature reserve with sun loungers. One must admire a hotel that offers such close contact with fauna without charging extra.
Food was mostly fine, though somewhat repetitive. The Greek touches were present, albeit in a modest, budget-conscious sort of way, and were often outnumbered by Italian-style pasta dishes. After a few days, dinner became less of a culinary journey and more of a reunion with familiar carbohydrates.
On the genuinely positive side, the staff were friendly, pleasant and communicative. Receptionists, waiters and bartenders were helpful and good-natured, which made the stay much more bearable. The hotel is also generally clean, and there are clearly people working hard to keep things running, even when the building itself seems to be exploring early retirement.
Overall, this is a hotel with charm, quirks and a bold interpretation of the four-star standard. Recommended for travellers who enjoy isolation, warm drinks with a saline finish, unpredictable climate control and the possibility of sharing their pool area with a semi-aquatic mammal family."
