Avali provided the perfect setting for my first taste of this island life. Set on Corfu’s south-east coastline, around half an hour from Corfu International Airport and the UNESCO-listed Old Town, the resort feels immediately immersed in its surroundings. Looking out across the Ionian Sea, there is a quiet sense of ease that arrives the moment you step into the property, as though the island itself is asking you to slow down.
Although Avali has its own identity, it forms part of the family-owned Mar-Bella Collection, a group of four luxury hotels spread across the Ionian. Each property has been thoughtfully designed for a different style of traveller, whether that’s family holidays at Mar-Bella, the adults-only tranquillity of Nido or the dramatic mountain setting of Elix. Together, they share a philosophy centred on authentic Greek hospitality and meaningful experiences that connect guests with the destination.
One of the things I appreciated most about the Mar-Bella collective was how integral it feels to the island. Rather than competing with its surroundings, the architecture and landscaping sit comfortably within them. Palm trees, olive groves and Mediterranean planting soften the resort, while pathways weave through carefully maintained gardens that naturally lead towards the sea.
What surprised me most was just how green Corfu is. Thanks to the rainfall the island receives throughout the winter months, the landscape feels incredibly lush by the time summer arrives. Everywhere I looked, vibrant flowers were in bloom, butterflies drifted through the gardens, and colourful climbing plants spilled over stone walls and balconies. It’s easy to see why Corfu is celebrated for its rich Mediterranean flora, with bursts of colour stretching from the resort gardens to the hillsides beyond. The island has a softness and vibrancy that feels almost unexpected, bringing a freshness to every corner and making the landscape feel wonderfully alive.
The resort itself strikes a lovely balance between intimacy and space. Home to just 76 rooms and suites, Avali feels boutique in scale, with accommodation positioned to make the most of either the surrounding mountains or the sparkling sea. A handful of private pool rooms add an extra sense of exclusivity, while the hotel’s design makes it equally suited to couples, friends and families with older children.
I settled in one of the seafront rooms, and waking up to uninterrupted views across the Ionian each morning was a real highlight. The private balcony quickly became my favourite place to enjoy a morning tea or simply sit and take in the view. Inside, the room was beautifully designed, blending contemporary style with comfort, and every detail had been carefully considered to make the stay feel effortless.
Food plays an important role throughout the Mar-Bella Collection. Across its restaurants, there is a strong focus on Greek ingredients, but what makes the approach particularly interesting is the way the culinary programme continues to evolve. Throughout the year, internationally renowned chefs travel from cities including London, Paris, Singapore, Australia and the United States to collaborate with the hotel’s kitchen teams. Working alongside local chefs, they develop new dishes, share techniques, and mentor the team, creating menus that feel both globally inspired and deeply rooted in Greece.
During my stay, I attended one of the collection’s Greek Chefs Abroad evenings, hosted by chef Katerina Milakis of Stia. Rather than a typical dinner service, the evening felt like a journey through Greek cuisine. Every course showcased the flavours and traditions of the country while allowing each chef’s individual style to shine through. Standout dishes included a vibrant Shrimp Saganaki, tender grilled octopus served with creamy chickpea revithada and almýra, and an elegant take on Evia-style moussaka, giving us the opportunity to experience some of Greece’s most iconic dishes in a fresh and memorable way.
As someone with dietary requirements, I was especially impressed that the team created a bespoke dairy and gluten-free version of the menu without compromising on flavour or presentation. It was a thoughtful touch that made the experience feel every bit as special.
Beyond the dinner itself, we were also invited to a series of exclusive experiences that deepened our connection to the island. One of my favourites was an introduction to Corfiot flavours and aromas with Lazaris Distillery, where we discovered locally crafted liqueurs and traditional sweets. It was a wonderful insight into another side of Corfu’s culinary heritage and perfectly complemented the evening’s celebration of Greek gastronomy.
Fitness and wellness are woven into the Avali experience, with guests encouraged to embrace movement and relaxation through a diverse programme of complimentary classes and wellness facilities. Whether you’re looking to energise your body, unwind with a treatment or simply take a moment to slow down, there are plenty of opportunities to prioritise your wellbeing throughout your stay.
Whenever the opportunity to try a fitness class presents itself, I’m always keen to get involved, so I joined a Slow Strength session with Annabelle Williams, one of the collection’s visiting wellness practitioners. Throughout the season, Avali welcomes a programme of respected fitness and wellbeing experts, giving guests the opportunity to take part in a variety of classes, from yoga and Pilates to strength, mobility and mindful movement sessions.
For those looking to unwind even further, Avali also offers outdoor wellness treatments, allowing guests to enjoy massages and therapies in the fresh air. It complements the resort’s holistic approach to wellbeing, where moments of rest are given just as much importance as movement.
While it would have been easy to spend every day unwinding at Avali, one of the greatest luxuries of staying there was how naturally it encouraged us to explore more.
One of the highlights of my trip was setting off on a private boat across the crystal-clear Sea, with our first stop at the famous Blue Caves. As we glided into the rock-carved caves, sunlight transformed the water into an extraordinary shade of electric blue. It was one of those rare travel moments where everything falls silent and you simply pause to take it all in.
Leaving the caves behind, we cruised past the idyllic island of Paxos, taking in its rugged coastline and the picturesque harbour town nestled along the shore before continuing our journey.
Our final destination was sister property Elix, where the scenery shifts dramatically from island coastline to striking mountains. Inspired by its surroundings, the hotel celebrates traditional Greek architecture through natural materials, warm textures and welcoming communal spaces that echo the atmosphere of historic mountain homes. Facing west, it is perfectly positioned for spectacular sunsets that wash the coastline in golden light.
Our last afternoon was spent exploring Corfu Town. Our walking tour with Corfu Walking & Food Tours by Katsarou offered a fascinating insight into the island’s layered history, shaped by Venetian, French and British influence over centuries. Wandering through elegant squares, narrow streets and colourful facades, it became clear how distinct Corfu feels compared to much of Greece. Many of the buildings remain carefully preserved, maintaining their characteristic colours and wooden shutters, contributing to the town’s UNESCO World Heritage status.
Our visit to The Olive House offered an insight into one of Greece’s most iconic ingredients. Olive oil is deeply woven into Greek culture, and the tasting revealed just how much craftsmanship lies behind its production. We learned how harvest timing influences colour and flavour, why lower acidity is a mark of exceptional quality, and how proper storage helps preserve its character.
Sampling the different oils revealed just how distinctive they all were. Some were fresh and grassy, others bright with citrus notes or finished with a gentle peppery warmth, each reflecting the landscape from which they came. We also left with plenty of inspiration for pairing them with different dishes and using them in our own cooking at home.
As my time in Corfu came to an end, I realised it wasn’t one single experience that would stay with me, but how seamlessly they all came together. From peaceful mornings overlooking the sea and discovering the island’s remarkable food culture, to sailing past the Blue Caves, wandering the historic streets of Corfu Town and learning about traditions that have shaped the island for generations, every moment felt connected to the place itself. That, for me, is what makes Avali so special. It isn’t simply somewhere to stay, but somewhere that encourages you to experience Corfu in a deeper, more meaningful way. Long after leaving, I’ll remember the scent of wildflowers carried on the sea breeze, the warmth of Greek hospitality, and the feeling of discovering an island that constantly surprised me. The hotel may have been where the journey began, but it was Corfu that truly left its mark.
Starting rate for Avali: From €299 per double room mountain view/night/premium all inclusive.
