Olivar Suites Corfu

Luxury, contemporary beach hotel offering a selection of private suites

Suites from around £180 per night

A former 18th-century olive mill, this east coast beachfront village-style resort is dotted with olive trees – some retaining their ancient spot despite the beach bar, spa or white-and-wood-hued suites erected around them. And while olive oil is used liberally at the hotel’s Flya restaurant and in its deity-worthy spa (the Aphrodite and Apollo treatments will leave you feeling almighty), it’s two natural wonders that take centre stage here: the sky, given space to breathe between the hotel’s low-rise suites; and the sea, which laps gently against idyllic Messonghi Beach.

Accommodation

The new Olivar Suites offer the perfect way to immerse yourself in the authentic beauty of Corfu. Set within an elegant 300-year-old olive grove, the 120 suites on offer each provide guests with a true haven of relaxation. Every suite promises total privacy, with either a private garden or pool, in which to appreciate your stunning surroundings among the olive trees. Some suites also boast sea views, with Riviera suites and Ionian Beachfront suites also having the benefit of being just steps from the beach. Whichever suite you choose, you will feel a wonderful sense of serenity, thanks to the stylish, muted designs of every room.

Activities & Entertainment

Your time spent in Olivar Suites is all about relaxing and unwinding. Beyond the privacy of your own suite, you can swim some lengths in the main swimming pool, or explore the beach just a stone’s throw away. Here, you can make a day of it by reserving a spot for a picnic.

For couples, there are a few tempting experiences to try. If you are feeling romantic, request an in-room massage in the privacy of your own suite, followed by a relaxing mineral salt bath. Follow your pampering up with a romantic candle-lit dinner in your suite.

If you prefer to keep active, you are sure to want to stop by the well equipped gym, or you can join a group yoga, Pilates or stretching session, or book a personal training programme.

Hiking trails take in quiet coves, pine forests and the ruins of the island’s Venetian, French and British past. Corfu old town is a 40-minute drive from the hotel and retains much of Venice’s influence, including its tangle of cobbled lanes, coral- and butterscotch-hued townhouses and no less than 39 Byzantine churches.

Facilities & Services

Located in the olive groves alongside the beach, visit Olibar at any time of day to refresh with freshly made juices, smoothies, coffees or a choice of meze. In the evening, enjoy a local beer or a cocktail prepared by the mixologist before heading out for dinner – or, return later for a nightcap. Set by the main pool, Flya is an all-day restaurant. From buffet-style breakfast to lunch and dinner, you can enjoy a mix of Corfiot, Greek and Mediterranean cuisine. There are also restaurants and bars nearby.

The Aegeo spa takes its influences from ancient Greek traditions: the Cretan massage employs an olive oil base, raki and orange extracts; the face massage uses avocado from Chania; the ancient Greek massage apparently borrows techniques used on athletes at the original Olympic Games. The real showstoppers here, though, are the Aphrodite and Apollo treatments, combining much of the above with international expertise to produce one mmmm-inducing package.