Words by Sally Meeson
When you fantasise about escaping for a luxury long weekend you picture plush private suites, infinity pools and plenty of pampering. And as I sit on the private deck of my deluxe suite on the island of Corfu, toes dipped in a private pool which drops away to reveal the glistening waters of the Ionian Sea, I feel this fantasy may have just become reality.
I’m at the new MarBella Nido Suite Hotel and Villas in the south east corner of the island. Since this is a suite only hotel the first box on my luxury travel list gets an immediate tick. Built into a cliff side, all suites have epic sea views and are dotted around meandering pathways lined with fragrant orange blossom, magnolia and olive trees.
And this adults only hotel is filled with luxurious interior design, said to be inspired by the natural environment. On arrival, just past an orangery, I find a reception and bar area flooded with light thanks to floor to ceiling windows overlooking the sea. Plush velvet sofas in deep taupes and pinks, sophisticated artwork and a huge open stone fireplace create an indulgent environment to nestle in for pre dinner cocktails.
The hotel opened a year ago and has already been welcomed onto the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World list. It has 70 junior suites, deluxe suites and luxury villas, which have all been individually designed with luxurious touches, from free standing baths and elegant furnishings indoors, to private infinity pools and whirlpools outdoors. It also offers a range of restaurant options offering everything from fresh Greek and Italian a la carte options through to laid back, poolside, al fresco dining.
And as you bask in the heat of the Corfunian sun, taking in the lush surrounding greenery and calming aquamarine of the sea, you might even sense something spiritual about this charming corner of Corfu. The area is renowned for its exquisite sunsets, and moonlit dinners here are a must.
So much so that the MarBella Collection hotel group has recently introduced spa packages and set dinners based on ‘The Power of the Moon’. When I visit there is a new moon, so it seems the perfect opportunity to sample what’s on offer.
I’m picked up by golf buggy (the hotel runs a 24 hour club car service) and taken next door to MarBella Nido’s sister hotel, Marbella Corfu. Another perk of a stay here is that guests can access all the facilities of the adjacent property – but get Marbella Nido all to themselves!
On reaching the spa I’m treated to a ‘New Moon’ package. This treatment is designed to be enjoyed in pairs and consists of a 50 minute couples massage and 30 Minute Express Mediterranean Facial. Slightly longer ‘Crescent Moon’ and ‘Full Moon’ packages are also available.
After being pampered I’m then whisked off to the elegant beachfront restaurant La Bussola for the hotel’s special ‘Power of the Moon’ set dinner menu. 5 courses arrive, beginning with grilled asparagus with micro garden salad and black truffle coulis starter, followed by a poached lobster tail with sweet carrots, pearl onions, mushrooms and Cabernet wine sauce for main.
A mouth watering tarte tartan with truffle honey, vanilla ice cream and caramel sauce is served for dessert. Each course is washed down with a different wine, especially chosen by the hotel to compliment the dish. And all this under the gentle glow of a new moon, whose reflection ripples and glistens in the Ionian waters before me.
FACTBOX
Classic Collection Holidays (classic-collection.co.uk) offers 7 nights at Marbella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas, Corfu from £1398 per person. Price based on 2 adults sharing a junior suite sea view on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return flights from London Gatwick to Corfu and private transfers.
Address: Agios Ioannis Peristeron 49084 Agios Ioannis Peristerion
Phone: +30 2661 076452
Website: marbellonido.gr
