Words by Victoria Smith
When a property is so exclusive that its name can’t be disclosed, you suspect you’re in for a treat. Yet, with 2,200 sqm of villa space that blends high-tech convenience and unparalleled Corfiot comfort, ‘MV’ surpassed even my highest expectations. Staying at this Corfu paradise recently, I felt like I was in my own episode of Cribs: the MTV show that snoops around jaw-dropping celebrity pads with something for every whim.
MV is bookable via Oliver Bernard (OB) Private: a prime real estate agency that, as its name suggests, regularly sells and lets off-market homes. Initially focused on Mayfair, the company has since expanded its portfolio in the English capital and now offers luxury overseas villas too, again comprising both publicly listed properties (via its OB Escapes brand) and private. MV is one of the latter, making this review a taster of what OB Private members can access on the holiday rental front. It’s very special indeed.
Villa
The reason MV’s owner wants the villa listed privately, and only guests of a certain calibre? It was a true passion project: built over five years with more than 100 staff, ranging from specialist stonemasons to 12 different carpenters. Many interiors were made to measure, using materials such as Canadian white oak and petrified wood millions of years old, while distinctive objects throughout reflect the proprietor’s decades of travel.
Perched in over 18,000 sqm of gated grounds that slope up scenically from the coast, MV encompasses two main properties and one guest house, hosting a maximum of of 22 guests and serviced by at least 10 tireless staff (manager Katia told me she sometimes walks up to 26,000 steps daily).
Outside, the centrepiece is a glorious infinity pool, whose features include two underwater ‘sun loungers’ overlooking the Ionian sea and night lights that resemble a sprinkling of stars over the water. Other outdoor highlights span ample terrace areas to an exercise pergola and fragrant Mediterranean gardens.
Indoors is no less sensational, taking in 11 sumptuous en-suite bedrooms and a litany of other facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, displaying sportswear signed by the likes of Ronaldo; private cinema, with a vast array of viewing options and quirky original lights from Moulin Rouge; several library and lounge areas; sublime spa, more of which below; and a tipple for every taste, from wine cellar and cognac collection to swish underground bar. All food and beverage staff are trained as sommeliers and mixologists, and the cocktails rustled up for us by Leo were excellent.
Rooms
Rooms comprise two master bedrooms with their own lounge and walk-in wardrobe, plus six double bedrooms and three twins; these range from mega spacious to a little more intimate. Features across all rooms include COCO-MAT bed, en-suite bathroom, generous storage space, balcony and terrace sporting wonderful sea views, automatic mosquito net and curtains, and smart TV with Netflix plus many international channels.
Via the Basalte smart system, you can even select preinstalled ‘scenes’ that suggest lighting and soundtracks depending on your mood. There’s a daily housekeeping service for those who want it, and a butler service on request.
My suite was called ‘Dionysus’, named after the Olympian god of wine and pleasure, and indeed the whole MV experience felt a little otherworldly. Standing on my balcony soon after arriving, watching the distant lights of Albania’s Sarandë twinkle across the sea, enjoying the scent of jasmine and the soft lull of the waves, I felt life’s stresses and strains melt away. The only problem? I didn’t want to leave.
Food
Unsurprisingly, at these heights of luxury, MV has its own onsite chef, Eddie, who is hugely passionate about his vocation and using fresh quality ingredients. He showed me some of the herbs he picks each morning, from lavender (ideal for ice cream) to the lemon balm often used in sorbets and garnishes; others include oregano, rosemary, marjoram and thyme – all sourced, alongside olive oil, direct from the estate’s grounds.
Using local produce like this is one of several sustainability measures at the property, from methods like water osmosis and solar energy to installing light sensors and recycling where possible.
While you’ll probably want to dine out sometimes, Eddie’s meals certainly hit the spot. Bruschetta with marinated oyster mushrooms, feta and oregano; pork souvlaki; an abundance of seafood; vanilla mousse, roasted apricot, almond and crispy meringue – these were just some of the delights on offer during our stay.
With three professional kitchens and other talented chefs on hand, MV can also host events of more than 100 covers.
Spa
MV’s spa not only looks gorgeous but has an impressive amount of amenities to boot. These include a heated indoor pool, steam room, sauna and jacuzzi, plus a large Asian-inspired treatment room in which you can enjoy a range of therapies with Adara Holistic Beauty Corfu.
My relaxing arrival massage was the ultimate antidote to a morning of flying and airports. Bliss.
To do
MV is a short distance from Kassiopi: a picturesque fishing village, presided over by the ruins of a Byzantine castle, whose cobblestone streets are lined with buzzy cafes and restaurants. It’s a ten-minute amble, or MV staff can drop you off (and/or pick you up) in one of the estate’s little buggies.
The surrounding area is also replete with lovely beaches and bays like Agni, in whose namesake taverna we enjoyed an outstanding meal. Favourite dish? Saganaki, prawns baked in a hearty tomato sauce topped with crumbly feta and olive oil.
Slightly further afield, towards Corfu Town, we visited Ambelonas, a charming vineyard and restaurant that hosts events such as tastings and cooking classes. Staff at both the villa and OB Private can suggest more excursions to suit your interests.
Alongside fitness instructors and electric bikes to hire, MV also offers access to activities like boat trips – and yes, it has its own jetty.
It’s worth pointing out that not all villas in OB Private’s portfolio have such extras, but the team is always happy to help; from last-minute restaurant reservations to organising superyacht trips or simply filling the fridge, they’re a one-stop shop for all holiday needs. This service includes their OB Escapes properties, those listed publicly, and is provided free of charge.
In a nutshell
This is a review of two extraordinary halves, one of which is MV, a villa of the likes I’d never seen before, and doubt will ever see again. Such tropes are often bandied around, but this place really is in a league of its own.
The other half is OB Private (encompassing OB Escapes), one of few companies to offer access to properties like MV. Its villas vary widely in size and character, from a one-bedroom traditional stone house hidden in the Corfu hills to a nine-bedroom Balinese-inspired property on Lefkada, but all promise an exceptional experience. And, while Corfu will always remain special – OB Private co-founder Ralph de Wavrin is tellingly nicknamed ‘Mr Corfu’ – the team is soon set to expand its international portfolio beyond the Greek Islands this year, starting with Puglia in Italy. The upshot? Even more sublime villas to choose from.
Factbox
Getting there: Most visitors fly into Corfu International Airport, close to the capital of Corfu Town (a hit with visitors thanks to its two fortresses, coastal vistas and Venetian-style streets). MV is about a one-hour drive, or you could take a shortcut and transfer from the airport by speedboat.
Guests can stay at MV with OB Private from €100,000 per week based on 14 people sharing.
Phone: +447949816458
Email: olivia@obprivate.co.uk
Website: obprivate.co.uk
