Luxurious Ionian idyll

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• Location: Greece
• Holiday Type: Beach

• by: kwhi02
• on: Thu 09 Feb 2012

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Driving to the Marbella hotel in Corfu is a harrowing experience. The four-star resort stands on Agios Ioannis beach on the east coast of the island. The road leading from the airport has been built in the narrow gap where the mountains end and the Ionian sea begins. Other road users seem not to see the danger, overtaking each other before sharp corners and dodging obstacles at high speed. Our coach driver was certainly doing his best to get us to our hotel quickly, this being the only positive thing I can say about our journey there.

The receptionist greeted us warmly and told us that our room had been upgraded to a suite, complete with two balconies affording panoramic views of Corfu's coastline and the Ionian sea. Things were looking up.

Our flight had landed at night and everything was still dark. We watched the sun rise over the sea, filling the room with glorious warm sunlight. The stress of the journey quickly disappeared and the rest of the holiday settled into a luxurious routine.

The spectacular food provided structure to the days. There was always a delicious selection of fresh local foods providing a delight of colours and tastes. The yoghurt, fresh fruit and salad became particular favourites.

We spent many happy hours lazing around the pool just gazing at the blue water. The Mediterranean architecture combined with the mountainside olive groves created an idyllic setting.

The private beach was an afternoon favourite. There was no better way to spend the warm September afternoons than wandering down through the gardens, following meandering paths to the sea. The crystal clear waters were perfect for snorkelling and gazing at the fish below.

More than once, huge thunder storms formed over the mainland without disturbing the warm, dry Corfu evenings. Sipping wine we smugly watched the lightning illuminate the bay. There was nothing better than gazing out to the horizon and reflecting on our idyllic day.

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