What a year 2020 has been. We were due to go skiing back in April but the Corona Virus scuppered those plans. So with the summer holidays fast disappearing we decided on a last minute getaway to Corfu...
THE ROU ESTATE
We stayed at The Rou Estate 2 years ago and were keen to go back. Set in a hilltop in the north-east of Corfu, this dwelling was renovated by architect Dominic Skinner and his wife a former interior designer. Each stone villa is surrounded by beautiful Mediterranean gardens filled with lavender, wisteria and jasmine, with spectacular sea views. We stayed in a 2 bed villa called 'Lilium' which has a private plunge pool and amazing views of Albania.
The first day was a chance to relax by the communal infinity pool which is carved into the rock face. The resort is family friendly and our girls made lots of new friends.
SET SAIL
We hired a boat from 'So Tris' in San Stefano which cost about €120 plus fuel. This enabled us to see more of this pretty coast line. The water was so warm and crystal clear! We stopped for lunch at a Taverna Kouloura and had a dip in lots of little bays including Kassopei Lonely beach. You also get a great view of the Rothschild Estate and I mean if this area is good enough for them it’s good enough for us! ; )
BEACH LIFE
Most beaches are within 25 minutes from The Rou Estate. We spent one afternoon at Kerasia which which is a stoney beach and ate mussels at the only Taverna there while the girls played on beach.
For a more commercial Ibiza vibe you can head to to Barbati Beach. We pitched up at Bahia Mare Where you can hire sun loungers €5 each. The tunes are playing and the Aperol's flow nicely too.
Nissaki beach is a small bay with a lovely taverna.
WINE + DINE
Set directly on the beach Eucalyptus is a pretty restaurant that serves amazing seafood. From here we watched the boats come and go and the moon shine its reflection on the calm waters.
For a fun experience you can get a taxi boat from San Stefano to Taverna Agni which is set on the beach and is known to attract celebrities and superyacht owners alike.
For our last night we ate at The White House in Kalami which is one of the most famous buildings in Corfu. It was the former residence of the British author Laurence Durrell in the 1930’s. With its crisp white linen table cloths, candles, lavender and white stone walkways laden with bean bags and swing chairs, I was in heaven!
The gin cocktails and rosé flowed whilst we watched the sun set over the harbour. A great way to end the most relaxing and much need holiday yet!
Gin
Last but not least you must try Grace gin which is the creation of three Greek friends, Lila, Hara and Katerina. The gin is distilled at Avantes Distillery on the island of Evia, first the botanicals orange blossom, pink pepper, rock samphire, and myrtle leaves. It's a delicious citrus gin served best with a slice of orange. Yamas!
[Social distancing was in place in all the locations we visited and all the staff wore masks. This was also the same in airports and supermarkets.]
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