Located in the southeast of Greek island Corfu, MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas is a place of total tranquillity amid luscious landscapes. The hotel’s setting and outdoorsy feel sees lavender bushes adorn walkways, the fragrances of jasmine, olive and citrus trees float through the air, and pink bougainvillaea cascade around the arched passageways leading to the rooms. The design also ensures that guests can catch glimpses of the mesmerising Ionian Sea from every angle.
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Unveiled nearly five years ago, the hotel blends Corfiot heritage as well as Italian design. It appears like something from a pristine Amalfi postcard, painted in muted tones and topped with terracotta-tiled roofs that trickle down towards the coast.
An adults-only resort, you’re promised complete serenity here through a combination of five-star service, incredible sea views, private pools and luxe interiors.
MarBella Collection
Rooms with views
Nido comes from the Italian word “nest” and each room is truly a nest to its beholder. Depending on your preference, choose between a deluxe or junior suite with its own whirlpool or opt for a swimming pool. My room had the latter, and I loved having the option to take a morning dip before breakfast or hop in for a midnight swim before bed.
Inside, the rooms are spacious, modern and comfortably furnished. I particularly liked that the shower had a glass wall which meant you could look out at the ocean, and there was also the added bonus of having an evening turndown service.
MarBella Collection
Eating and drinking
Every meal at MarBella Nido is glamorous. As it’s adults-only, the ambience is always calm. Even breakfast is a smart and sleek affair with table service as well as an impressively varied buffet.
The hotel’s open-air restaurant, Apaggio, provides gorgeous Greek fine dining overlooking the ocean. Elsewhere at the hotel, there’s opportunities to try unique experiences such as wine tasting – the selection of different wines we tried were from Greece and Europe beyond.
If you’re looking to venture further afield, arrange for a golf buggy to whisk you to MarBella Nido’s well-established sister hotel, MarBella Corfu, located just next door. MarBella Corfu is also five-star, but family-focused; rather than adults-only. At MarBella Corfu, you’ll find Italian, French and pan-Asian restaurants, as well as late-night entertainment.
MarBella Collection
Daytime activities
At MarBella Nido, the emphasis is on wellbeing. There’s plenty of ways to unwind, including spa treatments, heading to the hotel’s fitness centre for a workout, relaxing next to the infinity pool or sitting back and enjoying some alone time on your spacious balcony.
Alternatively, head over to the beach which is actually pebbled, not sandy. Although the beach feels quite separate to the rest of the hotel – it’s across the road – it is an ideal spot to enjoy the sunset. There’s even service buttons on sun loungers so wherever you are, staff are on hand to provide whatever you may need.
MarBella Nido also organises watersports, boat trips, and walking tours around Corfu Old Town, located less than a 40-minute drive away. The journey to the Old Town is scenic and follows a coastal road. On the way, you can spot spectacular mountains, eye-catching Greek signage, and the intriguing, small islands of Vido and Mouse off of Corfu. You can spend hours wandering through the Old Town’s charm-filled cobblestone streets and discover Corfu’s history dating back to the Venetian, French and British periods of rule.
MarBella Collection
The verdict
Staying at MarBella Nido is an exceptionally unique and relaxing experience. It is a beautiful place to make memories, the service is impeccable, and having a pool of your own is an unbeatable luxury.
Kaye O’Doherty was a guest of MarBella Nido Suite Hotel & Villas. Seven nights start from £857pp as part of a package through Olympic Holidays, which includes bed and breakfast, accommodation in a junior suite sea view and flights from various UK airports.