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One of seven hotels in Gretokol, Greece, this newly renovated all-inclusive resort is stylish and charming, but also kid-friendly.
Place
This vast hotelCovering an area of 350,000 m², it is located in the north of the island, an hour’s drive from the airport, through beautiful olive groves, forests and greece mountain top village. it has white sandy beaches Looking out over the Ionian SeaThe nearby coastline is dotted with coves, rocky islets and islets. The tavern-lined village of Acharavi is 300 meters away.
Read more: The best all-inclusive resorts and beachfront accommodation in Corfu
atmosphere
LUXME stands for Luxury Made Simple – the name couldn’t be more fitting. What What makes this hotel so special It’s its laid-back, country-like feel – something that other high-end resorts often lose. The large swimming pool and accommodation areas are spread out among shaded pathways, canals and landscaped lawns, meaning guests have plenty of room to breathe and children can run wild in safe, well-maintained spaces.
The lively Piazza Popolare, with its restaurants, bars, cypress trees, chairs and tables, is reminiscent of the squares of a traditional Greek village and is filled with dancing, music and banquets in the evenings. It’s a great place to relax, drink and people-watch, and the kids can play around safely. The lobby bar is a place for those who want to avoid mosquitoes to relax after dinner and welcomes a variety of guests. Here you’ll find families holding UNO cards, couples sipping cocktails, and children playing with new friends (usually while enjoying mini cakes from the dessert stall). The vibe here is inclusive: no one is too cool to join here.
Serve
The resort staff are friendly, calm, polite and go out of their way to accommodate your every need. Rather than taking an overly formal approach, the staff treats guests like long-lost family members, giving them a familiarity and warmth that is hard to replicate. There are also thoughtful details throughout. For example, imagine lemon balm candles and mosquito spray on the plaza tables, and a 1960s-style popcorn stand and cone snacks in the evening. The main restaurant can feel overwhelming at peak times which means there are sometimes long waits for drinks, high chairs and general help, but these times are easily passed by the staff with a smile.
Guest room
The resort has a total of 359 rooms, divided into country villas just steps away from the main square and summer villas close to the swimming pool. Set among relaxing gardens and courtyards, the country house features marble, dark wood, vintage furniture, and overall a more traditional décor. Summerhouses have a stylish, modern feel but lack some of the character of a country house. But they are very spacious and perfect for families with young children.
Read more: Greece’s best beaches – and where to stay near them
diet
Breakfast is served on the terrace overlooking the square or in the jungle-style high-ceilinged room, which is predictably busy but made less so by the abundance of greenery. Buffets are also available for lunch and dinner, offering the usual fare to suit every discerning palate. There are also crepes and ice cream parlors on the beach where young people spend most of their time.
But the real magic happens in individual restaurants. The resort’s Asian restaurant, Asiana, flanks the main plaza and offers a menu of sushi, dim sum and sumptuous entrees such as crispy duck and pad thai, all prepared in the open kitchen. Tavernaki is a Greek restaurant that also overlooks the square. Sharing platters are a hit with the kids and include fresh bread, tzatziki sauce and local cheeses, while main courses include fresh fish, aromatic vegetable dishes and delicious meats. Nonna’s is a picturesque, open-air Italian restaurant set back from the main square overlooking the beach, and a great place to enjoy simple but well-made bruschetta, pasta and pizza.
In addition, the resort has Botanica, a fine dining restaurant open exclusively to adults, and the well-stocked Cava Bottega wine cellar, where adults can enjoy free tastings (on request). Last but not least, the main bar has a dessert shop every evening – think macaroons, chocolate chunks and delicious hand-made pies.
facility
One of the crown jewels of LUXME Costa Botanica is the vast water park, which features a swimming pool, multiple slides, a lazy river and plenty of space for sunbathing. It’s a perfect place for families, with something for all ages (the water rides are definitely great for older kids).
Away from the water park, there are two other large freshwater pools, both with bars nearby, and a baby pool that’s shallow enough for little feet to wade through comfortably. For those who enjoy swimming in the sea, there is an unspoiled dune beach just a stone’s throw from the beach club, as well as a creperie and ice cream parlor.
Older kids will love the glass-walled snooker room – which easily overlooks the newly renovated lobby area so parents can keep an eye on them – as well as the tennis courts and gymnasium, which has its own boxing ring. There’s even a petting farm on site, with friendly donkeys, chickens and goats.
For adults, the recently updated Elixir Botanical Spa features an indoor swimming pool, hammam and sauna, and offers a range of gorgeous treatments.
Accessibility
Ground floor rooms are accessible and there are ramps and elevators throughout the resort.
Is it family friendly?
Most of the guests were families – perhaps not surprising considering we went during the school holidays – and for one clear reason: the setting couldn’t be better. There’s food to suit all tastes and a range of activities for all ages, including yoga, live music and children’s movie nights. Mainly, though, there’s a calm, convivial atmosphere that can be lost in some upscale resorts. One potential stumbling block is that the kids club is only suitable for children over the age of four – ruling out parents of young children who want the option of childcare over the holidays. But there are plenty of activities for kids, including scooter rides, bike tours, and cooking and art classes. If you’re traveling with an infant, the hotel provides sterilizers, cribs, monitors, and more. Perhaps best of all, children under 12 stay and dine free at all LUXME resorts, which is a great deal for your wallet.
pet policy
Dogs are allowed in some rooms, and service dogs can accompany their owners at all times.
Check-in/check-out
Check-in time is 11 am; check-out time is 3 pm – staff are always available to assist with specific requests.
clear at a glance
The best thing: A vast and lively square: social, authentic, relaxed and above all, perfect for children to run around with new friends without disturbing other guests.
Great for: Families who want an all-inclusive experience without sacrificing authenticity.
Not suitable for: Vacationers seeking solitude.
Instagram via: A deck lined with hammocks next to the Italian restaurant overlooks the beach at sunset.
address: Acharavi, Corfu, Greece, 49083
telephone number: +30 26630 64000-5
website: Grecotel.com/resort-costabotanica/
Read more: The best sea view island hotels and romantic resorts in Greece such as Crete, Corfu, Mykonos and more
Stephanie’s stay is hosted by LUXME Costa Botanica.