Join Annalisa Kerr as she explores an Iconic Ionian escape where the golden age of Mediterranean glamour meets modern–day Jet–Set luxury
There are some destinations you visit and instantly understand why people return year after year. Then there are those rare places that somehow manage to surprise you, even when you arrive expecting something special. For us, Corfu was both.
The secret is officially out.
Surrey Magazine was delighted to discover first–hand the extraordinary beauty, character and timeless appeal of this enchanting Ionian island, while experiencing the exceptional Domes Miramare, a Luxury Collection Resort, a one–of–a–kind five–star haven that feels as though it belongs to another, rather more glamorous, era. And that is precisely its charm.
Domes Miramare has something many luxury hotels simply cannot manufacture: a genuine sense of history, glamour and place. Built for the Onassis family in the late 1960s, rather than designed decades later to imitate a bygone era, its connection to the golden age of Mediterranean glamour is entirely authentic. Aristotle Onassis, Jackie O, Maria Callas and royalty have all been associated with its illustrious past, and that legacy still seems to linger in the air.
Today, the adults–only resort has been beautifully reimagined for a new generation of luxury travellers, retaining its heritage while embracing contemporary elegance.
A DRAMATIC ARRIVAL
And then there is the arrival. Flying into Corfu is an experience in itself! As the aircraft descends, the Ionian stretches dramatically beneath you, brilliant blue water seemingly meeting the runway at the very last moment. It is a cinematic first glimpse of the island and, for us, the perfect introduction.
Domes Miramare itself is every bit as captivating.
Framed by ancient olive groves and shimmering turquoise waters, the resort feels wonderfully secluded, with the mountains of the Greek mainland providing a spectacular backdrop across the Ionian. Here, the sea is not simply something to admire from a balcony; it becomes part of the experience. Manicured lawns lead towards marble steps, a private pebble beach, crystal–clear waters, a private pier and beautifully positioned suites.
Everything seems to draw you towards the sea. Inside, the aesthetic is effortlessly sophisticated. Natural tones, marble, contemporary art and beautifully considered spaces allow the surrounding landscape to take centre stage. One of the most memorable details is the magnificent 500–year–old olive tree in the lounge, a fitting symbol of Domes Miramare itself: deeply rooted in history yet entirely at home in the present.
THE ART OF DINING
Dining is very much part of the Domes Miramare experience. From the waterfront setting of 1962 By the Sea to the Italian flavours of Antonino’s, there is plenty to tempt the palate, while Makris, the resort’s Michelin–starred fine–dining restaurant, provides an especially memorable experience.
As the sun slips towards the horizon and the Ionian turns a deeper shade of blue, exceptional food, cocktails and the gentle soundtrack of the sea transform dinner into an occasion. It is here that Miramare captures its magic perfectly. Luxury never feels forced. It whispers rather than shouts.
THE LUXURY OF DOING LESS
Perhaps what stayed with us most was the sense that Corfu offers something increasingly precious: space to breathe. Luxury travel is no longer simply about the biggest suite or the most elaborate itinerary. It is about how a place makes you feel.
At Domes Miramare, it is mornings beside the sea, afternoons beneath ancient olive trees, leisurely swims and evenings of fine food, cocktails and live music.
OLD–SCHOOL GLAMOUR, MODERN–DAY LUXURY
Perhaps the greatest appeal is that Domes Miramare feels glamorous without ever feeling flashy. There is no need for ostentatious opulence. Instead, luxury is quieter, more grown–up and unmistakably Mediterranean – exceptional service, beautiful art, immaculate gardens, exquisite dining and an effortless feeling that you have arrived somewhere rather special.
There is little reason to leave if complete relaxation is the objective. Multiple pools, a private beach, spa, fitness centre and an enticing programme of activities provide plenty to fill the days.
But Corfu is far too beautiful not to explore.
BEYOND THE RESORT
While it would be remarkably easy to spend an entire stay within the beautiful surroundings of Domes Miramare, one of the highlights of our visit was stepping beyond the resort to discover the real Corfu.
Our island tour took us into the historic heart of Corfu and beyond, offering a fascinating glimpse of its rich culture, dramatic landscapes and traditional way of life.
Old Corfu Town is utterly captivating. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, its atmospheric streets reveal layers of Venetian, French and British influence. Elegant buildings, colourful shutters, ancient fortifications, intimate squares and narrow lanes create a wonderfully cinematic setting.
Then, as we travelled further across the island, traditional villages appeared among the hills, ancient olive groves stretched towards the horizon and roads opened onto breathtaking coastal views. And everywhere, that extraordinary Ionian blue.
THERE IS NO PRESSURE TO RUSH.
Corfu seems to encourage exactly the same rhythm. Stop for the view. Linger over lunch. Swim a little longer. Watch the sun disappear into the Ionian. And suddenly, doing very little feels like the ultimate luxury.
THE SURREY MAGAZINE VERDICT
Domes Miramare is Corfu at its most polished, glamorous and grown–up, a rare combination of heritage, exceptional design, outstanding dining and natural beauty, delivered with an effortless sense of style.
For couples seeking sunshine, serenity and a little slice of Mediterranean glamour, this adults–only escape is difficult to fault.
From the timeless elegance of Miramare to the atmospheric streets of Old Corfu, charming villages, hidden corners, spectacular coastline and impossibly blue waters, every day revealed another reason to fall for this remarkable Ionian gem.
You arrive looking for a luxury escape.
You leave having discovered somewhere you already want to return to.
To book your stay, contact
The Handmade Holiday Company
(p) 0800 031 5207
(e) thehandmadeholidaycompany@ite.travel
www.thehandmadeholidaycompany.com
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