Last June, I was lucky enough to spend three nights at Grecotel Corfu Imperial as part of a hosted retreat with Aspire, and from the moment we arrived, it was clear this was a resort that truly understands refined, effortless luxury.
Set on its own private peninsula on Corfu’s exclusive Kommeno Peninsula, Corfu Imperial feels wonderfully secluded, yet never remote. Surrounded by olive groves, manicured gardens and endless shades of Ionian blue, it’s the kind of place where time naturally slows down.
First Impressions
The flight to Corfu is an easy three hours from the UK, followed by a smooth 35-minute transfer from the airport. As we arrived at the resort, the view stopped us in our tracks, crisp white buildings cascading down towards vivid turquoise sea, framed by lush greenery.
We were welcomed with chilled drinks and light bites before being shown to our rooms, instantly setting the tone for the stay: warm, polished, and quietly luxurious.
The Resort
Corfu Imperial offers the perfect balance between space and intimacy. Despite having around 300 rooms and operating at full capacity during our stay, it never once felt busy or overwhelming. Wandering through the grounds, it genuinely felt more like a boutique retreat than a large resort.
Accommodation ranges from elegant guestrooms and bungalows to expansive family suites and private beachfront villas. The design throughout is timeless and understated - soft tones, classical details, subtle prints and furnishings that let the scenery do the talking.
My Room: Deluxe Guestroom Sea View
I stayed in a Deluxe Guestroom Sea View, the resort’s lead-in room and it completely exceeded expectations.
The balcony overlooked the peninsula and shimmering sea, with a comfortable reading chair perfect for slow mornings or sunset evenings. Inside, the bed was gloriously oversized, and thoughtful touches awaited me: a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine, cake and chocolates.
For a lead-in category, it felt anything but basic - spacious, elegant, and indulgent in all the right ways.
Accommodation Highlights
In addition to guestrooms, the resort offers an impressive range of options:
Deluxe Suites & Family Suites Sea View - ideal for couples wanting extra space or families needing separate living areas
Imperial Two-Bedroom Suites - generous layouts with breathtaking sea views
Deluxe Bungalows & Swim-Up Junior Bungalow Suites - perfect for guests wanting closer proximity to the beach or shared infinity pools
Two- and Three-Bedroom Beachfront Villas - with private pools, multiple master bedrooms and panoramic sea views, ideal for families or groups travelling together
This variety makes Corfu Imperial especially appealing for multi-generational trips, celebrations, or longer stays where space and flexibility matter.
Dining: Yali Seafood Restaurant
Our first evening was spent at Yali Seafood Restaurant, the resort’s signature dining experience, and it was unforgettable.
Set on a stilted wooden deck directly above the sea, Yali is effortlessly romantic. We sipped Aperol spritzes as the sun dipped below the horizon, enjoyed beautifully prepared fresh seafood, and let the evening drift by with the gentle sound of the water below.
The night ended with a short boat ride around the harbour, giving us a magical perspective of the resort illuminated from the sea.
Dining Across the Resort
Dining at Corfu Imperial is one of its biggest strengths. Guests can enjoy:
Mon Repos - the main restaurant serving generous breakfast and dinner buffets inspired by seasonal Greek and Mediterranean flavours
Yali Seafood - waterside, romantic, and refined
Aristos - elegant fine dining with French influences
Merlin’s Bar Restaurant - adults-only Asian and Latin American fusion
Trattoria Wine & Bar - relaxed Italian dining in a piazza-style setting
Multiple cocktail bars and terraces with sunset views and live music
Guests can also dine at neighbouring Grecotel properties, reached via luxury sea-shuttle boats, or take advantage of complimentary transport into Corfu Town.
Morning Rituals & Wellness
One of my favourite parts of the trip was our early-morning routine. Each day, we woke at sunrise for a sea swim - calm waters, golden light, and complete stillness before the resort came to life. If you ever stay here, I can’t recommend it enough.
The two-storey Elixir Spa is a sanctuary in itself, offering an indoor pool, sauna, hammam and a wide range of treatments. There’s also a fully equipped gym, personal trainers, and classes including yoga and Pilates, ideal for guests who want to balance indulgence with wellbeing.
Beaches, Pools & Activities
Corfu Imperial boasts:
Three private beaches
Two main swimming pools
A full watersports centre offering snorkelling, scuba diving, parasailing, waterskiing and more
Island excursions, boat trips, horse riding, mountain biking and cultural tours can all be arranged with ease.
Exploring Corfu Town
The Grecotel team organised a guided morning tour of Corfu Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with Venetian architecture, narrow “kantounia” streets and lively squares. It’s a wonderful contrast to the calm of the peninsula and an easy half-day excursion from the resort.
Danilia Village: A True Highlight
On our final evening, we visited Danilla Village, a beautifully recreated traditional Corfiot village and an absolute must-do.
Nestled in lush countryside, Danilia offers an authentic Greek dining experience using fresh, organic produce prepared on-site. With its colourful buildings, live atmosphere and sense of occasion, it’s ideal for celebrations and is included for eligible guests as part of Grecotel’s Dine Club.
Final Thoughts
My stay at Grecotel Corfu Imperial was faultless. It delivers luxury without feeling pretentious, and authenticity without sacrificing comfort. The understated interiors allow Corfu’s natural beauty to shine, while the service ensures every guest feels genuinely looked after.
I can’t wait to return, and I’m so excited to send our Case Travel clients to experience this exceptional resort for themselves.
If Corfu is on your wish list, I’d love to design the perfect stay for you here.
