24 April 2016

Suitcase. Corfu, Greece - Travel Guide

Ever since my first visit to Greece last summer, this southern corner of Europe has held a piece of my heart. Daily, I relive the memories of vibrant sunshine, clear seas and new landscapes. Hence why I was thrilled to return to the isles this spring - the Ionian Island of Corfu was my destination.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

We settled into our temporary home at Marbella Corfu on the south east coastline - and my what a home it was. This place is 5 stars and such a treat, particularly if you get a balcony room with hot tub. You virtually couldn't drag me away from this view.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu; pearls of style; krissie rogers;
Dress (similar)


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A walk around the grounds is also a delight. There are gardens that look like they're inspired by Italian vineyards, quaint courtyards and spectacular balconies.

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Not forgetting the private beach and of course the dreamlike blue swimming pools. Let's just say for the Aussie girl coming from a long London winter, it was my idea of heaven.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

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After unpacking and a light lunch I was firmly on Greek time i.e., what time? I nestled in to read my book (if you love the fashion industry then you'll love this one - I couldn't put it down), alternating between poolside and beachside. Water temps are still cool at this time of year but I tell you the sun was sizzling - now I remember what a tan feels like.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;
Bikini (alternate colour available - top and bottoms)

Also, a word to the wise, if you can drag yourself up out of bed in the morning, then the sunrises here are simply magic.

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I must say, for me, a huge part of the Greek experience is the people. This nationality is truly so delightful. They're always happy to chat, they want to help, they're interested, they're curious, they're just a delight to be around. These islands wouldn't be the same without their charm.

Another of the highlights for me in this part of the world is the food... More specifically the breakfast... Let's just cut to the chase here... It's the Greek yoghurt. It's unbelievable. So so creamy and pillowy. Of course you simply must drown it in honey. Perfection. I don't know how I'll ever eat the stuff from the supermarket again. If anyone knows where to buy the true Greek yoghurt in London please tell me!

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On the food note, if you stay at Marbella Corfu make sure you check out their Italian restaurant - this is holiday-esque fine dining and the food is exceptional. Be sure to try the mushroom and truffle risotto, and the panacotta for dessert.

Enough about food. It's a wonder I still have a body fit for the beach. Speaking of which, there are so many beaches to explore around the island. My tip is to get a hire car and make your way around. My top picks are Palaiokastritsa and Nisaki.

On the west coast Palaiokastritsa is known as the island's gem. Multiple bays run along a 2km stretch of beach, each more beautiful than the next.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;
Bikini top and bottoms / Sunglasses

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

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And if you find yourself in this neck of the woods, do not miss a trip up to Lakones in the hills above for the most spectacular view.

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Nisaki on the east coast is a smaller beach with plenty of rocky charm and blue-tinted waters. Honestly it's hard not to take a postcard-worthy picture wherever you go.

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I had five days in heaven and I returned to London feeling like I'd been away forever. It was a delightful break to recharge and of course get a tan after 6 months of sub 20 degree temperatures. It's safe to say Greece now holds an even larger chunk of my heart.

This part of the world makes you realise what's important in life. We don't need much to be happy; just good company, a deep blue sea and buckets of Greek yoghurt.

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corfu; travel; greece; greek islands; weekend; adventure; wanderlust; summer travel; bikini; greece bikini; marbella corfu;

Thank you to Marbella Corfu for having us. Book your stay here - I'm telling you, you won't regret it.

Photos by Krissie and my beautiful friend [and travel buddy] Valentine.