Corfu holidays are beachy, interesting and more tempting than ever for families thanks to Simpson Travel’s Bella Mare Hotel on the island’s beautiful northeast coast. What makes this hotel so special? Take a look.
Bella Mare Hotel, Avlaki Beach, Corfu
Bella Mare Hotel brings star power to Corfu holidays
There’s no hiding the fact that the northeast coast of Corfu has some of the island’s loveliest land and seascapes. Several of the most charming beach towns are at home here too, along with enviable villas tucked all around the area, dipped into large gardens, resting on pretty peninsulas or set close enough to the water to justify moorings and quaint little boathouses.
This is the coast where you’ll find Bella Mare Hotel, sitting on tranquil Avlaki Beach almost right on the most northeasterly tip of Corfu. It’s an undeniably secluded spot, added to by acres of lush grounds and a sheltering backdrop of gently rolling green hills. So you probably won’t be too surprised to learn that the cast and crew of Mamma Mia! I Have A Dream stayed here last year, during the making of the ITV reality show.
However, despite its starry guests, gorgeous location and extremely smart neighbours, Bella Mare remains refreshingly unpretentious, warm, friendly and endlessly chilled; the perfect family hotel in fact.
Views over the Ionian, Bella Mare Hotel, Corfu
A family hotel where nothing is too much trouble
Flawless services is a distinctive signature at all Simpson Travel hotels, and Bella Mare is no exception. What you’ll particularly appreciate as a family, is the sense that nothing is too much trouble, whether it’s sharing some insider hints on good local restaurants for kids or organising kayak hire on the beach.
If time seems to slow a little during your stay, put that down to the naturally calming qualities of Corfu and the many places at Bella Mare that invite you to laze a little.
Soft sunbeds trim round the hotel pool, where the poolside bar serves cooling drinks, snacks and light meals all day, and sundowners in the early evening. Strolling round the mature, prettily planted gardens gives you a hint of what it must have been like back when the legendary Durrell family made their home on the island, long before Corfu holidays became popular. And if you feel even the slightest bit energetic, Bella Mare has a peaceful share of the Ionian for kayaking, paddleboarding or even sailing: the hotel can arrange boat rental for you.
Excellent tavernas nearby make for equally relaxed family dinners, although several of the hotel’s rooms and suites include small kitchens, so you have the option to eat in too. An ideal opportunity to try Corfu’s famously fresh local produce: they don’t call it the Garden Island for nothing.
Exclusive Suites pool, Corfu Holidays, Bella Mare
Rooms and suites designed beautifully, but with families in mind
Choosing your ideal accommodation opens you up to another pleasant Bella Mare surprise: this resoundingly family-friendly hotel is also beautifully designed, with rooms painted in soft, sea-washed colours and furnished with a cool, clean simplicity that lets Corfu’s stunning natural light play a starring role.
Naturally, space and privacy are important to families, so Bella Mare makes both a priority too. You can even book Exclusive Suites which come with access to a separate pool, as well as their own private terraces. Although, with rooms sleeping up to five guests, the option of interconnecting rooms or suites that incorporate children’s rooms and living areas, everyone has plenty of space here.
Also, because the hotel places an emphasis on cocooning you in comfort rather than cramming in as many guests as possible, it only has 31 rooms in total, which gives you breathing space: something you’ll appreciate in July and August when Corfu gets busy.
Add Beach Life to Corfu holidays this summer
Kids have the fun of Beach Life on Corfu holidays this summer
Speaking of July and August, that brings us neatly round to Beach Life, the unique Simpson Travel kids club which operates at Bella Mare during the UK school summer holidays.
No ordinary children’s club, Beach Life is all about engaging kids with activities, letting them explore new interests and balancing creative play with outdoor adventure. So naturally, the beach features in the fun, as does Bella Mare’s dedicated children’s pool. Though there’s also learning in the mix, which can mean anything from pottery making to picking up circus skills. And of course, the all important mission of making new holiday friends is well covered too.
Beach Life is complimentary at Bella Mare from 7 July to 25 August 2024, for kids aged between five and 11 years staying at the hotel, or in one of Simpson Travel’s select Corfu villas. Each session lasts for two hours and is fully supervised by the qualified Simpson Travel childcare team.
Villa Eva, northeast Corfu
Simpson Travel family villas add a little more independence to Corfu holidays
If you like the idea of Corfu but want a little more independence, Simpson Travel also offer a range of exceptional family villas on the island. And you’ll find everything that makes villa holidays work so well for families has been thought of, from a choice of sizes and layouts to private pools, enclosed gardens, complimentary infant packs and idyllic locations.
Of course, being able to give kids the freedom of their own space is great, but should you want some time and space just for yourself, Simpson Travel can also arrange nanny services at all their family villas. Plus, The House @ Bella Mare, along with Villa Eva and Villa Georgia, all have access to Bella Mare Hotel’s facilities, including Beach Life in July and August.
Kassiopi, northeast Corfu
Why the northeast coast of Corfu is always the place to be
As we said, Bella Mare Hotel sits on the northeast coast of Corfu, just a few minutes’ drive from Kassiopi town, which is almost as famous for restaurants as it is for beaches and its historic Byzantine castle. A little to the south, charming Kalami might ring a bell as it’s the village where Lawrence Durrell lived in The White House: now an award-winning restaurant.
However, if you want a deeper dive into island history, UNESCO World Heritage Corfu Old Town lies just over an hour’s drive from the hotel.
Alternatively, you might be happiest with Ionian Beaches, in which case you have endless choice ranging from peaceful shores like Gialiskari and Kerasia to the likes of Agni – small but much loved thanks to its seafood tavernas – and organised family beaches such as Kalami. Although, Avlaki Beach, where Bella Mare makes its home, gives most of the other locals plenty of competition.
Children loving Beach Life with Simpson Travel
Why families trust Simpson Travel with their precious holiday time
Simpson Travel have been crafting unforgettable family holidays for over 40 years. Not only do they offer you a choice of the loveliest European and Mediterranean destinations, they give you the option of both exceptional hotels and luxurious villas, and feature everything from private nanny services to crèches and kids clubs.
Not sure where you want to go? Simpson Travel destination specialists visit all properties personally, have a wealth of local knowledge, and are parents themselves, so you can be confident of having the help you need to make the right choice. And if that doesn’t convince you completely, it’s also good to know that Simpson Travel’s Trustpilot score is one of the UK travel industry’s highest.