Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa

It's clear on arrival that the Kontokali Bay Resort and Spa offers something a little more than the norm. The spacious reception area combines creative design seating with moody modern art and swathes of warm-wood paneling. The property was opened in 1971, but unlike many hotels on the island that are still steeped in that decade's styling, 2015 renovations brought a fresh and tastefully understated contemporary design. The modernist architecture is apparent though minimalist clean lines. This also offers a fine contrast with the surrounding lush gardens -- brimming with pines, cypress trees, and colorful bougainvillea. The resort comprises the main building and guest rooms, plus clusters of bungalows spread around the complex. Overlooking the sea on one side, and the marina the other, it also extends to two private sandy beaches. The vibe is high-end, quiet, and relaxing, with none of the noisy poolside activities favored by other hotels. Clientele are mostly couples -- it's a popular choice with honeymooners -- as well as families with younger kids (teens might find it a bit too serene, whereas Mayor Pelekas Monastery has livelier evening entertainment).

The hotel is located on the wooded Tourka Peninsula that separates Corfu's picturesque Govino Bay from the Ionian Sea on the east coast of the island. There are several eateries within walking distance, including a couple of traditional tavernas along the peninsula (less than 10 minutes) and a few restaurants around the nearby Gouvia Marina (around 15 to 20 minutes). The surrounding neighborhood of Kontokali also has a main street within about 10 minutes' walking distance, with a supermarket, pharmacy, and Corfu's main hospital. Bustling Corfu City -- known for its UNESCO-designated Old Town and impressive historic buildings -- is just 15 minutes' drive away, while Corfu International Airport -- also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport -- is nearer to 20. 

There are 170 rooms and one- and two-bedroom suites located in the main building, and 89 bungalows spread around the hotel grounds. Renovated in 2015, rooms have simple and contemporary decor with coordinating wood floors and furnishings, all finished in light neutral tones. Soft-gray accents combine nicely with modern art pieces or maritime-themed photography and artwork. Bungalows are similarly decorated, but with tile floors. In all options, glass doors slide open to furnished balconies -- with sea or marina views -- or spacious terraces overlooking the lush gardens. Standard amenities include minibars (each stocked with a free bottle of water and free bottle of wine), plus coffee- and tea-making facilities. Rooms also have 32-inch flat-screen TVs (with several English-speaking channels including movies), and free, typically speedy Wi-Fi. Modern bathrooms have cool gray tile and light-tone wooden shelving. They have step-in showers, wall-mounted hairdryers, and robes and slippers. Superior Rooms have shower/tub combos, while Deluxe Suites and Bungalows feature separate showers and tubs. Guests often recommend going for the One-Bedroom Bungalows, which fit up to three guests (with sofabed) and have small private pools with sun loungers and sea-view terraces.

The hotel serves one of the better buffet breakfasts on the island -- and it's included in room rates. The selection features hot and cold items, plus a cooking station offering eggs and pancakes. Breakfast service can get busy at peak times, however. A buffet lunch with daily barbecue is also available and included in the half-board rate. An a la carte restaurant has a terrace and sea views. Noteworthy are the beachfront options, which include a la carte lunches, a spacious bar with live evening entertainment, and drink service to sunbeds. Most guests agree that the food is generally good, though the main restaurant a la carte menu is on the pricey side. An infinity-edge pool offers fine views across the water and a peaceful terrace with loungers (though it can get shady in late afternoon). Most guests head to one of the hotel's two private sandy beaches, which provide rows of loungers and tiki-style parasols. Younger guests are well catered to with a Children's Village that offers a pool plus supervised daytime activities, a playroom, and playground. Extensive sporting facilities include a range of water sports, a tennis court, and mountain biking. An excellent spa offers a heated indoor pool, a therapy pool, a whirlpool tub, two saunas, a steam room, and a fitness room, as well as a range of massage and beauty treatments.