Avali, Mar-Bella Collection

Once again another fantastic holiday at the Avali. This was our second time at this hotel and it did not disappoint. Firstly the hotel is beautiful and very well looked after. The rooms and amenities are beautiful and the food was very good but what really makes this hotel special is the people who work there, everyone is very friendly always smiling and really do seem happy in their work. I could praise every single staff member that I saw (too many to name) will hopefully be back next year. Thank you once again for a fantastic holiday.

This hotel is perfect and the very best we’ve ever stayed in. The food in both the buffet and à la carte restaurant was superb and the pool beautiful with the most comfortable sunbeds ever. It is the staff who make this hotel so special with every single one going above and beyond but special mention must go to Minas, Theodora who delivered my partner’s drink every evening without him having to ask and always with her beautiful smile and Alexandra the restaurant manager. Great to have paddle boarding/ pedalos/ kayaks included but bring beach shoes. All in all stunning and we can’t wait to return.

From walking in our first day it was apparent that we were going to be truly spoilt. The reception team were friendly and got us checked in and furnished with refreshment. We were taken to our room which was lovely and modern, with a comfy balcony setup. We were so impressed by how comfy the sun loungers were, the lovely quiet pool and the clear blue sea (sea shoes recommended). We really enjoyed our days by the pool, the table service via QR code was brilliant though made you very lazy. The selection of food and drinks on offer during the day was fantastic, the food from the snack bar was fab if you didn't want to venture in for lunch. The food throughout our stay was outstanding - we've been to lots of all inclusive breaks over the years and this truly shone. Each dish we tried at the buffet was delicious, and there was a good amount of variety for each meal, as well as a live cooking station. The Stia restaurant for al a carte was also really lovely, we only went once as we enjoyed the buffet but the meal we had there was lovely. A big bonus was the included watersports, with 30 mins a day for free. We really enjoyed paddle boarding through the clear sea, this was a great feature. We ventured into Corfu town once via taxi - it took about 50 mins as it was a Saturday, so the roads were very busy and it was about 50 euro. The trips put on by the Marbella group ran on limited days only so unfortunately we couldn't fit in the day cruise, so we would advise enquiring early. We did do the included sunset cruise on our last night which was a lovely trip down to the south of the island. The staff were all really lovely and personable, making the effort to remember you and your preferences which was a lovely touch. Particular mentions to Minas, how you remember everyone's names I don't know and Thea (?) who worked the lobby bar in the evenings who was always so bubbly and smiley. It was a truly wonderful week away, just what we needed to recharge the batteries.

The check in experience was totally different as once they had your name and passports you were directed to the seating area whilst they finished off. Maria was very effecient and pleasant and ensured that Minas, the food and beverage manager brought us the most delicious welcome drink. It was so refreshing. Our luggage was then taken to the room and we were shown the facilities within. We had the mountain view room and was spacious enough for a week. We had a large balcony which had the afternoon sun. Although this did look out onto the road once that patio door was closed you did not hear it at all. We used to come back from the pool and have a drink on the balony in the sun. The pool area, what can I say about the sun loungers. They were the best ones I have ever encountered and if I am honest as soon as I saw the picture of them I knew we had to book! The pool area was very calm and relaxing and there was a QR code on each table so that you could order drinks from the bar and they were delivered to you. I am not one for going in the pool on holiday but both myself and my husband were in it 3 or 4 times a day. The infinity side also looked over the sea and this was very popoular to be in the pool and just look out over this. There was a spa area and this was very popular with people to just sit in and read books. The spa jets were not that ferocious that you were not able to still read if someone wanted the jets on. Minas welcomed you for your meals by name, I have never known anyone with such a memory. He always had time for a chat and also encouraged the waiting staff to do the same. The food offerings were amazing and we did not see one single french fry all week. The salads, the greek dishes and the the show cooking were all amazing. We never usually have desserts as they are too sweet, but the pastry, oh my my. I do not know where they snagged them from as it was to die for, it was no wonder I put weight on. You also get the opportunity to eat in the a la carte restaurant. Again the food here was amazing and did not disappoint and again the staff were so attentive. The hotel bar was waitress service and Theodora was an amazing asset to the team. She was always happy to have a chat and got to know your drinking preferences. Even if you were walking through to the restaurant she always called out that she would see us later. We had a great nights sleep and we were fortunate to not be far from the chilled water dispnser in the corridor so that we could fill our water bottles. If you had not bought one with you one was provided in the mini bar to use for your stay. Would we go again, you bet we would!

We visited the Avali in September as a couple. Honestly, it’s the best hotel we’ve stayed at in many years. From check-in to dining and relaxing, this hotel offers a truly oasis-like experience. The grounds and poolside are very relaxing, with comfortable sunbeds and attentive staff. Don’t be fooled by the pool size in the photos; it is perfectly adequate, and we often swam without bumping into anyone. The sun lounger availability was excellent; we always managed to find one, even at midday. You could also order drinks or bar snacks to your sun lounger by scanning the QR code (which was a great touch!). The food options are excellent. Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, the choices are fantastic. I was especially impressed by the selection of desserts! My waistline has definitely suffered for it. The staff are very attentive during meal times. Special thanks to April, Minas, and Theodora for making our stay so welcoming. We also dined at Stia (their à la Carte experience), which was excellent. The rooms are cosy, modern, and equipped with all the amenities you need. We appreciated the free water bottles, which could be refilled in the corridor. The addition of Netflix on the TV was also a nice bonus (you have to sign into your own account). The hotel offers a variety of activities, including live music, kayak rentals (complimentary) from the beach, and excursions like boat trips (extra charge). Overall, this hotel has everything and adds that bit of luxury to your holiday. We have already started planning for next year. P.S. It’s only 30 minutes from Corfu Airport! Worth every penny!