The 5 Best Hotels on the Ionian Islands

Whether you want a sumptuous bed, a spectacular view or service beyond compare, choose from our stunning selection

CORFU IMPERIAL

Perched atop its own 14-acre private peninsula overlooking Kommeno Bay and Corfu Town, the Corfu Imperial is one of the most luxurious hotels in the Ionian.

The hotel offers stunning rooms and suites, almost all boasting fabulous sea views, and a number of private bungalows and villas are spread out over the lush grounds. Sumptuous interiors nod to the island’s Venetian heritage with plenty of gilding and original frescoes in shades of gold and apricot. With three private beaches, a myriad of hidden coves, and rich Italianate gardens decorated with olive, palm and cypress trees, the hotel surroundings offer guests their own private idyll to explore in seclusion. Choose from the lavish à la carte menu at the Aristos restaurant—named after the Greek shipping tycoon Aristotle Onassis—or arrange for the restaurant’s chefs to serve dinner or lunch in the privacy of your own yacht.

GRECOTEL EVA PALACE

Another gem from the Grecotel group’s luxury brand of hotels, the Grecotel Eva Palace, like its sister the Corfu Imperial, is located on the pine-fringed Kommeno private peninsula.

With a reputation as one of the most exclusive resorts in Corfu, the hotel is an oasis of pristine beaches, exotic gardens and illuminated pools. Palatial cream interiors offer the level of luxury to be expected at the Eva Palace, and whether your stay is in the main building or one of their garden bungalows you are guaranteed service of the highest quality. Enjoy a cocktail in the glorious Serenissima Bellini Bar or indulge in a romantic spa ritual for two on the rooftop spa. Designed with couples in mind, spa treatments are inspired by the Greek goddess Aphrodite and include rose-petal baths and signature ‘love potion’ elixirs.

PERANTZADA ART HOTEL

A stunning reinvention of a 19th century neoclassical mansion, this small boutique hotel has been hailed as one of the chicest in the Ionian Islands.

Bright, ultramodern interiors with unique, stylish fixtures from some of the greatest names in design such as Philippe Starck, Varner Panton and Tom Dixon give a highly contemporary and luxurious feel. Antique Belle Époque armchairs and 19th century Persian rugs lie next to cubes of cushions and bright red Perspex lights, while most of the 19 rooms and suites are decorated almost completely in white. As well as a restaurant, bar, library and water taxi service, the hotel can also offer a number of excursions to the villages and beaches on the island. The pièce de résistance is the hotel’s infinity pool which stretches out over breathtaking views of the island and seems to disappear into the Ionian Sea.

EMELISSE ART HOTEL

In the heart of the fashionable port of Fiscardo, the Emelisse Art Hotel provides fantastic access to the many trendy tavernas and cafés that line the waterfront.

Surrounded by cypress trees, it perfectly combines privacy and luxury to allow guests to relax in supreme comfort. The newest of the family-run Tsimaras hotel group, it showcases the simple and elegant design that has become a trademark of their boutique hotels. With 64 rooms, an acclaimed restaurant and bar, pool, library, billiard room, fitness center, spa and open-air cinema, there is plenty to see and do should you wish to take a break from your charter. Clean, modern furnishings in teak and burgundy provide a sophisticated ambiance, while at night the hotel is illuminated by soft candlelight. Sip a cocktail on one of the plush sofas and watch the aweinspiring sunset reflected in the hotel’s infinity pool.

PORTO ZANTE VILLAS AND SPA

Greece’s leading luxury villa resort, the award-winning Porto Zante has a string of accolades making it the first choice for visiting celebrities and political dignitaries.

This boutique hotel, overlooking the golden sands of a secluded bay, comprises a shoreline of world-class villas, each one decadently designed and complete with their own private pools looking out over the Ionian Sea. White canopies and dark wood furnishings dot the villas which are all adorned with select pieces of Armani Casa. As well as in-villa dining, guests can also enjoy exquisite Greek and Mediterranean fare at The Club House, the hotel’s top restaurant, and unwind with one of the opulent Thalassotherapy spa treatments available. Porto Zante also offers a wide range luxury transport including limousine hire and helicopter and jet charters.