Discovering Grecotel: My First Travel Counsellors Fam Trip to Corfu

Why fam trips matter so much

Connection and community

Travelling with other Academy Travel Counsellors was a real highlight. We are all relatively new to TC and, in many cases, the travel industry, so having three days together to share past careers, current challenges and future goals was powerful. It feels like I have come away with friends for life and a small support circle I can lean on for ideas, encouragement and honest advice.

Partnerships behind the scenes

We spent time with each Grecotel hotel team, their UK Sales Manager and our host Liz Mason, and Kerry Williams from our Academy Head Office team. Chatting over dinner and walking the properties with them brought the brand to life in a way a brochure simply cannot. You feel the pride, the philosophy and the thought behind each resort.

Seeing beyond the glossy photos

A good marketing team can make most hotels look tempting. Being there in person is different. We:

• walked the grounds and gardens
• inspected several room types in each property
• tried the food, tested the pools and experienced the service

This is what allows me to say with confidence: “this is great for buggies”, “this one is hilly and better for teens and adults”, or “this resort really comes into its own for couples”.

Shoulder season reality check

We travelled in shoulder season and genuinely had four seasons in three days: from 26 degrees on the beach to a complete washout in raincoats and umbrellas. It was a timely reminder of:

• what to pack outside peak months
• how different resorts cope when the sun disappears
• which properties still feel atmospheric on a grey day

This is the sort of detail I now feed straight into my advice for clients travelling in spring or autumn.

Corfu Old Town with a private guide

We also had a wonderful private tour of Corfu Old Town with a local specialist guide. This was not a “follow the flag” coach excursion, but a small bespoke walk through the main sights and hidden corners, with history, quirky stories and time to ask all the questions we wanted. For curious travellers, private guiding is absolutely worth considering.

Four very different Grecotel experiences

Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica

Our first night was at Grecotel LUXME Costa Botanica sitting on an endless stretch of sand on Corfu’s north coast.

Designed like a low‑rise Greek village around a central square, it has:

• multiple restaurants, taverna‑style options and bars
• shops and an open plaza used for evening entertainment
• a 1km long sandy beach with a beach café, creperie and gelato bar

This is part of Grecotel’s LUXME all‑inclusive concept, which brings together a broad choice of dining, branded drinks and experiences into one package. Combined with:

• multiple pools across the resort, including waterslides and a lazy river and a real sense of space and gree
• flatter grounds that are ideal for buggies and toddlers
• tennis and padel courts, a gym with a boxing ring, a spa, water sports 

It makes Costa Botanica a strong option for families who want lots of variety without constantly signing bills. The interiors are fresh, minimalist and a little boho. Not super‑flashy, but relaxed and very functional for family life in the sun.

Grecotel Daphnila Bay

We then visited Grecotel Daphnila Bay, a hillside resort that rolls down through greenery to a sheltered bay.

Here the feel is more “classic Greek resort”:

• white arches, ceramics and mature gardens
• a little taverna‑style beachfront area with private loungers
• à la carte restaurants set above the bay with lovely views in good weather

The day we visited was grey and rainy, so we did not see it at its very best, but you could still feel the charm. The important practical note is the slope: there are hills and steps, so it is not ideal for anyone with mobility issues or families heavily reliant on buggies.

Rooms are comfortable and clean with peaceful balcony views, but the bathrooms and décor are more traditional and a touch dated compared with sleeker properties. In return, you often get a softer price point and that leafy, tucked‑away bay setting.

Grecotel Eva Palace

Grecotel Eva Palace sits on the Kommeno peninsula with spectacular views across the sea.

We saw it in full sunshine and it was stunning:

• a beautifully tiered main pool area
• a wraparound bar and terrace that are made for sunset cocktails
• sweeping views over the peninsula and across to Corfu

The style here is again more classic than ultra‑modern, which means some rooms feel a little dated, but it comes into its own for guests who want those big blue views and a relaxed resort atmosphere without going all the way up to Corfu Imperial’s price bracket. It can work particularly well for multigenerational families or couples happy with traditional interiors in exchange for setting and value.

Corfu Imperial

Our final two nights were at Corfu Imperial, A Grecotel Resort to Live, set on its own private peninsula. This is true five‑star luxury and my personal favourite.

What makes it special:

• Design: unique art, ceramics and sculptures everywhere, with beautiful lighting and thoughtful details that feel luxurious but never stuffy.
• Setting: multiple little coves, jetties and platforms with calm, crystal‑clear water where you can see fish around your feet, plus luxurious loungers and excellent beach service.
• Food and drink: fantastic quality and variety at breakfast and dinner, with a strong focus on wine and well‑executed cuisine rather than purely volume.
• Choice of accommodation: an impressive range of rooms, suites and villas for couples, families and larger groups, often on a B&B or half‑board basis rather than a pure all‑inclusive concept.

One of the most magical touches is the open‑air cinema by the water. Sitting with your feet almost in the sea, watching a film as the sun sets and the waves lap around you, is an experience I will not forget in a hurry.

For clients who love luxury, design and a sense of occasion, this is a standout choice if the budget allows.

A night at “the village”

While staying in the area, we were treated to an evening at Grecotel’s themed Danilia “village”, which is used for special events and entertainment. It looks and feels like a traditional Greek village, but it is purpose‑built for hospitality.

We sat in the central square with live music, explored rooms filled with artefacts that tell the story of Greek life over the years, watched demonstrations of how olive oil is made and tried all sorts of traditional Greek dishes. It was lively, atmospheric and a brilliant example of how a hotel group can add cultural experiences to a beach holiday.

Matching the right hotel to the right person

This trip reinforced something I already believed: there is no single “best” hotel, only the best hotel for you.

Even within one brand and one island we saw:

• different layouts for buggies, little legs or less‑mobile travellers
• different board concepts, from all‑inclusive simplicity to B&B and half‑board flexibility
• different levels of luxury and price points
• very different atmospheres, from family‑friendly village vibes to chic peninsula glamour

As I continue my journey with Travel Counsellors, I am grabbing every opportunity to join more fam trips so I can add even more first‑hand knowledge to the advice I give.

If you would like to know more about the Grecotel brand in Corfu, or want help deciding which of these properties would suit you best, I would love to chat and help you find your perfect match.