Why We Chose Grecotel LUX ME Costa Botanica for Our Summer Escape

That’s exactly why we wanted a place where we could unwind, explore, and reconnect—somewhere easy, exciting, and full of little moments that become lifelong memories.

Grecotel LUX ME Costa Botanica, nestled on the relaxed, northern coast of Corfu, in the charming beach town of Acharavi.

Why We Chose Costa Botanica

Aqua Park & Kids Club = Non-stop Fun This resort is built for families. From a massive water park with slides and a lazy river to a buzzing kids club with daily activities—it was a dream come true for our son (and a nice break for us too!).

Kids Stay & Eat FREE Thanks to the all-inclusive LUX ME plan, kids stay and eat free. With pizza, pasta, and soft serve ice cream always on hand—he was in food heaven.

Safe Spaces + A 1km Natural Beachfront With wide open spaces, lush gardens, and a Blue Flag-certified beach, the resort felt safe, relaxed, and perfect for morning strolls or late afternoon dips.

Direct Daytime Flights from Dubai to Corfu Just a 5-hour direct flight, with timings that aligned beautifully with check-in and check-out. We arrived stress-free, greeted by manicured gardens, smiling staff, and a welcome drink featuring Kumquat—a small, tangy-sweet citrus fruit native to Corfu, often used in jams, candies, and liqueurs.

Family Interconnecting Loft = Space + Comfort Our spacious room had two bedrooms and pool access—a huge plus for our family. Every morning, we opened the windows to the warm glow of the rising sun and the fresh scent of eucalyptus. It felt like a peaceful, luxurious cocoon just for us.

A Resort That’s Digital Too – The Grecotel App

Before we even set foot in Corfu, the Grecotel App had already set the tone for our stay. From booking restaurants and spa treatments to checking resort maps and daily schedules, it made everything seamless.

Recognized as the “Best Greek Hotel Mobile App” in the 2021 Greek Hospitality Awards, it’s the kind of digital concierge every traveler dreams of.

14 Days in Paradise

For two weeks, our days were full but never rushed. Most often, you’d find us soaking up the sun on Acharavi Beach—quiet, pebbled, and crystal clear. On early mornings, I had it all to myself. In the evenings, the sunsets painted the sky in the most unforgettable hues.

The Aqua Park was hands down our son’s favorite part. With five epic slides—from steep and twisty to fun and loopy—plus a lazy river, we spent countless afternoons drifting along on inflatable donuts, watching dragonflies zip overhead.

A Culinary Adventure

Dining at Costa Botanica was a highlight in itself. Between buffet spreads and à la carte restaurants, there was something new to try every day: • Popolare – the heart of the resort with buffet-style local and international fare. • Asiana – elegant Japanese cuisine. • Nonna’s – homestyle Italian with family favorites. • Taverna – authentic Greek dishes in a cozy setting. • Fine Dining – Mediterranean cuisine with perfectly paired wines.

We even took a Greek wine tasting class and learned about local varieties—something my husband and I truly enjoyed.

And one afternoon, we joined a Greek cooking class, learning how to make the traditional Pastitsada—a slow-cooked chicken dish with pasta that’s full of flavor and heritage.

Evenings came alive at The Piazza, with theme nights, live music, and a Sunday Greek fun fair—a real hit with families.

Exploring Corfu Beyond the Resort

We set aside a few days to explore the island beyond Costa Botanica:

Corfu Old Town A UNESCO World Heritage Site, full of cobblestone streets, Venetian buildings, and cozy cafés. We spent a lazy day here, strolling, shopping, and soaking up the vibe of local life.

Beach-Hopping Adventure We rented a car and explored Corfu’s best beaches in a single day: • Porto Timoni – A double bay beach with postcard-worthy views. • Tips: Wear sturdy shoes for the hike, pack water/snacks, and take the boat taxi to St. George’s beach instead of climbing back up. • We ended this stop with lunch at Anafoufou Restaurant near the parking area—absolutely stunning views of the Ionian Sea. • Palaiokastritsa – A popular beach where we took a boat tour of nearby caves. The standout? The Blue Eye Cave—named for its brilliant blue light that shines through an underwater opening, creating a glowing sapphire hue inside the cave. • Glyfada Beach – Our final stop was this lively, sandy beach full of music, cocktails, and energy. We grabbed sundowners here as the sky turned pink before heading back, tired but happy.

More Than a Holiday

This trip reminded me just how precious this time is. The giggles during gelato stops, the awe in my son’s eyes as he explored new places, the quiet, cozy cuddles after long, fun-filled days—these are the moments I’ll carry with me forever.

We only get so many summers while they’re little. ?

Corfu gave us more than just a holiday—it gave us memories, laughter, connection, and a deeper appreciation for slow, meaningful travel.