Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Corfu Sea View Apartment Awaits!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups! Because we're diving headfirst into a review of "Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Corfu Sea View Apartment Awaits!" and it’s going to be less polished travel brochure and more… well, me trying to wrangle my thoughts after a week of sun, sea, and… hopefully minimal mosquito bites.
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Right, let's get this bread.
First Impressions – Did Paradise Actually Escape Me?
Okay, so the name’s a bit… optimistic, right? "Escape to Paradise?" That’s a big promise. But, stepping out of the taxi (praise the heavens for the Airport Transfer – essential after a long flight, and you know I’m going to rate it based on the driver’s playlist – more on that later…) you ARE greeted with a stunning view. The brochure definitely nailed the Sea View aspect. The blue is intense. Like, “I need a palette cleanser just looking at the ocean” intense.
The Exterior Corridor is… well, it’s an exterior corridor. Nothing fancy, but perfectly serviceable. The Elevator is a huge winner, especially since I am an Accessibility aficionado (gotta plan for grandma, you know?). The website said they had Facilities for disabled guests, which is always a good thing.
Rooms: More Than Just Somewhere to Crash (Hopefully!)
Ok, the room. Crucial. I booked the… I think it was the "Deluxe Dream Weaver" suite? Yeah. Right. Anyway, immediately, ding ding ding on the Air Conditioning. This, my friends, is non-negotiable in Greece. I’m talking LIFE SAVER. The Blackout Curtains are another win - you do not want to wake up at dawn in Greece!
Available in all rooms:
- Additional toilet - Nice touch if you're sharing with someone.
- Air conditioning - Praise be!
- Alarm clock - For the early risers
- Bathrobes - Fancy pants, I like it.
- Bathroom phone - I still don't understand this.
- Bathtub - Always a plus.
- Blackout curtains - Essential!
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker - My lifeline.
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed - My back appreciated it
- Free bottled water - Hydration is key!
- Hair dryer - Saved me from looking like a drowned rat in all the pics
- High floor
- In-room safe box - Because I'm paranoid.
- Interconnecting room(s) available - Perfect for families.
- Internet access – LAN - Haven't used one of these in years.
- Internet access – wireless - Essential!
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar - Overpriced but tempting.
- Mirror - To admire my vacay tan.
- Non-smoking
- On-demand movies - Did not get around to.
- Private bathroom - Thank God for that!
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Safety/security feature
- Satellite/cable channels
- Scale
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Socket near the bed - So important!
- Sofa
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm - For those who need it.
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]- YES!
- Window that opens - Fresh air, baby!
The Wi-Fi [free] actually worked! I've stayed in places that promised it but had about the same signal strength as a carrier pigeon with a dial-up modem. Not here. Super stoked about that.
Cleanliness and Safety: Pandemic Edition!
Okay, let's get this out of the way. The pandemic is still a thing. And honestly, I was a little paranoid. But, Escape to Paradise actually felt… safe. I think the Anti-viral cleaning products were doing their job. They had tons of Hand sanitizer stations strategically placed, and the staff all seemed to be following protocols. The Rooms sanitized between stays thing definitely gave me some peace of mind. They offered Room sanitization opt-out available, which is cool for being eco-friendly if you're comfortable and not me. First aid kit and Doctor/nurse on call – always a plus. I appreciate that they had physical distancing of at least 1 meter.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Feed Me, Seymour!
This is where things get… interesting. They have a bunch of options, which is pretty sweet.
- A la carte in restaurant - Always preferred
- Alternative meal arrangement - Great for picky eaters like me.
- Asian breakfast
- Asian cuisine in restaurant
- Bar - Essential for a holiday, duh!
- Bottle of water - Always good to have, especially in the heat!
- Breakfast [buffet] - The dreaded buffet.
- Breakfast service
- Buffet in restaurant
- Coffee/tea in restaurant
- Coffee shop
- Desserts in restaurant
- Happy hour - Count me in.
- International cuisine in restaurant
- Poolside bar - Ah… yes!
- Restaurants
- Room service [24-hour] - Convenient but pricey.
- Salad in restaurant
- Snack bar
- Soup in restaurant
- Vegetarian restaurant - Nice to see.
- Western breakfast
- Western cuisine in restaurant
The Breakfast [buffet]… well, let's just say it wasn't the highlight of my day. The usual suspects were there. The coffee was… coffee. I’m a coffee snob, and this did not cure me. The pastries looked better than they tasted, and I'm still trying to figure out if some of the mystery meats were “international” or just… mystery.
Now, the Poolside bar… this was paradise-adjacent. Sipping a cocktail with that view? Yes, please. That’s the life. They need to have some super cute cocktail names.
Things to Do (Besides Just Drink Cocktails):
Alright, I’m not one for lounging around all day. I’m more of a “actively chill” kind of person.
Ways to Relax
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Fitness center - Went once and regretted my life choices. It's the heat!
- Foot bath
- Gym/fitness
- Massage - Totally worth it.
- Pool with view
- Sauna
- Spa
- Spa/sauna
- Steamroom
- Swimming pool - Another winner - gorgeous!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
The Swimming pool [outdoor] with that pool with view? Epic. Just epic. Jump in, do some laps, float… pure bliss. I went for a Massage at the Spa – a must-do. That was heavenly.
And guess what? The Fitness center was a joke, I went there once and immediately regretted it because it was like working out in a sauna. I was so red-faced and uncomfortable.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Things
Okay, this is where a hotel can really shine (or fail miserably).
- Air conditioning in public area - THANK YOU.
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- **Doorman
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to embark on a Corfu adventure that's less "Instagram perfect" and more "reality, with tan lines and questionable decisions." This ain't your glossy brochure, folks. This is my real, unfiltered, "Summer Desire - One Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Corfu Island Greece" itinerary. Prepare for the beautiful mess.
Day 1: Arrival and the Great Olive Oil Debacle (and Maybe Some Swims… if I can be bothered)
- Morning (AKA "Wake Up and Curse the Sun"): Flight lands in Corfu. Smooth sailing? HA! Border control lady looked at my passport like I’d tried to pay with monopoly money. Finally through, and the car rental place? Let's just say, "compact" was code for "tiny, rickety death trap." Got it? Good, because I'm already sweating bullets driving on the wrong side of the road.
- Afternoon (AKA "Finding the Apartment and Praying the Sea View is Real"): Finally, found "Summer Desire." The view? Breathtaking. Seriously, the photos did NOT do it justice. I actually gasp and almost cried. Apartment itself? Okay, a tad small, a bit more "lived in" than the photos suggested (dust bunnies, my old friend), but that view… worth it. Unpacked (which, let's be honest, is basically throwing clothes randomly into drawers) and then, the hunt began. THE OLIVE OIL. I made a pact with myself; I WOULD find the perfect olive oil since "Greece". It was my quest! Found a grocery store that reeked of feta cheese and despair (okay, maybe I’m projecting), and proceeded to sample every single olive oil they had.
- Anecdote: I actually tried to be fancy and learn if it was the "extra virgin". I ask the store clerk, a weathered old woman with eyes that could see your soul. She just looked at me, sighed deeply, and pointed emphatically towards a bright green bottle. I got the feeling the olive oil gods weren't on my side.
- Evening (AKA "Sunset, Wine, and Regretful Shopping Decisions"): Back at the apartment. Wine on the balcony. Sunset over the Ionian Sea. Gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous. Then, I start checking Amazon. I'd spent the afternoon shopping, and I had "stuff" that needed to be returned the very moment I woke up.
- Quirky Observation: The way the salty air smells after the sun goes down is just… chef's kiss. Except for the local cats. I hope I don't get too friendly with them.
Day 2: Beach Day, Sunburn, and the Existential Dread of Tourist Traps
- Morning (AKA "Beach, Please"): Determined to be a beach bum. Picked a beach based (purely) on the cute name: Paleokastritsa. Gorgeous cove, turquoise water, and… a MILLION OTHER TOURISTS. Should have known.
- Opinionated Language: I hate crowds. Seriously, the whole vibe of Paleokastritsa was tainted by the sheer volume of people. But the water was too inviting.
- Mistake #1: Forgot the sunscreen.
- Late Morning/Afternoon (AKA "The Sunburn Diaries"): Got a serious sunburn. Like, lobster red. Spent the rest of the afternoon hiding in the shade (which, ironically, was also crowded) and muttering about my poor life choices. Had a "Greek Salad" that was an insult to tomatoes.
- Evening (AKA "Pasta, Pain, and the Search for WiFi That Works"): Back at the apartment. Pasta. More wine (needed). Attempted to upload some photos to Instagram. WiFi: non-existent. Threw my phone across the room (almost… almost). Considered going out for a walk. But you know what? That was going to be too much. I don't want to go anywhere, the most beautiful thing is right in front of me.
Day 3: Exploration (and Dodging Road Rage)
- Morning (AKA "Conquering the Roads… Sort Of"): Decided to venture further. Renting the death trap car again. Drove up to a monastery. The views were again, incredible. Breathed in the air. Contemplated religion (briefly).
- Afternoon (AKA "Finding a Hidden Gem and Possibly Becoming a Goat Whisperer"): Stumbled (literally, nearly tripped on a loose rock) upon a tiny, little-known beach. Nobody there! Just me, the sun, and the bluest water I've ever seen. The goat made a friend out of me. I think she understood.
- Emotional Reaction: This beach was pure magic. Felt a sense of calm I haven’t experienced in ages.
- Evening (AKA "Meze, Mistakes, and Moonlit Rambles"): Found a taverna that was truly authentic. Ate way too much, drank way too much, and attempted (and failed) to learn some basic Greek phrases. Stumbled back to the apartment, laughing.
Day 4: The Boat Trip That (Almost) Went Wrong
- Morning (AKA "Setting Sail… With a Pinch of Anxiety"): Booked a boat trip. This was exciting. I'd always wanted to. The boat was a bit… small. And the seas were a bit… choppy. Started to feel seasick the moment we left the harbor. A bad sign.
- Afternoon (AKA "Seasickness, Snorkeling, and the Terrifying Pursuit of Relaxation"): Spent most of the morning clinging to the side of the boat, trying not to hurl. Finally the seas calmed down. Snorkeling was beautiful, the fish were, well, fish. So beautiful. The water so clear. The boat man was kind.
- Evening (AKA "Recovery, Rewind, and Repeat"): Back to the apartment. Needed sleep, and to enjoy this place. The view was absolutely perfect, with the sea and the sun that was falling to the horizon.
Day 5: Double Downing on Experience
- Morning (AKA "Waking to the Same Lovely View and Deciding What To Do Again"): Time to get out. A plan was conceived. I felt the need to go back to the beautiful beach. It felt like a home away from home. That day I was truly going to let loose.
- Anecdote: The beach had everything I needed, and I could stay there for eternity.
- Afternoon (AKA "Beach Day!") The beach was everything I remembered. The water so incredibly beautiful. Sun, sand, no crowd.
- Evening (AKA "Back at the Apartment"): The greatest thing was the memory of joy. Dinner, maybe the balcony tonight. Sleep, and I'll do it again tomorrow.
Day 6: Beach and Departure Prep
- Morning (AKA "One Last Beach, Perhaps?"): Headed for another beach. The last day.
- Afternoon (AKA "Packing, Packing, Packing, With a Side of Melancholy"): Started packing. Sighing a lot. I'll be back.
- Evening (AKA "The Last Sunset"): Watching the last sunset. Perfect.
Day 7: Goodbyes and the Long Journey Home
- Morning (AKA "Leaving the Dream"): Say a tearful goodbye to the apartment (okay, maybe not tearful, but definitely heartfelt). Packed the car.
- Afternoon (AKA "The Long Journey Home"): Travel time.
- Evening (AKA "Home Sweet Home, or Not"): Exhausted and ready to sleep.
Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Corfu Sea View Apartment Awaits! - FAQs (and a bit more...)
Okay, Okay, I'm intrigued. But WHAT *IS* this "Escape to Paradise" place *really* like? Is it, like, *actually* paradise?
Alright, let's be real. Paradise? Maybe a pinch dramatic. But... the view. Oh, the view! It's honestly the first thing that hits you. I remember the first time I walked in after what felt like a millennia-long journey from the airport (Greek roads, am I right?). Picture this: I swung open the door, and BAM! Jaw-dropping. That turquoise water just explodes out at you. Seriously, I nearly tripped over my own suitcase I was so mesmerized.
But look, it's not all picture-perfect. The Wi-Fi can be a bit... temperamental. Think of it as a digital detox, forced upon you by the lovely but occasionally unreliable Greek infrastructure! And, I’m not ashamed to say that one time, after a day of sun and wine, I managed to lock myself out on the balcony. Climbing back in was not my finest moment. Let's just say the neighbors got a show. But that view... made it all worth it. Everything.
Seriously though, is it *clean*? I'm a bit of a neat freak, you know?
Clean? Yes, generally speaking, it's clean. The cleaning lady, Maria (she's an absolute treasure – always bringing fresh oranges), is a whirlwind of efficiency. She makes sure the place sparkles. But... and there's always a but, isn't there? (My life is one long "but," actually). It's not a clinical, sterile-hospital clean. It's more of a "lived-in, loved-in, occasionally-a-tiny-bit-dusty-but-honestly-who-cares-when-you've-got-that-view" clean.
One time, I swear I saw a rogue ant. One! I freaked out. Then I remembered I was in Greece, and ants are basically part of the scenery, so I just squashed it and moved on with my wine-drinking. Perspective, people! Perspective.
What kind of amenities are we talking? Does it have a washing machine? Because dragging laundry back home is NOT my idea of a vacation.
Okay, let's get down to the practicalities. Yes! Gloriously yes! There *is* a washing machine. God bless the washing machine! It's a lifesaver. Also, there's a fully equipped kitchen (though honestly, who wants to cook when you're in Greece?!). Think fridge, oven, the whole shebang. Coffee maker? Yep. Microwave? Uh-huh.
And let's not forget the all-important air conditioning! Trust me, you'll need it. It gets HOT. And I mean, *hold-your-breath-hot*. I remember one day, I was sat in the sun, and thought my brain was going melt... and it did, not even kidding! So yeah, aircon = essential. (And the best thing about the appliances? They're all easy enough to use, even after a few too many ouzos...)
Is it easy to get around? I don't want to be stuck in one place the whole time.
Getting around is... an adventure. Alright? Renting a car is the sensible option. The roads are, shall we say, *characterful*. Narrow, winding, occasionally involving a near-miss with a donkey (true story!). But the views from the car? Spectacular. Totally worth it for the freedom.
Public transport? Available, but can be…irregular. Think of it as embracing the local pace of life, which is, let's be honest, delightfully slow. I tried the bus once. Once! It was an experience. But then I realized... why rush? You're in Greece!
What about food? Are there restaurants nearby, or am I going to be living on canned beans the whole time?
THANK GOD, no canned beans! (Unless you're, like, into that. No judgement.) There are fantastic restaurants nearby. Loads! From tiny family-run tavernas with the freshest seafood you've ever tasted, to slightly more "modern" options.
My advice? Explore! Wander. Get lost. Ask locals for recommendations. You'll stumble upon culinary gold. I still dream about the moussaka from that tiny place down by the beach. Oh, and make sure you try the local wine...it might sneak up on you. (Don't ask me how I know...) And the gyros? Oh, the gyros! Forget everything else. Just get a gyros.
What can I actually DO though? Beach all day? Is there anything more to it?
BEACH ALL DAY?! That's a very good start, actually! But yes, there’s more. So much more. You can spend days lounging on the beach, swimming in crystal-clear water (go earlier in the day for the calmest conditions). You can explore hidden coves, go snorkeling, or rent a boat and sail around the coast. There are hiking trails, historical sites (Corfu Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site!), and, of course, endless opportunities for people-watching and gelato-eating!
I'll let you in on a secret: One time, I found this tiny, almost deserted beach, and had the whole place to myself. Sun, sea, silence... bliss! I read a book, took a nap under a tree, and just... *was*. It was one of those moments you file away forever. (That's what I call paradise.) Then I stubbed my toe on a rock when I went for a swim, but even that didn't ruin it.
What's the best time of year to go?
The best time? Honestly, it depends what you’re after. July and August are HOT, hot, hot! Beautiful, but packed. If you love crowds and the buzz of a party, go then.
I’m a shoulder-season convert. May/June or September/October are just perfect. The weather is still glorious, the crowds are thinner, and you get a more authentic experience. And the sunsets? Magical, particularly in October. I think I spent about a week staring at the sunset just trying to commit it to all my memories. They’re so incredible, they almost make you want to cry.
Is it kid-friendly? I have two littleHotel Finder Reviews
Summer Desire - One Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Corfu Island Greece
Summer Desire - One Bedroom Apartment with Sea View Corfu Island Greece
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