Make a splash at Elix, a MarBella Collection hotel

ADVERTORIAL • June 2024

Charmed shores: inside the Mar-Bella Collection

The family-owned Mar-Bella Collection has it all – including three divine locations around Greece’s wild west. Here, we head inside each property, so you can find your favourite

MarBella
The vibe: Serene seas meets aquapark adrenaline at this all-inclusive that’s perfect for water babies of all ages.
The backdrop: Perched on a pine-clad hillside, the hotel delivers sweeping views of shimmering waters and the golden sands of Agios Ioannis Peristeron beach (there’s a shallow beach just for families, too). Unesco-hailed Corfu Town is only a complimentary kaiki ride away, and the traditional fishing boat skims past the southern beaches en route.  

Beach

The food: Of the hotel’s five impressive restaurants, new and not to miss is poolside Kuzina, where acclaimed Greek chef Sotiris Evangelou masters Mediterranean delights. Jazz-inspired rooftop bar Eleonas – serving signature cocktails and tempting tapas – also deserves a toast, as does Deck Bar & Grill, a seafood lover’s dream.
The fun: Here it’s all about aquaphile adventures. Get your dose of vitamin D and adrenaline at the hotel’s own waterpark, where whipping down twirling tunnels isn’t just for kids. For a slower poolside pace, sip a cocktail at the nearby infinity pool and take advantage of the 30 minutes of free paddleboard, canoe and pedalo time each day. 
The digs: The hotel’s recent makeover features 67 redesigned and extended suites, including spacious abodes for couples, and 2+1 rooms for families.

Nido
The vibe: An adults-only, nature-swathed retreat for foodie and fitness fiends.   
The backdrop: Right next door to neighbour MarBella, Nido flaunts similar sights of the glittering sea and honey hued sand of Agios Ioannis Peristeron, a coveted Blue Flag beach (an accolade that means it’s one of the world’s cleanest). It’s just a ten-minute drive from Achilleion Palace, which was built in 1890 for Empress Elisabeth ‘Sisi’ of Austria, and in the past has hosted everyone from French painter Claude Monet to Elizabeth II.

Nido

The food: If you’re looking for a little zsa zsa zsu, head to romantic terrace restaurant Apaggio, which offers sights of the sea and Corfiot classics such as juicy lamb kleftiko. In the mornings, be sure to stop by Kafeneio in the chapel’s cobble-stoned courtyard for complimentary Greek coffee and traditional sweets.
The fun: Power yoga classes with an ex-dancer, bodyweight workouts with a former royal marine, and high-intensity cardio with a footballer. The hotel’s pop-up wellness events in partnership with Oyogo, a London-based sports agency, make for the perfect fitness-foodie balance.
The digs: They resemble a traditional Corfiot village, so expect pastel-hued suites and dogs dashing through lavender bushes – Nido is one of few five-star properties on the island that encourages (small) furry friends.

Elix
The vibe: A remote, pool-dotted paradise where families and couples enjoy laidback luxury in spades.
The backdrop: A picturesque boat ride across the ocean from its Mar-Bella Collection sisters, Elix sits in a densely forested slope above Karavostasi beach’s peacock blue waters. Parga, the local town, is known for its Venetian castle, seaside tavernas and Nekromanteion of Acheron, an ancient Greek temple dedicated to Hades and Persephone, king and queen of the underworld.

Elix overview

The food: From fine Greek dining at Pearl to a blissful all-day buffet at Saffron, there’s no shortage of Mediterranean magic here. For a sand-in-your-toes vibe, check out Azure Beach Bar, which serves everything from classic cocktails to crispy-crust pizzas.
The fun: Just like Nido, Elix has hopped on the break-a-sweat bandwagon, teaming up with the fitness experts at Oyogo for everything from Pilates to HIIT classes. But the hotel’s standout piece is its new outdoor amphitheatre, where you can listen to live Greek and jazz music while admiring the iridescent Ionian Sea.
The digs: Uninterrupted sea views reign at Elix, and our eyes are on the spacious junior suites and their private infinity pools – perfect for potential honeymooners.

Don’t miss the Greek Chefs Abroad series vol IV, an annual celebration of Greek cuisine at Nido and Elix hotels from June to September. The pop-up tasting dinners are hosted by famous Greek chefs who create dishes drawing inspiration from their Greek heritage. This gastronomic festival celebrates the essence of Greek hospitality: the culture of sharing. Find out more here.

All holidays with British Airways Holidays are ATOL protected and include 23kg baggage allowance per person and a 24-hour holiday helpline. Secure your Greece holiday to MarBella, Elix or Nido with a low deposit, and enjoy flexible payments until you fly.*

*Full balance due four weeks before departure for short-haul holidays. Subject to availability. T&Cs apply. See ba.com/deposits

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