If you’re looking for the best luxury hotel in Corfu, look no further. Angsana Corfu is without doubt one of the best hotels in Corfu, and is one of my favourite hotel stays in probably the whole of Europe.
I’ve been fortunate enough to stay here a few times now over the past few years, and can honestly confirm that is still remains as one of the best resorts in Greece. Whether its for a honeymoon, a couples’ trip or a family stay, Angsana Corfu will deliver an exceptional stay.
Few hotels can boast a setting quite like Angsana Corfu. Set on the hillside overlooking the Bay of Benitses, it offers a staggering infinity pool that is the absolute show stealing feature of this hotel.
It’s not a cheap stay – in fact, it’s around £600-700 a night in high season (August). This is based on two people sharing a double room, and includes breakfast etc. At the start of its season, in late March and early April, stays start from £236 per night. Check the latest rates here.
This review will cover everything you need to know about Angsana Corfu, so read on to find out more!
Overview
Location
As mentioned, the hotel is perched high on the hilltop overlooking the glistening Ionian Sea. Angsana Corfu is very close to the charming local village of Benitses (around 1.5km/a 20 minute walk). It’s also just a 20 minute drive to the airport, and around 25-30 minutes from the heart of Corfu Town. This makes Angsana Corfu perfectly placed for a relaxing luxury holiday in Corfu, but with a variety of amenities and foodie options not too far away.
Review of Angsana Corfu
First impressions
Angsana Corfu is the first European hotel to open for Banyan Group, which has for the most part opened luxury resorts across Asia. Angsana Corfu is built in the old San Stefanos hotel, a grand-dame hotel from the 1970s, but has been completely reimagined and transformed into the most incredible hotel today.
Banyan Group is a luxury Asian hospitality group, and as such, the are plenty of Asian influences throughout the hotel, including some of the trademark experiences that sets an Angsana hotel apart.
One of these is scent, with Banyan Group creating the ‘Sanctuary for the Senses’ experience, and upon arrival at the hotel, and in your room, the calming fragrances instantly relax you.
On my most recent stay, we arrived by taxi and were quickly met by welcoming staff who sat us down and presented us with a welcome drink. Despite arriving at 10am, the team were able to accommodate an early check-in, which was lovely. They also invited us downstairs to Ruen Romsai to avail of the end of breakfast service – something we’ve never experienced before. And much appreciated too!
Our room
There are 159 rooms and suites at Angsana Corfu, as well as 39 luxurious villas with private plunge pools dotted across the hillside as you drive up the steep road to the main hotel building.
I’ve stayed in an Ionian Seaview Grand Room, as well as well as Ionian Seaview One-Bedroom Suite, both with spacious terraces affording incredible views across the Bay of Benitses. The living room area and bathtub in the Suite really were incredible, and I enjoyed the extra space.
The villas range from one bedroom, all the way to four bedrooms, and come complete with a private gardens and stunning private pools. If your budget can stretch to a villa – they are absolutely exceptional.
Facilities at the hotel
One of the big draws to the hotel (other than its incredible outside infinity pool), is that it has a huge wellness centre and 25m indoor pool. In fact, when the hotel closes to overnight guests for winter, its wellness and exercise facilities stay open for locals to use.
The indoor pool area is lovely for swimming laps, and if the weather is a little inclement, it’s great to have the option as there are plenty of lounge spots alongside the pool. There’s also a juice bar for smoothies and fresh juices too.
The gym at the hotel is huge and offers amazing views from the machines. As well as a big open gym, there are several exercise rooms including a reformer pilates space too! There’s a pretty decent set of wellness and exercises classes run each and every day.
Back to outside, and of course, the out-of-this-world infinity pool. This is the main focal point for the hotel day and night. There are plenty of sunloungers – I’ve never struggled for a seat. The kids club, called the Ranger’s Club is also out here with a small separate pool and covered play areas for little ones.
Communal areas
There are some really pleasant lounge spaces at Angsana Corfu. My favourite is the Starboard Lounge, which is a lovely outside spot for an early morning coffee overlooking the whole hotel. By the evening, it becomes a relaxing drinks spot with live music. Inside, there is the A Lounge which is a nice place for an afternoon snack and some quiet time away from the sun. If you’re staying in a villa, you actually get use of the V Lounge, which is a private space with drinks and food.
Food and Drink
There are so many options at Angsana Corfu, you definitely won’t go hungry. Breakfast starts at Ruen Romsai and is a magnificent spread of Greek delights, as well as all the normal breakfast fare you’d expect. You can order excellent coffees and the fresh juices and smoothies are excellent. If you’re a villa guest, breakfast is served upstairs in Oribu.
In the evenings, Oribu transforms into an incredible Asian restaurant, connecting back to Banyan Group’s roots. The menu is largely focused on Japanese and Korean cuisine.
A must-try restaurant during any stay is Sofrito, which is open for both lunch and dinner. Its setting is stunning, overlooking both the infinity pool and the Ionian Sea. Lunch is Greek and Mediterranean plates, and dinner is a focus on Corfiot cuisine. You simply have to try its namesake dish, Sofrito and the rooster pastitsada. Delicious!
On the rooftop of Angsana Corfu is the vibey Vertigo Sky Bar, a sister bar to the famous outpost at Banyan Tree Bangkok. Its the highest rooftop lounge in Corfu and has the most incredible views. Whether its live music or its regular movie nights, it’s definitely worth planning for one evening here.
Lastly, down on the beach is the Emerald Beach Bar, which serves delicious sandwiches, salads etc during the day, but transforms in the evening into Emerald by Night. This is a full experience with live Greek bouzouki music paired with mezze dishes and signature plates.
And of course, if you want to eat out nearby then you can stroll to the village of Bentises. I highly recommended the little taverna ‘Oi Oraies’ for delicious local fare and wonderful staff.
Angsana Spa
It’s not a stay at a Banyan Group property if you don’t visit the exquisite Angsana Spa. Not only is the Spa one of the biggest in Greece, but it gives a true flavour of Asia. The treatments blend Asian techniques and rituals with locally sourced ingredients, perfectly fusing the two.
I’ve enjoyed one of the Signature massages ‘Angsana Ionian Bliss’, which was exceptional. As with all Angsana Spas, the experience begins with a foot scrub and relaxation, before the massage and then herbal tea and fruit in their post-treatment space.
The treatments are expensive but absolutely worth it!
The staff and service
Greek hospitality is renowned the world over – and Angsana Corfu is no different. From the minute we arrived, to every staff member in the restaurants and the around the pool, we felt incredibly well looked after.
The surrounding area
Other than the charming village and marina in Benitses, which Angsana Corfu runs a shuttle bus to, there are plenty of other nearby areas to explore. In fact, the hotel puts a strong focus on coordinating tours and activities to local producers and attractions. A couple of times a week they run a local guided hike up into the hills, and other activities such as local beer tasting or craft making.
Whether it’s visiting a local olive oil farm, or hiring a yacht for the day, Angsana Corfu can coordinate. Find out more about the local offering here.
The Best Luxury Hotel in Corfu?
So there’s my guide to staying at the incredible Angsana Corfu in Greece. Whether you stay for a honeymoon, babymoon or a family holiday, this beautiful hotel is sure to deliver a fantastic stay. Make sure to check the latest rates and book here.
Make sure to factor in some time exploring the rest of Corfu too. If you’re looking for guides to other Greek islands, do check out my other posts:
- Lesser known islands to visit whilst island-hopping in Greece
- 10-Day island hopping itinerary: Athens, Santorini and Milos
- Santorini on a Budget
- Milos Travel Guide
- Athens in One Day
I hope this guide helps in planning your trip to Greece and this beautiful hotel.
Feel free to ask any further questions below if there’s something I haven’t covered.
Disclaimer: My visits to Angsana Corfu in Greece are a mixture of independent visits paid for by myself, and some have been hosted visits. However, as always, my reviews are entirely honest and my own.
