The idea of getting into a hammock sounds bliss right? Now imagine doing yoga in one. And that is precisely what I had signed up for as part of my trip to stay at the five-star MarBella Corfu resort.
As far as new fitness regimes go, this was a first for me. Suspended from a high rise ceiling, the hammock is used like a prop to work the entire body. Efiee Anyfanti – also known as the mermaid – has been a yoga teacher for seven years and taught aerial yoga – as it is officially known for four. After a brief warm up using the hammock to stretch our limbs, we closely followed her instructions to get ourselves in all sorts of wonderful positions that were surprisingly easier than they looked. It was all about trusting the gravity of our bodies to allow us to move into the asanas said Efiee.
At first, our faces got more exercise through sheer laughter at what we were doing, but by the end of it, we realised our bodies would go wherever our mind told them to. After the class, not only was I able to sit down on the scrunched up hammock with one of my legs outstretched, but I was also able to dangle upside down in it holding on to it with just my thighs, ankles and feet. I felt like a natural pro.
The world looked great upside down from the said hammock, but guests wishing to stay upright will be just as delighted with the activity offerings of this luxurious resort. Archery, table games, scuba diving, trekking kayaking, biking water-ski and parasailing can all be arranged to make a stay memorable.
The hotel’s strategic location in the seaside resort of Agios Ionnis allows for plentiful relaxation time both on land and at sea. Daily excursions from the hotel to nearby Corfu town, monuments, museums, attractions, local villages, and indeed beautiful beaches, can be booked easily, and at short notice. With Corfu Island being ruled by many nations throughout its history including the Romans, Venetians, French, Russians and the English, their cultural mark is evident in art, architecture and cuisine.
Personally, a holiday is not a holiday without a boat or yacht trip added into the equation. It’s also a great way to visit smaller islands and see local life. Fish lovers can rejoice in hopping over to Petritis Island – a real traditional fisherman’s island – to get a feel of how the people live here as well as indulge in some of the tastiest freshly caught fish. We stopped by fish tavern, Limnopoula, and were treated to some of the best cod, hake and calamari I have ever tasted. A spot of impromptu snorkelling on the return journey back in the sea was more than welcomed to burn off some of those calories.
Back at MarBella Corfu, and the dining options are plentiful with eleven bars and restaurants. You can find everything from home-made traditional Greek and Italian food to burgers and salads. Each one of the eateries is different with plenty of choices on the menus that even if you stayed more than a month you would be unable to get through. However, if you fancy a real treat, then a visit to the La Bussola is a must. It’s perfect for the romantics and group of friends alike as you dine right on the tip of the sea. You can watch the sunset as you delicately sip a glass of wine with your meal and listen to the waters lashing up on the shore. It truly is an idyllic setting and will give you a real taste of the Mediterranean life.
And even when you head back to your rooms, you don’t have to compromise on the landscape. MarBella Corfu’s 384 sea and garden view rooms and suites offer magnificent panoramic views. The accommodation ranges from double, spacious family rooms to lavish honeymoon suites. I had a wonderful stay in a junior suite sea-view room which was big enough for a family of four. It came with two spacious bedrooms, an open plan bathroom with shower, a desk, as well as a large sun kissed terrace with sunbeds, tables and chairs. The bathrooms are equipped with Apivita toiletries, a natural cosmetic brand founded in Greece in 1979.
Oh and I almost forgot – there was also a hammock on the terrace of my suite. But this time, one I could totally relax on after all the hard work I did in the studio.
MarBella Corfu – Where and How?
MarBella Corfu is located at Ag. Ioannis Peristeron, Greece. For more information, visit www.marbella.gr.
Sovereign (01293 731 566, www.sovereign.com) is offering a seven-night holiday to Corfu staying at the five star MarBella Corfu resort on a half-board basis from £515 per person – saving up to £138 per couple. The offer includes an exclusive free a la carte diner and free breakfast in bed.
There is also an airport security fast pass and access to UK airport lounges (where available), private airport transfers and return international flights from London Gatwick with EasyJet. Based on departures on 04 May 2016. Book the MarBella Corfu Hotel at www.sovereign.com/hotel/119295