10 years!

There is something about that number that stops you for a moment. 10 years of marriage, of a shared life, of daughters who were born, of a routine that was built.

And the truth? After so much time together, especially when there are kids, and a home, and work and a business, it is so easy to neglect the very thing that started it all: the relationship.

Maybe that is one of our secrets. That we simply do not let it happen, and that we do choose, again and again, to put our relationship high on the list. So for our tenth anniversary, we flew away. Just the two of us. (And luckily we have the sweetest grandma in the world, who watched over the girls, and thanks to her everything else worked out perfectly 🙂

We really looked forward to a romantic couples' getaway like this, a vacation just for the two of us. I knew that if we were going to do it, I was looking for a place that would make us feel a completely different atmosphere, like a scene from a movie, only without wasting a whole day on flights and without compromising on quality.

And I found it much closer to home than I thought.

A Venetian-style palace, built on a cliff like a postcard, with a view of a blue-turquoise sea bathed in Mediterranean light. Suites with private pools, picturesque alleys a short drive away, and food that looks and feels like southern Italy.

Only this is not Italy at all.

This is Corfu. Less than two and a half hours' flight from Israel.

And this hotel, Nido, Mar-Bella Collection, is in my eyes one of the best discoveries I have made in recent years, especially for couples. I also have a great deal for it that I am leaving for you below, so it is worth staying until the end.

Let's Cut To The Chase: Everything You Want to Know About the Resort

First of All, Why Corfu

Of all the Greek islands, Corfu is the only one that truly feels Italian. That is no coincidence, the island has a long Venetian history, and you feel it in every corner: the colorful old town, the little alleys, the architecture, and even the food! You get all the charm of an Italian vacation, without the long flight and without the added costs.

And on the other hand, it is still Greece. Meaning: a short flight, stunning beaches, gyros, tzatziki, Greek salad and souvlaki, crystal-clear water, and hospitality at a level that, at this price, would not stand a chance back home. The charm of Italy with all the advantages of Greece, and that is exactly what makes this destination perfect for a couples' getaway.

(You probably already know that I keep coming back to Greece again and again. If you are looking for another Greek destination, I also wrote for you about a dreamy resort in Crete and about a stunning hotel in Chalkidiki.)

The Nido hotel sits in the south-east of the island, above a beach called Agios Ioannis Peristeron, on a green slope that spills straight into the sea.

Design, Architecture and Atmosphere

Let's start with the thing that is easiest to fall in love with: the hotel is simply gorgeous. Carefully designed in a classic, luxurious style, like a palace. And what I love most: even though the design looks Italian, old and full of soul, in practice everything is new and finished to the highest standard. You get the beauty of the old, with the comfort and finish of the new.

And then there is the view. Nido sits on the mountain rock, so the sea unfolds beneath you from above, and it is simply breathtaking. But what surprised me even more was the greenery. Beautifully kept gardens on different levels, flowers in every color, everything arranged, maintained and cared for down to the smallest detail. You walk around there and cannot stop taking photos.

And yes, Nido is an Adults Only hotel. When we finally fly away without the girls, this is exactly what I was looking for: a quiet, calm hotel, full of style and entirely geared toward couples. That is what makes it perfect for a romantic couples' getaway.

(By the way, I discovered that Nido is part of the same hotel group as MarBella Elix, where we stayed in the past. Only Elix is suited for families, and Nido is all about couples.)

The pampering starts right at check-in, and continues throughout the entire vacation. And by the way, one of the things I loved most: they really, really love Israelis there. I usually do not pay attention to that, but at Nido you truly feel it.

The resort is a member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World network, and not for nothing: in 2024 it was chosen by Condé Nast Traveler readers as one of the ten best resorts in Greece. And when you are there, you really understand why.

The Rooms: All Suites, Most with a Private Pool

This is one of the things I loved most: at this hotel there is no “regular room”. All the units are suites, and most come with a private pool or jacuzzi of their own.

Imagine this: waking up in the morning, opening the curtain, and seeing the sea from your terrace. Stepping a few steps outside to the private pool with no one around. The design is elegant and calm, with a sea view from almost every corner, and every little detail is planned to make you feel like a princess.

The Pools and the Beach

At the heart of the resort there is a stunning infinity pool overlooking the sea, the kind you get into and do not want to leave. And whoever wants more intimacy simply stays in the pool or jacuzzi in their room.

The hotel also has its own private beach. Just note one small but important thing: to get to it you cross a little road. It is not a big deal, and you can also order cocktails and food there just like everywhere else in the hotel, but it is important for you to know in case it is a deal breaker for you.

Dining: Three Restaurants, One of Them Unforgettable

The food here is a story of its own. The resort has three restaurants:

San Giovanni, which serves a stylish buffet breakfast (with dishes to order from the menu, as befits a luxury hotel), Aquavit for fun lunches by the pool, and Apaggio, the hotel's gourmet restaurant, where the real magic happens.

Apaggio is the kind of meal you remember long after the vacation is over. A boutique location with a dreamy view, a carefully crafted Greek menu, and a quality wine selection. Only afterward did I discover that the hotel's menu was created together with two Michelin-starred chefs, and you feel it in every plate. If you are there, do not skip at least one romantic dinner at Apaggio. This is exactly the meal to celebrate a decade with.

Spa and Fitness

For those who love to pamper their body, the hotel has a spa with saunas and excellent treatments, as well as a well-equipped gym.

And If You Feel Like a Little Break from Lounging: 72 Hours in Corfu

Even though you can enjoy the vacation from the hotel alone, if you feel like going out and truly experiencing the island, here is everything we loved, the kind you want to cut out and keep:

The Old Town of Corfu (about a 40-minute drive from the hotel)

The colorful old town will make you feel like you are in Italy, with picturesque alleys, gorgeous high-end boutiques, great gelato shops and excellent local taverns. And there is also a Sephora, Intimissimi and Calzedonia. Note that there are two Sephora branches, and the larger one is not inside the old town but a short walk away (search Google Maps).

Loretto Gelato Ice Cream Shop

Real gelato, creamy and perfect. Do not skip the lemon pie flavor, it is dreamy on a whole other level.

Tiramisu À La Minute

Right next to the gelato shop there is a little store entirely dedicated to tiramisu, in three flavors. We took the classic and it was wow. Not to be missed.

Boutique Children's Shops

Here, unlike many Greek islands, you will not find only “made in China” souvenir shops. There are real boutiques, for kids too, with quality clothes and toys (and if you left kids at home like we did, this is a perfect opportunity to bring them something extra special).

A Private Boat Trip

There is nothing like being out at sea to feel real freedom. We took a private boat trip with a skipper to Sivota, sailed between hidden coves, swam in turquoise water that did not look real, and stopped at the picturesque fishing village of Sivota. If you want a longer sail, it is worth booking a trip to the blue caves on the islands of Paxos and Anti-Paxos.

Vlacherna Monastery (about 15 minutes from the hotel)

One of the most iconic places in Corfu: a small 17th-century monastery, built on a tiny island and connected to the mainland by a picturesque bridge.

The Plane-Spotting Viewpoint

A cute attraction on the way to the monastery. Thanks to the proximity to the airport you can see planes passing right above your head, seconds before landing.

Mouse Island (Pontikonisi)

Next to the monastery hides a tiny, picturesque island, one of the symbols of Corfu, with an ancient Byzantine church at its center. According to legend, this is Odysseus' ship that Poseidon turned into an island.

The Jumbo Store (about 10 minutes from the airport)

A huge branch with everything you can think of. We bought a ton of little bits and small gifts there right before heading back. Not a must, but good to know it is there.

In Summary: If You Want to Feel Like You Are Living in a Movie on Your Next Couples' Getaway, Save This Location

Nido, Mar-Bella Collection is exactly the kind of place I love to discover and share here on the blog: luxurious, quiet, and at the highest level there is. For couples looking for a close, quiet and luxurious romantic getaway, without wasting a day on flights, this is simply the winning destination.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Nido, Mar-Bella Collection Hotel and a Vacation in Corfu

Where is the Nido, Mar-Bella Collection hotel located?

The hotel is located in the south-east of the island of Corfu in Greece, on a green slope above Agios Ioannis Peristeron beach. It sits on a rock with an open view of the Ionian Sea from almost every corner.

How long is the flight from Israel to Corfu?

Less than two and a half hours' flight. This is one of the reasons I love this destination so much for a couples' getaway: you arrive fresh, without wasting a whole day on flights.

Is Nido suitable for a couples' getaway?

Yes, absolutely. Nido is an Adults Only hotel, quiet and calm, entirely geared toward couples. That is what makes it perfect for a romantic getaway, with no kids and no noise.

Does the hotel have a private beach?

Yes, the hotel has its own private beach. It is small, and to get to it you cross a little road. It is not a big deal, and you can order cocktails and food there just like everywhere else in the hotel.

What do the rooms at the hotel look like?

All the units at the hotel are suites, and most come with a private pool or jacuzzi of their own. The design is classic, elegant and calm, with a sea view from almost every corner.

What is worth seeing in Corfu beyond the hotel?

The colorful old town (about a 40-minute drive), a private boat trip to Sivota, Vlacherna Monastery, Mouse Island (Pontikonisi) and the plane-spotting viewpoint. You will find all the detailed recommendations in the body of the post.

How do you book the hotel and what is the coupon code?

You book through the Israeli boutique agency NYA Experience, with coupon code TAMAR26 for the deal. You will find the direct link right below.

Want to Book (with My Deal)?

I have a great deal that will upgrade your vacation through the Israeli boutique agency NYA Experience.

💵 Coupon code: TAMAR26
🔗 A direct link to book with my special deal (for a limited time)
✨ The full experience, in photos and video, is waiting for you in my CORFU highlight on Instagram

Enjoy, and if you fly there, tag me from there. I would love to hear in the comments how it was 🤍