Corfu Arrival and Birthday Celebrations Continue

Arrival and First Impressions in Corfu

Landing in Corfu, we were quickly through airport formalities and met with the island’s welcome: hot sun and stunning sea air. A private taxi chauffeured us to Domes Miramare Corfu, an adults-only luxury resort south of the airport. The driver’s slow pace made the 23 km trip feel almost as long as our flight! Upon arrival, our personal concierge greeted us warmly and helped us settle in with a refreshing drink and a clear explanation of the half-board dining experience.

Our room, perfectly positioned by the water, invited immediate relaxation. We spent the afternoon alternating between dips in the pool and the sea, cocktails in hand, soaking up the serene Mediterranean vibe. Dinner by the sparkling Ionian waters at the hotel’s 1962 By the Sea restaurant continued the birthday celebration with exquisite food and impeccable service.

A Week of Leisure, Exploration, and Gastronomy

July 22nd was dedicated to pure relaxation at the hotel, dining again at 1962 By the Sea with the gentle sound of waves as our soundtrack. On the 23rd, we planned ahead—renting a convertible car and booking a Blue Lagoon cruise—yet remained enamored with the beauty and tranquility of our surroundings, topped off that night by dinner at the hotel’s newly awarded Greek restaurant, Jerár.

Our July 24th adventure took us to Corfu Town. The beauty of the town was undeniable, but the soaring 43°C heat made the convertible ride seem endless. We ended the day with a delicious Greek meal by the Venetian Castle by the water, then quietly vowed not to use the car again due to the intense heat. Instead, that evening, the hotel offered us dinner at a nearby Greek taverna in Moraitika village—good company and authentic Hellenic cuisine made for a memorable night.

On July 25th, marking our 15th wedding anniversary, we embarked on the Blue Lagoon cruise. Although the boat trip to the mainland was long and the day hot, the crystal-clear waters and relaxed onboard meal with fellow travelers made it worthwhile. Secretly, I upgraded us to a private villa for the remaining stay, granting access to an exclusive lounge, pool, and finger foods. The villa was lovely but noisier than our original room, prompting a room change the next day. For our anniversary dinner, we indulged in a truly exceptional experience at Makris Fine Dining—Corfu’s award-winning contemporary Greek restaurant specializing in creative, modern cuisine. It felt like a perfect celebration of 15 years together.

July 26th saw us luxuriating in the privacy of the villa lounge, reading, swimming in both sea and private pool, and enjoying the attentive finger food and cocktails. Dinner that night was Italian-themed at Antonino’s Restaurant, where rustic Italian flavors matched the warm ambiance of the hotel’s other half.

For Leslie’s birthday on July 27th, we continued relaxing in our private lounge, enjoying cake and champagne once again. The day ended with cocktails and dinner at the familiar 1962 By the Sea, where our memorable holiday began.

Farewell to Corfu

On the 28th, we retraced our journey to Corfu airport with our now legendary leisurely taxi driver, heading back home to Exeter aboard Tui. Reflecting on our stay, Domes Miramare delivered an adults-only sanctuary of luxury, exquisite dining, breathtaking sea views, and warm hospitality—a perfect retreat for milestone celebrations and a holiday to remember for years to come.