18 October, 2019
Once owned by the Onassis shipping dynasty, Domes Miramare is the
Corfu kickback hotel for those in the know.
Portrayed as an idyll in Greek mythology, Corfu is where the
shipwrecked Odysseus was soothed and sent on his return trip to
Ithaca. It’s also where the likes of Jackie O and Maria Callas
sojourned throughout the 60s.
Once owned by the Onassis shipping dynasty (hence a guest list
dominated by Aristotle Onassis’ wives and girlfriends), Domes
Miramare (a member of the Luxury Collection) has been polished up
to a standard in keeping with its glamorous heyday. Cutting a 60s
shape to rival Palm Springs’ architectural offering, the hotel does
barefoot luxury very well. Expect light-filled interiors, villas
plotted on the water’s edge and al-fresco dining, as well as a
centenarian olive garden that engulfs the whole property.
The flaxen-hued resort consists of 113 bedrooms across the main
hotel as well as a more exclusive area, which comprises of Pavilion
Retreats and two villas. Close to the pebble beach and pool,
standard suites combine minimalism and elemental design, conceived
as places of calm. Those clever enough to pick a Pavilion Retreat
on the waterfront (fitted with a private pool or hot tub) will
appreciate the extra space this room type offers – whether
stretching out on a chaise longues in your fluffy bathrobe or, you
know, mooring your own boat right outside the door. Another tick
for the Pavilion Suites: the retractable roofs over the living room
area – perfect for airy days and stargazing come nightfall.
The breakfast buffet at Makris (the hotel’s main restaurant)
feels akin to circuit training, so expansive is its spread. The
eggs station keeps a steady flow of poached, boiled and fried eggs
in reserve (eliminating wait times); freshly cut fruits billow from
their bowls; an elaborate serving of baked goods renders
decision-making near impossible. Choice is seemingly unlimited,
though when it comes to picking a table, opt for outside to make
the most of the Ionian breeze – just make sure to ask your server
to burn coffee at the table to ward off wasps.
Lunch and dinner at Makris are toothsome affairs, with a focus
on simple and locally sourced fare. Kick things off with a
traditional Greek salad and follow with a dish of al-dente orzo
pasta with fennel, asparagus and mushrooms - the sea bass
papillote with vegetables and herbs is another lovely, lighter
option. With just enough room for dessert, opt for the ekmek
kataifi pastry, vanilla cream, almond and homemade Greek brioche
ice cream. When your palette is craving more international
flavours, The Raw Bar offers sushi (and some great sake-infused
cocktails).
There are three. For day time sips, the poolside Verde Bar is
plotted right in the middle of the action. With a strong snack menu
and shaded seating options, this is where to head when the sun is
at its peak, while sun worshippers in total “holiday mode” will
thrill at the sight of the bar buzzer located next to their sun
lounger. Come evening, split your tipples, enjoying an aperitif at
The Raw Bar’s open-air terrace and a post-prandial cocktail at the
indoor, lobby-adjacent Blu Bar. (The latter’s clustered Moroccan
lighting and proximity to the hotel’s Assouline library is likely
to sway your vote).
Most guests will be more than content to spend mornings on the
tennis court, on the sun loungers or at the Soma Spa, but for the
adventure-seekers among you, it’s worth stopping by Miramare’s
private beach to hire out a glass-bottomed canoe. Luxury seekers
will feel most at home on Miramaretta yacht or the pale blue Mas 28
Elegance boat if they’re feeling (a tad) less flash.
Domes Miramare is adults-only – you need to be age 16+ to stay
here.
The Ionian Sea, and a string of other resorts dotted down the
shoreline. Corfu town is a 30-minute journey (whether you travel by
boat or by car).