Perched on a pine covered hillside above the Ionian Sea, MarBella Corfu has become one of the most talked about all inclusive resorts in Greece for families and couples alike. With its private beach deck, extensive dining scene and on site water park, it promises a stress free, sun soaked escape on the island’s quieter south east coast. Yet this five star resort is not perfect for everyone. Crowds in peak season, the hilly layout and a setting removed from Corfu’s villages can all shape your experience here.
Location and First Impressions
MarBella Corfu sits in Agios Ioannis Peristeron, around a 25 to 30 minute drive from Corfu Town and Corfu International Airport. The resort clings to a steep slope above the coast road, with terraced buildings stepping down towards the sea. That hillside position delivers sweeping views across the Ionian to the mountains of mainland Greece, especially dramatic at sunrise and in the evening when the sky turns soft pink over the water.
The trade off is that the hotel feels somewhat self contained. Apart from a handful of other hotels and a couple of tavernas, there is little within easy walking distance, and nightlife is largely confined to what the resort itself offers.
Arrival is handled in polished five star fashion. Guests are typically greeted in a light filled lobby with a welcome drink and small local treats, before being handed a map that proves genuinely useful. The complex is large and layered, and it can take a day or two to understand the quickest routes between your room, the pools, the water park and the beach deck.
The aesthetic is contemporary Mediterranean rather than flashy: lots of cream and stone, glass balustrades, pale wood and manicured lawns punctuated with palms and olive trees. Public spaces tend to feel airy and modern rather than character laden, but they are smart, comfortable and well maintained.
One important first impression is the scale. With well over 300 rooms, several pools, an aqua park and a private beach area, MarBella Corfu operates more like a small village than a boutique hideaway. For many guests, particularly families who value facilities and entertainment, that is a major plus. Those craving an intimate, low key retreat may find it busier and more animated than they expect, especially during school holidays.
Rooms, Suites and Comfort
Accommodation at MarBella Corfu spans classic doubles through to spacious family suites and newer bungalow style units with private pools or gardens. Recent renovations and the introduction of new room categories have freshened up much of the inventory, adding more family friendly layouts and a handful of high end options for guests who want extra privacy. Decor is generally light and neutral, with tiled or wood effect floors, simple contemporary furniture and accents in soft blues or greens. Most rooms feature furnished balconies or terraces, and sea view upgrades are genuinely worthwhile, particularly on higher levels where the vistas are wide and unobstructed.
Standard rooms are adequate in size for couples, with queen or king beds, small seating areas and compact but functional bathrooms. Amenities tend to include air conditioning, flat screen televisions, tea and coffee facilities and a mini fridge, with higher categories adding espresso machines and more generous minibars. Toiletries are of good quality and many bathrooms have walk in showers; some older layouts include shower over bath combinations. Families often gravitate to interconnecting rooms or purpose built family units, which offer separate sleeping areas for children and, in newer configurations, two bathrooms. These spaces noticeably improve privacy and morning logistics for parents.
At the top end, bungalow suites and signature suites come with perks such as private plunge pools or gardens, enhanced in room amenities and access to the hotel’s Signature Suite program. That scheme typically delivers extras like dedicated check in, small spa treatments, pillow menus and reserved sunbeds or restaurant allocations, which can make a tangible difference in busy periods. These suites feel more like self contained sanctuaries, appealing to families wanting to retreat from the buzz or couples keen to combine resort energy with personal seclusion.
Not everything is flawless. While much of the inventory has been refreshed, some of the older rooms can feel slightly dated beside the newest suites, and a small minority of bathrooms feature semi open plan layouts that not everyone will appreciate in terms of privacy. Soundproofing between rooms is average rather than exceptional, and in high season corridor noise can carry. Overall comfort, though, is solid, with good beds, reliable hot water and effective climate control, which are the fundamentals most guests care about once they have settled in.
Dining, Drinks and the All Inclusive Experience
For many travelers, the biggest draw at MarBella Corfu is its premium all inclusive program. The resort is now firmly positioned as an upscale, food forward all inclusive property, and the breadth of its dining scene reflects that. Depending on the season, you can expect multiple à la carte restaurants covering Greek, Italian, French inspired and pan Asian cuisines, alongside a large buffet restaurant that anchors breakfast and many dinners. Several bars are scattered around the property, from a lobby bar with sea views to beach and pool bars that keep drinks and snacks flowing throughout the day.
The main buffet restaurant offers a rotation of themes, with live cooking stations for grilled meats, pasta and stir fries. Breakfasts are notably extensive, with Greek specialties such as yoghurt and honey, fresh fruit and breads sitting alongside the expected egg stations, cold cuts and cereals. At dinner, quality is generally good by resort buffet standards, though some dishes can feel repetitive on a longer stay. Where MarBella Corfu sets itself apart from standard mass market all inclusives is in its emphasis on specialty restaurants. Guests on premium packages often have access to several à la carte dinners per week without surcharges, allowing them to sample more focused menus, better presentation and a quieter atmosphere.
Across the à la carte venues, the culinary ambition is higher. Expect seafood heavy menus at the waterfront grill, refined Greek dishes that lean into local ingredients at the Greek restaurant and indulgent plates in the Italian and French inspired dining rooms. Children’s menus are widely available, and staff are used to making small adjustments to suit younger palates, from plain grilled chicken to simplified pasta. Vegetarians and pescatarians are reasonably well catered for, although strict vegans may find the choice more limited and should communicate requirements in advance and at check in.
On the beverage front, the all inclusive package includes a wide range of branded spirits, cocktails, house wines and draft beers, usually available from morning until late night according to bar opening hours. Coffee, soft drinks and ice cream are easily accessed throughout the day, which families with children tend to appreciate. While oenophiles might find the wine list basic, the overall drinks offering is generous for an inclusive resort. The main caveat with the entire food and beverage proposition is that, in peak season, restaurants and bars can feel busy and securing preferred dinner times at the most popular à la carte spots often requires booking as soon as you arrive.
Pools, Beach and Water Park
Water oriented facilities are one of MarBella Corfu’s biggest assets and a core part of its appeal to both families and couples. The resort has multiple swimming pools dotted across the property, typically including a large fresh water main pool, a salt water infinity style pool, quieter adult friendly zones and dedicated children’s pools close to the kids’ facilities. The landscaping around the pools is attractive, with lawns, palms and flowering shrubs softening the hotel architecture, and the views from the upper level pools out over the sea are frequently spectacular.
Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the Anemelia Aqua Park, located in a separate, elevated area of the grounds. This compact but well designed water park offers slides and flumes suitable for different age groups, along with an infinity pool and sundeck that look out over the coastline. For families, having a water park within the resort eliminates the need for separate day trips and provides hours of entertainment without leaving the property. Adults often split their time between the calmer main pools and the aqua park if traveling with children, making use of loungers and snack service between runs on the slides.
At the bottom of the resort, reached via lifts and a tunnel under the coastal road, lies MarBella Corfu’s private beach area. This is not a classic broad sandy beach. Instead, it combines a sand and shingle shoreline with large man made decks built out over the water, lined with sun loungers and umbrellas. Steps lead straight into the clear Ionian Sea, which tends to be calm and inviting in summer months. The setup is ideal for guests who enjoy swimming and snorkeling but are less concerned about long walks on soft sand. Beachside service covers drinks and light meals, and there is usually a watersports hub nearby offering kayaks, stand up paddleboards, pedalos and, at extra cost, motorized activities.
As with many popular Mediterranean resorts, sunbed availability can be a pressure point. In busy weeks loungers around the most desirable pool areas and at the prime sea facing spots on the deck are often reserved early in the day, despite hotel policies discouraging the practice. Guests who prioritize a particular location may need to rise early or accept slightly less central positions. For many, however, the sheer choice of pools and terraces spreads people out enough that the overall atmosphere feels lively rather than uncomfortably crowded.
Family Features and Kids’ Facilities
MarBella Corfu has actively positioned itself as a family friendly luxury resort, and the breadth of its kids’ infrastructure reflects that strategy. The on site GrassHopper kids’ club operates with structured age bands, offering supervised activities for toddlers through to older children, typically following standards similar to British childcare regulations. Indoor spaces are supplemented by sizable outdoor play areas, and programs might include craft sessions, themed games, simple sports, and nature or treasure hunts around the grounds. During peak school holiday periods, the club can be very popular, so advance reservations are recommended.
Beyond formal childcare, the resort’s hardware is designed with families in mind. Choice of family rooms and suites, the water park, multiple children’s pools, and the relatively protected beach access all combine to create an environment where parents can relax while youngsters remain entertained. Many restaurants are used to early family dinners, and staff generally take a warm approach to children, adjusting service pace and menu suggestions accordingly. Complimentary or low cost baby equipment such as cots and high chairs are widely available, and there is often the option of babysitting at extra cost for parents wanting an adults only evening in one of the quieter restaurants or bars.
Entertainment runs throughout the day and into the evening. Activities might range from beach volleyball and tennis to movie nights, live music, themed shows and occasional open air cinema screenings. The tone is family centric rather than party focused. This suits most guests but is worth noting for those who equate Greek island holidays with late night bar hopping. Here, evenings tend to revolve around early dinners, children’s discos and live acts in the main bar rather than clubs and loud music that go on into the small hours.
For multi generational groups, MarBella Corfu can work particularly well. Grandparents often enjoy the comfort and ease of the all inclusive setup, parents appreciate the kids’ club and pool variety, and children gravitate naturally towards the water park and beachfront. The caveat is that the resort is built on a hillside, so although lifts and buggies help, guests with limited mobility or pushchairs may find themselves planning their routes carefully or relying more heavily on elevators to avoid long flights of steps.
Service, Atmosphere and Practicalities
Service at MarBella Corfu tends to align with expectations for an established five star Greek resort. Front desk, concierge and guest relations teams are well versed in handling airport transfers, car hire, restaurant reservations and local excursion bookings, and many staff members have long tenures with the property. In restaurants and bars, service is usually warm and efficient, though at peak dining times you may occasionally feel the strain of a full house with minor waits for drinks or courses. Housekeeping standards are generally high, with rooms kept clean and public spaces well looked after throughout the day.
The overall atmosphere is cosmopolitan and family oriented. Guests come from across Europe, the United Kingdom and beyond, with a noticeable mix of couples, young families and extended groups. As a result, public areas carry a hum of life from morning until late evening without tipping into the sort of loud, rowdy feel sometimes associated with lower priced all inclusive resorts. Dress codes are relaxed but smart casual in the evenings, and while the resort is suitable for honeymooners who enjoy energy and facilities, couples seeking absolute quiet may prefer the brand’s adults only sister property nearby.
From a practical standpoint, the location works well as a base for exploring Corfu by rental car or organized excursion. Corfu Town, with its Venetian old quarter and twin fortresses, is within straightforward reach, and there are several inland villages and coastal spots within easy driving distance. The hotel sometimes offers complimentary or low cost boat trips into Corfu Town on traditional wooden boats, which can be a highlight for guests not wanting to navigate local roads. On site, Wi Fi coverage is decent across most public spaces and rooms, adequate for streaming in many areas, though speeds can dip when a large number of guests are online simultaneously.
Pricing places MarBella Corfu solidly in the upper mid to high tier for Greek island all inclusives, particularly in July and August. Early booking offers and shoulder season promotions often make it more accessible, especially for families looking to leverage the value of children staying at reduced or no extra cost when sharing with adults. Given the inclusions, guests who make use of multiple restaurants, bars and activities often feel they receive good value; those who plan to dine off site frequently or spend much of their time exploring the island might find a more flexible, non inclusive hotel better suited to their style.
Pros, Cons and Who MarBella Corfu Is Best For
MarBella Corfu’s strengths are clear. It offers an unusually complete all inclusive package for Corfu with a wide spread of dining options, branded drinks, generous snack offerings and a true resort feel. The setting is scenic, the water park and pools are standout features for families, and the private beach deck arrangement delivers direct sea access without the crowds of more built up coastal strips. Accommodation choice is broad, allowing guests to tailor their stay from simple doubles to indulgent suites with private pools and added Signature program benefits.
There are, however, trade offs that matter depending on your priorities. The resort’s scale means that during school holidays it can feel busy, and those who dislike crowds or value absolute serenity may find the volume of guests and family focused entertainment intrusive. The hillside layout, though beautiful, introduces steps and gradients that may challenge anyone with mobility issues, and while lifts mitigate some of this, the property does not offer the flat, compact footprint that some travelers prefer. The beach setup, heavy on decking and shingle rather than long natural sand, may disappoint those dreaming of quintessential soft sand bays just outside their door.
MarBella Corfu is at its best for families with children from roughly primary school age upwards, who will fully appreciate the water park, kids’ club, sports and evening entertainment. It also works well for multi generational trips where grandparents value the convenience of all inclusive dining and on site amenities. Couples who enjoy resort life, varied dining and sea views, and are happy to share the space with families, can also have an excellent experience, particularly outside the school holiday peaks or if they book into higher category rooms that provide more privacy.
Conversely, independent travelers who prefer intimate boutique hotels, spontaneous dining in local tavernas and late night urban energy are less likely to find MarBella Corfu a perfect fit. Budget conscious guests who tend to spend most days off property exploring might also question the value of paying for a comprehensive all inclusive plan they will not fully use. For them, a smaller hotel in or near Corfu Town, or accommodation closer to traditional villages, may be more appropriate.
The Takeaway
MarBella Corfu occupies a distinctive niche on the island: a polished, family friendly, all inclusive resort that brings together strong facilities, good food and a picturesque setting. It is not a hidden gem in the sense of being quiet or under the radar; this is a confident, well known property that hums with life in high season. For many travelers, that is precisely the point. Children race between the pools and water park, couples linger over cocktails at the Belvedere style bars, and extended families gather around long tables at the à la carte restaurants, all within the easy framework of a prepaid, premium inclusive stay.
If your ideal Corfu holiday involves unpacking once, settling into a sea view routine and having almost everything you need on tap inside one thoughtfully managed resort, MarBella Corfu deserves serious consideration. The key is to match your expectations to its reality. Embrace the scale, the energy and the all inclusive model, come prepared for a hilly layout and a decked beachfront, and you are likely to leave with memories of golden light over the Ionian, children shrieking down water slides and evenings that start with a sunset drink and end under warm, starry skies.
FAQ
Q1. Is MarBella Corfu truly all inclusive, or are there many hidden extras?
The premium all inclusive program at MarBella Corfu is comprehensive, covering buffet meals, several à la carte dinners per week, a broad range of drinks, snacks and many activities. However, certain services such as motorized water sports, some spa treatments, select premium wines and private excursions do incur additional charges, so guests should review inclusions at check in.
Q2. How long does it take to get from the airport to MarBella Corfu, and is the transfer easy?
The resort is typically around a 25 to 30 minute drive from Corfu International Airport, depending on traffic. Transfers can be arranged through the hotel, via package operators or by taxi. The route follows the coastal road and is straightforward, so most arrivals find the journey relatively quick and stress free.
Q3. Is the resort suitable for guests with limited mobility?
MarBella Corfu is built on a hillside with multiple levels, lifts and some long walks between facilities. While there are elevators and staff can arrange buggy assistance in certain areas, guests with significant mobility challenges or those who have difficulty with slopes and occasional steps may find the layout demanding. It is worth contacting the hotel in advance to discuss room locations and accessibility needs.
Q4. What is the beach like, and will it suit young children?
The beachfront at MarBella Corfu combines a strip of sand and shingle with wooden decks that extend over the sea. Steps lead directly into relatively calm, clear water, which many guests enjoy for swimming and snorkeling. Young children who like paddling and supervised sea dips generally cope well, but those expecting a wide, soft sand beach for sandcastle building may find it more limited than classic sandy bays elsewhere on the island.
Q5. When is the best time of year to stay at MarBella Corfu?
Late May, June and September often strike the best balance between warm weather, open facilities and more manageable crowd levels. July and August bring the hottest temperatures and the fullest program of activities but also higher prices and more families, while April and October can be pleasantly quiet but with a greater chance of cooler days and some facilities operating on reduced schedules.
Q6. How family friendly is the resort for babies and toddlers?
Families with very young children are well supported in terms of equipment such as cots, high chairs and early mealtime options in the restaurants. The kids’ club usually has dedicated sessions or zones for younger ages, and there are shallow pools and splash areas designed with small children in mind. Parents should still expect to navigate slopes with strollers and may want to request rooms close to lifts to minimize walking distances.
Q7. Can couples enjoy a quiet stay at MarBella Corfu, or is it dominated by families?
While families form a large part of the clientele, couples can still enjoy a relaxed stay, particularly outside school holiday dates or by choosing room categories that offer more privacy, such as suites with private pools. Quieter pool areas, later dinner seatings and bars that skew more adult in the evenings help create pockets of tranquility. That said, couples seeking an adults only environment may prefer the brand’s dedicated adults only sister property nearby.
Q8. Is it easy to explore the rest of Corfu from the resort?
Yes. Renting a car for part of your stay is a popular option, as the resort’s location on the east coast road makes it simple to drive into Corfu Town or head south and west to beaches and villages. The hotel also helps arrange boat trips, guided excursions and occasional complimentary or low cost boat transfers to Corfu Town, so guests who do not wish to drive still have ways to see more of the island.
Q9. How does MarBella Corfu compare to other all inclusive resorts in Greece?
Compared with many mainstream Mediterranean all inclusives, MarBella Corfu tends to offer a more refined environment, better landscaping, a stronger emphasis on food quality and a water park that is integrated into a genuinely scenic setting. It is not as ultra luxurious as the most exclusive Greek island hideaways, but it strikes a strong balance between family practicality and upscale comfort.
Q10. Who is MarBella Corfu not ideal for?
MarBella Corfu is less suited to travelers who dislike large resort environments, those who prioritize walking distance access to bustling village life and nightlife, or guests with significant mobility limitations who would prefer a flat, compact property. It also may not represent the best value for visitors who plan to dine off site most evenings or spend the majority of their time exploring the island rather than using on site facilities included in the all inclusive package.