Empress Sissi

The Empress Sissi is perfect for large family groups as divided into 3 separate apartments / suites, each having their own kitchen and sitting room. This means it's perfect for three families as you aren't always on top of each other. The beds were comfortable with nice bedding and the hosts had really thought of everything. The highlight was the pool area which was a fabulous design with little lights that sparkle at night. It's at the back of the house, up a staircase. There was everything you needed including a bar. The benefit of this is for those with children as it's not just on the patio and you can keep them out of it if you want. Benitses itself is a cute little town with a marina and some nice traditional restaurants. You still see the locals sat in the street. The beach is easily accessible from the house, but it's across a main road. The owner's hospitality was beyond expectations, he's around if you need him but not intrusive. The welcome hamper was generous. Would definitely recommend Empress Sissi

This was one of the best luxury villas we have stayed in, with 3 inter-connected units that provided our extended family with the perfect balance of togetherness and privacy. It also had an amazing pool, great not just to cool off during the day but also for hanging out at night, with endlessly fascinating lights that danced in the water like stars. The place was sparkling clean and super well stocked with everything we could possibly need and more, even including some frozen meals cooked by the landlord Petros’ mother!

Petros speaks English fluently and was very friendly and helpful, taking us from and to the airport even as our flights kept changing, giving us great suggestions for sightseeing and restaurants and helping to arrange a really enjoyable trip on a private sailboat. The villa is centrally located minutes from the main town of Kerkira, and a reasonable drive to all the best beaches, villages and other places worth visiting across Corfu, so we were able to see and do a lot while still getting a lot of rest and recreation.

We would happily return to this villa the next time we are in Corfu.

As we were the first family to stay in the newly revamped villa I feel an obligation to do a slightly longer review than normal.

Location:
The villa is 15 minutes south of the airport (10 mins no traffic, 20 mins at rush hour) so perfect for pick-ups if your group is arriving on different flights. It sits on the east coast overlooking the sea and just outside Benitses which just happens to be one of the nicest villages we visited, with a small beach, lots of life and plenty of shops and great tavernas. The best beaches are on the west side but our favourite was only a 26 min drive along an easy road door to sand.

The villa:
It has seven bedrooms but is actually divided into three self contained apartments each with their own kitchen and living space. Two apartments are mirror images and contain three beds and two bathrooms. The third is a one bed apartment. You can open it up to be one huge villa or separate into three if different members of your group want privacy so wonderfully flexible.

The pool:
This is a highlight. We were the first to use it but the whole pool area is simply stunning. The pool is just the right size for a decent swim and equally perfect for playing or relaxing. It is set in a stone terrace with open shower, really comfortable sunbeds, plenty of shades and a separate sundeck. There is also a dining table on the terrace if you want to eat there. The terrace itself is elevated at the rear of the villa with commanding views over the sea towards the Greek mainland. Simple heaven.

Amenities:
There are lots. Parking for I would say four cars. A outdoor but shaded balcony with two more dining tables, BBQ, fully equipped kitchens, TVs, air conditioning, games console, electric piano. Bedrooms and bathrooms are all lovely with classy toiletries and towels provided.

Internet:
Fast enough to stream a HD movie but the great thing about it is the mesh wifi which means you can wander around the whole property and even out to the pool area and your device will keep connecting to the nearest wifi point.

Security:
The property is gated which is probably all you need to know - but each apartment also has high security locks and there are safes in each too.

The owner:
Saved the best until last. Petros has invested significantly in the property and clearly takes a pride in his service and really wants you to have a good time. He is really trying to make sure guests have the perfect holiday and you can tell each visitor experience will be better than the one before as he continues to make improvements. He is not at all intrusive but when he advertises 24/7 concierge service that is what he means. I communicated with him via Facebook Messenger and he usually responded within a few minutes, with help and advice or offers to book restaurants etc etc. No problem was too small. Our welcome included a well stocked fridge and samples of local delicacies. He even did our first shop for us as we settled. Can't recommend him highly enough.

Conclusion:
Having never booked a villa before I don't have anything to compare this experience with but it was perfect for our family of eight