The Hellenic white and blues of the Greek flag have been interpreted to represent the colours of the land and sea, the nine stripes also said to symbolize the nine muses with the blue canton on the upper left-side bearing a white cross symbolising Eastern Orthodox Christianity–the prevailing religion.  This is why, therefore, when one thinks of Greece–sun, sea and sand conjure up images of a relaxing luxury getaway. Yet with a high winter rainfall, the Ionian islands located on the west coast of the country with their lush green landscape offer so much more than a sunbathe and cocktail vacation, none more so than a stay in the Courti Estate in the Greek Island of Corfu.

With a history of occupation by a variety of empires including the Ottomans, the Venetians and even the British, Corfu has much to offer the visitor, especially in the way of alternative luxury.  Here we discover the ancient Venetian estate of Courti, located on a hilltop overlooking the quaint fishing village of Messonghi along the south east coast of the island.

A home away from home

Ascending the sweeping driveway of the estate, the first thing that touches your senses are the plethora of plants and flowers on either side of you in all hues, yet it’s when you come to rest at the gated entrance that you breath will be taken away–with views across the Ionian sea to the mainland and the stillness punctuated only by the wind in the olive trees or the occasional chattering magpie vying for attention, you’ll need to pause to drink in what’s been popularly coined ‘The Courti Effect’.  In fact, fans of technology may check their Apple watches and find their heart rate has lowered somewhat.

With nine suites and ten acres of ancient olive groves, Courti is an 18^th century Venetian estate with a central Manor house where one of the suites is located along with a dressing room, study and living area.  The surrounding farm buildings and workshops have been lovingly converted into luxury accommodation with exposed stone archways to really make you feel as if you’re Lord of the Manor.  The original Olive Press now houses the kitchen and open plan dining and living area with floor to ceiling windows offering views across the estate and down to the 100sq meter infinity pool. Yet despite its obvious no expense barred, there’s no snobbery here.  The genuine Greek philoxenia–kindness to all–exudes from Courti’s pores, making it an ideal place to create lasting memories, whether that be a birthday or anniversary celebration, or wedding.

The Courti Wedding

Discretely tucked into the courtyard sits a private chapel.  Courti is a popular destination to host a wedding and with average temperatures in Corfu ranging from 23 C in the spring, rising to 27-31 C in the summer, taking your vows accompanied by your friends surrounded by beautiful scenery and the country sounds, followed by the ring of the bell tower makes for a magical environment.

Brides can prepare themselves in the Manor House, which in itself sets the scene for the magic to follow with its custom made spiral staircase to (carefully!) descend, or the Romeo and Juliet style Venetian balcony to throw the bouquet from afterwards. Courti can remove any strain of your special day by taking care of all the arrangements including catering, music and gastronomy–be sure to contact them to discuss your needs.

Gastronomy & Sustainable Luxury

Indeed, Gastronomy is one of Courti’s specialties.  With its sustainable farm to table concept, Courti strongly believes in nurturing the environment by promoting zero waste and using no pesticides on their farm. Their vegetable garden uses compost sourced from the nearby horse riding school, free-range chickens provide the freshest of eggs and Courti’s very own olive oil is produced at the local mill after the olives are hand picked from the trees during harvesting season in November and December–indeed, a unique time to stay and experience this at the Estate.  Hence the ‘cycle of life’ is not merely paid lip service, you’ll experience this at Courti from the fact that food scraps are used to feed the resident cats who see off any snakes and also feed the chickens to seeing the benefits as the natural habitat for previously dying species such as hedgehogs and bumble bees flourish again.

The resident cook–Liliana who, so long as she has notice can prepare many dishes, lunches and dinners.  Her moussaka and fresh green salads are legendary, and there’s always food in the fridge to help yourself to, the atmosphere at Courti is to promote a feeling of being a home away from home, not a stifling restricted time table.

If you’re looking to eat locally, the fishing village of Messonghi is a mere 5 minute walk from the Estate and offers a variety of local tavernas, also providing insight into local village life. One thing’s for sure–you won’t go hungry during your stay.

Private rental and corporate retreat

So who would choose to vacation in such a place?  Its size makes it perfect for an extended family get away or groups of friends, and the 10 acres of grounds and hidden spots to explore means you never feel on top of one another.  Time alone to decompress followed by getting together for your evening meal makes for a perfect typical day.

Courti also makes an excellent venue for a corporate retreat.  With a projector screening directly onto the wall in the living/dining area and strong wi-fi throughout the property and outside in the grounds, why not utilise this exceptional location to generate unique ideas for the benefit of your company, followed by quality downtime both on site and locally.

Experiences

New to the Courti are Experience weeks, allowing for solo travel and like-minded individuals to come together for retreats such as the Beaches of Corfu where guests can explore hidden coves and the famous Halikounas Beach–located near Lake Korission where endangered species of birds and flamingos flourish.

Or if it’s local flavour you wish to discover, take part in a Corfu Wine Tasting and Gastronomy Experience  where a celebrity chef cooks traditional Corfiot meals and a visit to the local olive oil mill shows you how Courti’s own olives are made into the freshest olive oil.

Have an idea for your own retreat or experience? Don’t hesitate to contact The Courti Estate to discuss.

History and glorious beaches await you in Corfu–sustainable luxury, peace and lasting memories are created at the Courti Estate.  Whether for family vacation, luxury experience, wedding or corporate retreat, there’s nothing the unique team cannot cater to and it’s a place ready to welcome you with the Greek philoxenia.