Aeolos Beach Resort

Guests of the Aeolos Beach Resort are met at the entrance by a minibus and ferried up a winding driveway flanked with stone walls and hedges to the reception. While bright and modern, the lobby's eclectic collection of furniture and plain tiled floors lacks a wow-factor. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook a pleasant wood patio that's built around two pine trees and furnished with plentiful seating. The resort is spread over a wide expanse of land, featuring a main building and several blocks of low-rise bungalows among well-tended gardens. As the complex is set on a steep hill, getting around can get tiring and isn't recommended for those with limited mobility; on the other hand, this means plentiful vantage points from which to soak up the gorgeous sea views. A tunnel at the lower end of the resort also connects directly to a sandy beach with a small jetty. The all-inclusive resort has a wide variety of features that attract both vacationing couples of all ages and families with kids.

The hotel is built on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea on the southeastern coast of Corfu. The location feels pretty secluded, with little dining and nightlife in the immediate surrounds apart from the odd taverna. Just within walking distance (30 to 40 minutes) is the quaint old fishing village of Benitses, which offers a wider range of restaurant and bars. The more bustling city of Corfu, with its UNESCO-designated Old Town and impressive historic buildings, is about a 20-minute drive away. Additionally, a local bus stops just outside the hotel and travels to both Benitses and Corfu. Corfu International Airport -- also known as Ioannis Kapodistrias Airport -- is 15 to 20 minutes away by road.

The various categories of lodging range from regular Double Rooms in the main building to one- and two-bedroom Bungalows that sleep up to four adults. Decor is unfussy, with functional wood furnishings and tile floors, while upgraded rooms have a more sleek and contemporary vibe in a cool gray and blue color scheme. All rooms open to furnished terraces or balconies -- many with superb sea views (some panoramic). Amenities include mini-fridges with free bottled water on arrival, coffee- and tea-making facilities (restocked daily), and flat-screen TVs with cable plus a free in-house English-language movie channel. In-room Wi-Fi is available but it's expensive and there's also a fee to use the safes. Although some bathrooms show a few spots of wear and tear, they are generally clean and well-maintained, equipped with wall-mounted hairdryers, generic toiletries (upgraded rooms have higher-quality toiletries), and either walk-in showers or shower/tub combos. 

Most meals at the Aeolos Beach Resort are served buffet-style in the main Dolphin Restaurant with wall-to-wall windows that provide panoramic sea views; buffets have daily changing themes and feature Greek produce and some live show cooking. An Italian restaurant also provides a lunch buffet of pizza and pasta, and an a la carte eatery extends to a sea-view terrace. Romantic candlelit dining on the beach quay can also be arranged. A total of four bars include a beach bar and the late-night Lagoon bar. Reports are mixed as to food quality, and most guests report dissatisfaction with the pre-mixed cocktails. 

There are two swimming pools: a huge lagoon-style pool featuring an infinity edge and sea panoramas, and a much smaller family-friendly pool with separate kids' section. Guests also have direct access to a sandy beach with free lounge chairs (though despite a no-reservation rule some have complained most are claimed by early morning). For children there are a kids' club, a playground, and a mini-disco, while adult-oriented entertainment includes live music, shows, and traditional dancing. A small spa also provides a sauna and massage treatments, while sports and games facilities include a tennis court, table tennis, and pool tables.

The all-inclusive plan covers buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the main restaurant, a lunch buffet in the Italian restaurant, and one meal per stay at the a la carte restaurant. Unlimited wine, beer, and soft drinks are served by the glass during lunch and dinner in the restaurants. Local alcoholic drinks, including spirits, are covered in the four bars, which also provide snacks and ice cream at certain times. Later-hour drinks in the Lagoon Bar are charged extra. Honeymooners also receive a fruit basket and bottle of wine in their room upon arrival. All sports and games facilities, including the kids' club and tennis court, are included in the all-inclusive rate.