Having originally booked our family holiday for August 2020, a year later we were watching the traffic lights closely and were delighted as Greece remained on the UK’s amber list. It looked like our long-awaited trip really was going to happen.
Ruth had been recommended to us by my sister, who had just booked what she also thought would be her 2020 holiday and was delighted with Ruth’s focus on getting the right hotel for them.
With travel currently very different, Ruth was keen to hear and share our experience...
We had decided on Corfu and had originally picked the Grecotel Dassia, which pre Covid had appeared to tick all our boxes but disappointingly when we arrived, it didn’t fully suit our needs. I contacted Ruth and within a couple of hours, she had us moved to the Grecotel Imperial where the hotel and staff ensured the rest of our holiday was seamless.
Travelling to Greece was easy, there was no quarantine, either way. We weren’t required to do an outward PCR test and the Passenger Locator Form was simple to complete.
We flew from Stansted, which as expected in August was busy. There didn’t seem to be much social distancing, but people were generally wearing masks. The check-in process is obviously now taking longer, and some patience is needed here.
Even though the outward flight was full, we felt very comfortable with all crew wearing face coverings and ensuring that passengers were too.
On arrival in Corfu, we were picked out of the queues due to travelling with our small children, making it a much quicker experience (thanks kids!).
Ruth had organised an essential private transfer, with a mask-wearing driver who whisked us away and had us at the resort in no time.
After our initial setback, we couldn’t wait to explore the beautiful 5* Grecotel Imperial, located on a peninsula and surrounded by water.
Although full, the hotel felt quite spacious and with people being aware of personal space, it was great to not feel like we were all on top of each other.
We had been booked into the Boschetto Junior Family Suite with interconnecting rooms, which were excellent with garden views and perfect for us.
Gloves were supplied when eating in the buffet restaurant, and masks are also available throughout the hotel and outside all eateries.
We particularly enjoyed the French restaurant, Aristos; great for a special occasion. And the Yali seafood restaurant is on a deck above the water with superb views of the twinkling lights of the town.
Staff all wore masks and were very friendly, ensuring we were well looked after at all times and helping to create a relaxed ambiance.
A €60 per person, a PCR test was required in time for the return flight and this could be done at the hotel. Filling out the return forms for arrival back in UK was straightforward and although we needed to book a Day 2 test, there was no quarantine on arrival.
All in all, a fantastic holiday arranged by Ruth, who has completely earned my loyalty for going ‘above and beyond’ when we experienced our hiccup and I’ve already recommended her to other family and friends.
There will be no more staycations for us, thank you, Ruth.
The Swimer Family
August 2021
