The background

Corfu consistently rates highly among the most popular Greek islands for UK tourists to spend their summer vacation. The second largest of the Ionian islands, Corfu is known as the Emerald Isle due to its verdant olive groves and cypress trees (but with a far more dependable climate than its namesake), and is the closest of the Greek Islands to Britain at just over three hours from most UK airports. Corfu Old Town is a Unesco World Heritage Site, and the island has a unique historical past and architectural landscape thanks to its Venetian, French and English roots – not to mention the Italian influences on its cuisine, due to its close proximity to the country.

For 2024, SJ Villas is highlighting Corfu’s lesser-explored west coast, having just added a luxury new-build property in the area to its books. The west of Corfu offers a more off-the-beaten-track experience with its hidden sandy beaches, forests and unspoiled scenery. Kayak through crystal-clear waters around Paleokastritsa before making a pit-stop at a natural cave bar, or pay a visit to the family-run Theotoky Estate, with its 300 acres of pine forests, olive groves and vineyards. And if you check into the plush new Villa Monopati this summer, the very best of Corfu is on your doorstep.

The villa

Villa Monopati is located near the pretty village of Pelekas on the west coast of Corfu. The sleek property is freshly built and finished to an exquisite standard. It offers almost 360-degree views of unspoiled coastline and sea, which you can soak up on the spectacular terrace that sweeps the entire front of the villa. This is where you’ll find the highly Instagrammable infinity pool, plus deck chairs and an alfresco relaxation and dining area complete with traditional Greek barbecue. There’s a main house and a guest house, which together sleep up to 11 people. The contemporary design is open plan, with flourishes of modern furniture, quirky artwork and fabrics. On the lower-ground floor is an open-plan home cinema, a spa with Jacuzzi and a chic gym. There’s also a further double suite bedroom, and a single suite that’s perfect for the teenage guest looking for some privacy.

With a concierge at your service and a chef on request, you could easily while away the days relaxing at this gorgeous villa, or perhaps get a taste of authentic Corfu with a visit to nearby Pelekas, where cobbled streets and traditional tavernas are surrounded by sandy beaches and abundant natural beauty. Speaking of which, Corfu is great for the outdoorsy type, offering mountainous hikes, hard-to-reach monasteries and monuments, watersports and boat trips. But we wouldn’t blame you for watching all that from the comfort of Villa Monopati’s infinity pool, glass of wine in hand.

The details

Villa Monopati is available from €21,000 per week. See sjvillas.co.uk for more information and to book.