GRECOTEL LUXME COSTA BOTANICA

We’ll get onto this a few questions down, but Costa Botanica truly is a *wonderland* for water-lovers. Alongside the actually rather gorgeous waterpark, there’s plenty of dry-land fun for families too

The Kids Club here is a deliciously low-key affair. A small playroom off the side of the waterpark, it operates on a drop-in, no-reservations needed basis. Kids aged 4 and older are welcome to be left under the supervision of the expert staff, but parents are welcome to stay and play with all ages. Activities include: visit to the sweet mini farm a few steps away (home to a white horse, donkeys, deer & geese), painting, garden tours around the botanical veg patch, arts & crafts and face painting. It’s open every day from 10 am to 6 pm. Babysitters can also be booked to accompany Tiny Travellers younger than 4

Alongside the aforementioned mini farm, there’s a giant chess board, snooker, foosball & table tennis sprinkled around the resort, as well as tennis & padel courts and a raft of watersports on offer (for an additional fee). There’s also two small swings next to the adults outdoor gym

Babysitters can be booked with prices starting at 30 euros per hour for one child or 45 euros for two children from 8am – midnight, and 40 euros per hour for one child or 65 euros for two children from midnight – 2 am

Grecotel sure knows how to make parent’s lives easier when it comes to packing. Across their hotels you’ll find their genius GrecoBaby service which provides all the essential equipment you need for travelling with tinies (some is complimentary and some is chargeable). This includes: cots, bedrails, baby baths, toilet seats, potties, changing mats, bouncy chairs, bottle sterilizers, prams and baby monitors. The only thing not available is nappy bins – so make sure to pack poo bags

As Costa Botanica is located in a beautiful nature reserve there are mosquitos about. A family-friendly spray is provided in all rooms, but you may wish to also bring your own

Plentiful and beautiful!

Starting with the waterpark: here you’ll find a shallow splash pool with mini flume, 2 small slides and ‘clown sprinkler’. Next to this is the incredible lazy river (where floats are handily provided). On the other side are the grown up waterslides – which parents will be happy to know do not have age restrictions and usage of these is completely down to parental discretion (under 7s just can’t use them alone). There’s also another swim spot here, and all are surrounded with plenty of sun loungers. It’s easy to spend to the whole day here without leaving this part of the resort – as there’s a small buffet and drinks station for lunch, as well as unlimited (and of course complimentary!) ice cream and crepes

The main pool overlooks the twinkling sea and comes complete with shallow steps, wide enough for little bums to sit on and play with toys. Just next to this is a dedicated baby pool. There’s a bar just behind this pool, and lounger service which starts at 10.30am

Outside of both the Summer Houses and the Yucca Residence you’ll find another pool. While these are very handily located for these guests (just outside their rooms!), they’re available for everyone to use. There’s a large shallow shelf on the pool outside of the Summer Houses, as well as another baby pool. There’s no lounger service here, but there is a help-yourself station with water, soft drinks and beer. The pool outside the Yucca Residence feels the most serene – tucked away in the top corner of the resort

There is also an adults only pool in the spa at an extra charge

All pools are open 10am-6pm with the waterpark closed on Sundays. Aside from the indoor spa pool none of the swim spots are heated (though we visited the first week of June and found them to be delightfully warm)

Evenings center around the village square at Costa Botanica, with the a la carte restaurants surrounding the sides. There’s a sweet mini disco and evening cinema screenings (complete with popcorn and candy floss)

Guests are encouraged to advise the hotel in advance of any allergies, they will then be met at check in by someone from the F&B team who can walk them around the buffet and the a la carte menus (it’s worth knowing there aren’t allergen signs out for guests to see)

Special meals can be made to order in the main kitchen, but not at the ones by the pool or waterpark – so the team can work with guests to order meals in advance if you’d like to eat outside of the main buffet restaurant for lunch

There’s plenty of dairy-free milk across the bars, a vegan ice cream and dairy-free smoothies and cocktails on the drinks menu. Gluten-free bread & pancakes can be made at breakfast

Costa Botanica is one of Grecotel’s LUXME All Inclusive concepts, with a commitment to showcasing authentic Corfiot food. Guests are welcome to dine at the buffet for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, alongside one visit to each of the 4 la carte restaurants per trip

Asiana Restaurant – an al fresco dining destination right in the heart of the lively main square. Expect Asian food live cooked by chefs with fresh sushi selections

Tavernaki – a contemporary style ‘taverna’ with moreish meze and locally-led dishes, again right on the main square

Nonna’s – located next to the swimming pool with beautiful sea views, here you’ll find Italian-inspired salads & small bites throughout the day & pizzas and pastas at night

Botanica Fine Dining – expect an exquisite & elevated spin on farm-to-fork fare at the resort’s most gastronomic restaurant (12+)

You’ll also find a small buffet, snacks & ice cream in the Aqua Park, various ice cream and creperie stations sprinkled around, a patisserie & chocolaterie in the lobby and Cava Bottega wine cellar – and yes, tastings are included in the LUXME Concept too!

The Main restaurant is open from 07:30 to 10:30, 12:30 to 14:30, 18:30 t0 21:30. While the a la carte restaurants are open 19:00 to 21:00