Your most asked questions, answered

Design-wise, the Summer Houses are clean, and airy, without any over-the-top design frills. Showers only here, no baths, but that wasn’t an issue for us. The location is incredibly handy: just a few steps to a swimming pool, a stone’s throw from the beach, and around a five-minute stroll to the restaurants. For families who prefer a more traditional feel, the Country Houses surround the main square – so you’re right in the heart of the action, close to dining and evening entertainment (note: it can be a little livelier at night). Meanwhile, those with an eye for artful design and a sense of privacy should consider the Yucca Residence at the top of the resort. These rooms feel like a well-kept secret, with a beautifully designed pool right outside – technically shared with all guests, but we’d hazard a bet most people staying don’t know it’s there! 

In my opinion, I’d use it much more as a come-and-go setup than a full-day kids’ club, but with so much else to do in the grounds I don’t think this is a negative. Beyond the club, Costa Botanica really comes into its own. There are endless chances to do things together, from tennis and padel to wandering the mini farm with its donkeys, geese and horses, or tackling the giant chess board. Evenings had a lovely buzz too, with mini discos, cinema screenings and table tennis / foosball dotted around for older kids. We especially loved the communal feel after dark, with kids easily making friends as they darted happily between candy floss and popcorn stands, movies and dancing 

Drinks-wise, they’ve got it covered – Hugo spritz, Bellinis, mojitos, margaritas and excellent virgin piña coladas (my personal favourite), alongside recognisable spirits like Bombay, Gordon’s and Bacardi. Smoothies, milkshakes and ice creams cater well to vegans, and there are ice-cream and crêperie stations dotted around. Dinner at the buffet feels like one enormous mezze you eat your way through – rainbow-hued salads, dips and vegetables piled high, unapologetically Greek, with pizza and pasta quietly available for tiny travellers. No random international dishes here, which I loved – you really feel where you are, especially on fiesta nights in the square when spit-fired lamb takes centre stage. You get one visit to each of the four à la carte restaurants per stay, and Asiana was our standout, with incredible sushi and duck pancakes, while Tavernaki – the traditional taverna – delivered on every level with spinach & feta pies, octopus, aubergine dip and exemplary Greek salads. Starters are designed for sharing, followed by a small, confident menu of mains and puddings. We didn’t make it to the Italian or fine-dining restaurant this time, but overall the food at Costa Botanica feels heartfelt, local and deeply rooted in place – like being welcomed into a Greek grandmother’s home rather than dining somewhere overly fancy or fussy

Away from the waterpark, the main pool overlooking the sea was another favourite, with wide, shallow steps that doubled as the perfect play spot for little ones, plus a dedicated baby pool alongside. There are more pools dotted around the resort too, including one just outside the Summer Houses with a generous shallow shelf, and a quieter, tucked-away pool near the Yucca rooms that felt like a secret discovery on our final days. While none of the pools are heated, we visited in early June and found the water beautifully warm, and although the 10am opening time tested my water-loving kids’ patience, once we were in, it was hard to drag them out. With so many swim options spread across the resort, we never struggled to find a peaceful corner, even at busier times

What else is there for adults?

I’ll admit it, I didn’t actually get the chance to road test the spa while we were there, which feels borderline criminal in hindsight, but I did manage to properly check out the gym, and honestly, it more than made up for it. This is not one of those half-hearted hotel gyms either. It’s a large, well-designed space with all the cardio and weight equipment you’d expect, plus a seriously cool boxing ring right in the centre that instantly raises the bar. Off to the side there’s a dedicated reformer Pilates studio where you can book classes for an extra fee, and it all feels very luxe. Outside, there’s an additional fitness area with TRX stations and bikes. The hotel also offers complimentary yoga, beach volleyball and water polo, and while I didn’t personally try them, it’s nice to know the options are there. Beyond fitness, there’s even a cultural programme with traditional cooking and crafting classes, which adds another layer of adult-friendly experiences that go beyond just lying by the pool 

If you’re looking for a gorgeous Greek getaway that truly works for families without the eye-watering price tag, GRECOTEL Costa Botanica is a brilliant choice. From the moment you arrive, it feels different: instead of towering hotel blocks, the resort is laid out like a traditional Greek village, with low-rise ochre-toned homes, winding paths, flowers everywhere and a relaxed, authentic charm. I’ve always been wary of big resorts, but travelling with two little ones who hate car seats completely changed my mind- Costa Botanica delivers that “real Greece” feel while making family life easy

A few honest notes: rooms are spacious and practical rather than ultra-luxe, the Kids Club is small and low-key, service is warm but sometimes unhurried, and while the beach is nice it’s not one of the best in Greece. That said, the lively beach club – with music, day beds, cocktails and ice cream – goes a long way to make up for it. I get asked *alot* how it compares to Ikos, and to be honest this is a very different holiday: far more affordable, intentionally traditional, and focused on village-style Greek living rather than glossy modern luxury

If you want the best of both worlds, Costa Botanica pairs perfectly with a few nights at GRECOTEL Corfu Imperial, one of Europe’s most exclusive hotels (think a similar level to Sani). Start with waterslides and family fun, then finish with world-class dining, design and service, what more could you want? 

Themes: Where to go when by month, with kids, The Family Friendly European Edit, 

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