TUI BLUE Atlantica Grand Mediterraneo Resort

Had a wonderful break to gets some much needed rest and relaxation after being a key worker working through the whole of this pandemic so far. We didn’t originally book this hotel but were due to stay at it’s sister hotel in Nissaki bay, but due to covid this remained closed. After being offered any exchange and researching this hotel we decided to go and what a good choice that was. Ok there are wasps and the hotel is a bit isolated, but if you did you’re research before parting with your hard earned cash you’d know this. Not a shock that all of Corfu has wasps in Sept, it happens every year. However they’re not as aggressive as the ones in the UK, leave them alone and they leave you alone ( plus a bit of citronella helps). If you have a problem with it’s isolated location then maybe it’s not for you, there is a bus outside reception to Corfu old town and car hire located in reception. The hotel itself is looking a little tired but is kept spotlessly clean by a crew up and at it well before most guests rise. The pool is cleaned daily at 7am and I’ve seen it being tested on at least 3 occasions but I don’t know how often this is done. Yes it is a little chilli but jump in and it’s fine. The food is pretty good and I am fussy when it comes to food, deserts are really good. Head chef always on service as is the GM most nights. Do appreciate that this may not be the full on 5* menu and table service that some may have been used too but times as they are this may be the norm for awhile. The hotel has to work within the constraints of Greek law regarding what they can and can’t do, ok there’s no linen on the table and cutlery comes in sealed packs but they’ve relaxed on the dress code to accommodate some of its new clientele. The big selling point in our point of view is not the hotels bricks and mortar, not even its views, as spectacular as they are. It’s there staff. From Sophia who allayed our fears via emails prior to our arrival and who was a wonderful host throughout our stay to Maria who took care of us every day in the restaurant, then Khrystyna(apologies if it’s spelt wrong) who saw to us around by the pool again every day with a smile ( I think so anyway, pesky masks). Nothing seemed to much of a problem for any of the staff, even then hard working evening bar staff. Well done to them all in these hard times for making the best holiday they could for us. Michael and Philomena

We must remember in these uncertain times a true review of a hotel is very hard to write. We feel blessed to have been able to have a holiday in these uncertain times. So lets begin, Check in was smooth and quick and we were taken to our room which was in the main hotel building (we requested a room in the main building prior to arrival) Our room was large with plenty of storage with a large balcony. Room had a tv which we didn't watch as were on holiday. When we stepped out onto the balcony we were blown away by the view. Many a time was spent on the balcony watching the sunset. Large bathroom with a bath and separate very powerful shower. In the room on arrival you will find a little pack which contain, face mask, gloves and hand sanitizer. We couldn't fault the room in anyway. I guess our room probably had the best view of most rooms in the hotel. Mini bar was restocked most days. Pool area was fantastic although the pool was on the very cool side. Plenty of sunbeds in various areas. Sorry but I was the one that got up very early as we loved the 2 beds in the corner with the amazing view. The pool bar staff were brilliant and we never had to wait to long to be served a drink. It must be so hard to be working in the heat wearing a facemask and gloves. A big shout out to the lovely Krystin who always had time for a little chat and was always making sure we had drinks and suggesting cocktails. The bar could get a little busy at times and had quite a few wasps around it. Food was ok nothing spectacular and not that much choice. But you could always find something to eat. And I understand that in theses strange times the menu is slightly limited. I loved that you are greeted on arrival at the restaurant and shown to a table. We had a meal in Culinarium restaurant and we both really enjoyed it. And a lovely touch was a Birthday cake and a bottle of fizz as it was my birthday. The beach was OK and kept clean at all times by the hard working beach man. It's quite stoney getting into the sea so we only used the beach ones. Not the hotels fault that the beach is stoney lol. We had lunch at the beach bar twice. Yes it was a little busy depending on what time you go. But you didn't have to wait long for a table. The portions are huge.. We used the lift once and yes it was a little slow but what's the rush. We also used the buggy service to get to the beach just ask at reception on the way down and on the way back ask the beach bar to call one for you. Such a fun experience zipping up the hill on the back of a buggy. Evening entertainment was umm OK not exactly to our taste. But your not going to this hotel for wild party nights as you would know before booking. Get a drink from the bar and sit on your balcony perfect. I had a treatment at the spa which was just perfect. It was so good I fell asleep. I had the body scrub, wrap, head massage and a body massage well it was my Birthday. Unfortunately due to this covid the sauna,steam room and indoor pool were closed. The hotel had hand sanitizer station and they were in many locations around the hotel. All staff wore masks and gloves. We were half board and upgraded to the drinks package which cost €300 For the 2 off us for 1 week. Best €300 spent well worth the cost. Wasps oh those naughty wasps are a pain but don't let them spoil your holiday you can go buy some bug spray from the hotel shop We did a trip to Corfu town and caught the bus which stops directly outside reception and costs €2.50 each. We got a taxi back and was €35. The staff at the hotel are really going the extra mile at the mo to insure you have the very best possible holiday you can. Remember how lucky you are to be on holiday at the fantastic hotel. So what's the point in moaning and groaning. Enjoy your time. We had a really great holiday. Thank you to all the staff. For my Birthday treats. And most of all for our amazing room 151. Efcharisto poly. X