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Testimonials

 

Phil

We fell in love with Aurora 6 years ago, and we have been meaning to return ever since. Now in 2021, we feel the same way. Our first timer friends and family all said the same thing as we did as we walked around the property - "Wow!!" Aurora truly is a home from home - comfortable, spacious and well equipped, all with the bonus of its fabulous location. Of course, many have mentioned the wonderful views, the excellent pool, and the many tavernas within easy reach of the villa. I could add that the villa seems to be as well managed and maintained as before. The owner Charles has made some improvements since our first visit, such as protective gates at the top of the steps down to the pool and the staircase, and insect screens around the outside seating area. Charles is very approachable and fair. The coronavirus booking conditions and the reviews from previous guests affected by travel restrictions gave us confidence to book almost a year ago. The rental price for this substantial, high quality villa compares well with the prices I have seen quoted for cottages in the UK. The people of Corfu, and especially Avlaki and San Stefano were so welcoming and friendly. Come here, and you will have a comfortable, stress free and happy holiday - especially if you take the evening boat taxi to Taverna Agni at least once.

Dave, Judy and Family

We have just returned from wonderful Villa Aurora after 2 weeks staying in this stunning villa with breath-taking views, super pool and so very peaceful, what more could we ask for. Our party consisted of seven with ages ranging from 10 to 70. This beautiful villa and its wonderful grounds meant everyone could find their own space if needed, so if two families wanted to holiday together, Villa Aurora has more than enough space.

When we arrived (beginning of August) It certainly was very hot for those first few days, but the villa is so well positioned there is always a lovely breeze, which makes relaxing so much more comfortable, and with a fantastic sized pool it was very hard to drag ourselves away from our temporary home at the beginning of our holiday.

We very soon felt relaxed and chilled, which was much needed after such a difficult year. Charles is very informative and suggested some wonderful restaurants which were not far from the villa. We travelled to them by car, but it is possible to walk to the two at Avalki. Our three favourites were Eucalyptus, Cavo Barbaro, and Galini, where the quality of food and service were excellent, also Kerasia Taverna, but to be honest we never had a bad meal in any of them. We ate outside each time, and I must say that, in these unprecedented times, all restaurants were very COVID aware and had hand sanitisers available with the waiting staff wearing masks. We also enjoyed several cocktails at the Wave bar to finish off the evenings, what more could we ask for, each one had such wonderful views.

However, we had quite a few Villa Aurora BBQs, again with views to die for, wonderful kebabs, sausages and steak purchased from the local supermarket, order what you want and pick up the next day you will not be disappointed with the quality. Another added bonus and top marks to Charles is the recently added insect screens, around the dining veranda which were a real godsend and such a brilliant idea. This allowed us to eat our meals without any visits from the wasps, and yet still with that alfresco feeling.

There are numerous places near to the villa where you can hire boats for the day. We hired from SQ TIRIS in Agios Stefanos visiting beaches from Kassiopi round to Barbati, super swimming from the boat, fantastic scenery, we thoroughly enjoyed sunbathing on those very quiet beaches which most of the time we had to ourselves. Also, a big thank you to Natushka & Yiannis who look after the villa and Natushka was there to greet us on arrival. Throughout our stay they were very informative and helpful, and a big thank you also to the cleaning staff who did such a brilliant job at keeping the villa spotless. The ‘Welcome pack’ was very much appreciated after such an early start from the UK.

This has been our first visit to Corfu, and in these unprecedented times we probably did not venture as far as we would usually have done, however the villa is so appealing and well equipped we did not want to leave. We were recommended to try and stay somewhere towards the north end of the island, and by what we have seen, we think this was excellent advice as it is so beautiful. What a way to spend my husband’s big-numbered birthday!!!!!

Finally, a big thank you to Charles and Elspeth for letting us stay at your beautiful Villa, and also for being so understanding from the very beginning in these difficult travelling times. We really have appreciated your kindness and professionalism especially when we had to change dates at the last minute. So, to sum up we really cannot recommend this villa enough. We have stayed at numerous villas over the years, and, in our opinion, this is up at the top with our other favourite. We hope to return again soon.

Claire

We have just got back from an excellent week in Corfu staying in Villa Aurora. Given the uncertainty and complications of Covid, Charles could not have been more helpful as we organised and planned for our stay, answering our many questions very promptly. He went above and beyond what we expected - for example we had been told before booking that the pool heating would be off as we were going late in the year, but because Greek covid rules tightened up in the week before we went, Charles organised for the heating to be put on as we may have needed to be in the villa and using the pool more. This thoughtfulness and desire for people to enjoy their holiday is reflected in every aspect of the villa which is very comfortable and incredibly well equipped. Cleaners came in twice while we were there and Natushka, the house manager could not have been more helpful. Charles gave us a lot of good suggestions of what to do before we left, and there were more ideas in the villa booklet. The location of the villa was excellent - right in the heart of some of the prettiest villages on Corfu, a short walk to the beach and an excellent taverna, but secluded with wonderful views. We were glad we had a car to explore and enjoy the area, and hired a boat from a village 5 minutes away for two of the days.

Debbie

We loved everything about our stay in this beautiful Villa. The Villa is supremely comfortable with everything you could possibly want for your stay. The pool is fabulous - big enough for the adults to swim and yet brilliant for the children. The views across to Albania are stunning - absolutely mesmerising. The location was ideal for us with a very well stocked supermarket a short drive away.

Christine

An absolutely stunning villa and the location was perfect for getting away from the hustle, bustle and stress of everyday life. The villa itself is stunning and the pool area is beautiful. The rooms are spacious and air conditioning in the bedrooms was welcome. The outdoor eating area was perfect as in the shade most of the day and the insect screens made sitting and eating very comfortable. The local supermarket were great for deliveries and as it was our choice not to hire a car this proved to be invaluable. We took the decision to use local taxis as our holiday mantra was a complete getaway from everything.......we certainly achieved that and recharged our batteries in this secluded and beautiful location.

Rosemary & Family

Villa Aurora couldn't have been more perfect for our 16, 18 & 19 year old kids and their friends post exams and gap year. This was a very special holiday for us, and the villa worked perfectly for social group living with the open plan kitchen lounge, plentiful space around the pool and generous sized bedrooms. There are so many thoughtful and homely details that are just so welcoming from the stocked fridge (cold bottled water and beer particularly appreciated) and extra cushions for the sun loungers. The lavender scent is just divine in the evenings and the combination of the cultivated shrubs and olive groves allows for a lovely, gentle, not over curated outdoor space. I could write an essay on how much we loved so much of Aurora.

We had 3 wonderful meals out 2 at Cavo Barbaro in Avlaki where we loved walking down and and back along the track and 1 at Tavernaki in Kassiopi where the kids continued to their big night out without problems at all returning back in a taxi at 3am.  Also an excellent day out with San Stefano boats (though fuel was a bit more than expected!). Many thanks to Charles for such an easy booking process and help and advice and Natushka and her husband in Corfu as a reassuring presence on the ground if we needed them. Aurora made our kids talk and laugh together and put their phones down! And did I say about the views.....?! Stunning and the morning and evening light beautiful. The bar has been set extremely high with Aurora, we are now waiting for our kids to all get jobs and treat US to a return visit! Thank you Charles and Elspeth for sharing your gorgeous secret corner of Corfu.

Craig

Our 3rd time staying at this wonderful property, and we still love everything about it. The villa provided an ideal setting for our holiday with a young family. Everything from the breath-taking views, the gorgeous gardens and pool, spacious accommodation, well-appointed kitchen and many home comforts was appreciated by all. The recent addition of the retractable insect-screens is a very welcome addition, making evenings dining out on the terrace even more pleasurable. We continue to find lots of things to do in the area, suitable for all ages, which keep us wishing to come back. Glorious beaches and a wealth of food and drink options being an obvious highlight. Thank you Charles and Elspeth for making our stay so comfortable. We have many wonderful memories from our times at Aurora.

Kate

I was in a party of 7 adults staying at Villa Aurora this summer. We had a great relaxing time by the pool and reading on the various balconies, all with great views of Albania and the ferries and yachts sailing up and down between Corfu and the mainland. There's a large outdoor eating and lounging area which is fully enclosed by flyscreens which kept the bugs away when we were eating, and this area also has the views of Albania. Fascinating to see the lights at night too. There was an indoor dining room as well but we didn't use that - I suppose that's more for spring or autumn visits. The kitchen is very well appointed (even cling film in the drawer and olive oil in the cupboard!) as well as loads of glasses, crockery and cooking utensils should you need them. Coffee machine & teapot of course. Most evenings we ate out in the recommended tavernas - we particularly liked Agios Stephanos (tried several restaurants & bars there), Kassiopi and we walked down the track to a great taverna in Avlaki. Avlaki beach is stoney but with beautifully clear water & we drove to a lovely sandy beach the other side of Kassiopi All the bedrooms have their own bathroom and air-con & the bed was very comfortable. Screens on all the bedroom windows too to keep the bugs out. The cleaners came twice (maybe three times?) a week - I was on holiday, I can't recall, but fresh towels etc were plentiful and the villa was spotless when we arrived. In summary, a great holiday in a lovely villa - I would recommend it!

Matthew

We stayed for a week in August. The party comprised six adults and two children. The house is very well designed and there are amazing views from terraces and bedrooms of the coast. Excellent beaches are within a few minutes drive as are good tavernas and well stocked "supermarkets". The pool is of a good size and is well maintained. If there are any problems, the local caretaker deals with them swiftly and efficiently. The owner is responsive and helpful. The consensus of the party was that this was a rare holiday villa that we would like to return to.

Fiona

Villa Aurora is in a peaceful location above the bay with views of the hills and mountains and sea. The villa has a good-sized pool and lovely gardens. Great for families with en-suite facilities in bedrooms and air con too. Comfortable and clean. Friendly owner with lots of great taverna recommendations and local knowledge. Would highly recommend this lovely villa for a great stay in Kassiopi area of Corfu.

David

We have stayed at Villa Aurora four times now. We originally chose it because it was near to one of our favourite beaches, Avlaki. If I'm being honest, the more we stay there, the more we enjoy it. Charles and Elspeth are the best hosts, they care which is more than can be said for other owners. An example of this was during our most recent visit, there was a problem with the thermostat which controlled the hot water, and the maintenance team sorted it out the same day. The villa is spacious and comfortable. It has a very nice ensuite main bedroom with views over Albania. The others are all ensuite, just one without a shower. There is an amazing balcony which runs round the entire first floor. The living area is very comfortable with a very functional kitchen, everything you could possibly need. Wi-Fi also is good which is a bonus. There is also a study and a dining room. Outside is the most amazing terrace area with a comfortable settee and drinks table, also a large dining table. Charles has surrounded this terrace with mosquito netting which although it doesn't affect the view, it keeps all the bugs out. Great for evening drinks!! Outside is a lovely patio area and swimming pool, also a BBQ which we've used many times. Also very spacious and comfortable. Villa Aurora is so well placed - it is a short drive from the bustling Agios Stefanos where you will find some nice restaurants and Damianos Bar which is great for pre or post dinner drinks (also shows most PL games!!), it is also not far from Kassiopi with it's beautiful harbour, bars and restaurants. Also as I said earlier, Avlaki is down the road, a lovely beach and a superb taverna, Cavo Barbaro. A couple of tips - make sure you always book restaurants (even for lunch) as otherwise you will be disappointed. Charles has a villa manual with all the restaurant info in it which is very useful. We like Eucalyptus, Galini and Kochili in Agios Stefanos, Petrino and Tavernaki in Kassiopi and sometimes we get a boat from Agios Stefanos to Agni where you can eat at Taverna Agni or Toulas (Toula's spicy prawns are amazing).  Both very nice indeed.

Robin and Davina

Charles couldn’t have been more helpful before our holiday. The Villa was very comfortable and extremely well equipped, particularly the kitchen. The pool was lovely and very peaceful. Great to be able to walk to the beach and local restaurants. We had great fun listening to the library of vintage cd’s. The wine fridge was great to have. Local shop was excellent and couldn’t have been friendlier. We were thankful for the screen around the terrace, bug and wasp free mealtimes were a luxury indeed. We would definitely return to this Villa.

Dave and Debbie

With a private, secluded, hillside location overlooking stunning views of the sea and the Albanian coastline, Villa Aurora was the ideal holiday home for our first trip to this lovely Greek island The villa is very spacious, clean, with a large well equipped open plan kitchen, comfy beds, air con and a choice of inside and outside social areas. We particularly liked the large outside terrace area that had easy to use mosquito netting that didn’t restrict the views, allowing us to play cards and board games around a large table well in to the warm evenings The outdoor heated pool is a good size, well maintained, with a nice poolside seating area for the perfect lazy chill out day in the sun The owner of the villa Charles, gave very helpful information regarding a good choice of walks, beaches, shops and friendly Taverna locations both local and within a 20 minute car journey All in all a great holiday experience so would highly recommend Villa Aurora

We have stayed at the wonderful Villa Aurora many times, and can highly recommend it.

The location is perfect -very peaceful yet within easy reach of great restaurants and shops.

The villa is equipped to the highest standards and beautifully maintained, with lovely gardens and a fantastic pool.

Together with the amazing views - Perfect!

Jen, Cheltenham August 2019

Villa Aurora is beautiful villa in a stunning setting not far from Avlaki Bay. We stayed as a family of five and we thought it was perfect.

The villa is exceedingly well appointed, with everything you might need for a family holiday. The kitchen has everything you might need to cook up a delicious meal, and there is also barbeque by the pool side which we was fantastic for eating al fresco. There is a dishwasher and washing machine which was a definite bonus.

During the day we spent a great deal of our time in the pool, or relaxing on sun loungers. We also went down into Avlaki and hired kayaks to explore the bay. We also hired a motor boat and took a trip down the coast line passed the Rothschild Estate, and saw The White House (The Durrells) from the sea.

Inside, the air conditioning keeps the villa wonderfully cool over the summer months. The villa is kept clean and is beautifully maintained by the wonderful staff who will visit twice a week to service the villa. Throughout our stay, we were supplied with fresh linen and towels twice weekly.

Clair, Shipston on Stour, July 2019

What a wonderful property in a fabulous location - just idyllic for a great holiday with friends.  The house and grounds are of a very high standard with lovely views across the water towards Albania.  Pool is a perfect size for swimming those lengths to work up an appetite for a great dinner, either at the house, or at one of the many privately owned restaurants nearby - hard to choose which one to go to as they are all delicious.

The layout of the house works well with various areas for sitting, dining, chatting with friends or finding a secluded corner to read your book.
Will definitely return for another fabulous holiday - thank you.

Karen, Cookham, May 2019

The villa is an extremely attractive, large and comfortable home, set in a wonderful location.  The views are stunning.  The villa has an array of different places to socialise; areas so large everyone can chat and hang together, off set by little secluded areas for quiet reading or a cheeky nap!

The villa worked very well for us as we had three generations all together to celebrate my father’s 80th birthday.  My parents needed the high level of comfort and privacy which the luxurious rooms offered and my children, now teenagers loved the swimming pool, table tennis and still having reliable Wi-Fi so they didn’t lose touch with their friends. (Although there was so much to do, that they used their devices infrequently, this was great.)

The villa was very well equipped for eating in, with loads of space to eat alfresco or cozy up inside. We used the BBQ on a few occasions and stayed up late playing cards into the night.  We went to a lot of nice eateries but particularly enjoyed brunches, lunches and evening meals at Cavo Barbaro at Avlaki beach.

The cleaner came in twice a week, a real luxury, we always returned to find the place looking immaculate and beds all beautifully made, with clean bath and pool towels. The pool is a good size, and suited all, from energetic morning swim to cooling off dips and lazing around on a lilo.  It was always beautifully clean and looked fabulous lit up at night. We enjoyed all the beaches we went to, finding a great sandy beach not too far away and at Avlaki beach we all had fun using the villa’s kayaks which are housed at the sailing school. The children went out fishing for the day (a little expensive) but it was enormous fun and they returned with food for the night!
Kate & Glyn Brown, July 2019

Ann W.

We had a brilliant two weeks in this lovely property - we had high hopes from the photos and description, and it surpassed them. Everything is of really good quality: the kitchen is brilliantly equipped, with high quality fridge, oven, cutlery and crockery, sharp knives etc (so easy and obvious to provide but so often missing from holiday rental properties) and everything else you would expect.

The bedrooms were lovely, and the showers had great water pressure. And the air-conditioning worked perfectly throughout. The pool and the area around it was brilliant; and the outdoor eating and lounging space was ideal for the eight of us (2 adults and 6 late teens). Everything is all beautifully maintained - we didn't realise that a cleaner came three times a week, which was a real treat, and a gardener/pool man came regularly too.

The villa is in a great location: beautiful views, 10 min walk (steep downhill - so uphill on the way back) to Avlaki beach, with a couple of nice restaurants; under 10 mins drive into Kassiopi, with more restaurants, boat hire and the usual tourist shops; and only a few mins drive to Yannis supermarket, the best stocked supermarket I've ever come across! He'll deliver food to your villa so that it's there on arrival, which is lovely after a long flight: and you can order kebabs, butterflied lamb etc for the BBQ in the morning and pick it up in the afternoon. All in all I cannot recommend this lovely property highly enough - it is every bit as good as it looks, and Charles is a pleasure to deal with. We have already booked for next year. The weather in mid July, just in case you want to know: 12 days of blue skies and sunshine, temp between 31 and 35 degrees; two consecutive days rather overcast.

Charles J.

We had a fantastic 3 week stay in this villa and are already planning our next visit. I cannot recommend more highly.

Our grown up children joined us with our grandchildren and this house suited us all perfectly. Every home comfort is provided and cleaners come 3 times a week so its spotless. Cots and highchairs are available and there are stairgates too. Any queries were swiftly answered by the charming manager of the villa.

We got into a routine of going down to Avlaki beach each morning and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Sometimes we walked down through the olive groves and other times we were very lazy and drove down! There's a great place on Avlaki bay to hire kayaks, stand up paddle boards and sailing dinghies for when we felt a bit more energetic. We'd then have coffee and ice creams at Cava Barbaro - the very lovely restaurant on the bay.

Afternoons were spent around the beautiful pool - there's masses of space by the pool and plenty of shade if you want it. Evenings we sometimes ventured out to Kassiopi, San Stephanos or my particular favourite Kerasia. The latter has just one taverna and a bar - I'd swim in the sea while my husband contemplated the view over an ouzo.

One highlight of our holiday was when we hired a boat from San Stephanos and motored down to Agni for lunch at Taverna Agni.

Most of the time though I was content to sit and wonder at the amazing view down to Avlaki bay and across to Albania. My husband and I could sit in bed in the morning with our cup of tea and gaze across to Albania! Our children said that the villa was even better than the pictures.

Henny T.

A stunning villa with a lovely walk down to Avlaki Bay through the olive groves. We especially loved the incredible views from the pool and the terrace was a favourite supper and breakfast spot. Charles and his team are all extremely helpful, the cleaner was excellent and our two families of 5 never felt on top of each other. A great stay!

Ann W.

We stayed in Villa Aurora last year for the first time and booked it again for 2018 as soon as we got home. It is the perfect home from home: wonderfully equipped, lovely comfortable beds, just the right amount of space inside and outside, the aircon works perfectly, and very thorough cleaners come three times a week. And the views are incredible! If you ever want to leave the villa it is just a ten minutes into Kassiopi; Yannis' supermarket a few minutes away puts Waitrose to shame, and there are loads of good restaurants within 5-10 mins drive (our favourites are Taverna Avlaki on Avlaki beach, 10 mins walk from the villa; Petrino in Kassiopi; and Eucalyptus at San Stephano.)

We hired a boat one day - from San Stephano - better apparently than Kassiopi as it can get quite choppy there in the afternoons when you're bringing the boat back - and had a fantastic lunch at Toula's in Agni. I cannot recommend Villa Aurora highly enough - honestly, save yourself another few hours of trawling the internet and just book it! The owner, Charles, is really helpful and a pleasure to deal with.