Customer feedback

We had a wonderful relaxing week at the Bella Mare. The staff are an absolute credit to the hotel. We stayed in the an executive suite and would throughly recommend these spacious, modern rooms which all have the most beautiful views of Avlaki Bay.
Julia Lethaby, May 2023

Wonderful hotel and room and the staff in the restaurant and at the pool bar were just lovely . Cocktails made by Vasilis are highly recommended. This is the loveliest part of the island and being able to rent a boat from the beach to explore all the villages and coves from the sea was magical. We had a lovely holiday and thank you
Shaun & Jeanette, May 2023

From initial contact with the sales team to our departure from the Bella Mare we absolutely loved all aspects of our stay. The location of the property, friendliness and knowledge of Simpson staff, service provided by the restaurant and pool bar staff was fantastic. NOTHING was too much trouble. We will definitely book our next holiday with Simpson and hopefully return to the Bella Mare
Michael Skipper, May 2023

We really enjoyed our holiday, despite not having good weather. The location and accommodation of the Belle Mare Hotel was very good. We were particularly impressed by the friendliness and attentiveness of all the staff at the hotel who made us feel very welcome, giving us an overall holiday experience that felt a little bit extra special.
Christopher Spencer, May 2023

Very beautiful part of Corfu. We visited in May when coast paths and wild flowers were delightful. Kassiopi was an easy walk with excellent and reasonable restaurants, wide choice on menu for meat eaters, fish lovers and vegetarians. Excellent taverna next to hotel as well. Beautiful beach, lovely clean sea, excellent choice if you’re looking for a peaceful and authentic holiday.
Christine Eiser, May 2023

Another fab holiday with Simpson Travel made even better with the ability to fly from our local airport.
Caroline Round, September, 2022

We had a wonderful stay at Bella Mare! The junior suite (304) had an amazing view over the grounds, pool and out to sea. Altogether a wonderful, relaxing break in a lovely hotel. Highly recommended!
Patti Harrison, September 2022

Beautiful area. Delightful accommodation … space for all. Many options for activities and tavernas.
Susan Treverton, September, 2022

This was our second stay at Bella Mare. It is a lovely small hotel, great location, good facilities and friendly helpful staff. We stayed in an executive room, plenty of space and lovely spacious bathroom. It’s great to have two lovely restaurants literally just outside the hotel, we are fans of the Avlaki Seafood restaurant, a change from the normal bustle of the local tavernas, and delicious seafood. However it is so easy to arrange taxis for the short trip to Agios Stefanos and Kassiopi (although this is walkable…but perhaps not at night!). We recommend Kochiki Taverna, Wave Bar (teenage daughters favourite), Janis and Kima. There is a lovely homely, family feeling at Bella Mare. I have no doubt we will book again.
Danielle Harding, August 2022

The Bella Mare hotel was a perfect, relaxing holiday location. Amazing pool right next to a gorgeous calm, crystal clear beach. Great food served at the pool bar and the local taverna, a few mins walk away was my favourite place to spend the evenings.
Arelia Aman, August 2022

Fabulous holiday. Hotel position was wonderful - nice calm hotel - ample Sun loungers and beautiful location. Really nice respectful guests. Would 100% book Simpson holidays again.
Anna McDonald, August 2022

The Bella Mare offered us just what we wanted from our holiday - peace and relaxation in a beautiful location, with great, free flowing childrens activities which our children loved and enabled them to make great friends. A simply perfect family holiday!
Helen Hollins, July 2022

Second time at Belle Mare and our fifth time using Simpsons. Our first trip back to normal overseas holidays since covid. The hotel and staff were all as fantastic as the last time. Beautiful hotel and surroundings with beach, boat hire and wonderful tavernas on the doorstep means you don’t have to go very far if you just want to relax and leave the driving alone for a week. As we’d been before we explored more around and about and managed two snorkelling trips away from the hotel, a trip to Corfu town and visits to restaurants in nearby Kalami, Agni, San Stefanos and Kassiopi. We will definitely return again as it’s a hard place and location to beat.
Jacqueline Atkinson, July 2022

Stunning location, beach (a stones throw away) with crystal clear water and the most beautiful sunsets. Cocktails not to be missed. Ultimately this was the most magical holiday…We are very grateful for the love and celebration shown following our engagement one evening (at a table booked by Jo) by the staff from the breakfast team to the evening bar staff. It really did feel like a celebration away from home. Bella Mare will now forever hold a place in our hearts.
Louisa Butler, July 2022

Avlaki is a wonderfully tranquil bay with a pebbly beach and crystal clear water. An excellent taverna right by the beach with great food, wonderful staff and fabulous views and sunsets over the Albanian coast opposite. Snorkelling, paddle boarding and boats to hire from the beach. Hotel Bella Mare is a lovely family friendly hotel with a superb pool right by the beach. Lovely gardens with plenty of well shaded sunbeds either by the pool or fronting the beach. Highly recommend if you don’t want loads of shops and nightlife!
Verity Hick, July 2022

I have been staying at Bella Mare since 2005 and adore this piece of paradise. It is very special to me and has so many happy memories. The staff are outstanding in every way some of whom I have got to know over the years. Avlaki Bay remains unspoilt with clear blue sea and a gorgeous view. A slice of heaven.
Mrs Helen Prescot, June 2022

Having spent a week in Corfu staying at the Belle Mare Hotel we have only praise for every aspect of our holiday. The superb location of the Hotel, the accommodation and above all the service of all the staff, everyone of which was friendly, helpful and most efficient. we would like to give particular praise to Jo, the Simpson Hotel Rep who was there each morning to help us in any way we needed. Thank you also to the whole Simpson Team for a fantastic holiday.
Barry Eves, June 2022

What a lovely surprise the Bella Mare is….. A beautiful location, a very relaxing atmosphere, superb friendly service and lovely clean surroundings….. what more could you want! We planted ourselves on the comfy loungers and rarely moved all week!
Sharon Birt, June 2022

Delightful hotel, Bella Mare Corfu. 2 world class restaurants within a 5 min walk, especially Avlaki Restaurant. Good hotel staff and wonderful breakfast choices.
Pleasant countryside walk to a nearby town, approx 50 min.
Rodney Barnes, June 2022

We really enjoyed our stay and appreciated the friendliness and efficiency of staff, the proximity of the clear blue sea and the very relaxing garden and pool area.
Dudley Taylor, June 2022

Jo our Simpson rep was excellent. The hotel exceeded our expectations and we will definitely be returning. The location is stunning and the pictures do not do it justice.
Susan Incles, June 2022

The Bella Mare is a laid back hotel with lovely friendly staff on the most beautiful, unspoilt bay. Swimming in the clear sea is an absolute joy and the tavernas (within a few minutes walk) serve tasty, authentic Greek food. We would return in a heartbeat.
Lyn Belton, June 2022

The staff at Bella Mare were some of the best we've ever met. Efficient, exceedingly friendly and so helpful. They made such an impression that we can remember almost all of them - Katerina, Steff, Sotiris, Alex, Anthi, Vassilis, Effi, Spiros and Dmitri. The hotel is very lucky to have them.
Linda Loweth, May 2022

Excellent holiday, welcoming and friendly, caring staff. Stunning sea views and beautiful pool. Amazing wildlife, so many swallows, wonderful wild flowers and butterflies to watch. A week was not enough! Thank you to Simpson's for a relaxing, superb holiday.
Valerie Hurley, May 2022

Everything you would expect from a Simpsons holiday - the attention to detail that allows you to relax and soak up the sun and surroundings.
Mr Rutland, May 2022

Excellent holiday hotel, with professional, friendly staff... Jo was extremely helpful and practical in her advice and help. She knows Corfu very well and was always happy to assist.
Stephen Williams, May 2022

The location of the Bella Mare is excellent and access to the pool and beach area is so easy. There is a friendly taverna close by and we enjoyed a short walk to Kassiopi for a choice of restaurants and bars. Jo the rep and all the staff at Bella Mare were friendly and helpful making for a very enjoyable and relaxing stay in Corfu.
Stephen Tomlin, May 2022

Bella Mare and its environs is a little bit of paradise. We would happily return there. A wonderful holiday in a place with great atmosphere.
Caroline Abbey, May 2022

We thought the overall experience excellent. We loved the App with everything we needed and the maps of the area very useful. Debbie was a real star at The Saints and helped with advice re walks, visits to Corfu and any query we had.
Adrian Smith, May 2022

The reception staff were very welcoming, nothing was too much trouble. Jo our concierge was friendly and extremely knowledgable. She made every effort to ensure we had a wonderful holiday with Simpson Travel. We were also warmly welcomed back by Gaynor from the Simpson Travel Team. The public areas of the hotel (inside and out) were well maintained. Our bedroom and bathroom were stylishly furnished and comfortable, also the bed was comfortable with crisp linen. The balcony had the most beautiful sea views. A further mention has to go to the housekeeping and catering / waiting staff. Our holiday was everything we hoped it would be, and more. Thank you, Simpson Travel.
Mark Cooke, May 2022

We had a wonderful stay at Bella Mare. The suite was very comfortable, clean and attractively presented. Jo, Concierge, was friendly and knowledgeable of places to visit locally. Breakfast was of a high standard and well presented.The staff throughout the Hotel were courteous and helpful. All in All, we enjoyed our week at Bella Mare very much and considered that Simpson Travel provided a Five Star Service.
Carolyn Higgins, May 2022

We recently spent several unexpected days at the Bella Mare Hotel. Well, we absolutely loved it, and have already booked to go back for a full week next year! The staff were very welcoming and helpful. Breakfast was plentiful and consisted of hot and cold dishes. There was also fresh pastries and cakes, fresh fruit, yoghurt and excellent coffee. The Bella Mare is a medium-sized quiet hotel (just over 30 rooms) in the unspoilt Avlaki Bay. Our room (205) was stylish, modern, clean and comfortable. There was a lovely balcony with table and chairs overlooking the pool, gardens and bay. We particularly liked the soft white towels and also robes/slippers. It was also good to have a fridge in the room, and the complimentary wine and water was thoughtful, as was the Nespresso machine. Most importantly the bed was very comfortable. We cannot thank Simpson Travel and the staff enough for looking after us so well. Thank you.
‘Sleevemark’ moniker – via Trip Advisor – September 2021

We finally got to have our holiday here, as our original booking was postponed because of Covid. What a great place it turned out to be, set on Avlaki Beach in beautiful gardens. Super rooms with large balconies overlooking the gardens and bay. Only negative that there could have been more drawer space. Arrangements for travel made through Simpson were spot on, likewise in the hotel where their team and hotel management dealt with our needs. Thanks to Jo and Gaynor for their help especially. Housekeeping faultless. Plenty to do being a short walk from Kassiopi as well as two good restaurants within 200 yards, Cavo Barbaro our favourite. Excellent bar offering beverages and high quality food during the day, with great service provided by Spiros, Eli, and Steph. To be honest we feared the worst travelling during these Covid times, but got the best. A wonderful holiday and hope to go back someday.
Paul B – via Trip Advisor – September 2021

Just got back from a Holiday at the Bella Mare Hotel in Corfu and wanted to thank all the staff at the hotel for making our stay so wonderful. We stayed in room 305 which had great views over the sea. We wanted to thank Jo, the Simpson rep, for being so helpful in booking trips, restaurants and information. We will certainly be back sometime.
John McCarthy – September 2021

Second time we have stayed here and we still really enjoy it. There are a lot of positives and just a few things to be aware of. Small hotel with good facilities means you never feel like it is a crowded environment, very easy to relax. A superb location with sunbeds right on the beach – perfect for swimming and snorkelling in the sea. Nice quiet pool alongside – well attended by a friendly lifeguard. Attentive service poolside/beachfront with good food (until 6pm only). Nice room in the 'Exclusive area' including use of a secondary pool – which was almost always empty. Avlaki boats nearby (not connected to the hotel) provide powerboat hire on the doorstep (highly recommend this for a day trip). Nice, simple breakfast with polite staff happy to help. Jo, the Simpson rep, was polite and helpful and always on hand if required, either in person in the morning or via WhatsApp. Overall a great place for a very chilled week in the sun.
‘ADWL71’ moniker – via Trip Advisor – September 2021

A fabulous week in a beautiful and peaceful location. Exceeded hopes and this was almost totally down to the incredible view, service and help from Jo and the staff at the Belle Mare.
Pip Tuck – via TrustPilot – September 2021

We recently returned from a 2-week stay at The Bella Mare Hotel. We have booked with Simpson many times and as always their staff were helpful, informative and they go out of their way to help with and answer any queries. The hotel staff were also very friendly and helpful. It’s not been an easy year for the travel industry and there were problems due to the situation in July. However, Gaynor was superb. She was always available, very knowledgeable, gave us advice about trips, places to eat, etc. and sorted out any problems we had, some of which were not easy. Such a lovely person. We must mention Jo, who was training to look after the Simpson guests at The Bella Mare and she went out of her way to be very helpful. The staff in the booking office are prepared to spend time answering questions and listening to requirements, excellent service. Great to have a chat with Dan about our experience on our return. We are already looking forward to booking our next Simpson Travel adventure for next year.
Mavise & Mike – via TrustPilot – August 2021

My friend and I have just come back from 10 days in Corfu with Simpson Travel, a week at The Saints and three days at The Bella Mare Hotel. Both were absolutely fabulous, we had an amazing time and it was all very straightforward Covid-wise. I cannot praise Simpson Travel highly enough, they have been amazing throughout the last 16 months. We changed our date for this trip once and then our location from Kalkan to Corfu and it was all so easy. Special shout out to Briana in London who is outstanding, and to the lovely Jackie and Jo who looked after us so well in Corfu.
Viv Belcher – July 2021

A fantastic week and our first visit to wonderful Corfu. Gaynor and all the hotel staff were wonderfully helpful and welcoming. The hotel itself is in a beautiful location with easy access to beautiful beaches, glorious walks and great tavernas. If all you want to do is to relax and stay put, the pool bar is heaven on earth. We will absolutely come back!
Jeroen Huysinga – September 2020

We had a very pleasant few days away from the UK, relaxing by the pool. High standard of accommodation, typically welcoming and friendly Greek staff. Thanks to Gaynor and Simpson for organising a great getaway.
David Cousins – September 2020

The location of Bella Mare is just heaven and there is a resident angel in Gaynor, the Simpson rep. She deserves a gold medal. She went above and beyond to make our holiday special. From suggesting many great restaurants (although to our mind the best is on the doorstep, Cavo Barbaro) to advising on a magical drive up into the mountains to visit Old Perithia, one of the oldest villages in Greece (possibly THE oldest), every suggestion was a gem. Without Gaynor we would not have known about The White House restaurant, once home to Laurence Durrell. Amazing setting and delicious food. A must. A car didn't come with our package but it couldn't have been easier to book one as the hotel arranged for the hire company to deliver it to our door and collect it once we'd finished gallivanting around the island. The staff at the hotel were wonderful throughout....nothing was too much trouble. A very well run hotel.
Annabel and Jonathan Wright – September 2020

My comments about our holiday are best encapsulated in my e-mail to Gaynor, Simpson Travel's ‘always available’ representative at the Bella Mare Hotel: “Dear Gaynor, Just a quick note to thank you so much for all your help, suggestions and your friendly face in the mornings! We had an absolutely wonderful time at the Bella Mare Hotel and will most certainly consider coming back again, if not next year then maybe the following. I am not generally a returnee to where I have been before as I love new experiences and travelling to new places, however, the relaxation offered by the hotel is absolutely amongst the best. The position and setting is also pretty difficult to beat! It was also wonderful for our son, Nicky, to be able to make friends with Leonidas. They had great fun together and it made up for the unfortunate, though understandable, cancellation of the Kid's Club due to Covid-19. We all loved the food, both at the Bella Mare and at the myriad great tavernas and restaurants we managed to pack into the trip. Diet time now! So much to do and not enough time to pack everything in! Once again, thanks so much for being a great friend on a cracking holiday! Best wishes from us all and hoping to meet again.”
John and family – August 2020

We arrived late afternoon and were seduced by the place immediately. Luggage left in the room and straight into the sea. Beautiful setting, perfect.
Simon – August 2020

We fell in love with the location. Unbeatable! Great service from people who care. Gaynor’s endless energy and efforts to address all our needs were outstanding. We will be back next year!
Simpson Traveller – August 2020

What a fantastic place! Great staff, fab room, lovely pools, right on the beach, great service, food fantastic, couldn’t ask for more. Five stars! Will be back.
Sheila Williams – August 2020

We feel very grateful to have had a second stay at the Bella Mare and during this strange Covid-19 time. Simpson has been brilliant throughout. We were so happy with our room – 406. Shame the upstairs bar wasn’t open, however, we also understand staff issues during Covid. The staff at the Bella Mare were all excellent, so friendly, felt like home. Gaynor was brilliant at the hotel – again so friendly, helpful and always made time to say hi. We are so glad we went – thank you.
Emma Bakehouse – August 2020

We have travelled with Simpson for a number of years now and every year is a delight. This year was a real treat – not only was it a restorative escape from the lockdown restrictions at home, but Bella Mare was a beautiful and calm place to stay. The accommodation was first rate and our rep, Gaynor, could not have been more helpful and lovely. Simpson and Gaynor delivered massively for us as a family this year. Thank you.
Alison Sharpe – August 2020

A short note to thank all of the Simpson Team for their patience, flexibility and understanding during this remarkably difficult period for the travel industry. We returned yesterday from our week in Corfu having enjoyed exactly what one seeks from a holiday. A change of pace, scenery, diet and weather. Yes, we had to change destination from our original booking intention, but all of that was handled well, and so were the local arrangements at the hotel. Our impression was that Simpson took the approach of “can we make this work?” rather than the more brutal attitude used by others of “Covid-19 is not our fault so we don’t care”. This summer, I have no doubt that the team will have worked harder than normal and with greater risk to security of employment. Obviously, the business sums must add up, but the price of a good reputation is invaluable. For what it’s worth, based on this, another part of the family has taken our feedback and booked a Simpson holiday for later in the month. In summary, thank you, a great job done by all.
The Williamson Family – August 2020

We had a very enjoyable week at the Hotel Bella Mare and found the staff friendly and efficient. Our room was well positioned (not too far from the main building and without too many steps) and had good views from the balcony. It was spacious with plenty of room for storage. The trips organised by the hotel were good and useful having the minibus to ferry us around as the location is quite remote. Also enjoyed the pool bar especially in the absence of a proper restaurant. Other pluses include the lovely large swimming pool. Overall a very pleasant hotel and would return again.
Simpson Traveller – September 2019

Liked the apart-hotel concept and the freedom it gave. Enjoyed the breakfasts and the snack bar facility. The setting was idyllic and most relaxing – the smaller hotel worked for us.
Derek Crowther – September 2019

This was our first trip to Corfu and the first time we’d used Simpson Travel on the recommendation of some friends. We were not disappointed. From start to finish we were well looked after and the setting of The Hotel Bella Mare was exquisite. All the staff were extremely helpful and the rooms and grounds were immaculately kept. We enjoyed the excursions on offer as we chose not to hire a car. We did an amazing coastal walk from Kaminaki to Avlaki, having caught the local bus to Garnelatika. Also the breakfasts were excellent, and the bar snacks we had at lunchtime were tasty. The 82 steps up to our room kept us fit! Thank you for a wonderful week.
Nicky Moulsdale – September 2019

We had an idyllic two weeks at the Bella Mare Hotel. The swimming pool was the largest we have ever enjoyed on holiday and the gardens of the hotel swept down to the (stony) beach on the edge of the bay. Rania organised a taxi and boat to take us to the Agni Taverna for a delightful dinner on the edge of the bay, and also to San Stephanos so that we could eat there. Rania and all the staff were so friendly and helpful – nothing seemed too much trouble for them – so a big thank you to everyone for making this one our best holidays ever.
Pat PM – September 2019

Superb hotel in lovely location. Excellent service from concierge Rania and all hotel staff. A haven of civilised tranquillity, far removed from the mass tourism found elsewhere on Corfu.
Sue & Alan Younger – September 2019

We wanted a relaxing week after our eldest son's wedding and after some excellent advice from Dylan in the Simpson sales team we chose The Bella Mare as the flights were really convenient from our home in West London enabling us to arrive there in time for lunch on the Sunday and home in time for dinner the following week! The hotel was exceptional, we had a beautiful and extremely comfortable room overlooking Avlaki Bay – so beautiful, and peaceful and we really felt completely looked after from the moment we arrived. Rania and Gaynor greeted us like family and went out of their way to book restaurants, boat trips. Rania even came to Kassiopi to pick me up one day when I had walked there and couldn't get a taxi back on a very hot day. We loved it all. Thank you Simpson for another wonderful holiday.
Maggy & Phil – September 2019

My overall experience with Simpson with regard to booking, communication and the quality of the hotel and location was first class and I would use you again.
Mr Baillie – September 2019

Just to express our thanks for the help and assistance given by Rania and Natasha following my wife's fall (outside of the hotel), their help was way beyond their job description, great caring employees and we both hope to see them again in the future.
Graham Cameron – September 2019

I'd go back to Bella Mare tomorrow.
Anthony Baumann – September 2019

What a wonderful week we have had. Everything has been fabulous! Your staff are an absolute credit to you – nothing was too much trouble!
Si & Alex

I would just like to say that every single member of staff was fabulous. They were all friendly, helpful and nothing was ever too much trouble. The setting of the hotel was amazing and we had a fantastic week relaxing together as a family but with plenty of opportunities for our daughter to get out and about with the Tribe – an excellent balance I think!
Mr Parry – August 2019

We all had a wonderful stay here. As well as enjoying the pool/beach. Highlights included Mount Pantokrator, Paleokastritsa and a day trip to Albania. A great week.
William, George & Robert – August 2019

A wonderful week in a comfy hotel with delightful staff.
Simpson Traveller – August 2019

Have had an absolutely wonderful time – thank you so much. The staff are all so friendly and the food is delicious! Overall a truly memorable experience.
Jack & Freddie – August 2019

Our visit to Bella Mare was excellent. The staff were all fabulous and the reps, Rania and Gaynor, made our break particularly special in every way... just could not have been more helpful and nothing was too much trouble. Great location for a truly relaxing break and would highly recommend. We have only been with Simpson once before this and the service standards cannot be beaten. Will definitely be travelling with them again in the near future.
Nigel & Pip – August 2019

An outstanding holiday from start to finish! The amazing staff and beautiful hotel made the trip one for the memory – keep thinking about it a month on.
Simpson Traveller – August 2019

One of our best ever Simpson holidays – and we've done a few. Everything about the Bella Mare was perfect. Relaxed vibe, lovely staff, beautiful views and a stunning setting. A very happy week for us – absolute bliss. Please don't change/upgrade this lovely property too much – it manages to be stylish and completely unpretentious at the same time.
Simone – August 2019

We had a fabulous week at Bella Mare. The whole experience from arrival at the airport to departure the following week was excellent. All the staff we encountered from the rep at the airport, through to the car hire to the hotel staff were friendly, courteous and helpful. The hotel is located on a quiet bay, just a beach and two tavernas. Pristine presentation, excellent facilities, a beautiful pool suitable for everyone and then a jetty into the sea. Thoroughly recommended for families with children of all ages. In our week I didn’t hear one complaint or moan from any other guests. The type of holiday that makes the trials and tribulations of the rest of the year seem well worth it. Well done, see you again soon.
Andy Howell – August 2019

Bella Mare is a wonderful addition to the Simpson Travel offering. The children loved the pool and beach being so near to the main building and everything not too big or too small! The added bonus of having boat hire and sailing dinghies to rent on the beach – great stuff!
Toby, Kai & Phoenix – August 2019

We had a truly wonderful holiday at the Bella Mare hotel in Corfu. The location is perfect, the staff are really incredible (so knowledgeable and friendly) and in particular we felt the Tribe offering was fantastic. Becky, the Tribe leader, was a truly inspirational person for our 12-year-old daughter and we wouldn't hesitate to recommend this type of break to any of our friends. We would love to return.
Sharon Kay – August 2019

My children and I have had a fantastic week staying at The Bella Mare. The pool was lovely and never over-crowded. Having access to the beach was great too. The room was light and spacious and very well equipped. The staff where especially friendly and helpful.
Lisa, Tom & Chloe – August 2019

We really enjoyed our stay in Bella Mare – it was easy to book restaurants and cabs via reception. We tried sailing, snorkelling and paddle boarding. All in all a very relaxed and lovely week.
Jo, Philipo & Ravan – August 2019

Simpson Travel is simply perfect. They took care of the details and ensured that travel was slick and effortless. It’s a premium priced holiday but we had a premium existence. The Simpson staff were simply superb, genuine interested in making our holiday a relaxing and fun experience. Our girls loved being in the Dolphins club.
Mrs Sharkey – July 2019

What a wonderful week we have had at Bella Mare. Everything has been fabulous. Your staff are an absolute credit to you – nothing was too much trouble.
Stu & Alex – July 2019