I have spent years steering clear of all-inclusive holidays. They make me feel like I'm stuck in a 'bubble', removed from the destination beyond the resort walls.

But it's fair to say that I had no idea what I had been missing out on for all these years, and quite how good the wrap-around experience of an all-inclusive can feel, until I walked into the new and improved Valmar Corfu in Greece late last year to enjoy a bubble-bursting stay. And all for a surprisingly reasonable price.

As soon as I passed through the doors of the five-star beachfront resort, part of the Louis Hotels Elegant Collection, I was welcomed into an oasis of relaxation. Members of staff were on hand to offer cooling eucalyptus towels, providing the perfect refreshment after a long day of travelling.

My evening got even better when I entered my room and was greeted by bottles of Greek wine and a plate laden with mouth-watering baklava. The beautifully designed contemporary bedroom, complete with 100% Egyptian cotton sheets, came with a stunning view of the Ionian Sea, which I fully appreciated when I woke to see the sun rising over my private balcony the following morning.

As a brunch enthusiast, nothing could have prepared me for what awaited at the main Valle Restaurant buffet, which was adorned with a perfect variety of local flavours alongside full English breakfast favourites, an omelette freshly prepared to order by the chef, and traditional continental items.

I also discovered that roasted Mediterranean vegetables are the perfect morning treat while dining al fresco in the Grecian sun. Who knew? After a hearty meal, I was ready to be pampered in the Valmar Spa, which I was pleased to find was offering complimentary treatments to guests, something I'd always been a bit too stingy to pay extra for at hotels in the past.

The spa provides a range of treatments including facials, rituals, and massage therapies, and is complete with a sauna, Hammam and relaxation area. I opted to unwind with a back and shoulders massage using Aegeo Spas' Relaxing Body Oil, enriched with locally sourced organic olive oil, lavender, and grape seed oil. The massage therapist managed to discover and remedy a knot in my back that I didn't even know I had.

Feeling rejuvenated, I was spoilt for choice when it came to sunbathing opportunities, with the hotel boasting three different swimming pools. I eventually decided to venture down to the secluded beach to soak up the rays, where sunbeds are provided, not too far from Valmar's inviting all-day Beach Bar and its resplendent cocktail menu.

After indulging in an Aperol Spritz or two by the crystal blue ocean, and later working up an appetite with a walking tour around Corfu's beautiful Old Town, I was ready for what was to become the most incredible and pleasantly surprising meal of my trip.

When I first took the elevator up to the hotel's rooftop Peruvian fusion restaurant Viru, nothing could have prepared me for the truly spectacular view that awaited. One side of the vista showcased Corfu's lush pine-peaked hills and cypress trees, and the other the rolling waves of the sea.

Unlike many rooftop restaurants, where the quality of the food is decidedly disappointing in comparison to the spectacle surrounding them, Viru delivered with the best selection of tapas I had tasted in a long time. The tasting menu's highlights included ceviche, seafood, and meltingly tender pork cheeks paired with roasted sweet potato, which was definitely my personal favourite.

Despite having barely any room for dessert, I couldn't resist sampling a few of the sweet treats brought to the table while drinking in the vista.

While my trip was carried out in an enjoyable adults-only group, the hotel caters to little ones. Kids aged four to 12 are welcome at the Mini Club, can splash and play in the dedicated kids pool, and tuck in thanks to special menus at the kids buffet designed to satisfy every picky little eater. Parents can relax on a worry-free romantic evening with the hotel's babysitter on-call service and enjoy a spacious family room.

Beyond the walls of the hotel, there's plenty to do. I embarked on a boat trip that sailed out from Corfu over the crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea, affording us plenty of time to explore Paxos and Antipaxos, two small Greek islands.

The all-day cruise had one slightly nervy moment, when the boat ventured in towards the Blue Caves near Paxos, so close that the mast almost collided with the jagged rock formations. But, on the bright side, it gave me the unique opportunity to take a closer look at the jaw-dropping natural sea grottos that towered above us, before the boat thankfully travelled back out of the caves and safely towards the island.

Upon docking in Paxos in the warmth of the Grecian sun, I was in for a treat at the delectable Vasilis Restaurant. Dining on the cobbled streets, I tucked into fresh Mediterranean vegetables and seafood, complete with an adorable view of the local cats lounging in the midday sunlight.

Later, at our final stop, Antipaxos, I had the opportunity to have a swim around the secluded island, known for its white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere.

As my trip was sadly coming to a close, I returned to Valmar and headed to the rooftop one last time to try out the opulent sunset wine tasting experience (curated to suit everyone from Whispering Angel fans, to those who are keen to sample local wines), complete with an added bonus of a vast cheese board and charcuterie, which will soon be offered to all hotel guests.

The final meal of my holiday at Valmar's seafront Gill & Olive Restaurant aptly celebrated traditional Greek flavours, with the menu featuring the freshest catch of the day, alongside delicious vegetarian options packed with Mediterranean flair.

Valmar Corfu completely exceeded my expectations about what an all-inclusive hotel can provide to guests, with exceptional staff offering a refreshingly new experience every day and an exploration of local culture, meaning there's absolutely no chance of boredom.

Jet2 offers seven nights at the 5* Valmar Corfu, from £783 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a Superior Room with Balcony on an all-inclusive basis and includes return flights with Jet2 from London Stansted to Corfu and transfers. Price based on 01 May 2026 departure. Visit www.valmarcorfu.com for more hotel information. To book go to www.jet2holidays.com