Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa: a dialogue between architecture, materials and culture
Nestled on the hills of Corfu, Banyan Tree’s first European resort by Rockwell Group interprets contemporary architecture through the lens of the island’s heritage.
Opened in June 2021, just 12 kilometers from Corfu Town, Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa rises above the Ionian Sea as a retreat where contemporary architecture meets the island’s heritage. In only a few years, it was awarded as one of Greece’s finest resorts and was distinguished with the prestigious Prix Villégiature 2022 for the Best Hotel Pool in the World.
First European property of the Banyan Tree Group, Angsana Corfu brings a new philosophy of hospitality to Greece, one shaped by years of experience and designed to offer guests unforgettable moments. Here, wellbeing, design excellence, and immersion in local culture come together to create not just a place to stay, but a gateway to the island’s traditions and a cosmopolitan experience rooted in architecture, gastronomy, and community.
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The architectural design of Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa was imagined by Rockwell Group, the New York studio founded by David Rockwell, together with Banyan Tree’s in-house team. Set on the hills of Corfu—Banyan Tree’s first European resort—the project frames arrival as a gradual reveal rather than an immediate statement. From the road, the resort is almost invisible; guests need to move up the hillside before it appears, unfolding in fluid geometries that follow the natural contours of the land and opening gently toward the Ionian Sea. This measured visibility reinforces a dialogue between built form and landscape, where vistas and circulation feel guided by the terrain rather than imposed upon it.
Materials in earthy tones and soft lines echo the island’s craftsmanship while carrying the polish of international design. Surfaces and details are treated as part of the architecture’s narrative, connecting contemporary hospitality spaces with a quieter sense of place. Light plays a central role too: the concept by Focus Lighting creates shifting moods throughout the day, from the glow of sunrise over the infinity pool to the quiet shimmer of pathways at night, supporting a calm, continuous experience across interiors and outdoor areas.
The landscape, designed by Doxiades & Associates, ties the resort even closer to its surroundings. Native herbs and shrubs spread across the roofs of the 37 hillside villas, a simple but powerful gesture that underlines Banyan Tree’s sustainability ethos and makes the architecture feel part of the natural rhythm of the island rather than set apart from it. “Every view, every texture and every material at Angsana Corfu is designed to coexist with nature, not compete with it,” said the landscape studio.
The resort offers 196 accommodations, ranging from elegantly designed rooms and suites to Mediterranean villas with private pools, all surrounded by olive groves. Rooms and suites combine modern elegance with sweeping views of either the Ionian Sea or the hillsides, while the 37 hillside villas provide ultimate privacy with spacious terraces, private pools, and panoramic views.
Every villa carries its own local charm yet delivers five‑star amenities, with options for in‑villa dining, wellness treatments, and family‑friendly activities. Inside, those spaces balance Mediterranean warmth with Asian‑inspired tranquility. High‑end furnishings such as Roda, Gervasoni, Stellar Works, and Kettal bring comfort and understated elegance to the spaces.
A key feature of the resort is its 1,000‑square‑meter infinity pool, an architectural masterpiece that seems to merge with the horizon of the Ionian Sea. The illusion of continuity between water and sky becomes even more magical at sunset, when the pool reflects the changing colors of the evening light. Angsana Corfu Resort & Spa is not just a place to relax and sunbathe; it is a gateway to the island’s rich traditions, while offering a five‑star experience where architecture, nature, and culture converge.
Alongside its architectural and landscape qualities, the hotel offers a range of facilities designed to shape the guest experience throughout the day. Dining venues are distributed across the property, while the Vertigo Skybar introduces a more elevated setting, opening panoramic views over the Ionian Sea.
Wellness plays a central role through the Angsana Spa—one of the largest in Europe—conceived as a retreat for restoration and slow rhythms, with a fully equipped Fitness Club. Beyond these spaces, the hotel complements the stay with a programme of cultural and wellness-oriented experiences, including guided hiking routes across the island, Greek coffee workshops, olive oil tastings, as well as yoga and meditation sessions, encouraging a deeper connection with Corfu’s landscape and traditions.
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