Oh, the Asian Spa-aaaaaaah!

I live on the lovely island of Corfu, and the Asian Spa in the sweetly picturesque, historic harbour town of Gouvia is my haven.

Upon entering, the scent of lavender essential oils washes over you, immediately setting the mood for some serious pampering and relaxation. The Great Room is everything you could wish for in a luxury spa: it's posh, decorated beautifully in muted colours, with natural wood accents, beautiful candles and soft lighting.

Once checked in, from seemingly out of nowhere, a little tray with tiny teapot, matching hand-made teacup appear (along with a hot cloth and a fresh flower). The magical ginger-lime elixir inside is a closely-guarded recipe secret...and for good reason. Let's put it this way: I'd be willing to pay a yearly fee just to come into the Spa to fill a thermos of The Tea to have with me for special occasions!

As soon as the lovely tea is whisked away, the treatments begin. I've had quite a few different treatments. The facials are my favorite: world-class.

I've been fortunate to have visited some of the most posh and exclusive spas in the world, and the facials at the Asian Spa are on par with the best of the best. The products are luxurious, every step is practiced, effective, and implements the best and newest technologies and techniques. The technicians are so skilled, your skin becomes immediately luminous and ultimately, scrubbed, hydrated and buffed to utter perfection. After my facials, I return to "life" with clear, fresh skin...no redness, no post-facial breakouts. Divine!

The massages are similarly euphoric. There is such fluidity and efficiency of movement on the part of every technician...not a single movement is wasted. Every phase of the massage is perfectly synchronised and aimed at relaxing the body while still managing to feel rejuvenating. Amazing! Although...one might be advised a designated driver after the hot stone massage. That's so relaxing, they should bring you out in a wheelchair! And no sore spots afterward...the hallmark of a perfect massage, in my book.

The nail services are special, extra-luxurious, and I was very pleasantly surprised at the choices and products used. The scrubs and buffers renew even the most winter-tortured footsies, and all the polishes are from the best luxury lines, like OPI, Jessica and Essie...the current collections, not just random bottles of old paint. There's excellent selection, whether you're going for summery corals, fashion-forward shades, or a nice, basic neutral, like blood red (or black :) or ballet pink.

I try to avoid the sun at all times, but one day, if I ever get caught in a sunburn, I intend to give the apres-sun treatment a go. Might have to cheat it a bit and "forget" my SPF 45 for an hour one of these summer days!

I can't recommend the Asian Spa in Gouvia more enthusiastically. It's a beautiful, peaceful place that works in harmony with its surroundings: the island itself is lush, posh, beautiful and relaxing...the Spa is the perfect place to go and completely maximize the benefits of our Ionian paradise. The staff are gracious, lovely, efficient and accommodating. Get thee to the Asian Spa! It's a perfect complement to your Kerkyra experience (even if you live here...or...ESPECIALLY if you live here).

5-Star, World-Class.

post-script: I adore that there's a tip of the hat to "Charity: Water" on this site! It's a fantastic charity, bringing much-needed water technologies to remote villages and places who so desperately need what we take for granted...clean water. And they don't just ship it in, they teach the indigenous people how to keep clean water flowing. Cool!