Boutique Corfu

Rou – is an immaculately restored Corfiot shepherd's village-cum-private estate which opened in May 2008- where everything has been artfully enhanced in the pursuit of aesthetic perfection.

The cinematic quality of Rou is the work of ex-Norman Foster architect Dominic Skinner, who found the derelict hilltop hamlet of Rou, abandoned by local farmers in the 1960s for the lure of jobs in tourism on the coast. Skinner liked it so much he bought the whole village

There are 10 houses available for self-catering holidays. With the additional benefits of maid service, a communal pool, gym and holistic centre, it offers visitors the privacy and comfort of a holiday home in the environment of an understated five-star hotel.

A week in one of the Rou Estate's stone houses with plunge pool, sleeping 4-8, costs from £415pp with CV Travel (020-7401 1026, cvtravel.co.uk). The price includes flights, taxi transfers, maid service and a food hamper.

CV Travel can also arrange yacht hire and day trips to Albania. Auto Europe at Corfu airport (0800 358 1245, auto-europe.co.uk) offers seven days' car hire for £136. For Yiannis of Sinies supermarket grocery deliveries call 0030 26630 29230. See also rouestate.co.uk. and enjoy….