Cyprus has so much going for it, from ancient history to fascinating culture, but honestly, I was most drawn in by the fact that it reaches highs of 22 degrees in March. Heeello, Summer! Also, my favourite cheese, halloumi, is only made in Cyprus. Basically already my favourite country ever, and I hadn’t even been yet.
dress from emily and fin
The trip was everything and more: lazing in spas, horseback riding with sunset views, and all the meze (SO MUCH MEZE *drools*). For such a small Island Cyprus has so much to offer, and is so convenient for a weekend getaway from London with regular EasyJet flights. I thought I’d pop together a little (okay, absolutely bursting) holiday diary of my trip highlights if you’re thinking of going (it’s not all just pictures of halloumi, promise!)…
THE HOTELS
As soon as we touched down in Paphos Airport, groggy from the early wake up call and fitful plane sleep, our group was whisked away into the Troodos Mountains, home of the Casale Panayiotis Hotel and Spa.
I’ve stayed in some interesting hotels in my time, but none so unique as this.
Once an ancient spa village, Kalopanayiotis where the hotel is based was left all but forgotten as citizens headed to the cities for work. A returning resident decided to raise funds to create a hotel out of the village, with guest rooms spanning several cottages and old buildings being turned into restaurants and a spa.
It’s a novel place to stay, with a higgledy-piggledy maze of houses containing anything from the reception to the gym, and the village road running through the hotel complex.
It also looks over the most beautiful mountain views, lending the hotel an aura of serenity and isolation from the modern world.
For me though, the real highlight was the spa. I have to admit, I’d somehow never been to a spa before this trip – I guess relaxation for me has always been pizza and netflix with a large glass of wine!
Well, Casale Panayiotis has most certainly converted me. There was a hydro-therapy pool, sauna, steam room, and, get this, a snow room. What’s a snow room, you ask? Pretty much what it says on the tin! I didn’t get any photos sadly, mainly because it was too darn freezing that after about ten seconds my feet were ready to fall off.
I spent the evening lounging in the pool soaking up the views of our mountainous surroundings, before an indulgent back massage. Totally chilled, by this point I was ready to get my meze on, and boy did the hotel restaurant not disappoint. We started slowly, with warm pitta and a selection of dips followed by plates of fresh salads and simple but flavoursome appetisers. But the dishes did not stop coming. Plates laden with fragrant sausages, tender pork belly, and of course the aforementioned halloumi followed, till we were absolutely full to the brim (and in my case regretting stuffing my face with salad at the beginning. Rule one of mastering the meze: save your appetite, the best is yet to come!).
It was such a lovely way to start the holiday, immersed in traditional Cypriot culture, in a totally unique location that feels at once modern and classic (and serves up the best darn meze!).
I didn’t think it could get better than the secluded, subtle luxury of Casale Panayiotis, but then I hadn’t yet visited Elysium Hotel in Paphos. Our final night was spent at the five star resort overlooking the Mediterranean, and my gosh it was an experience.
Elysium is a destination within itself, sprawled over a seemingly never-ending complex made up of artfully designed pools, a library, and enough bars and restaurants to keep you occupied for your entire stay. The place is classically designed with a hint of old world charm, which made my Insta-trained eye very happy.
What made the hotel stand out was the attention to details – like the champagne at the astonishingly well-stocked breakfast buffet that made me feel like I was living my most fabulous life. Not to mention the pancake and waffle station packed with a range of toppings. Really just their breakfast generally, I could eat there every morning and be very happy (and probably obese, but mainly happy!).
I’ve decided if I ever go all Lindsey Lohan diva and move into a hotel, it’ll be the Elysium. Room service anyone?
THE FOOD AND DRINK
I’d recommend having something to eat on hand while reading this section, because my gosh you are going to be drooling by the end.
I could probably write a whole separate post declaring my undying love for Cypriot meze, but i’ll refrain, because, ya know, no one would read it.
We ate meze countless times over the course of the weekend, however I never tired of it as there were always subtle variations that made it interesting and fresh. Besides, with so many dishes to choose from how could you get bored?
What makes Cypriot dining stand out is how fresh and loaded with flavour every ingredient is, particularly the delicious loaded salads (you don’t hear me saying that often, I’m usually a burger and fries kinda gal!). Paired with a local wine, I could eat for days. A couple of my favourites on the trip were To Kypriako in Limassol and To Katoi in Omodos.
However, it’s not all the meats and cheeses of a meze in Cyprus. One of my favourite meals was at picturesque The Gym in Nicosia, which served modern dishes and an innovative cocktail menu in quirky, hip surroundings.
I ordered the shrimp linguine as I was keen to try some seafood after all the meat-heavy meals we’d be having, and it did not disappoint, loaded with tender fleshy prawns and bursting with flavour. It was outshone only by my cocktail, a mandarine daiquiri with hints of spice that reminded me of Christmas (always a good thing!).
Limassol’s Old Town was awash with restaurants and bars lining the streets, and so many cute corners and quirky alleyways filled with lights and bunting (and tantalising happy hour deals!). It had a real buzz to it, that I’d love to go back for a boozy girl’s weekend or a foodie holiday, to really get stuck in to all the city has to offer.
THE ACTIVITIES
It felt like we were in Cyprus so much longer than just the weekend, just because there was so much to do and see within that time!
One highlight was visiting Omodos in the Troodos Mountains, a village suspended in time with narrow cobble-stoned streets and cosy stone cottages. It’s ideal for picking up artisanal produce and trying some of the local wine, before a hearty meal at one of the traditional tavernas.
I haven’t been on a horse since I was a (very unathletic) kid, so I was somewhat cautious when I heard we’d be horse riding. However, it was one of the nicest experiences of the trip, watching the sun set over the Mediterranean while my sassy steed Gina tried to eat everything in sight (this is about the only photo where she’s not enthusiastically chomping grass!). The downside was, turns out I’m allergic to horses, but hey, it was worth it!
Whilst in Limassol we spent our morning on a boat, taking in the views of the city from the ocean whilst snacking on olive bread and getting boozy with rum cocktails. I briefly got to sail the boat – it’s not as easy as it looks!
THE HISTORY
Cyprus is awash with history from it’s rich past, which we delved into during our time on the Island. The Capital Nicosia houses the Cyprus Museum, featuring artefacts excavated on the island belonging to ancient civilisations, and tells a fascinating story of some of the earliest inhabitants.
The Kourion is a vast ancient city-kingdom just west of Limassol, where you can visit archeological ruins overlooking scenic ocean views. The Greco-Roman theatre is an awe-inspiring spot, although I imagine after a couple of hours of ancient prose you’d start to get a seriously sore butt!
I managed to sneak this picture of the breathtaking frescos in St John’s Cathedral, Nicosia, before promptly getting told off for ignoring the ‘No photos’ sign. I’ve seen my fair share of churches in my time (just go to Rome, every blimmin’ building is a church!), but St John’s stood out for the ornate detailing covering every inch of wall portraying Jesus’s life. I’m not religious myself, but it’s hard not to appreciate the effort and devotion that goes into creating such a spectacle.
Our very last stop on our whirlwind Cyprus tour was Aphrodite’s Rock. Legend has it that if you swim round the rock three times it will bring eternal youth. I didn’t give it a go because apparently the still water is deceptive, plus what’s wrong with ageing (dis)gracefully? Nonetheless, with the sun shining down over the glistening ocean it was a beautiful spot to while away an afternoon.
dress from Next
I can’t thank the Cyprus Tourism Organisation enough for introducing me to such a rich, diverse country. From museum-hopping around Nicosia, exploring the villages of the Troodos Mountains, to wandering through the ancient ruins, every moment was action-packed. But more than anything, Cyprus is a glass of locally sourced wine, paired with a peaceful sea view and a bursting board of meze. Sounds like a perfect holiday to me.
I now want to visit Cyprus! The pics look amazing!