Cyprus is the perfect holiday destination no matter what you demand from your trips to foreign shores. If you love to soak yourself in the local culture and history, then have grande latte with and extra shot from Starbucks followed by a night on the town then this is the place for you.
I was lucky enough to stay in the Columbia Beach Resort a perfect haven away from city life. Set in a stunning unspoiled location on the 2km Blue Flag beach of Pissouri Bay. This is the perfect place to relax and get away from the world. This is the only resort in Cyprus with a Molton Brown spa and also offer the marine based range Phytomer. In the spa area you will be treated to a spa bath, plunge pool, sauna, and steam room as well as a hair salon. The heated swimming pool that dominates this intimate and elegant spa flows into the outdoor lagoon style pool and inside is flanked by the Temple Lounge with relaxation beds.
Each room is large enough to swing an elephant in (if you have the strength to do that of course). With separate living room area and bathroom that comes fully stocked with Molten Brown, bath, shower, and double sink. And has been good enough for the likes of Kim Catrall and Jack Dee. The food is so fantastic that Prince Harry even popped in for dinner!
But if your craving for shopping gets so strong you need to leave the resort, Limassol is only 20 minutes down the road and features an array of lovely unique boutiques. St Andrews Street is the heart of the old town shopping where you can get handmade suits and shoes or my favourite place- Tonia, where each piece of jewellery is had made by the lovely Tonia and can be broken apart and arranged in a variety of different ways, each stage of transformation telling the next part of a story. If you are on a romantic getaway Tonia can create a bespoke engagement ring for you within two days!
Limassol is known for its various festivals and celebrations throughout the year, so if you timed your trip right you could take part in the Wine Festival from 27th September until 5th October. You simply take an empty wine bottle and try all the wine you could ever want, and you will want to try a lot of Cypriote wine because it is gorgeous.
If you want to stay in a luxury hotel near the seaside promenade, you can’t go wrong with NYX Hotel. Styled to perfection with a rooftop pool for the most incredible panoramic views.
Cyprus is an incredibly diverse destination; rumour has it that in the winter you can go skiing in the mountains but is still warm enough that a quick drive down to the beach and you can be splashing in the sea. The Cypriote people are incredibly proud of their history and culture, and they should be because it is fantastic, I can’t wait to go back.
