Winter Cypriot Sun

My last visit to Cyprus back in 1999 had looked quite different. Fresh out of university and new to the travel industry, my cake-tin Renault Twingo rental car (which is all my budget ran to!) was certainly put to the test in negotiating the rugged hills of the west. Incidentally, self-driving is pretty straightforward on the island as the Cypriots also drive on the left - just make sure you have a decent engine size! This (long overdue!) return visit would be in stark contrast, since I was fortunate enough to be invited to the 5* Columbia Beach Resort to experience the hotel firsthand.

Columbia Beach is nuzzled into Pissouri Bay with no hotel neighbours, no through-traffic and largely residential surroundings, making it a peaceful alternative to busier resorts on the island. Comprised of two hotel wings (the ‘modern’ East wing and ‘traditional’ West wing) the all-suite hotel offers generously sized rooms, starting from 36sqm and configurations to suit all types of guest and party size. The grounds are dotted with bougainvillea, jasmine, Mediterranean herbs, palm & pomelo trees and conifers, which add to the restful ambience. The immediate area is dotted with local tavernas, shops & cafes (many of which were brimming with locals, even in November).

Food offerings are excellent and without fail, dishes are brought to your table with a friendly smile, with customisations happily suggested depending on preferences & allergies. Experience authentic breads, pastries & coffee at breakfast, a long, lazy mezze lunch at The Apollo Tavern terrace (my favourite!) and if you want to switch things up, head to Bacchus for contemporary European cuisine or Seven C’s for sushi - the best I’ve had in quite some time.

As much as the hotel is conducive to R&R, there are plenty of activities and provisions for those seeking a way to offset the essential breakfast extras, such as cappuccino freddos, pastelaki (incredibly moorish nut brittle) & anari filo cheese pies! The hotel has its own yoga studio, two squash courts, two tennis courts, an incredible 80m lap pool and classes ranging from HIIT & circuit training to pilates & Tai Chi. For experienced hikers, a trek up to Cape Aspro is a must....considered one of the most impressive coastlines on the island. Treat yourself to an Elemis Swedish massage in the award winning Hébe spa afterwards. Sounds good, right?

Gone seemingly are the days of spending your time exclusively by the pool or bobbing in the sea on holiday and since clients now tend to incorporate experiential elements to their holiday, I have a great suggestion for you. Pre-book a private guide & driver with the hotel for a half day, starting off at Aphrodite’s Rock, then on to Kourion Archaelogical site to visit the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, private villa ruins and exquisite preserved mosaic floors. Finish up by visiting the charming Troödos Mountains village of Omodos to pick up some authentic delicacies and enjoy a typical taverna mezze lunch at Katoi restaurant - ensuring you save room for their insanely sticky and citrusy ‘Portokalópita’ orange cake with preserved fruits & nuts on the side.

Cyprus often gets overlooked as a wintersun destination, in favour of the Canaries & Middle East, which is a pity since there are fewer tourists, temperatures are still comfortably in the mid 20’s and depending on when you travel, the sea is still warm enough to swim. I soaked up every little moment of sea swimming in mid-November, knowing the next time will be a fair few months ahead! Why not trade your wellies & weatherproofs for paddling & pool bars! Contact me for further information and to get cracking on 2024 beach holiday planning!