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Amongst a myriad of vineyards, the 5 star, Columbia Beach Resort - nestles in the Bay of Pissouri. Its beautiful design hints at Utopia.
Built in the style of an ancient Cypriot village, A Shangri-la for lovers, where the simple life of fresh foods and cleansing bathing enlivens the mind and body each day.
There are 94 elegant Suites. Our airy room with its rich dark furniture is reminiscent of a colonial past. The opulent bathroom has an invigorating Jacuzzi that will happily accommodate two. But the single most striking feature of the resort is the magnificent 80 metre infinity pool which winds its way like a crystal river snaking through the bedrock of the resort, uniting the guests with nature. |
Executive Seaview Suite
[Click to enlarge pics] |
| Columbia Beach Resort Pool Photo Gallery |
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But this dreamscape fades away after dusk for those who seek an exciting hotel nightlife. There is little to do at this time of year than to contemplate each other’s navel.
We breakfast poolside and lunch at the Apollo beachside – signature salad; a sensational mix of grilled Haloumi cheese, capers and olives. The terrace overlooks the immaculate lawn scattered with sunbeds slipping down to the bay where guests can enjoy aquatics galore.
A flotilla of svelte German beauties sail past us making their way to the Dive Centre, a PADI 5 Star Dive resort which offers a range of packages for all abilities.
| Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri Bay Photo Gallery |
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The hotel's All Saints Chapel
The hotel's All Saints Chapel |
At the award-winning spa, Philip’s massage hits the spot, untying the final knot in his shoulder.
For couples who want to tie the knot, the hotel’s bijou All Saints Chapel, overlooking the sea with it’s interior of joyously bright modern murals is a ravishingly lovely place to exchange vows.
In Search of Aphrodite
The hotel’s romantic setting reminds us of our quest – to discover the life and loves of the mythical Aphrodite – Goddess of Sex, Love and Beauty. We enlist Girl Guide, Mary Patroklou to take us to her birthplace near Paphos. |
En route, she leads us to Kourion’s ancient stadium where it’s a bare fact that male athletes competed starkers in the ‘Olympic’ games. We wonder if there was the odd accident when throwing the javelin.
Then, to the exquisite Paphos ancient mosaics.
Finally the highlight. Here we are at the rock at Petra tou Romiou where the immortal Aphrodite was formed, out of the foam; naked and beautiful. Locals say if a woman swims round the rock 3 times anti-clockwise when it’s a full moon, she’ll stay young forever. Others say it’s a ‘mythtake.’ As for the rest of the erotic gossip, it’s too raunchy to print.
A last night at Sam’s Liminaki, the local village delight. Lamb shank and fiery curry, spices up the evening sending us like Hansel & Gretel skipping back to the resort.
Best time to go for lovers who are not chained to school holidays and want a temperate climate is May, June, September through to mid-Nov.
RR at Columbia Beach Resort from €195 per suite, per night, inc breakfast. For bookings & packages visit the Columbia Hotels website. Flights not included.
Packages including flights available with leading online travel agents including Travelmania who give an excellent and reliable service. They offer a one week package to the Columbia Beach Resort with scheduled Cyprus Airways flights from London Heathrow and return private taxi transfers from £1025.00 per person – Tel: 0207 700 4844.
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Aphrodite rising
Aphrodite rising |
We fly Cyprus Airways back to the UK, Apollo Business Class. The new 3 course menu with champagne
and liquors really is ‘first class’.
Many thanks to the Cyprus Tourist Office and Cyprus Airways for their kind assistance.
Things to do in Cyprus |
