When in Cyprus you will most likely spend very little time indoors. Beaches and mountain trails, sailing and exploring the old city, open-air festivals — to name just a few obvious outdoor activities here. Even dining is hardly ever inside as cafes and restaurants often use a terrace or a garden as their main halls. Climate and blooming diversity of Mediterranean nature are the main assets of the island. However, for those to whom it is important to be surrounded by beauty even while asleep, Cyprus is ready to offer uncompromising living conditions in historic mansions, ultra-modern residential complexes and village estates. Today we will talk about the most stylish and interesting boutique hotels in Cyprus.
1
Sir Paul Hotel
This hotel is situated in an 19th-century building in the heart of old Limassol. The city hall even lodged here once. The typical architecture of those times reminds of life’s steady pace, thorough design and attention to details surrounding residents in everyday life.
Opened in 2018 the hotel belongs to the family that owned the building for many years and is named after its member Sir Paul Pavlidis (not McCartney, as one might think). He was a prominent entrepreneur and a major public figure in Cyprus in the middle of the last century. The highlight of the building is an internal atrium slash garden formed by stone arches, behind which 22 rooms are located. An olive tree grows in the center of the atrium and a view of it is especially spectacular from above. The elements of the original stone structure are also preserved in the restaurant area and rooms as a reminder of the heritage and principles of building of the past. The rooms of various sizes and comfort levels are executed in a minimalist style, which does not hide, however, its luxury. Clean lines, elegant whiteness, gilding and plenty of light are balanced by a solid cypress flooring and dark wood details.
In addition to the garden, bar and restaurant, brunches in which are available to the general public from Friday to Sunday by prior reservation, guests also have business rooms at their disposal where important meetings can be held.
Limassol, 5 Ifigeneias
2
Lokàl Hotel
This small hotel in Larnaca is a real aesthetic pleasure for those who like contrasts and with equal enthusiasm admire both antiquity and modern technology.
Located near the Church of St. Lazarus and the Medieval Castle in the city center, the late 18th century mansion was restored and supplemented by an extension made of glass and concrete. Two buildings and two eras are connected by a glass bridge and coexist perfectly together. The estate owners managed to retain original stone arches and wooden floors. Carefully restored furniture and interior items of the 18th and 19th centuries place bright accents here and there.
Another highlight of the place is a custom-made white and lacy twisted staircase in cast iron, which leads from the lounge area to the rooms on the second floor of the old part of the hotel. There are rooms for people with disabilities on the ground floor of the annex. On a hot day, you can immerse yourself in the glass rooftop pool and contemplate tiled pitches of the old city.
Hotel Lokàl has its own Relish bistro, which serves dishes made of local seasonal produce. There is also the traditional English tea with mini sweet treats served from 15:00 to 18:00 (if booked 24 hours in advance, the ritual is available to everyone).
At the Lokàl you can take in the wooden floors and high ceilings of rooms in the historical part of the hotel, or opt for glass walls and ultra-modern minimalistic design of new rooms — the choice is yours, and at a place like this it will be the right one anyway.
Larnaka, 98 Ayiou Lazarou
3
Almyra Hotel
This beachfront hotel in the center of Paphos is the only one in Cyprus included in the Design Hotels™ selection — a list of 315 exceptional hotels worldwide, passionly selected according to strict criteria.
The simple geometry of bleached buildings, palm trees, an abundance of plants and a dense lawn make this complex almost invisible in the coastal landscape. But once you get inside the reality turns upside down. Softly reflected from white walls the sunlight removes unnecessary details from the sight line making the visitor to adjust to calmness, immerse in nature and retreat. Spacious terraces and an infinity pool allow one’s eyes to feast upon unforgettable views of the boundless Mediterranean Sea and its deep shade of turquoise, Paphos Castle and stunning sunsets, to enjoy which people come to Paphos from all over the island.
The hotel has 187 rooms from standard (but still designer ones) to spacious suites with a private terrace, and family complexes. There are 4 restaurants here, one of which can be entered directly from the boardwalk and is perfect after a walk along the coast. It serves traditional snacks and dishes of the region and live music is often performed here.
Local spa complex deserves a special attention. Almyra boasts five swimming pools, a jacuzzi, sauna, treatment rooms, and a beauty salon. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy tennis courts, gym, golf and bike tours.
The final point in the list of pleasures available to hotel guests is the Kult boutique located on its territory with all the heavy names that come to mind when thinking about expensive fashionable clothes and accessories. After all, everyone has their own therapy.
Pafos, 12 Poseidonos Avenue
4
Central Park Residences
This 22-storied building in the center of Nicosia offers luxurious apartments for short, long and permanent residence.
Spacious apartments with two and three bedrooms are equipped with everything one could wish for. Kitchen with modern appliances, living room, dining area, balcony with outdoor furniture — the authors of the project thought of all the nuances that are important to a modern person accustomed to comfort and style. Floor to ceiling windows open a view of the park and the center of the capital of Cyprus. Italian decor, smart home system, floor heating, 24-hour security and concierge — the facility covers all the needs and more.
Despite the independence of the apartments, all guests are provided with hotel services: a mandatory daily cleaning service and breakfast in the room upon request. The complex also has an indoor pool, spa and sports center. Free parking is available for all guests.
Central Park Residences was clearly conceived as an ideal option for businessmen and officials who come to the capital of Cyprus for business: many ministries, embassies and large companies are located within walking distance. However, this apart hotel is also popular among couples who want to retire for the weekend or spend a short vacation in a stylish and comfortable setting. It even has a honeymoon suite. The first project of the company was the Olympic Residence twin towers in Limassol, and the new complex in Nicosia is a notable result of honed craftsmanship.
Nicosia, 25 Evagorou street
5
Casale Panayiotis
The spa hotel, hidden far in the Troodos mountains. Think a fairy tale place where the houses nest on the slopes along a narrow serpentine, the air is clear and fresh and smells of pine trees.
The hotel occupies seven traditional houses (including a converted stable) in the village of Kalopanayiotis, and comprises 41 rooms. The masonry and wooden shutters of the houses are complemented by comfortable classic furniture, modern equipment and bright textile accents handmade locally. The place really does some magic: views of the mountains opening from the balconies are extremely relaxing and set you up for good thoughts. And clear air allows you to see every house in the valley and every tree of the northern slopes of the Troodos mountain range.
In addition to body-healing treatments at the hotel’s spa and hiking along mountain trails, there is plenty of food for the soul as well. The 11th-century St. John Lampadist Monastery and its Byzantine frescoes are protected by UNESCO is a must to visit. The agritourismis another direction of hotels development. It has its own garden products from which fall on the guests' plates. One can also attend a masterclass on making the most famous Cypriot halloumi cheese, local suzuko sweets and, of course, immerse themselves in a tasting in the wine cellar.
Kalopanayiotis, Markou Drakou 80
