Showing posts with label Paphos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paphos. Show all posts

Tuesday, 24 December 2013

Hotel Review: Apokyrfo, Lofou (Troodos Mountains), Cyprus


What's the Curbappeal?:
- cosy rustic guest rooms with a touch of luxury
- tranquil and beautiful feature pool area 
- set within one of the prettiest villages in the Troodos Mountains 

Our room: The Almond House (not really a house though - just one level). 

Recommended?: for those who like to 'get away from it all'. I found it a bit too much after a couple of days and wanted to get back to civilisation (I do live in London). Also expected the food to be a bit tastier, the interior of the restaurant to be cosier and the walls to be thicker (could hear people in room next to us, so had to move). Maybe my expectations were just too high? Setting certainly very idyllic though and can see why many people love this place. 


Front entrance to this small rural hotel. 


Picturesque walk down the hotel steps into the village of Lofou. 


Cappuccino by the pool at breakfast. An idyllic setting. 


Rustic dining room. 


Dining room. Not quite as cosy as I'd expected in the evenings, perhaps down to choice of bright lights? Lack of other guests created a bit of a 'hushed tone', when we were there, so not as relaxing as hoped. 


Beautiful setting for breakfast/lunch by the pool. 


The beautiful pool area. 


One more shot of the pool area.



V rustic and pretty look to the kitchen area/buffet breakfast. 


Breakfast buffet. 


Sitting down for breakfast by the pool. 



The surrounding scenery; in the foothills of the Troodos Mountains. 


My room; 'Almond House'.  Name a little misleading, was a guest room not a house, but it had lovely feature log fire-place. 


Peering out to the village, through unique-look window in my bathroom. 


Unique way to control the lighting in my room. 


Date of stay: November 2013.

Friday, 15 November 2013

Cafe bar review: Oniro, Coral Beach (near Paphos), Cyprus

What's the Curbappeal?:
- The sunset. Watch the sun disappear into the ocean right in front of you. 
- The view is made even more spectacular by the ship-wreck just off shore (not sure how long it's been there for/how long it will be there for)
- Chilled tunes create almost an Ibizan vibe (if it wasn't for the distinctly older crowd)...
- Friendly service by this family owned bar 

Recommended: definitely. Sip a ginger mojitio and lap up every last bit of the sun. 













Date of visit: a Monday late afternoon, to capture the sunset, November  2013

Saturday, 9 November 2013

Almyra hotel, Paphos, Cyprus

What's the Curbappeal?:
- contemporary beach-side luxury chic 
- happy combination of adult-only and family friendly areas 
- plenty of walking (sea-front pathway) and plenty of dining options just a stones throws away 
- blissful contemporary spa, with adults only infinity pool 
- relaxed breakfast dining area under the Olive trees 
- feeling of a much larger hotel, given guests are free to the facilities of the sister hotel nextdoor - the renowned Annabelle 


Our room: 221 (sea-view) 

Recommended: yes, definitely. Especially for city folk who don't want to be too far from civilisation! (Eg you'll find coffee shops right on your front door) 


Beautiful spa. 


Sunset from one of the restaurants. 


Contemporary chic dining space. 


Breakfast area under the olive trees. 


Infinity pool (adults only area). 


Our room. 


Time for tea, by the pool. 


Another stunning sunset, as seen from next door Annabelle hotel - sister hotel to Almyra. 


Time of stay: November 2013. 

Chix Chox, Polis, nr Paphos, Cyprus

What's the Curbappeal?:
- setting in bustling central square (the focal point of Polis) 
- friendly and relaxed atmosphere
- delicious home cooked gigantic pizzas
- traditional Greek music is a nice touch (I didn't find it too cheesy)


Recommended?: most definitely. Reasonably priced (approx Eur65 for two; two starters, two medium pizzas, dessert and alcohol). Quality of food excellent, so very good value. 


Menu - it's huge - expect to take sometime to decide what to eat. 


Peeping into restaurant from outdoor seating area. 


Tasty olives. 


Freshly homemade spongy bread. Hard to resist. 


Starters: feta cheese with prawns and fresh tomatoes. Delicious. Other dish is feta cheese with tomatoes and chillies. In Hindsight, I probably overdid the feta cheese a tad. 


Massive delicious pizzas, proudly freshly made from scratch and boy can you tell. 

Close up of pizza. 


No idea how I managed homemade chocolate cake with vanilla icecream, but I'm a sucker for chocolate dessert. 


Outdoor terrace, with heat lamps, allowing outdoor dining even in November (when I was there). 


Outdoor terrace. 


Time of visit: Friday night mid-November 2013. 

Wednesday, 6 November 2013

Capturing the interior design of the Anassa, Cyprus.


Some photos that capture the interior design of the Anassa hotel, Cyprus... 

The hotel entrance, complete with water features, creates an immediately relaxed ambience. 


Grand central marble staircase. 


Elegantly set dining tables. 


Roaring log fire in the hallway. In November you can sunbathe in the daytime and cosy up to the fire at night. 


Many areas to relax (cool off in the summer) around the main building. 


Grand marble light and airy corridor. 


Amphora restaurant. Modern design, with high ceilings and lots of natural light. 


The indoor pool in the Thalasso spa, with its grand Grecian columns. 

Date of stay: November 2013.