The charming Columbia Beach Resort resides along the scenic 2km long stretch of Blue Flag honoured coast of Pissouri Bay and offers jet setters traditional Greek hospitality with a luxurious touch.
Proudly boasting numerous industry awards, such as Cyprus’ Leading Resort (2013, 2014, 2016, 2017) and Resort Spa of the Year: Eastern Europe 2018, this minimalist yet ultra glam spa resort caters to groups of friends, families and couples in search of romance under the sun.
Made up of 169 elegant suites set over a massive 75,000 square meters, the resort is renowned for its immaculate service, stylish interiors and exquisite, home-style food – both fine dining and casual.
When my other half and I were shown to our gigantic suite on a sweeping hill at the back of the resort we were instantly enamoured with the view. The balcony looked out onto the vibrant blue bay, surrounded by lofty mountains dotted with pine trees. It was truly breathtaking and resulted in an impromptu photo shoot for social media.
The suite itself was very pleasing to our interior-loving gazes – a charismatic blend of traditional Greek style and contemporary glamour.
The bathroom was spacious and featured a delightfully deep bathtub and separate shower cubicle. Fluffy bathrobes and slippers were on display as were a selection of blissfully scented Molton Brown toiletries.
We spent the next few days basking under the sweltering Cypriot sun by the resort’s gigantic main pool, sporadically ordering colourful cocktails and milky iced coffees – a must when visiting Greece.
The swim up bar at the end of the pool was frequented many times during our stay – mainly because the friendly bartender would concoct a variety of his very own “special creations” for us to sample and also because it was a swim up bar in a pool – what’s not to love?
We were also treated to tension-releasing aromatherapy massages in the hotel’s sophisticated Hebe spa – an inviting haven complete with a serene indoor pool leading out to the vast outdoor pool for anyone craving a lengthly swimming session after their treatment.
Breakfasts were hearty and varied – served buffet style by the pool. Pancakes, fresh bread, yogurts, fresh fruit, cheeses, cold meats, salads, local honey, cooked egg dishes and more would tempt hungry guests every sun-soaked morning. Children were delighted with the vast range of cakes and doughnuts also naughtily on offer.
Lunches were always enjoyed poolside (tanning time is vital for us Brits) and dinners would be at either of the three main restaurants.
Italian food fans will adore the extravagant Bacchus Italian gourmet restaurant, which serves classic Italian fine dining dishes including beef carpaccio and lobster ravioli to the romantic renditions of classic love songs sung by a live band.
Apollo Tavern, the hotel’s traditional Greek restaurant, served a variety of classic Greek Cypriot dishes such as slow cooked lamb kleftiko, moussaka and sizzling souvlaki kebabs straight from the grill – also accompanied by live musicians playing more traditional Greek music. Sadly, no plates were smashed.
After dining here quite happily for a few days we discovered another restaurant situated on the other side of the resort called Cape Aspro, so we decided to pay a much needed visit one hungry warm evening.
Facing the sea and perched at the end of the hotel’s second elegant pool, the restaurant gave off those endorphin-boosting “you’re on a greek holiday” vibes and served up a selection of fresh grilled fish dishes and impressive sushi creations. As a fervent lover of Japanese cuisine, I ordered a California roll starter and a large plate of sashimi for my main – all were divine and promptly re-ordered the next evening.
We stayed a total of 5 nights and when it was time to return to drizzly London Town, it was a struggle to pry ourselves away from this Cypriot holiday haven of which we had grown so fond of.
Columbia Beach Resort was truly faultless in every way and we can’t wait to return – although a far longer stay will surely be needed.
A seven-night stay at Columbia Beach Resort starts from just £1,342* per person. This price is based on two adults sharing a Junior Suite, Garden View, on a bed and breakfast basis, departing on 22 September 2019. It also includes direct, return flights from London Gatwick and private resort transfers.
To book now visit Sovereign Luxury Holidays at www.sovereign.com or call 01293 839 151. For more information on Columbia Beach Resort visit www.columbiaresort.com.