As we travelled ever upwards and onwards from the coast, through vineyards and forests, along increasingly twisting roads, authentic Cyprus came into view. And at last, our driver indicated we had arrived - to a unique set-up: a boutique hotel constructed across 7 dwellings in a historic village. Cascading down the hillside, with long views down the Setrachos valley, Kalopanayiotis has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries for its healing sulphur springs and the fascinating Byzantine Saint John Lampadisitis monastery. After years working abroad, John Papadouris returned to his village to find it neglected and run-down. Investing his own money, he embarked on an ambitious restoration project, not just renewing crumbling buildings, but also cultivating local produce and resurrecting cottage craft industries, thus preserving mountain culture. And creating a hotel along the way as a means of achieving all of the above.
Although more is in prospect (including a mountaintop winery and swimming pool), the results to date are wonderful: 41 immaculate hotel rooms, a choice of restaurants serving traditional Cypriot fare (and more universal options in a third), a stunning spa, and activities offering an insight into local life. After two hours strolling the village we felt at home, after two days we wanted to make it our home.
Highs
- We loved exploring the tranquil village and its valley, along cobbled pathways, alleyways and over bridges; the views are high and long
- Unique personal restoration project by the owner and his family who are still very much involved, which imbues the whole with a delightful sense of community
- Outstanding spa with treatment rooms, a snow cave, hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam
- A good range of accommodation within 7 different 'houses' throughout the village, from studios to 2-bedroom suites, so solo travellers, couples and families are all catered for
- Smiley, friendly and unpretentious service
Lows
- It's an hour from the coast and those hair-pin bends are not for the faint-hearted (you may prefer to take a transfer as we did)
- Some may not go for the diffuse nature of the hotel, spread through the village, and prefer a more compact set up
- Some steep sections within the village but there's a mountain elevator to take you to the upper sections
- The only swimming pool is in the spa and under 16s are not permitted, an outdoor pool is planned
Location
Casale Panayiotis consists of several restored village buildings strung through in the small town of Kalopanayiotis, in the picturesque Troodos Mountains. Located in the centre of Cyprus, it's less than an hour by car from either Nicosia or Limassol.
By Air:
Larnaca / Larnaka (112km) and Paphos / Pafos (85km) have scheduled and charter flights from UK and Europe. Larnaca has a slightly wider range of flights. Click on the links below for a list of airlines serving these airports.
From the Airport:
Both Larnaca or Paphos are approximately an hour and a half's drive away from Kalopanayiotis (i.e. another 30 minutes on from Nicosia & Limassol respectively). Note that the distance is longer but the route is faster (on average) from Larnaca than from Paphos. You can take a taxi, book a transfer in the hotel's 7-seat shuttle bus, or hire a car - see our car rental recommendations.
Detailed directions will be sent to you when you book through i-escape.com.
More on getting to Cyprus and getting around
Airports:
- Paphos 85.0 km PFO
- Larnaca 112.0 km LCA
Other:
- Beach 42.6 km
- Shops 0.1 km
- Restaurant 0.1 km