Columbia Beach Resort
Pissouri Bay, Limassol, Cyprus
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#2 of 10
expert-rated hotels in Limassol- Recommended for:
- Couples, Families with teenagers, Families with younger children, Sporty types, Chilling out, Escaping the crowds, Great views / scenery, Relaxation, Romance
Best for The Beach - Expert review of Columbia Beach Resort
An idyllic luxury oasis on its own stretch of uncrowded Blue Flag beach.
The Columbia Beach Resort is all about location and charm. It stands on one of the least-developed stretches of public beach in Cyprus (where most resort hotels can stake a claim to just a short stretch of ‘private’ strand’). At first glance it only hints at the charms within, but persevere: behind its slightly fortress-like façade lies a low-rise oasis, one of the most charming resorts on this stretch of coast. The architecture is claimed to be ‘distinctively Cypriot’; to my mind, its mix of terracotta-tiled roofs, mellow exposed stone and pale ochre walls looks more Italian, or even genuinely tropical. Palm trees and scarlet bougainvilleas surround an enormous lagoon-like pool. The beach is unmarred by other big hotels, and although it is a mix of pebbly sand rather than pure golden powder, it’s long enough for a delightful sunset stroll or a peaceful swim.
Location:
Pissouri Bay is about 35km west of Limassol, making it just a smidge closer to Cyprus’s second city than to Paphos, 37km miles further west. The nearest airport, however, is Paphos, just under 17km west. The Columbia Beach complex dominates the bay, but there are also a number of independent bars, restaurants and shops within easy walking distance.
Bedrooms:
94 suites, ranging from generously sized (37 square metre) open-plan junior suites to executive suites (also open plan, but sleeping up to four people) and family suites with one or two separate bedrooms. Top-of-the-range suites have private plunge pools. Stone-tiled floors, exposed wooden beams, biscuit-toned textiles and wicker furniture complete the tropical theme.
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Public areas:
The grounds are vast, with blue canvas umbrellas lining the pool and curving paths leading to the beach through pretty gardens redolent of jasmine and wild herbs. The lobby and reception areas gleam with marble. One of the most striking assets is the hotel’s own All Saints Chapel, used for weddings and decorated with vivid modern murals by English artist John Corbridge.
Eating and drinking:
Very posh gourmet Dionysos Restaurant uses best local produce; outdoor Cypriot meze is servedat the Apollo Taverna; there's also a pool bar and beach bar. Eros Bar is an upscale, modern take on a traditional ouzeri.
Leisure facilities:
80-metre lagoon pool, connecting with heated indoor pool; utterly sybaritic spa with Molton Brown and Daniele de Winter products and treatments; tennis and squash courts, gym, top-notch watersports on the beach and three championship golf courses within 15- 20 minutes' drive. Sailors Kids Club entertains 3-12 year olds.
Service:
Staff are slick without being servile
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Who stays there:
Families, couples and wedding groups.
Price advice:
There are some outstandingly good value rates in low season (mid November to mid-March). Rates include a lavish breakfast buffet.
Pros:
Great location on an uncrowded beach
Golf courses nearby
Attractive mock-trad architecture
Cons:
Spillover from adjacent hotel negates exclusivity
More information on Columbia Beach Resort:
- Type:
- Hotel
- Address:
- Pissouri Bay, Limassol, Cyprus
- Amenities:
- Business Centre, Fitness Centre, High-Speed Internet, Parking, Restaurant, Room Service, Swimming Pool
