Heart of Pernera
There are places in Cyprus that quietly do their job season after season. Then there are places like Polyxenia Isaak Restaurant, where holiday memories are practically part of the menu. I love this little resort, which is why I really wanted to catch up with Marcos, the owner … I arranged a quick meeting with Marianthi in marketing at their Ark Cafe, and I managed to get him to invite me for coffee and an interview …
The Old Days
Over a delicious cappuccino, I asked Marcos to tell me how it all started. He said, “I was born here in 1957. In those days, it was just 4 fields, 10 acres, on which we grew oranges and Lemons. I finished my national service, trained and became a fireman, which remained my job til 2009. Following pressure from the family, I took early retirement at age fifty, along with a massive bank loan, and first we built the restaurant on our land, along with the Pool Bar, and 2 Cafes Bars, shortly followed by the 3 Villas and 3 Seaview Apartments”.
Open to The Public
The resort is in the ever-popular coastal area of Pernera, in Protaras. This long-established family-run destination has become far more than just a restaurant. It’s a complete holiday experience, blending authentic Cypriot hospitality, beachfront dining, stylish villas and apartments, and one of the most relaxing pool bar settings in the area, all intermingled into one and ‘Open to the Public’, with a small charge for sunbeds and umbrellas on the spacious lush green lawn!
Stay All Day
It’s just steps away from the Mediterranean Sea, surrounded by palm trees, lush green lawns and shimmering pool water. The atmosphere feels effortlessly cinematic, Marcos explained, “we wanted to make it the kind of place where lunch turns into cocktails and cocktails turn into dinner”. For visitors returning to Protaras year after year, Polyxenia Isaak isn’t simply somewhere to stay or dine. It becomes a tradition!
A Restaurant with Soul
Step into the restaurant, and you immediately understand why so many people become repeat customers. There’s a warmth here that can’t be manufactured. Marcos’ wife Cornillia added, “It’s a perfect retreat for families to gather over long lunches, couples to sip an afternoon glass of wine as the sea breeze rolls in, and our family to greet returning guests just like old friends”.
International
The Menu celebrates Mediterranean comfort food with a strong Cypriot identity. It’s à la carte during the week, from traditional Lamb kleftiko slow-cooked for up to 7 hours, huge pork chops, chicken a’ la creme and freshly grilled seafood to generous meat or fish Meze Platters and international favourites, the kitchen balances local authenticity with holiday indulgence. My favourites here are the homemade Mousakka, still using his mum’s recipe, and my favourite snack is their Club Sandwich … and on Sundays it’s an All-You-Can-Eat Cyprus Buffet Style, very popular with both locals and visitors and very reasonably priced at €18 per person … Check out their Full Menu here
Early Starters
Marcos continued, “We call our place ‘Pollihoros’ which loosely translates as ‘Lots to do Area’ … We don’t rush you like some places; we want you to stay all day. Starting with an à la carte morning breakfast to ease our guests into the day, then it’s by the pool, or chilling on the lawn … while evenings transform the venue into a vibrant social hub where holidaymakers linger long after sunset”.
Accomodation
And then there’s the setting … a Mediterranean lifestyle. The accommodation at Polyxenia Isaak is 3 Luxury 2 Bedroom Villas with private pools and the 3 Seaview Apartments, with the resort’s communal pool, reflecting exactly what modern visitors want from Cyprus holidays: privacy, comfort and top location. The luxury villas are especially popular with families and groups looking for a more independent experience without sacrificing resort-style amenities. Each villa boasts spacious living areas and contemporary interiors designed for long, relaxed summer stays.
Facilities
The 3 Villas also benefit from access to the wider Polyxenia facilities, including the Pool Bar, Children’s Playground, restaurant, cafeteria, and Beach Bar Cafes, creating the feeling of a boutique resort rather than isolated holiday rentals. I love their choice of Arabica coffee at Coco Beach Bar and The Ark Cafe.
Tranquility
What makes these villas stand out is their balance between tranquillity and convenience. Guests can enjoy private sunbathing and peaceful mornings by the pool, then walk just minutes to beaches, vibrant bars, restaurants and the Pernera promenade … It’s the Cyprus holiday formula perfected. It’s easy to see why Marcos told me, “Our guests often book their next stay before even checking out”.
Sea View Apartments
Created with summer living in mind, designed for couples and families seeking the perfect base in Protaras, the apartments deliver panoramic sea views and practical luxury in equal measure. Bright interiors, large balconies, modern kitchens and spacious layouts create a home-away-from-home atmosphere, while the Mediterranean backdrop provides the real showstopper, especially waking up to sunrise on this coastline, catching the early morning rays on the pristine lawn, spending the afternoon at nearby beaches, then returning for cocktails overlooking the pool as the evening settles across Pernera.
Oasis
Every great Cyprus resort has a social heartbeat, and here, it’s unquestionably the pool bar that everyone talks about. During the summer months, the Polyxenia pool area becomes a laid-back oasis where holiday mode fully kicks in. Guests move between sunbeds, swimming pools and shaded seating areas while chilled music and sea air create an atmosphere that feels permanently carefree. There’s even a wonderful massage service with a view on the resort … Mmm!
Service with a Smile
Cocktails are served ice cold, and freshly brewed hot or cold coffee flows all day. Snacks and light bites keep families fuelled between beach visits. What truly separates the pool bar from larger commercial resorts is its personality. There’s no rushed feeling, no corporate stiffness. Everything feels personal, relaxed and unmistakably Cypriot. As the sun sets, the lighting softens, conversations get louder, and the whole venue takes on that unmistakable Mediterranean summer energy visitors travel thousands of miles to experience.
Location Location
While many visitors immediately think of Ayia Napa or central Protaras, seasoned Cyprus travellers know Pernera offers something more balanced. The area combines beautiful beaches, family-friendly charm and a slower pace without losing access to nightlife and entertainment. Coastal walkways connect visitors to Paralimni Marina to the east or the heart of Protaras, to the west, where nearby beaches remain among the most picturesque on the island, and the sea on this coast was voted the best swimming waters in Europe … Here’s a video view of the Venue from the sea …
The Heartbeat
And right in the middle of it all sits Polyxenia Isaak, quietly continuing to deliver the kind of authentic hospitality that keeps Cyprus tourism thriving year after year. In an era where many destinations chase trends, Polyxenia Isaak succeeds by staying true to what visitors actually want: good food, warm service, beautiful surroundings and the feeling that they genuinely belong there … Check out their TripAdvisor Reviews
Events
Marcos and the crew welcome you to host your Wedding Party, Birthday Party, Christening party and Special Events here, promising to make your day as special as it should be … In high season on Saturday afternoons, they’ll also be hosting live music and DJ Events at Ark Cafe Bar … By the way, they are also proud hosts of the opening and closing parties of The Cyprus Rocks Festival again this year!
Open Long Summer Season
April, May & November
Daily: 8 am ’til 5 pm
June ’til October
Daily: 8 am ’til 11 pm
Directions
You’ll find Polyxenia Isaak Resort at 31b Perneras, Pernera, 5286, Protaras, … It’s in the heart of Pernera, literally on the coastal path from Protaras to Pernera … With ample off-street parking … Click on the Google Map below …
GPS: 35.029960, 34.043824
Not Just Top Hospitality,
It’s Cyprus at its Best!
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