What's On Cyprus

I met Daniela at The Cyprus Bar Show in Kapparis, and when I found out she had recently bought one of my favourite eateries 'Cinnamon Lounge Bar' at the 100+-year-old Mansion aka Shongas Inn, in the heart of Deryniea Village, I just had to find out more.  So we arranged a meeting and over a delicious coffee I was more than pleasantly surprised, this lady is on another level ...

I've had the pleasure to work closely with this impeccable hotel since 1993.  To be honest if you ever stay here, there's a very good chance you'll go back!  I think its because it's still a family run hotel, with many of their staff staying long enough to be family and its without a doubt regarded as one of Cyprus's finest hotels.  In fact, they were recently awarded a Trip Advisor Travelers' Choice Award for 2021 to add to an ever increasing impressive list of awards over the years.

An eatery of the highest esteem, I love the crazy paved terrace, shaded by tall mature trees, that twinkle delightfully as the sun sets, the crazy colourful tables and chairs, almost kindergarden'ish, little alcoves of comfy seating, hammocks set up high in the trees, whilst down a tier, skirting the rocks, a pathway leading to the almost private beach on the left, that'll have mellow music and waiter service and there's plenty of sunbeds, all with a view to die for, a sea of serenity at Sirena Bay ...

To Steki tou Boss, in the heart of Paralimni is an authentic Cypriot Taverna, offering that 'Home from Home' feeling! Inside the décor, in one part designer influenced bespoke wooden tables and chairs made really comfy, patchwork high stools up at the bar, blended with cafe-style seating, lots of wood, village artefacts everywhere, plants and really cool lighting. The menu is a tick list of what's in the kitchen so you create your own meze, 3 of those, 2 of these, none of them etc ... just brilliant .... Highly recommended ... Click on the article for a Map and More ...

They'll turn up, on time, every time, and cook you everything from breakfast or brunch to a three-course a'la carte meal, in your kitchen or the venue of your choice, even if you want it served around your complex pool or on the beach.

I grabbed a chance to pop in for a chat with owner Andreas and his son Thomas.  With over 30 years experience Andreas is an expert in English Style Indian Cuisine.  He's contributed his whole life to his work, spending over 5 years on a mission to travel all over the UK researching the different recipes from the different settlers of various regions of Indian … btw, they also boast a TripAdvisor award putting them in the top 10% Indian Restaurants in the World!

I was delighted to be invited to 'Play 4 All' to catch up with owner Lucas Polycarpou and I have to say, I had no idea just how much they do here, with 6 Full Size Bowling Alleys, a Children's Play Room, called 'The Jungle' and a fully fitted club style party room called 'La Mour' for up to 150 of your friends.  There's also a restaurant with a top chef presenting a full a' la carte menu and that's just for starters, excuse the pun … oh and, a few big screen TV's so you can just pop in for a drink to watch all the live sports and the footie! … So it really is a fun place for kids, and grown ups!

Tony explained; "It's a really cozy, family-friendly resort, in a wonderful part of Cyprus, with 66 Apartments, designed with both style and comfort in mind" ... They're tastefully decorated, boasting a modern aesthetic look while exuding a cozy ambiance.  There are 47 x 1 Bedroom, 3 x 2 Bedrooms, and 16 Studios, all with a well-equipped kitchenette and self-catering facilities, a spacious balcony or terrace, some with a pool view, and a few with a sea view.

Hidden Gem I love finding these little places that are a little bit different ... Safira Coffee House is exactly that! ... Nestled on the main road, almost on the zebra crossing from Likio School, Safira stands out as a retreat of comfort and tranquility, for locals and visitors alike.  This little hidden gem has quickly gained a reputation for its warm ambiance, exceptional service, and, of course, its delightful selection of coffees and snacks to dine in, takeaway, or get home delivery.

We’re excited to be the first to announce that fresh and dried Carolina Reaper Peppers are ready to be grown in Cyprus.  So get ready to meet the king of heat, and trust me, they’re not for the faint-hearted.  But, in Cyprus, these super hot peppers will also be blended with extra virgin olive oil to create 'PowerJuice', so I caught up with owner and pioneer Vasillies of Larnaca Park & Fly fame to find out more ...