Golden Coast Beach Hotel Review: A Great Family Experience

Looking for a family escape that balances elegance and ease? Let us introduce you to Golden Coast Beach Hotel, nestled on the sun-soaked shores of Protaras, Cyprus, a resort where beachfront serenity meets modern-day comfort. This wasn’t just a holiday. It was a rese, a place where mornings began with the soft sound of waves and ended with Mediterranean sunsets from our private balcony. From check-in to checkout, everything was designed to make us feel pampered, relaxed, and genuinely at home. Our Grand Suite Sea View Room We stayed in one of the Grand Suites with a Sea View, and it was worth every euro. Picture this:🛏 A separate master bedroom for the grown-ups🛋 A spacious living area for quality family time🌊 Two balconies with uninterrupted views of the sparkling Mediterranean The suite wasn’t just big, it was beautifully bright. With fully automated controls for lighting, temperature, and even curtain movement, convenience was at our fingertips. Whether dimming the lights for a cosy movie night or opening the curtains to let in the morning sun, every detail was designed to impress. And yes, there’s Wi-Fi (fast), USB outlets, an espresso machine (lifesaver), and even luxury bathrobes for that extra indulgence. It’s not just a room, it’s your slice of paradise. Waking up in our Grand Suite was a daily highlight, thanks to the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea from our front-facing balcony. With two private balconies, we had uninterrupted scenery from sunrise to sunset, watching the waves roll in just beyond the palm-lined pool. But what made it even more special was the glimpse of the soon-to-open Paralimni Marina in the distance. This stunning backdrop adds a sense of excitement and future charm to an already spectacular setting. It’s the kind of view that makes you slow down, breathe deeper, and take it all in. Delightful Dining & Bars One of the most memorable highlights for our family was the diverse and vibrant dining scene at Golden Coast [...]

By |2025-12-10T17:05:18+03:00June 17th, 2025|

Bon Vivant Brunch & Cakes in Paphos, Cyprus

“Bon vivant" is a French term meaning a person who enjoys living the 'good life'. A connoisseur of good food and drink. A person who lives well and takes pleasure in the finer things. If you're strolling through the charming streets of Paphos, Cyprus, with an appetite for something extraordinary, Bon Vivant is the place to be. This exceptional spot has established itself as the go-to destination for brunch enthusiasts in the city. A Celebration of the Good Life True to its name, Bon Vivant is a haven for those who relish life’s pleasures, especially when it comes to food and drink. This brunch-only establishment has mastered the art of crafting an unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is effortlessly chic, blending contemporary design with a cozy, inviting vibe. Whether you're enjoying a slow morning or catching up with friends over a delicious meal, Bon Vivant makes you feel right at home.   The Brunch-Only Concept Bon Vivant has fully embraced the brunch culture, offering a thoughtfully curated menu that strikes the perfect balance between breakfast and lunch. By focusing exclusively on brunch, they’ve fine-tuned every dish to perfection, catering to both early risers and those who prefer a late-morning indulgence. A Menu to Delight Your Senses Bon Vivant’s menu is a culinary adventure, showcasing a fusion of local Cypriot ingredients and international techniques. The chef takes pride in creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious. For savoury lovers, the Salmon Bagel is a must-try. It features smoked salmon, beetroot carrot coleslaw, and avocado spread on a toasted bagel, accompanied by salad and fries. The Cypriot-style bagel offers a local twist with grilled halloumi, roasted tomato, capers, homemade mayonnaise, and a fried egg, giving you a true taste of the island’s culinary heritage. If you prefer something lighter, opt for a perfectly cooked omelette served with salad, or try their Quinoa or Caesar Salad for a nutritious meal. If you have a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Cheesecake Pancakes, served with rich cream cheese, forest fruit compote, and fresh berries—a decadent treat. The Forest Bowl offers [...]

By |2026-07-20T09:28:17+03:00August 13th, 2024|

Cavo Maris Beach Hotel: An Exceptional Family Experience

Cavo Maris Beach Hotel is located in a stunning location area offering breathtaking sea views and beautiful gardens that lead to a secluded blue flag beach, providing the perfect escape for a relaxing getaway. From the moment you arrive, you'll experience friendly service and a commitment to comfort and cleanliness that makes each stay memorable. The hotel is dedicated to quality and guest satisfaction, and it's no surprise that many guests return repeatedly. Let’s explore what makes Cavo Maris Beach Hotel a special place where every visit feels like coming home, based on my experience during July 2024 (coming back for the 2nd time). Check-In Experience When we arrived at the Cavo Maris Beach Hotel, the check-in process was quick and efficient. Even though we got there before the usual check-in time, the staff made us feel welcome. They gave us beach towels right away so we could use the pool and offered a safe place to store our things until the room was ready. This helpful service made our early arrival stress-free and set a positive tone for the entire stay. Our Elite Cavo Maris Room During our stay, we had a Deluxe Elite Family Suite on the 5th floor with a great sea view. The suite was big, around 34 to 50 square meters, and had a big balcony with amazing views of the Protaras coastline. The room was modern and had a choice of double or twin beds, as well as sofa beds, making it suitable for couples and families. It could comfortably fit up to four people. The suite had two nice bathrooms: one with a bath and a rain shower, and another with a separate rain shower. The amenities were really good, with comfortable mattresses, individual climate control, and spacious wardrobes. The suite also had modern things like a 43” Smart TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi, USB charger outlets, and a small fridge. There were also bathrobes, slippers, a thermos flask (so you can fill it in with drinking water from a tab available on each floor), and a coffee machine. [...]

By |2025-12-02T10:08:29+03:00August 4th, 2024|

Casale Panayiotis: A luxury resort located in the mountains

"Discover village life in Cyprus through a luxury hotel resort and spa set into an ancient mountain range in this Mediterranean escape". Cyprus is full of surprises and hidden spots. One of these is Casale Panayiotis, a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Kalopanayiotis Village. It's a place to relax and enjoy the village life. It combines a mixture of a luxury spa, elegant hotel rooms that remind you of Cypriot Village houses - modern and old. Nestled in the Marathasa Valley, on the slopes of Troodos Mountains, Casale Panayiotis is a complex of traditional houses which combine modern luxuries with traditional style. It features a spa center and elegant rooms overlooking the courtyard or the mountains. Rooms All rooms and suites used to be village homes that have been restored, retaining their original Cypriot character and touch. All rooms are heated and air-conditioned, provide a TV,  safe, minibar and kettle, whilst some other rooms have a sink and a mini cooker. Free toiletries, bathrobes, slippers, and a hairdryer stock the bathroom. A few rooms have a fireplace (there is a 10 Euros extra charge for a basket of wood). We stayed at one of the 5 Studios, Agia Marina no.5 which is located in the Old neighborhood, near the Agia Marina church (the room was named after the church). Our room had a fireplace which made it extra cozy and warm during the winter nights that we stayed there. BOOK NOW Eating The food we had whilst staying in the village was delicious. Casale owns a few restaurants including Byzantino Restaurant, Byzantino Cafe, Loutraki, Pantheo and Kava. In order to reach most of these places and other eateries around the village, you need to walk, despite at which room you are staying at. We had food in Byzantino Restaurant which serves local dishes. We also visited Loutraki Grill restaurant set in a contemporary environment with amazing village views. But note that Loutraki has a very limited selection of dishes. I won't forget the exceptional breakfast. A variety of traditional Cypriot selections, [...]

By |2023-07-06T15:48:25+03:00April 26th, 2022|

Review: Manolia City Residences – Nicosia

Manolia City Residences is located in the heart of Nicosia, in the famous shopping street Stasikratous. We booked to stay there based on the top reviews it has been receiving since its opening, the low prices and of course its location. Prices vary from 45 Euros up to 65 Euros per night, depending on the room you wish to book. Location - Stasikratous Street The location of Manolia is their biggest advantage. As already mentioned, it is located in Stasikratous street, a safe street, where you can find a lot of designer stores, trendy shops and boutiques, including Max Mara, Karen Millen, Kem Handbags, Folli Follie etc. Besides clothing and shoes, you can find luxurious jewelers and boutiques. There are also some restaurants e.g. Fogo & Brasa, cafe/bars e.g. Stasikratous 30, Pralina etc. Makariou street is only a few meters away and there you can find all the high street shops e.g. Zara, Mango, Debenhans, Marks & Spencer etc. The old part of the city is just a ten-minute walk from there. Manolia Rooms There are 3 fully furnished rooms and 2 suites, all decorated modernly, with their private balcony and bathroom. We stayed in the Deluxe Double Room with Balcony. We also had the chance to look around the other rooms since they were open for the new check-ins on the day. The Family Suite is large! It is like a small apartment, with a bedroom and a en-suite bathroom and a living area and kitchen. Our room was comfortable and clean, which is the main reason someone should choose to stay here! All furniture in all rooms is brand new. They also provide you with a fridge,  kettle, tea, coffee and water to make your own coffee/tea in your room. BOOK NOW Facilities Shared Kitchen Shared lounge/TV area Air Conditioning & Heating Free WiFi (good & stable connection) Flat-screen TV in rooms Satellite Channels Lift Toiletries Hairdryer Linen Cloth Rack Wardrobe & Closer Luggage Storage [...]

By |2023-06-29T09:01:58+03:00December 12th, 2021|

Aegean Airlines – A Traveller’s Review

For 15+ years now, I've been flying with Aegean almost exclusively. I always try to book with them, even if I have to pay something more compared to low-cost airlines since I'm happy with the overall experience, service, and the fact that they fly almost everywhere in Europe. In 2022, Aegean was voted by passengers for the 7th time the “Best Regional Airline in Europe for 2022”  at the Skytrax World Airline Awards for the 11th consecutive year and this coincides with another strong performance in the overall World's Best Regional Airline section with an excellent 2nd place position. Aegean Airlines is the largest Greek airline that has carried the largest number of passengers, serving a large number of destinations with the largest fleet size. aircrafts Years History Destinations Countries Advantages Low Fare Calendar You can find the lowest prices available for your chosen destination and search for the dates with the lowest prices up to 11 months ahead. Inspired to get away? Use the following to search for your next flight! Destinations Info Their website provides full detailed information about the destinations they fly two. Just visit the destinations section and find out  At the Airport Waiting time to leave baggage at the check is short. Speedy boarding process at the gate. If you are traveling Business Class you can access their lounges and enjoy some food & drinks (no charge since this service is included in your ticket). Special Assistance Even if you are a passenger with special needs, a child traveling alone, if you are traveling with an infant or pets, Aegean provides you with the best special assistance. On Board Service Comfortable Seats Greeted by pleasant, elegantly dressed hostesses, Sweets for take-off Tea and coffee. Provide Hot Meals – You can pre-define your meal when you check in since they offer you a variety of options to choose from You can select from a variety of drinks Enjoyable In Flight Entertainment featuring Greek Tourist Attractions Miles & Bonus Currently, I hold a silver card which has opened up a [...]

By |2023-07-06T09:49:50+03:00October 15th, 2021|

Crystal Springs Beach Hotel: Warm Top Service Hotel

"Lose Your Self in an Oasis of Lush Gardens. Take in the view and enjoy the sun, sand and sea." Cyprus is full of surprises and hidden spots and Crystal Springs Beach Hotel is one of them! The 4* Hotel in Protaras sits within its own tropical garden and provides you with an exclusive, crystal-clear sandy beach.Its privileged location on the outskirts of the popular Protaras resort offers breathtaking views in a calm, relaxing environment. Just steps from the hotel, the vast amenities and vibrant nightlife of Protaras are close by, making it ideal for couples and families. RoomsThere's 6 types of rooms at Crystal Springs. We stayed in a Superior Room with Sea View. Upon arrival in our room, we were greeted with a bottle of sparkling wine and fruit. The room is spacious enough for two people and a toddler. The rooms are modern and fresh with a clean and soothing palette that evokes a sense of relaxation between orange and white colors. What I really loved and could not take my eyes of what the breathtaking front sea view.Room Amenities• Private Balcony• Daily  Coffee and Tea facilities• Bath Robe and Slippers• Free Toiletries• Magnified Mirror• Safety Deposit Box• Mini bar available at a charge (there is no mini bar offered due to COVID-19).• Room service available until 21:30 at a charge• Air conditioning• Baby cot (Upon request)• Wi-Fi• Hairdryer• Wake up service• 32’ Plasma TV BOOK NOW EatingSo when we arrived at the hotel we were informed about the All-Inclusive offer. We never really stayed at a hotel All-Inclusive. We found the price very good for what it offered - 40 EUR per day all you can eat and drink from any place inside the hotel.The delicious extensive full buffet breakfast offers a variety of continental and English breakfasts every morning.At lunch and dinner, you can enjoy al a carte menu and theme nights (Cyprus, Asian, Mexican, Barbeque, Fish) ensuring diversity and a world of different flavours. We tried all hotel restaurants and food was great. Salamina Restaurant offers the buffet whilst Basilikos has [...]

By |2026-10-05T11:26:59+03:00September 5th, 2020|

Conrad Koh Samui: A Luxurious Gateway

Conrad Koh Samui is the most luxurious hotel I have stayed at so far. This is the most exclusive and quiet hotel to stay, relax and enjoy your precious time. Conrad Samui is a 5-star luxury resort that sprawls over a 25-acre property situated on a mountainside.  The resort features 65 one-bedroom villas, 14 two-bedroom villas, and 1 Royal villa - all villas with their own private pool. Conrad Koh Samui offers a luxurious and private beachfront getaway overlooking the Gulf of Thailand Conrad Koh Samui LocationThe Conrad’s location on Samui’s little-developed southwest coast is set in a hidden area, away from the crowds, overlooking the whale-shaped Five Islands and the luminous Gulf of Thailand. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle bus 4 times per day to the street markets and beach Chaweng (expect a journey time of about an hour). It takes 45 minutes to reach from the airport.This large modern resort is made up of cube-shaped villas, each one with its own swimming pool, positioned above a small stretch of private beach. The look combines clean lines with subtle Thai touches and breathtaking gulf views. The hotel is appealing to all the guests, who come from all around the world – Asia, Australia, Europe, the US, and the UK – mostly honeymooners. Check-In ProcessOnce we arrived at the hotel, they offered us a welcome drink, an amazing cold lemongrass tea drink.  Once everything was sorted out a golf car took us to our villa room.  Really, you need a golf car to go around the resort if you are planning to walk long distances (especially if its raining). Conrad Samui RoomsThe villas are large and each one has their private swimming pool. The interior design is very modern, comfortable and the rooms are extremely spacious. I won't write anything more about the rooms since my photos below show you the best of the villa and its facilities. Room Comforts In-room climate control (air conditioning) Air conditioning Ceiling fan Minibar Espresso maker Bathrobes Slippers Iron/ironing board Sleep well Hypo-allergenic bedding available Pillow menu Blackout drapes/curtains Soundproofed rooms Turndown service Premium bedding [...]

By |2026-10-06T08:17:17+03:00September 26th, 2018|

Cyprus Vavla Rustic Retreat: A Traveller’s Review

Vavla Rustic Retreat Rustic means relating to the countryside; rural. Kelly, the owner, emailed me straight away asking me what time we'll be arriving, if we need wood for the fireplace, or dinner/breakfast in order for her to sort it out. We booked at Vavla Rustic Retreat since it had the best reviews and met our requirements. We needed a 2 bedroom country house in a nice village, with a fireplace and traditional  Cypriot feel. Friendly Owner We arrived at Vavla Rustic Retreat and Kelly was waiting for us. She toured us around the place and even showed us all rooms and told us the history of the old traditional family stone house. An old restored house This place has been restored though funding by the Cyprus Government and the EU. The rooms contain traditional Cypriot items which were used mainly for preparing and storing food e.g. bread. They have maintained the old traditional food scales, some cookware, traditional old sweepers; even in the garden, there's the original water well (an excavation created in the ground to get water). The garden is amazing! It has the traditional stone oven where you can use it yourself to prepare food - if you know how to use it of course. Breakfast Vavla Rustic cooperate with their neighbours Donna Marie and George for serving breakfast, lunch or dinner. Donna Marie and George are former owners of an award-winning restaurant in New York, and are excellent chefs and hosts. They primarily offer traditional Cypriot cuisine; however, they are often open to requests and can also cater to those with food requirements. Note that they serve on a reservation-only basis. Our Country House We stayed at the Anoi, a 2 bedroom apartment, cosy, warm and most of all comfortable and clean. The kitchen literally provides everything! Even a juice maker and a coffee machine. You don't need to take anything, just your food. All rooms are fully air-conditioned. You can purchase a big basket of wood for the fireplace, which costs 15 EUROS, that is enough to last all night and a few hours the next morning. [...]

By |2026-10-05T11:34:28+03:00December 20th, 2017|
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