reviews Archives

Casale Panayiotis: A luxury resort located in the mountains
Casale Panayiotis: A luxury resort located in the mountains

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, [...]

Dora Christofi2023-07-06T15:48:25+03:00April 26th, 2022|

Review: Manolia City Residences – Nicosia
Review: Manolia City Residences – Nicosia

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 [...]

Dora Christofi2023-06-29T09:01:58+03:00December 12th, 2021|

Aegean Airlines – A Traveller’s Review
Aegean Airlines – A Traveller’s Review

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 [...]

Dora Christofi2023-07-06T09:49:50+03:00October 15th, 2021|

Crystal Springs Beach Hotel: Warm Top Service Hotel
Crystal Springs Beach Hotel: Warm Top Service Hotel

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 an exclusive crystal clear sandy beach. Its privileged location on the outskirts of the popular Protaras resort commands breathtaking views in a calm and relaxing environment. Stepping out of the hotel, the vast amenities and vibrant nightlife of Protaras are close by, making the hotel ideal for couples and families. Rooms There'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 Eating So 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 [...]

Dora Christofi2023-07-20T12:47:12+03:00September 5th, 2020|

Conrad Koh Samui: A Luxurious Gateway
Conrad Koh Samui: A Luxurious Gateway

Conrad Koh Samui: A Luxurious Gateway

Conrad Koh Samui is the most luxurious hotel I have stayed up to now. 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 mountain-side. 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 Location The Conrad’s location on Samui’s little-developed southwest coast is suited in a hidden area, away from the crowds, overlooking the whale-shaped Five Islands and the luminous Gulf of Thailand. The resort lays on a complimentary 4 times per day shuttle bus 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 Once 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). Rooms The 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 [...]

Dora Christofi2023-06-29T16:09:23+03:00September 26th, 2018|

Cyprus Vavla Rustic Retreat: A Traveller’s Review
Cyprus Vavla Rustic Retreat: A Traveller’s Review

Cyprus Vavla Rustic Retreat: A Traveller’s Review

Vavla Rustic Retreat Booking.com 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 yourself to prepare food - if you know how to use it of course. Breakfast Vavla Rustic cooperate with their neighbors 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 a traditional Cypriot cuisine, however 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. BOOK [...]

Dora Christofi2023-07-06T12:36:42+03:00December 20th, 2017|