07-03-2025
Embrace the lap of luxury in this Cypriot bay of plenty
Set in front of Pissouri Bay – a calm, Blue Flag beach flanked by the Mediterranean – the award-winning Columbia Beach Resort is tucked between a sweep of white cliffs, with a design that pays tribute to a traditional Cypriot village.
A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and its Considerate Collection of sustainable hotels, this is the only five-star resort in Pissouri. At its heart is a huge, 80-metre lagoon-style infinity pool, which sits between the resort's villa-style architecture and overlooks the Mediterranean, surrounded by palm trees.
Accommodation spans Junior Suites, larger Executive Suites, Cape Suites with a separate living area and the luxurious Eagle's Nest Suites, as well as one- and two-bedroom Family Suites. They all have their own private balconies to admire the views from, plus glossy marble bathrooms and atmospheric design features – think beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls and sleek wooden furnishings, brightened up with pops of colour.
When you aren't flopping on the beach or by one of the two pools, there's plenty to do, from windsurfing, kayaking and sailing to yoga, tennis and squash. Cycling is also big here; there's a dedicated bike centre run by former Swiss cycling champion Thomas Wegmüller, with tours available to take you out into the surrounding hills, vineyards and olive groves. Families are also well catered for, with a kids' club for those aged four to 12, offering everything from bracelet-making to beach walks, and a crèche is on hand for quiet time.
Wellness is taken seriously, too. Head to the award-winning Hébe Spa for an indoor pool, jacuzzi, sauna, steam room and a menu of treatments – from Elemis facials, salt scrubs and wraps to Thai and Swedish massages using local ingredients such as frangipani. Or swing by the fitness studio to take expert-led classes, which range from yoga and Pilates to circuit training and body balance.
Having worked up an appetite, head to one of the three restaurants. Bacchus serves standout Italian cuisine beneath atmospheric high ceilings, with dishes created by Michelin star-trained chef Polis Papageorgiou – think silky-soft burrata, slow-cooked beef ravioli and amaretto-drenched tiramisu. Apollo Tavern offers classic Cypriot cuisine with views over the sea and gardens – from honey-drizzled feta to fresh seafood, souvlaki and mezze – while Cape Aspro specialises in Mediterranean and Asian fusion, with bao buns, gyoza and kung pao noodles among the stars.
There's a generous handful of bars too – head to Seven C's Bar for Cypriot coffee, cocktails and sushi served on a terrace overlooking a sweep of aqua-blue; swim up to the Poseidon Pool Bar to cool down with a fresh juice; or try Ouzeri for Greek ouzo and local wines.
For a pre or post-dinner tipple, sink into one of the armchairs at Eros Cocktail Bar and order one of the resort's signature creations – think bubbly margarita with rosé sparkling wine or an Aperol twist with Greek vermouth – as you take in views of Pissouri Bay sparkling away on the horizon.
