Travel Matters Insight

Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa

About…

Spread across more than a dozen picturesque buildings in an ancient spa village in the Troodos Mountains, Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa is not so much a hotel as an immersive experience. What began as one man’s plan to breathe new life into his childhood home has become a showpiece of regeneration and one of the most engaging places to stay in Cyprus. It’s quite a setting; think well-worn cobbled lanes lined by red-tiled stone houses on the side of a leafy valley, with dramatic scenery immediately on your doorstep. A few days here provides a chance to swap beaches for pine-scented forests, discover - and help sustain - the traditional way of life in a village and see a side of the island that many visitors don’t even know exists.

There’s an authentic local flavour to everything at Casale Panayiotis. Just walking along the narrow lanes to different parts of this dispersed hotel makes you part of village life, while eating at its restaurants introduces you to family recipes handed down over generations, made using seasonal local ingredients from the local area. A beautifully judged programme of activities includes more treats for curious foodies, such as halloumi-making workshops, wine tastings and orchard tours. Active types will relish the chance to hit the local hiking trails or head out on one of the hotel’s electrically assisted mountain bikes to explore further, though the fabulous frescoes of the 11th Century monastery of St John Lampadistis, a World Heritage Site, is only a short walk from the hotel’s grounds. Even the modern light-filled spa, with its hydrotherapy suite, is part of Kalopanayiotis’s history; people have been visiting its healing sulphur-rich springs for centuries.

The 41 rooms & suites are spread across seven immaculately restored traditional houses in Kalopanayiotis and no two are the same! White or bare stone walls provide a perfect neutral backdrop to a mixture of antiques, local handicrafts and extremely comfortable modern sofas & beds that are quietly elegant and luxurious in their design. The Comfort Studios are the smallest, although there’s still space for a seating area and small dining table. Upgrading to a Superior Studio means more room to stretch out and a balcony or terrace to chill out on; some are closer to the reception area than others, so be sure to specify whether you want a 10-minutes amble to breakfast or not (though there is a free shuttle). If you must have mountain views, opt for a Junior Suite or Superior Suite; guests at the latter also get a complimentary two-hour session at the spa. Finally, there are Family Rooms, with two bedrooms; the split-level option has a wonderful spiral staircase integrated into its design and might possibly be the pick of the bunch!

The restaurants at Casale Panayiotis may occupy different buildings, but they share a similar approach; to make the best use of local, seasonal ingredients, including some from their own orchards! Start the day with a delicious buffet breakfast in the Troullino dining room, or treat yourself to a generously filled breakfast basket in the privacy of your cosy room. Lunch and dinner are served al fresco at the Byzantino Restaurant, which has a fine offering of homemade gourmet Cypriot dishes that are accompanied with views from the roof terrace. For something lighter, Pantheon is the place to head for wraps, salads, pizzas and pasta, or maybe just a mid-afternoon ice cream, on the large open-air terrace. Byzantino Café also has a limited selection of salads, sandwiches and sharing platters to savour while you sip your restorative herb tea or Cypriot coffee. The newest addition to the hotel is Loutraki Grill Restaurant where you can enjoy steaks and other grilled specialities with a fantastic mountain view.

For some relaxation, we suggest visiting the striking Myrianthousa Spa. The spa is set into the hillside, which overlooks a stream. It features a hydrotherapy pool, a Rasul Mud Cabin, a thermal suite, a herbal steam room, snow cabin, a chromotherapy suite and seven treatment rooms. Book a signature journey for a couple of hours of unadulterated bliss. If you require some solitude, without the need to make a spa appointment, please visit the hotel’s library lounge. A welcoming haven, where you can put your feet up after a day of exploring that is certainly a quieter alternative to the people-watching joys of the village Taverna.

Key Sustainable Features…

The wonderful boutique hotel of Casale Panayiotis Traditional Village Hotel & Spa is located in the Troodos Mountains in Cyprus. The hotel has a reputation for focusing its energies on sustainability and responsible tourism, especially as it was originally a restoration project turned luxury hotel. Casale Panayiotis represents a land of revived opportunity for its community and has been re-constructed on a sense of authenticity. These are our favoured sustainability commitments -

• Sustainable Building Design: The hotel was built using local materials and traditional building techniques to reduce its environmental impact

• Energy Efficiency: The hotel uses energy-efficient lighting and heating systems, as well as renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and geothermal heating

• Waste Reduction: The hotel has implemented several initiatives to reduce waste, such as composting organic waste, recycling, and reducing single-use plastics

• Local Sourcing: The hotel sources its food and other products locally to support the local economy and reduce its carbon footprint

• Water Conservation: The hotel has implemented several initiatives to conserve water, such as using low-flow showerheads and faucets, and collecting rainwater for irrigation

• Community Development: The hotel is committed to supporting the local community by providing employment opportunities and promoting local culture and traditions.

Travel Matters Highlights…

As you are already aware, Casale Panayiotis is a charming boutique hotel located in the picturesque village of Kalopanayiotis, in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus…think epic scenery! With heaps of traditional Cypriot architecture, natural beauty and a unique tranquil atmosphere; you are therefore obliged to relish the immediate environment!

The natural surroundings of the Troodos Mountains offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities, such as hiking, nature walks, and exploring the nearby waterfalls. Visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of the landscape and enjoy the fresh mountain air. Another highlight of Casale Panayiotis is its spa facilities. The hotel has a spa that offers a range of treatments, including massages and therapies, making it a perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate.

Map & Location…

Nicosia is the largest and capital city of Cyprus, located on the northern part of the island. It's a city with a rich history and culture that dates back to ancient times. Nicosia has a unique blend of eastern and western influences, which can be seen in its architecture, food and traditions. So what are hoping to achieve during your time in Nicosia? Perhaps you can visit the Old City of Nicosia, which is surrounded by medieval walls and is a must-visit for history buffs. You can explore the narrow streets, visit the museums, and admire the Venetian and Ottoman buildings. Whilst in the City, factor in a trip to The Cyprus Museum - the largest archaeological museum in Cyprus. It houses a vast collection of artefacts that date back to prehistoric times, including pottery, sculptures, and ancient coins. After all your learning, do some shopping in Nicosia. It is a great place to shop for traditional handicrafts, such as pottery, lacework, and embroidery. You can also find modern shopping malls and high-end boutiques. The next stop must be food! Enjoy the culinary scene of Cyprus and its famous food, which combines traditional Cypriot dishes with Turkish and Greek influences. You can try local delicacies such as Souvlaki, Moussaka and Halloumi cheese.

If you are feeling a little more adventurous, visit the Green Line, a buffer zone that separates the northern and southern parts of Nicosia. It's a unique experience to walk along the Green Line and see the abandoned buildings and checkpoints.

Overall, Nicosia is a fascinating city that offers a unique blend of history, culture and modernity. Whether you're interested in exploring the ancient past or enjoying the vibrant present, Nicosia has something for everyone…just ask your local Travel Business, Travel Matters, and we’ll provide lots of tips!