Columbia Beach Hotel

The Columbia Beach Hotel has a Mediterranean feel to its architecture and landscaping, and showcases panoramic sea and mountain views from restaurants, bars, and common areas. Local stone and wood combine with lots of plants and palm trees throughout the property for a rugged Cypriot vibe. While the decor is both natural and reflects traditional culture, the property still feels modern and fresh. A window-lined wood pavilion holds the fitness center, while the steam room is decorated with mosaic tiling. The lobby is airy and spacious with an earthy palette and nautical touches, such as a sailboat design in the marble floor and a curved wooden coffee table resembling a dock. There are plenty of soft couches, as well as leather chairs around a glass-enclosed fireplace for chilly nights. Just off the lobby is Seven C’s bar, which extends to a gorgeous terrace with wicker seating and views of the water. This is a family-friendly property, and can feel crowded with kids at times, but it offers enough space for couples to find some peace and quiet on the lawns and at the (rocky) beach. 

The Columbia Beach Hotel is situated 10 minutes’ drive from the small seaside town of Pissouri, on the south coast of Cyprus. The hotel is in a peaceful, remote area on a private Blue Flag (eco-label award) beach on the Bay of Pissouri. Although there's not much to do in the hotel’s immediate vicinity, there are several local tavernas within an easy walk, and it is a good location for both biking and walking. Guests interested in touring the island’s archeological sites will probably want to rent a car, as most are at least 30 minutes to an hour away. Agios Yeorgios, featuring Early Christian basilicas and a bath from the sixth century, is about 50 minutes west of the hotel. The ancient town of Amathous is a 30-minute drive east. The hotel shuttle travels to some local areas and attractions but should be booked in advance. There are four 18-hole championship golf courses within a 40-minute drive of the hotel, which offers golf packages. The Columbia Beach is 25 minutes’ drive from Paphos International Airport, and just over an hour from Larnaka International Airport. 

The 116 rooms at the Columbia Beach Hotel are homey and bright, with white walls and Mediterranean-blue accents that reflect the sea view outside. High white ceilings and attractive archways add character, while floors are done in either beige tile or dark wood. Wooden furnishings are complimented by blue fabrics, framed artwork, and checkered bedside boxes that control the lighting. There is adequate storage space, including closets that hold robes and slippers, and wooden dressers topped with flat-screen TVs. Tea- and coffee-making facilities are placed atop narrow wooden desks, and minibars are also provided. Each guest room also has a balcony or terrace with wicker furniture, but some are not completely private; they're separated from neighbors by half-partitions only. 

The larger Sea View Studios and Family Suites (with two bathrooms) have sitting areas as well. Some rooms have gorgeous water and mountain views, even the lower category units. Rooms in the rear of the hotel overlook the outdoor dining area, which can be noisy in the evenings. Small but spotless bathrooms have blue and white tile with either shower/tub combos or separate soaking tubs and shower stalls, plus Molton Brown toiletries. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, turndown service, and safes. Connecting rooms are available upon request.

The crowning feature at the Columbia Beach Hotel is its private beach with a full slate of water sports, including swimming lessons, kitesurfing, scuba diving, sailing, waterskiing, canoes, and pedal boats. There is also a large pool with beach views, and an adjacent kiddy pool. The pretty pool area is surrounded by sunbeds, tables, and chairs. For families, there's a free kids' club for ages 3 to 12, offering everything from cooking classes to arts and crafts. Another nice touch: the restaurants' children’s menu nods to popular characters such as Harry Potter. 

There's a tennis court on the premises, as well as a small, sunlit fitness center with a few cardio and weight machines, and a rack of free weights. Also available on site are a sauna and steam room, plus guests can book spa treatments at the hotel’s neighboring sister property, the Columbia Beach Resort. Spa treatments include massages and facials; if guests book a treatment, they also have access to the resort's pilates and yoga classes, squash courts, and indoor pool for the day. The hotel also has multiple conference facilities and a 24-hour business center for working guests. Parking and Wi-Fi are free. 

Hotel guests can either book a bed-and-breakfast, half-board, or all-inclusive stay. Every rate then includes the hot and cold breakfast buffet, which is served in the Atrium Restaurant. Buffet and a la carte dinner is served in the Atrium, along with live music, and there are snacks, coffee drinks, craft cocktails, and juices at the lobby’s Seven Cs Bar. The seasonal Old Customs House beach bar -- which occupies a historic building -- serves pizza, burgers, sandwiches, and a few fancier entrees in an atmospheric setting. Guests can order cocktails and light food from the poolside Cape Aspro Bar and Restaurant, even without getting out of the water. Room service is available 24/7.