Columbia Beach Resort Pissouri

The Columbia Beach Resort is a relaxed but luxurious beachfront property that caters to both couples and families. The resort's design incorporates the local environment with lots of natural stone and dark wood, potted plants, and native trees, which add up to a true Mediterranean vibe. The charming property has stone floors and walls, mosaics in sea blues, picturesque archways, and local ceramics displayed throughout. The resort has wide green lawns dotted with sunbeds and beach umbrellas, with additional loungers by the pool and on the beach. The food is fresh and delicious, and each restaurant and bar has a unique feel. The Ouzeri is a quaint tavern serving local wines and ouzo, in an authentic barroom with worn wooden furnishings and stone walls. The resort’s piece-de-resistance is the All Saints Chapel, a stunning wedding venue that looks Byzantine from the outside, while inside the chapel is painted in bold, modern religious iconography by a local artist. Despite the popularity of the resort with families, it has a peaceful and restorative feeling, with attention paid to giving guests a luxe experience. 

The Columbia Beach Resort Pissouri is located on a quiet road, 10 minutes' drive from the village of Pissouri. There, guests can dine at tavernas and visit the Church of Apostolou Andreas, a stone Gothic building. The resort is built into the hillside above a private Bay of Pissouri beach, which was given a Blue Flag certification (an eco-label). Guests should note that the beach is shingle, not sand, and travelers may want beach shoes. There are several dining options and a supermarket within a short walk along the beach, but little nightlife. Guests who want to explore the island's sights will need to rent a car. There are four championship golf courses within a half hour's drive from the property; the resort offers free transfers to Elea Golf Course and Secret Valley Golf Course. The Paphos airport is a 30-minute drive from the resort; Larnaka airport is about 70 minutes away by car. 

Suites at the Columbia Beach Resort are large and elegant, featuring a relaxing color scheme of blues and neutral tones to enhance the Mediterranean feel. Their furniture is unique, much of it hand-carved and locally made, and the walls are hung with modern artwork or pretty paintings of Crete. All rooms have private balconies or terraces, and a choice of garden, pool, or sea views; pool-view suites are the least private and also the noisiest. All of the suites are air-conditioned, with cool stone floors and ceiling fans, plus come equipped with espresso machines and minibars in beautiful wooden chests; some also have sink areas. Amenities include flat-screen TVs and closets that house safes, robes, and slippers, and there are also turndown service, free Wi-Fi, and bedside lighting control panels. 

Bathrooms are done in blue and white tile, with deep soaking tubs that have showers attached. Some of the higher-end suites have separate tubs and shower stalls. Designer Molton Brown toiletries are displayed in carved wooden boxes. The two Panorama Suites, each with a private plunge pool and stone terrace, offer spectacular views, but are located up a steep hill. Guests with mobility challenges may prefer rooms closer to the beach and common areas. The two Executive Suites have both sea views and romantic fireplaces. Connecting suites are available upon request.

The Columbia Beach Resort offers guests a free drink upon check-in, as well as a free spa service, which are just a taste of the amenities and activities to come. The crowning feature is the pretty beach lined with straw palapas and sunbeds, but guests who are feeling athletic can pay for various water sports that include windsurfing, sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and more. The pretty lagoon-style pool is suitable for laps or just keeping cool in the water with a drink from the swim-up bar. The kids' club is open to ages 3 to 12, offering cooking classes, sports, games, and arts and crafts. There are a playground and children’s pool as well.

Bike Cyprus-Radsport is run by a former pro racer, and offers guided bike tours and cycle training, as well as bike rental for kids and adults. There are two lighted tennis courts and two squash courts, as well as a fitness room with cardio and weight machines, and free weights. Pilates, yoga, circuit training, and other fitness classes are offered (for a fee) at the gym, which is part of the Hebe Spa. The spa also has a heated indoor pool, sauna, steam room, and hot tub, in addition to a treatment menu that includes massage, body wraps, facials, and beauty treatments. 

The Columbia has multiple conference facilities, including the Oval Conference Room for 350 people. It also offers wedding services, with the option of using the resort’s stunning chapel. Wi-Fi and parking are both free. 

As the lowest rate is bed-and-breakfast, every guest has access to a hot and cold breakfast buffet with eggs cooked-to-order and champagne included. The Apollo Taverna serves a lunchtime buffet and an all-day a la carte menu. In the evenings, it serves fresh-caught fish and traditional Cypriot ‘meze’. Bacchus Italian Gourmet Restaurant is a fine-dining destination offering an upscale menu; dishes are served in a warm wood-filled dining room with white linen tablecloths and live music accompaniment. The Poseidon Pool Bar and Columbia Beach Bar offer more casual options, serving drinks, snacks, and ice cream all day long. The resort’s children’s menu is fun and each dish is named after a popular cartoon or literary character. The Ouzeri is the resort’s traditional-style tavern, serving ouzo, local wines and beers, and small plates. The Eros Cocktail Bar is fancier and has lovely views of the Bay of Pissouri from the outdoor patio. Foodie guests can opt for the Culinary Culture package, which includes cooking classes and a local market tour. Half-board and all-inclusive packages are also available.