Londa Hotel

A towering white sculptural installation, like the leading edge of a glacier, covers an entire wall in the lobby of Londa Hotel. It makes a striking impression, and the rest of the interiors don't disappoint either, with wide geometric columns and white designer furnishings. The lobby opens up into a cocktail lounge that's all white linens and natural wood, with a central fire brazier and a baby grand piano beside windows overlooking the outdoor terrace. Well-heeled couples and business travelers are the main guests, though locals aren't uncommon in the lounge or restaurant, where a dress code of "casual chic" is appreciated by most. There are no kiddy pool and no kids' club here, and small children are rare. 

The Londa Hotel sits on the major thoroughfare on the edge of town. The neighborhood is touristy, with coffee shops, restaurants, nightclubs, and shops all within walking distance -- though there are also some cheap souvenir shops, chain restaurants, and even strip clubs that slightly cheapen the atmosphere. This is one of the closer beachfront resorts to downtown Limassol, and there's also a bus stop right outside the hotel can take guests directly to the popular Old Port area in about 20 minutes (the marina, castle, and Molos promenade are also found around there). Notable archaeological sites like Ancient Kourion and the medieval Kolossi Castle are within a 25-minute drive. Larnaca International Airport is a 40-minute drive to the east along the coast, while Paphos International Airport is closer to an hour drive to the west.

The hotel's 68 rooms and suites are decorated with contemporary furnishings. Expect white bedding, blond wood, and contrasting materials and textures that add interest (such as netted curtains, olive wood door handles on the parquet wooden closets, and dramatic white headboards with distresses finishes). Wooden desks have metal and leather chairs with flat-screen TVs housed in cabinets decorated with faux thatching. Sitting areas combine sleek white chairs with rustic wood-and-rope furniture, and throw pillows on the beds shaped like vegetables are a quirky touch. Nespresso machines and minibars come standard. The bathrooms have tiled walk-ins or shower/tub combos with Molton Brown toiletries. Side View Suites add sofa beds, and several upgraded suites add whirlpool tubs. All have small, furnished private balconies, but Side View Rooms and Suites rooms lack sea views.

The hotel has direct access to a small beachfront, but the main event here is the outdoor pool with its comfortable daybed loungers and covered poolside bar terrace. A light bistro menu serves both the outdoor terrace and the swank indoor (but open-air) cocktail lounge, which hosts live DJs at night. The upscale, sceney Caprice Restaurant sources fresh seafood like red mullet and sea bass from local fishermen, and serves cheeses and cured meats imported from Italy. The menu is mostly Italian, with local Mediterranean influences (the chef's dessert is carob ice cream made from Cyprus carob trees), and there's a big French and Italian dominated wine list. A free breakfast buffet is included. There's also a full spa, with a hot tub, steam room, and sauna, along with a plunge pool and the usual treatment rooms. An adjacent fitness room has the expected cardio machines and weight trainers, plus a ping-pong table.