Exploring Cyprus's foothill villages and mountain resorts

Pano Lefkara is the most beautiful village in Cyprus and UNESCO listed. The Adults Only, Agora, is its newest hotel; a luxury, 18 room boutique property, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and holder of a Michelin Key.

Originally the bustling centrally located, village market place, the renovation was three years in the making, thanks to the perseverance of Emilie Green Novel and Aleksander Eng who moved from Denmark, their homeland, having fallen in love with the island.

Decorated in subtle gentle shades, with extensive use of wood and locally crafted as well as antique furniture, this is a sophisticated hotel of considerable charm and overwhelming welcome. It is not easy to earn a Michelin Key.

The 18 rooms, none of which are identical, are divided into three groups. There are 9 petite rooms, 6 demi rooms, 1 junior suite and 2 grand suites. All are on the first floor with the exception of one demi room which also has wheelchair access. The intimate bar feels more like a cosy living room and the Novel restaurant, in the hotel’s own words, is where “the Mediterranean tradition of gathering around the table is reimagined through a refined yet unpretentious bistro kitchen. Local, seasonal ingredients shape a menu designed for sharing.”

In many ways the Agora heralds a new generation of small hotels on the island. This is a luxury, contemporary, boutique property with a European feel reinforced by the dedicated involvement of the owners.

A perfect base as part of a fly-drive holiday with time to explore this charming village.

ACCOMMODATION

• 18 rooms including 9 petite rooms, 6 demi rooms, 1 junior suite and 2 grand suites

FACILITIES

• Courtyard, heated, salt water swimming pool 9.37 metres long by 4.20 metres wide and 1.35 deep
• Bar
• Restaurant
• Refillable water stations
• Baggage Storage
• Concierge facilities
• Small fitness centre
• Massage facilities
• Yoga arrangements
• Pool/beach towels

Traditionally, Cypriot families used to holiday in the mountains during the summer months. It was far too hot to stay in Nicosia and going to the beach only became fashionable in the early 1960s. The Pendeli was very much part of this movement and for those who remember the old days it is good to see this hotel make a comeback as it reflects the trend for the return of mountain resorts.

The Pendeli reopened in July 2025 as a 4-star hotel. At the heart of the hotel’s revival lies a deep appreciation for natural materials such as stone, wood and marble evoking an organic elegance throughout the resort and a hint to its past traditions.

Set within the pine forested mountain resort of Platres at 1,200 metres above sea level, the 85 room Pendeli is the perfect base for those interested in hiking trails, cycling routes, wineries and waterfalls. The mountains in Cyprus are rich in heritage and ancient UNESCO listed monasteries are within an easy drive. For those interested in winter activities, the resort of Troodos is a 12 minute (9.3 km) drive away.

Of course you can always just relax in the hotel and make use of the facilities including the outdoor heated pool, spa, fitness centre, sauna, steam bath and ice room.

ACCOMMODATION

• The 85 rooms include; Comfort rooms, Superior Scenic View, Superior Pool View, Superior Family, Junior Suite Scenic View and Junior Suite Pool View
• Rooms and suites are decorated in natural textures reflecting the surrounding forested mountains. All areas of the hotel are wheelchair accessible and three guest rooms are specially equipped for individuals with restricted mobility. These rooms feature roll-in showers, drop-down shower seats, support rails by toilets and additional grab bars. These rooms also include low-level light switches and accessible safe boxes.

FACILITIES

• Ilios Restaurant: authentic Cypriot cuisine alongside Mediterranean, European and Asian cuisine
• Inspirations Pines & Piano Bar
• Forest Cafe for afternoon coffee, snacks and light meals
• Grill Bar: poolside Mediterranean and Cypriot favourites
• Pendeli Resort spa with treatments, sauna, steam bath and ice room
• Wellness floor (200 sqm) with Life fitness and Hammer strength equipment
• Indoor arcade games area
• Indoor toddler’s area
• Outdoor heated pool
• High speed Wi-Fi throughout
• Outdoor terrace
• Covered Parking

The Troodos is a well established hotel and very conveniently located on the square in Troodos. At an altitude of 1,725 metres (5,659 ft) it is only a 5 km walk to the top of Mount Olympus. If you decide not to hire a car, there is a regular bus service from the square to both Nicosia and Limassol. 

All activities begin and end on the main square and, from the open air terrace of the hotel while having a coffee or drink, one can watch all life in the village revolve. Here one can savour the fresh alpine air, the smell of pines and that special clarity of light found at higher altitudes. 

A homely, family run hotel, perfect for both summer and winter in the mountains and catering for all outdoor mountain activities from hiking to skiing.

Accommodation:

• 47 rooms including standard rooms, standard rooms with side view, standard room with balcony and mountain view and superior rooms with balcony and mountain or square view

Amenities/Leisure:

• Restaurant serving local dishes(kitchen open 07.00-22.00)
• All day cafe/snack bar and terrace
• Free WIFI in public areas
• 24 hour reception
• Lobby with fireplace
• Kiosk offering drinks and snacks
• Bicycle hire
• Nearby to local shops
• Fitness gym
• Advice on hiking routes
• Packed lunches
• Lobby Bar
• Free car parking

Casale Panayiotis lies at the heart of Kalopanayiotis village, situated in the beautiful Marathasa Valley, just 50 minutes drive from Nicosia or Limassol. Overlooking a rippling brook in evergreen shade it affords stunning views of the historic St. John Lambadistis Monastery with rugged mountain peaks as a backdrop.

The 41 individually designed comfort studios, superior studios, superior studios plus, junior suites, superior suites and family rooms are sited in independent traditional houses throughout the village. The complex also includes a restaurant, coffee shop, snack bar, wine bar, arguably the best Spa on the island, library, conference facility and cultural centre.

In respecting the traditional architecture of the village, Casale Panayiotis blends harmoniously into the beautiful surrounding landscape. The modern comforts of a luxury hotel have been combined with authentic traditional features, so that guests can truly relax whilst absorbing the unique culture of the mountains.
 
The Monastery of St. John Lampadistis (a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site), the Icon Museum and the six Byzantine churches of Kalopanayiotis are all within walking distance. In addition, local nature trails, the healing waters of the natural spa, medieval stone bridges and the old watermill make Kalopanayiotis an inviting destination.
 
All the rooms have heating, air-conditioning, TV & DVD player, internet access, mini-bar, hair-dryer, coffee and tea making facilities, bathrobes and slippers. Some rooms have a jacuzzi and a fireplace.
 
The Casale's Myrianthousa Spa rightly mirrors the reputation of the historic spa village of Kalopanayiotis, on the dramatic northern slopes of the Troodos mountains. Myrianthousa means “innumerable blossoms” because of the abundance of almond,  cherry and apple trees for which the area is renown. Natural sulphur-spring water, known locally as theouxa (thei-ou-xah), trickles year-round from nearby springs and has drawn pilgrims and visitors for thousands of years to take the waters in this place of awe-inspiring natural beauty.
 
The Byzantino Restaurant offers authentic, Cypriot dishes, based on traditional recipes. All the ingredients used in the preparation of our dishes are fresh and sourced from local producers. Enjoy intimate evenings inside by the fireplace or romantic candlelit dinners on the wooden balcony listening to the sound of the river Setrahos.
 
A traditional breakfast is served daily in the Kafenio for hotel residents. Try the speciality jams prepared with fresh fruits from the Casale's farmhouse or the homemade green tea, made from local herbs. On sunny afternoons enjoy a Cypriot Coffee whilst absorbing the view from the balcony or relax with a book in the flower-filled courtyard.