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Friend Tony Evangelou, proprietor of our favourite London Greek taverna Lemonia, insisted that we must go to the Four Seasons in Limassol - “You will be amazed!”
On arrival, we peek through the taxi windscreen at its dominant glittering façade; grandiloquent and golden in the sunlight. Nothing boutique here. Privately owned by the dynamic and affable Christos Mouskis, the Four Seasons has a full on service offered with the kind of confidence associated with the great tradition of the luxury 5 star hotel. It’s gifted with the tag, ‘ the finest on the island.’ After staying there for a week there’s no reason to doubt this.
Our elegant seaview room has a large comfortable bed, stylish bathroom and spacious balcony.
However, attention to detail goes further than the aesthetic decoration of 5 star marble interiors. Executive director of the Four Seasons, Nick Aristou, remarks astutely, “A hotel could be made of gold but if the service is poor it has no value.”
Fine service ripples through the veins of every area of hospitality. The excellent staff, made up of the old Cypriot guard, are happy to teach the new influx of Eastern Europeans what’s what.
So, what is the what’s what at the Four Seasons. Journalist Elizabeth Hessels, here for the Easter break sums it up succinctly. “What I like about the Four Seasons is that it doesn’t have attitude and neither do the guests.” Repeaters and new clients are treated as part of an extended family. No excuses that the season hasn’t officially started; everything is open all year round, weather permitting. |
Welcome to the Four Seasons, Limassol
Welcome to the Four Seasons, Limassol
[Click to enlarge pics] |
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Desert Palms grow in Azure Pool
Desert Palms grow in Azure Pool |
Sports & Leisure Facilities Four Seasons, Limassol
It’s nearing the end of March and the Sun God Apollo is back from his vacation. The broad, fine sandy beach is pleasantly populated with happy kindlers, families with kiddies building sandcastles, canoodling honeymooners on comfy loungers and let’s not forget the rouble rich Russians.
The sea is still chilly but the outdoor swimming pool, now heated to a comfortable temperature is perfect for laps and frolics. A fully equipped gym and Fitness Studio, heated indoor pool with Jacuzzi sauna and steam room: jet skiing, para-gliding, diving and tennis and even an Adults Only pool will surely keep the uberist of hyperactives happy. |
Experienced Free Diver and Scuba enthusiast, John Despoti is particularly keen to recommend the diving facilities at the Four Seasons. ‘Dive In’ is a PADI Five Star Career Development Centre, the highest award accredited to an establishment within PADI. The centre offers diving excursions to the best dive sites in Cyprus.
Of course there’s a lively kids club – even juniors need a break, let alone their parents.
Weddings are big and long in Cyprus, what better than to tie the knot in the Four Seasons, St George’s Chapel and have a post-nuptial party on the beach.
| Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol Photo Gallery |
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The Cafe Tropical
The celebrated buffet – appetising salads, seafood, pulses, meats, and dietery naughtinesses – scores of different sweetmeats and a plethora of tiny pastries. Obliterating any thoughts of calorific control, we surrender to the Willy Wonkeresque sugary delights.
Sightseeing and Wine Tasting
There’s plenty to do and see outside the cocoon of the Four Seasons. Maria, from Limassol tours, takes us to visit the municipal food market in the town. It’s a lively place, rich with colourful Cypriot characters bantering and bartering with tourists and locals. There are lots of trendy cafés and bars and Limassol Castle; where allegedly Richard the Lionheart got hitched to Queen Berengaria in 1191.
We go to the Troodos Mountains and a winery, followed by lunch at the Makrinari Taverna in the pretty village of Omodhos.
Christos, our guide, drives us to the snow capped peaks that don’t exactly compete with the slopes of Courchevel. However, in March you can ski in the morning and relax by the beach in the afternoon. Unfortunately, we didn’t bring any ski-wear to Cyprus so we are left to admire the beautiful scenery and indigenous flowers. Tourists also come here for hiking, cycling, nature trails and the fresh alpine air.
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Here's to Bacchus
Here's to Bacchus |
A bracing walk and then we hit the Wine Route. Christos, enthusiastically academic, quotes Greek poet Kavafis, “You should want the road to be a long one.”
After the heady wine tasting at the Mandria winery, we are happy that the drive is a short one to the Taverna, where we sample an excellent, freshly cooked never-ending fish and meat meze.
Back at the Four Seasons Spa it’s time for supine delights. Husband Philip has a full body massage which leaves him skipping through Elysian Fields, whilst I am coated with seaweed, covered with plastic and left to lie on a floating bed with transcendental music contemplating the stars. Off comes the seaweed, on goes the lotion for 20 minutes of marine massage bliss. |
Four Seasons Fine-Dining & Treats at Colors Café
The hotel is blessed with a trio of award-winning international restaurants and a gorgeous Café Patisserie.
Vivaldi – state of the art Italian Nouvelle Cuisine. We both love the porcini and mushroom risotto with truffles, Parmesan cheese and white truffle oil. Philip enjoys his sea bass but prefers my lovely plump Dover sole.
Seasons Oriental – noted for the best Chinese food in Cyprus. We love the juicy steamed bay scallops, delectable duck dumplings and feather light special fried rice.
Mavrommatis – gourmet Greek cuisine without the Meze, presented with French chic. Even Zorba would dance for joy tasting the delicate twists of seafood starters and the luscious lamb, cooked three ways.
Colors Café – Scrumptious snacks, pastries and ice creams. Packed till the wee hours. |
Luxury room at the Four Seasons
Luxury room at the Four Seasons |
The Four Seasons Boutique
Glamorous and engaging Quality Support Manager, Amani Vernescu is more than happy to show us round the Four Seasons Boutique, a veritable playground for Fashionistas with it’s ultra chic designer clothing. We persuade Amani to pop on a lovely Donna Karen red silk dress for a pic and that’s it – like red to a bull she charges.
Early riser catches the sun
Early riser catches the sun |
Singing, Dancing and Romancing Every Night
Four Seasons Vista Bar & Terrace is a popular late night hotspot for locals and hotel guests. Where have all the Russians gone, here they are every one – and it’s fun! Champagne & chat ups, songsters who croon modern folklore Greek laments and a dynamic Bulgarian Diva who dazzles the guests with Michael Jackson medleys and full bodied belters.
A terrific week!
For Flashpackers who aren’t manacled to the school holidays and want warm climes without the crowds the best time to go to Cyprus is May, Oct and Nov. |
RR from €280 Low Season, double occupancy including BB, service & taxes. For bookings (without flights) visit the Four Seasons Limassol website. For travellers wishing to book scheduled flights separately, we recommend Cyprus Airways, who offer an excellent service and convenient flying times. Economy flights from £216 return from Heathrow, including tax. Cyprus Airways, Apollo Business Class from £589.
Packages including flights available through most UK tour operators & leading online travel agents. We particularly like the personal service of Travelmania, worldwide travel agents and a long time favourite with travellers. Both on the high street and online, they have a reputation for a reliable and comprehensive service. They offer a one week package with scheduled Cyprus Airways flights and return private taxi transfers from £990.00 per person. Tel: 0207 700 4844.
Things to do in Cyprus
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