Casale Panayiotis is no ordinary spa resort. Nestled in the picturesque village of Kalopanayiotis, high up in the Troodos Mountains of Cyprus, it is a 90 minute drive from the Larnaca airport. Kalopanayiotis is home to the ancient sulphur springs that drew pilgrims and visitors for thousands of years. It is now home to the thoroughly modern and plush Casale Panayiotis Hotel and Spa.
Eight luxury guest houses
What makes Casale Panayiotis so unusual is that it is comprised of eight separate village houses that have been completely refurbished, restored, and lovingly decorated. The 43 guest rooms include studios, one bedroom and two bedroom suites. The one bedroom suite we stayed in was actually a small apartment with a bedroom, a living room and a tiny kitchen, and large bathroom. The apartment was beautifully appointed with local arts and crafts. The double bed was incredibly comfortable, probably the most comfortable bed I have slept in in years.
Room with a view
Because the village is built on the side of a mountain, many of the rooms and suites have their own private porches with incredible views of the mountains. Ours did, and we enjoyed sitting out and enjoying the pristine beauty and the incredible quiet. While 200 villagers populate the village, we hardly saw a soul during our stay, aside from the other hotel guests.
Superior spa
The Myrianthousa spa is a beautiful new building adjacent to the older village buildings, and part of the Casale Panayiotis complex. It is easily reached by foot from most of the guest houses. The spa has large showcase windows that look out onto the Marathasa Valley and the Troodos Mountains in the distance. The view is breathtaking, and can be enjoyed from the hydrotherapy pool, or from the lounge chairs around the pool.
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
Sauna, steam and snow
Aside from a hydrotherapy pool, the Myrianthousa spa sports a Finnish sauna and a large tiled herbal steam room, both of them state of the art, beautifully designed and maintained. Imagine our surprise when we opened an adjacent door and found a snow room! This room is used to cool off in, after spending time in the sauna or steam. All it takes is a minute or two of standing in the snow, in your bathing suit, to be ready to go back for more steam or sauna. If you prefer, there is a tropical shower that provides a most unusual experience of being in a tropical rain forest, complete with mist and dripping cool water. The water is infused with peppermint adding to its cooling properties.
Massage and treatments
In good spa fashion, all types of massages and treatments are available at the Myrianthousa spa. Their signature treatment includes a sulphur bath with waters taken from the nearby springs. We chose a more traditional massage and were not disappointed. The massage therapists are experts in working out the kinks and knots from our tired, stressed bodies. Spa treatments are of course at an additional charge.
Dining al fresco
Several dining options are available for guests at Casale Panayiotis. Breakfast was included in our room charge (130 EUR/ 148 USD per night for the one bedroom superior suite). We dined on the large veranda overlooking the valley, enjoying the greenery, the sunshine and the great outdoors. The breakfast buffet was extensive with hot and cold dishes, and many Cypriot delights. Particularly impressive was the way they brewed Cypriot coffee in hot sand. Casale Panayiotis prides itself on using the freshest ingredients from locally sourced growers and vendors. Lunch and dinner are available as well and the hotel has several other restaurants you can check out during your stay.
A mountain hideaway not to be missed
Casale Panayiotis is a treat to all the senses. Enjoy the natural beauty, pampered by the creature comforts of beautiful rooms, comfortable beds, smiling service, and the wonderful spa. Casale Panayiotis, situated high up in the Troodos mountains, is definitely off the beaten track but well worth the time spent getting here. This is one vacation spot that I would go back to in a heartbeat.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
Create an account to