Something for the weekend: Limassol

What can we say about this Cypriot gem? It’s got that winning combination of sun, spas and luxury hotels.

By Beauty Assistant Yanar Alkayat 

Leave all preconceptions about Cyprus being an Ayia Napa club-haven at the door. An enclave of rustic hills and sun-sizzling beaches can be found in the southern part of the island.

Where to stay
The five-star Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol is nestled in between rural Cypriot countryside and backs immediately onto miles of idyllic beach. The 304 room hotel with an exclusive Shiseido Spa (one of only five in the world) makes it a Cypriot gem worth whiling a few days away at.

The grounds are impressive with tropical pools dotted about and plenty of outdoor deck-dining to soak in the sun while feasting on the hotel's fantastic food. There's also an adults only pool and Jacuzzi area.

Time to spa
The luxurious Shiseido Spa is a luxurious experience offering treatments designed to rebalance energy flows around the body through Shiatsu pressure points and massage, and the use of hot and cold towels. Thalassotherapy treatments in the Thalasso Spa are also on offer.

What to see and do
As tempting as it is to spend your days in a zen-like state at the Shiseido Spa, there are plenty of cultural corners to discover in Cyprus. The local culture is a melange of Arabic, Middle Eastern and Greek influences which can be experienced through the food, architecture and language.

Visit any of the hill-top villages for a piece of traditional Cyprus and see how local cuisines and delicacies are made.  It's not a commonly known fact that Cyprus was the first country to discover wine so for lovers of the drink, Cyprus Museum of Wine is an insightful stop with a complimentary wine tasting at the end of it. Alternatively, for activity lovers, there are lots of mountain biking opportunities, a popular activity thanks to the terrain there.

With the gorgeous sea being at the hotel's doorstep, there's a full range of water activities including PADI diving and wind-surfing and back at the hotel there's a fully equipped gym with sea views and exercise classes throughout the day.

Where to eat
The Four Seasons boasts fantastic dining experiences with six restaurants, four of which are gourmet, and four bars. Choose from Greek, Italian, Oriental and seafood, plus impressive buffet spreads for breakfast and lunch in the Café Tropical.

Pre-dinner drinks can be enjoyed in the bar or lobby areas where attentive staff cater for your every need and there's also live music in the evenings at the cocktail/champagne bar.

See the rest of our 12 hot holiday ideas

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