A Family Holiday at Columbia Beach Resort, Cyprus

It's easy to understand why the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay is one of the exclusive Small Luxury Hotels of the World group, with its calming atmosphere, incredibly attentive staff and feeling of spaciousness throughout. It sits at the centre of a two-kilometre Blue Flag beach in a lovely sheltered bay with clear blue water that means it's fab for snorkelling as well as other water sports. 

I went early in the season (at Easter), but I didn't feel you would need to get up early to reserve a sun-bed even in the height of summer. The low-rise buildings are all in a traditional style, the gardens are a lush green, and the rooms are so quiet that the only thing you can hear is the sea waves.

'The area is excellent to cycle around, and I love that the resort is
encouraging people to get out and explore while away.'

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Kids' club at Columbia Beach Resort

The food was of a very high standard yet no more expensive than other five-star properties on the island. What also appealed to me was that we were within walking distance of several local restaurants and shops in a village that is not overly commercialised as parts of Paphos are, for example, with a traditional feel that we loved.

This is an all-suite hotel, and all 169 suites with their balconies or terraces are a good size. Among its array of facilities are a well-equipped spa and a cycle-hire shop with an excellent selection including children’s bikes, hook-ups, baby seats and even electric bikes. The area is excellent to cycle around, and I love that the resort is encouraging people to get out and explore while away.

My five-year-old tried out the kids' club operated by the highly regarded Worldwide Kids. It was very professionally run, which I would expect from the firm, and she had a fantastic time. They have a separate children’s pool. I liked that the club was divided into different areas, including a quiet library space and a bowling lane, giving it wonderful variety. What I also liked is that children are allowed to use the indoor heated pool until 2pm each day – a big benefit if you're travelling early or late season. 

Another thing I loved is the resort's policy of helping the local stray cat population. Rather than them treating them as pests, they are neutering them, flea-treating them, tagging them and feeding them, so they are truly welcomed in this resort.

This is a really excellent resort for those who want to be away from the hustle and bustle – a place to switch off in a charming and tranquil environment. I can’t wait to return one day!

Read more about the Columbia Beach Resort and get a quote.

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Spa at Columbia Beach Resort