My 5th or 6th stay here, I believe I lost count and who knows how many more stays I will experience . I spent 5 dreamy days out here on this last visit.

WARM WELCOME: A home away from home and Grigoria who is like a sister to me by now, is the wakeful guard, passionate with what she is doing, an authentic Cypriot who undoubtedly takes the Cypriot hospitality to another level. The "welcome home" tagline fits perfectly here.

LOCATION: It is the very best hotel you can get in the Akamas Peninsula especially if you want to explore the area. Most of the visitors are nature lovers. It is just a stone's throw from the Baths of Aphrodite, ideal for trekking, sunbathing, long strolls and relaxation. The bus stop is just a few metres away.

STAFF/SERVICE: Besides the family members (Granny, Argyroula the daughter and one or two others) there is Santos and Simona this year working here. The guys are loveable, Santos has a great sense of humor and can be seen anywhere doing anything….but always with a smile and a nice word . He can't go unnoticed, behind the bar, in the garden, in the orchards. Simona is a qualified young lady helping at the reception and the restaurant too. Her passion is her love for horses and psychology. I remember we met years back when she was taking care of some horses on a farm in Kalavasos. Grigoria’s Team is unbeatable. No glum expressions, only smiling faces, discreet and goodwill. Really nothing seems too much trouble for anyone.

What sets this hotel apart is Grigoria herself. She is an amazing lady with a warm smile and an open heart. She wins you from the first moments, speaks fluently English, German some Russian and if not mistaken some French as well. O course Argyroula the daughter of the family I cannot leave behind. She was a young child those days when I first visited the hotel and has now grown up to a beautiful young lady who helps her Mum but at the same time studies. She escorts guests to their rooms if she happens to be around, assures that everything is fine and nothing missing . You will also see her around helping in the restaurant, always with her sweet smile ….definitely taken after her Mother.

BEACH: Latchi prides for its clear turquoise waters. The beach is pebbled out here, so better carry along a pair of swimming shoes if your feet are that sensitive. The water gets deep right from the first few steps and kids should be supervised. For children who know how to swim it is a joy for snorkeling or kayaking. Depending of the time of visit if you are lucky you might spot Green Turtle tracks too. Turtles lay their eggs in nests on the beach during the night in this area depending on the season of course.



The beachside restaurant right below the hotel belongs to Grigoria’s brother but I have never so far had the opportunity to try the cuisine only because I skip lunch. Besides, the restaurant of the hotel is a delight itself, the view is stunning, the tastes are excellent and varied so I never did bother check elsewhere . I only know that it is a popular fish tavern, well-known to locals too.

Beach umbrellas & sunbeds can be hired under the cost of € 2.50 each but this has nothing to do with the hotel itself. For years now, the cost keeps the same and the money goes to the owner of the restaurant who provides the beds and assures that the area is cleaned daily.  

ROOMS: The majority of them have totally been refurbished and their interiors are impeccably clean and very inviting. New curtains, beds, mattresses and quilts. Have in mind that there is no fridge in the room. It is provided under a small fee. The double bed of the room was comfortable enough. Sheets are changed every three days, but towels daily. Beach towels though are not provided but with pleasure Granny gave me one to use for the days I was there.

The balcony easily fits the small rotunda and 2 chairs and the glass sliding door opens to a breathtaking view, overlooking the sea, the garden, the orchards and the pretty little chapel which is one of the recent additions in the grounds .

BATH: The newly refurbished bathroom with a bathtub looked smart. It is neither small nor big. There is much space to place toiletries by the sink now, something that was missing some years back. The lighting in the bathroom is kind of dim though and every time the lights are on the extractor fan makes noise. No toiletries provided other than a small soap, have this in mind and take along your own. Towels are clean and most of them are brand new, blue in color.

WI FI: As from this year internet access is very fast and is provided complimentary in all rooms, something that was missing the previous years and it was for me another pleasant surprise. This shows how much the owners care for the comfort of their guests.

CHAPEL: The chapel is a dream come true for Grigoria. Her wish is now a reality and it is dedicated to 'Panayia Pandanassa’ Mother Mary as a thank you gift for the blessings she received through her life . It is ideal for religious ceremonies –weddings and christenings.  

BREAKFAST: Buffet is rich and varied including hot and cold dishes, with seasonal produce coming from the orchards of the owners. The homemade Marmalades are simply delicious (you can take home with you). I still remember those lingering breakfasts by the terrace, the morning coffee and the tantalizing apple cake each morning. The beautiful view, the feeling of sea breeze in my face, the first rays of sun sparkling in the water, the fine and pleasant smell of jasmine, the lapping of the waves over the coast and the sounds of nature. What else would one want? How I wish I were there with my friend Grigoria now!

RESTAURANT: Another outstanding feature here is the food. (Mediterranean cuisine) Alexandros, the Chef has taken the cuisine to another level. He is not just any chef, but a professional with a long background experience. He was part of the Cyprus Olympic Team years back and has been working in 5* hotels for more than 20 years . Some of his popular dishes in the menu is Mousakka, Stifado (stew) Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) Afelia –a Cypriot popular dish with pork meat, and several more. There is always a seafood dish every night. Dishes that are refreshing, light and very tasty is what the menu includes. Of course there is always a dessert and seasonal fruit. 

Book H/B if you plan skipping lunch when out exploring, thus you will avoid paying extras for the a la carte menu, because there is no way not to enjoy the cuisine and exceptional service of this restaurant! The wine list is also a bonus! The restaurant’s terrace is a marvel and enjoys a magnificent view of the bay of Polis.

 
IN ALL: The business is indeed a labor of love as it was created slowly and step by step through the years with lots of hard work and dedication. The location is unique the service top notch. Still having second thoughts? You should not unless you are after a 4 or 5* hotel which might be luxurious but do you really want to miss all the above?