A Heaven of Leisure - Unlimited Entertainment

If you are after "a Luxury" All-inclusive holiday experience seek nowhere else! This is the right place to be .
Having visited the Olympic Lagoon Resorts in Agia Napa the previous year and fallen in love with it, I was anxious to experience a stay here and I was impressed once again as it does rank highly on the luxury scale!

 

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT AND CONCEPT
 
Previously known as 'Amathus Beach Hotel’, it underwent an extensive renovation since falling under the management of Kanika Hotels & Resorts – 5 hotels in all, different in style & character. 

Be aware that the concept is totally different from the previous. 

The resort is stunning and I could easily call it “A Heaven of Leisure” so it is not the unique choice if you are seeking the ultimate of serene tranquility. 

If you simply want peace and quiet I highly recommend the Olympic Bay.

 
 
LOCATION: Directly on the water, -15 minute drive from the Paphos Airport and 10 minute walk to the harbour . 
 
The hotel happens to be on a Blue-Flag-awarded beach, although Paphos does not pride for its beautiful or stunning beaches. Its location though can be the perfect base to explore the island from Paphos.
 
CHECK-IN: It is obvious that staff knows well how to handle with punctuality this stressful post, when the phone rings for information and guests show up to check-in. 
I was welcomed with a smile instead and offered a cool drink. Check-in was smooth and quick.

STAFF/SERVICE: Highly trained, polite and helpful, they make guests feel at home. 

I did feel the Cypriot hospitality here since the majority are Cypriots. I felt valued, respected and spoilt at the same time with all the care and attention thanks to the whole team. 

 An extra credit though goes to Christina, the professional Guest Relations Manageress. Her precious assistance and friendship was highly appreciated.





 DELUXE ROOM: I had room #3228 located within the resort’s adults-only wing with a spectacular view . Bright and fresh interior, pleasantly spacious, spotless and nicely furnished with distinct emphasis on comfort with nothing missing. The complimentary treat was novel, -a bottle of champagne and plenty of dainty morsel. 

An extra nice touch exclusively for all guests of the adults-only wing is that sunbeds are reserved throughout the stay at the nearby Serenity Oasis adults-only pool.

 BATHROOM: Spacious, and elegant with a deep soaking bathtub with glass window overlooking the main room. Scales, and a set of deluxe toiletries -the Prija and Bvlgari brands stand out giving that little extra ultimate comfort. THE GROUNDS: Set in tropical gardens the grounds are vast and way too beautiful offering exclusive adults-only accommodation or family room options, dining choices at five restaurants and five bars, swimming pools, one indoor, a Serenity Health Club & Spa, abundant options for entertainment as well as venues for beachfront weddings. The key word is “VARIETY” so there is much to do depending on your likes and age . Five Themed Pools for all age groups including a free shape children’s pool with water not exceeding 30cm. It provides facilities & activities for children across each age group separately: infants and toddlers, kids and teens. The lower lagoon pool is designed to offer beach-like entrance allowing a nice and safe entry for the children. As for sunbeds close to the beach normally are under a fee as the beach belongs to the Municipality.  ENTERTAINMENT: Just like its sister hotel, something exciting is happening all the time whether it is day time or evening.It was not possible to experience all venues, but I loved The Xperience Arena with its signature spectacular shows and the electrifying ambience. 

The Broadway-style musical shows exceeded by far my expectations and travelled me back to the night shows of Melia Varadero Hotel in Cuba. 

Watching the team performing live on stage one can easily understand that the performers are professionals .


 
I was drawn twice to the live music happening at adults-only, ‘You & Me Bar’ for a drink. 

It seems to start off lively with classic and modern hits and as the night gets a little older the music matches the winding down and relaxing mood. 

I just as much enjoyed the piano playing by the lobby the very last evening of my stay.


 
WEDDINGS: ‘Kanika Weddings’ has become synonymous with romantic celebrations in all Kanika hotels across Cyprus. 
 
Guests should just pick the preferred location and let the rest to the experts. 

Talk with the people behind this and rest assured that your wish is their command because they are simply professionals. 





 
 

BREAKFAST: Katerina would prepare for me the best fried eggs I had ever had! 

 Buffet is rich with nothing missing, enough to fill you up for hours . Lunchtime buffets are a feast. Theme evening are a paradise for food lovers, with Chefs giving a live cooking show through their open kitchens.

 
RESTAURANTS: I would need a week to try all 5 restaurants & the 5 bars. Guests who are in the All-inclusive package could be trying out daily new flavours. 
 
I did try a couple of cocktails myself, but the dining experience exceeded by far my expectations. 

Every restaurant has its own unique venue, beautiful terraces overlooking the pools and water features, while bars provide branded drinks and cocktails.


 
 
In the capacity of a Food Critic myself, I nibbled a lot during my visits at the signature Royal Olympic Restaurant, chatted with the Chefs and even got a couple of their recipes. 

 
With a fork in hand I would go around the benches to try anything that caught my attention. 

 
The presentation was great too, the variety ample and I noticed several dishes for vegetarians too . Several of them were tasty and others exquisite. 

 
I was given the opportunity to chat with more than 15 couples about the different cuisines and not even once did I hear something negative. 
 
Learning actually how to control their appetite seemed to be their main problem. Some admitted that it is way too hard to control their appetites here. 

 
The first night I dined at the KIKU the Japanese restaurant. Tastes were Tempting, Service Top Notch and the Setting Unique. 

The Downside though was the disturbing noise coming from the wedding party taking place next door, spoiling the restaurant’s unique atmosphere. What a pity!



 GARIBALDI: The Italian signature restaurant impressed me the most and it truly stands out for its fine dining. Out of the Starters I highly recommend two vegetarian dishes . The Blue Fin Tuna Carpaccio which was excellent in taste and presentation and the Aubergine Cannelloni & Zucchini rolls filled with goat cheese. The Truffle oil on the Tomato Coulis added an extra flavorsome taste. The third on my list starter was much lighter and refreshing. Count in the Fine cut Parma Ham with Ogen Melon and Blackcurrant Gazpacho. It won’t disappoint you!
 
I had the Italian Minestrone Soup with garlic croutons and loved it, but I also had a spoonful or two of the Forest Mushroom one. Thick in texture and creamy. Both vegetarian dishes mind you!

 
For Main Course I had a lovely Spaghetti Carbonara with spek and portobello mushrooms. The right consistency without compromising the flavour. I was already full by now but I could not resist trying the Braised Baby Lamb shank. Juicy and tender, it stood on herbed orange polenta, sided by sauteed vegies and rosemary jus. What a delight!

 
Desserts were super too. I tried the Tiramisu and the Fruitti di Bosco Panna cotta. 

I can’t tell which I liked more as both were super yummy . If I had one more day I would certainly return and try more dishes, -perhaps even have the Lava Cake too. 

I want to thank the Chef Luca, Gerasimos, Sabia, Maria and Elena for the excellent and professional service. Keep the good work up guys!




 
CAPTAIN’S DECK: The Cypriot tavern is surrounded by water on a superb setting. 

I had the Mezze, with dishes brought to the table in sequence starting with salads, local dishes and finally the mixed grilled platter with Sausages, Chops, Kebab and Sheftalia.

The ambience is great too and I felt proud being a Cypriot myself seeing the waiters in traditional costumes. 

Two couples complained about the service, but do have in mind that if you have the mezze don’t expect all dishes to be brought at the table all at once . 
Waiters allow time between each dish and this is how mezze is served all over Cyprus, so show patience and enjoy it.

The Downside however, this time was once again the unbearable loud music coming from 2 wedding parties coincidently taking place that time. 

Imagine Party music, yelling & peals of laughter mingled with Cypriot music all so loud. How frustrating! 

Guests seemed bothered and I judge that the management should do something about it. Apologies are acceptable for this first (trial) year, but what about the coming?



SERENITY SPA: It encompasses the best of nature to give guests a unique wellbeing experience that is completely bespoke –the selection of fantastic products will make you feel brilliant inside and out. The renowned brands the Serenity uses are market leaders, and guarantee a blissful experience. A relaxing massage individually tailored to the guest’s needs, is a great way to recover from your flight or prepare for the journey home . Guests can unwind in the relaxing room and use the sauna and steam room throughout the day.Impressed by the choice of facial and body treatments I eventually plumped for a Back Massage and the Vitamin C Face ritual. My therapist Svetlana managed to relieve all muscle tension from my back right away and I could feel the difference instantly. The first step of the Face ritual was the Orange exfoliation with the face mask to follow, providing the skin with luminosity and vitality. The last step, the serum leaves the skin firm and supple. Trust me, the result and feeling is amazing. You deserve to be pampered…why not try it?  

 
 
IN ALL: In this captivating and guest-oriented resort setting, you will not only have dreamy holidays, enjoy the Cypriot hospitality at its full, but the moment you return home I bet you will be ready to book your return visit. 
 
The place is bursting with energy and excitement, so if this is the kind of holidays you dream of having and never visited, do it now . 
Highly recommended!