We discovered Cyprus and its charms through the iconic hotels of Louis Hotels.
There are trips that, even if they last only a weekend, give you the feeling that you experienced something much greater. Thats exactly how we felt on our recent getaway to Cyprus with Louis Hotels, where, through the eyes of the groups people, we discovered the authentic side of Nicosia and the cosmopolitan life of Limassol.
Our base was two of Cypruss most iconic hotels, the Hilton Nicosia and the Royal Apollonia. These are two five-star hotels that are ideal not only for holidays, but also for business, corporate travel and conferences. After all, Cyprus is a modern destination that combines tourism and business activity in the best possible way.
The philosophy of Louis Hotels is based on creating experiences that blend contemporary luxury with each destinations local character, with an emphasis on gastronomy, wellness, design and personalized service.
First stop: Nicosia and the urban allure of Hilton Nicosia
Our journey began in Nicosia, which we reached on a direct Cyprus Airways flight from Athens. Before we knew it, about an hour and a half had passed; we arrived at Larnaca Airport at midday on Friday and got in the car bound for the charming Hilton Nicosia.
There we were warmly welcomed by the Louis Hotels team as well as the hotel staff. We immediately understood the meaning of the companys slogan “Here, I Belong”, which expresses the emotional connection felt by both guests and the groups employees. The companys philosophy is grounded in a sense of belonging, creating spaces and experiences where guests feel at home, relaxed, and truly connected with the destination and its people.
Hilton Nicosia is one of the most emblematic hotels in the Cypriot capital and a point of reference for business and leisure travelers. It is set in a privileged location, in one of Nicosias most renowned areas and very close to the citys business center, offering immediate access to corporate hubs, embassies and key points of interest such as Nicosias Old Town and the Cyprus Museum (Cyprus Museum).
The hotel impressed us from the first moment. The stunning lobby with its high ceiling and striking decor sets a unique scene. The property features 194 rooms and suites, designed with a contemporary aesthetic and an emphasis on comfort and functionality, combining Hiltons global hospitality expertise with premium services and contemporary design.
Amenities include Hilton Serenity Beds, Nespresso facilities, complimentary Wi-Fi and modern amenities that cater to the needs of both leisure and business travellers. At the same time, Hilton Nicosia offers extensive wellness and fitness facilities, such as indoor & outdoor swimming pools, spa facilities, sauna, jacuzzi, gym and the Sana Hiltonia Fitness Centre, creating a complete hospitality experience within the city.
Hilton Nicosia is also one of the most important destinations in Cyprus for conferences, meetings and large corporate events, boasting 12 meeting rooms and a ballroom with capacity for up to 1,000 people. The modern conference facilities, combined with the hotels outdoor spaces, make it an ideal choice for conferences, incentives, product launches, fashion shows and high-spec private events.
Strolls through the narrow lanes of old Nicosia
After dropping off our suitcases, we set out to explore the capital. With our guide we walked along Ledra Street with its picturesque houses and traditional shops, lost ourselves in the small alleys of Nicosias Old Town with its cafés and admired it from above.
What stood out during our tour was the visit to the Cyprus Museum. We were guided through the islands most important and largest archaeological museum, which maps the development of culture in Cyprus from the Neolithic Age to the Early Byzantine Period (7th century AD). The Museums collections include finds from excavations carried out across the island, which in turn have contributed to the development of archaeology in Cyprus, as well as to research into the Mediterraneans cultural heritage.
Second stop: The Royal Apollonia in Limassol overlooking the Mediterranean
The next day we left the capital behind and headed towards Limassol. Arriving at the Royal Apollonia was exactly what we needed. We were greeted by a seaside resort that combines comfort, elegance and that relaxed summer mood. The first thing that caught our eye was the view of the endless blue, stretching beyond the hotels impressive pools.
The Royal Apollonia, a member of Louis Hotels Elegant Collection, is a modern five-star beachfront resort in Limassol, combining premium hospitality with direct access to the citys cosmopolitan center. It is located in the heart of Limassols tourist area, right on the beach and a short distance from restaurants, nightlife and business points of interest. Its location, by the sea yet close to Limassols business center, enhances its dual character as a city & resort destination.
The hotel offers 204 rooms and suites, including Superior Rooms, Deluxe Rooms, Junior Suites, Executive Suites and a Honeymoon Suite, designed with a contemporary aesthetic and an emphasis on comfort and the hospitality experience. Facilities include three pools (two outdoor and one indoor heated), as well as the Royal Spa with treatment rooms, gym, sauna and steam bath. We had the pleasure of enjoying massage services and the spa during our stay and truly relaxed in the best way.
At the same time, the Royal Apollonia features conference facilities and meeting rooms, making it an ideal choice for both leisure and business travel. It offers modern conference and business facilities, making it an ideal choice for professional meetings, conferences, incentives, seminars and corporate events in Limassol.
The main Emerald conference hall, with a total area of 180 sq. m., can host up to 180 people, while the smaller interconnected Amethyst and Ruby rooms are an ideal option for more private meetings or breakout sessions of 40 to 50 people respectively. At the same time, the hotels business centre offers a functional and discreet space for smaller professional meetings of up to 10 people, combining comfort, privacy and full support for business travellers and corporate events.
An afternoon in cosmopolitan Limassol
On Saturday afternoon we walked around Limassol, one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Cyprus, which ideally combines history with modern lifestyle. Built along the islands southern coastline, it stands out for its sea views. A landmark is Limassol Marina, a modern and luxurious hub that hosts leisure boats, chic restaurants, cafés and shops overlooking the sea. We made a stop there for a drink, enjoyed the wonderful view and the relaxed atmosphere.
The culinary experience at Louis Hotels
One of the best experiences of our trip to Cyprus was undoubtedly the food. Both at Hilton Nicosia and at the Royal Apollonia, gastronomy is a priority. Hilton Nicosia features four restaurants and bars with Mediterranean, Japanese and international cuisine, such as Akakiko, Olympia Restaurant, Mint Bar and Sorrento Pool Bar, offering a complete dining experience through different culinary concepts and stylish dining spaces.
One of Hilton Nicosias strongest points is breakfast. Rich, with options that combine international flavors and Cypriot touches, it is consistently awarded every year as one of the best across all Hilton Hotels. Olympia Restaurant offers dishes to suit all tastes, while Mint Bar is the ideal destination for afternoon tea and a drink after a stroll or work.
We also tried the imaginative dishes at the To Elliniko restaurant, which stands out for its Greek-Cypriot flavors. Of course, Cypriot wine was not missing, which in recent years has been truly flourishing.
The Royal Apollonia features three restaurants, including the Akakiko Japanese restaurant and Alati Greek Flavours. We enjoyed our breakfast at Aura Restaurant and our lunch at Alati Greek Flavours with views of the sea, where we tasted dishes with a traditional Greek character, prepared with the finest ingredients and local products. We had our coffee at Luna Lounge by the pool and in the evening we had the chance to sit on the terrace of the elegant Akakiko Japanese restaurant, a venue that is very popular in Limassol for its tasty Asian dishes.
