The Paphos region of Cyprus has been a favorite destination for Israeli tourists for many years. The short flight of about 40 minutes, pleasant weather, Greek ambiance, and warm people make it a top choice for a vacation. But perhaps the main reason is the chance to enjoy luxurious hotels at quite attractive prices.
We visited M Boutique Hotel in Paphos, highly recommended for a romantic and pampering getaway. This luxurious boutique hotel was recently opened by the Cypriot Kuutio Group and combines a relaxing beach vacation with gourmet cuisine. Its location is excellent: just a minute's walk from the hotel to the promenade and the sea (and only about a 20-minute drive from Paphos Airport and about an hour and a half from Larnaca Airport). To maintain a romantic and relaxed atmosphere, the hotel hosts adults only (18+), so you won't have to worry about noisy children ruining your holiday abroad.
Friendly and Warm Relations
M Boutique Hotel is located where the "Daphne" apartment hotel once stood, whose construction began in 1975, shortly after the Turkish invasion of northern Cyprus. Even then, the Chrysomilos family, the hotel's owners, had a vision to rebuild Paphos and establish it as an attractive destination for tourists worldwide. The hotel was recently rebuilt in memory of Maria, the mother of co-owner Anthimos Economides, who passed away about five years ago and dedicated her life to managing the place for over 20 years. Her son, Anthimos Economides, grew up in the hotel and later became a businessman. He decided to rebuild the hotel and manage it in a luxurious boutique style, as it has recently been launched.
The hotel staff was dedicated and courteous, ready for any request. In these times, when many fear speaking Hebrew abroad due to protests and expressions of hatred against Israel, in Cyprus and the hotel, the feeling was very welcoming towards Israelis. "The Israeli people are deep in my heart," said Economides. "The deep business ties I've created over the years with Israelis quickly turned into friendly and warm relations. Our boutique hotel represents a dream come true for me, becoming a sentimental project, not just a business."
The Israeli Chef Who Will Feed You
The hotel complex features 77 suites and rooms, including options with private pools and jacuzzis or rooms with balconies. One of the highlights of the hotel is its meticulous design, noticeable in every small detail: whether it's the stylish pool or the spacious and well-equipped rooms - wherever you look, you can enjoy the well-thought-out design. On the hotel's roof is a rooftop bar open until the early hours of the morning, featuring unique cocktails, a youthful atmosphere with a DJ, and a stunning view of the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, the hotel boasts a beautiful pool, a luxurious spa with a sauna, and a fitness room.
The hotel's chef restaurant, "Geppetto," is simply excellent - a pure culinary delight. It is led by Israeli chef Rafi Cohen, who worked for about 15 years in leading restaurants in Australia. Diners can experience a special "Farm to Table" experience, as all the rich and varied menu items are made from fresh ingredients sourced daily from local producers and farmers in the area. For example, the olive oil is produced on a farm in the Paphos mountains, and the delicious halloumi cheeses come directly from local factories and pastures. Even the wines served are exclusively sold to the hotel from an ancient monastery nearby.
Shawarma, Schnitzel, and Even Israeli Music
If you crave kosher Israeli food, you have no reason to worry and won't have to go far. Near the hotel is the "Saba" restaurant: a Mediterranean-Israeli restaurant where you immediately feel at home. The menu includes various dishes such as shawarma, schnitzel, burgers, falafel, kebabs, and even Israeli music playing in the background.
The hotel is very pampering, but if you want to venture out, you can take sea trips to the Blue Lagoon, the shipwreck, or Turtle Island. You can also walk along the promenade by the sea, stroll through the old city and the local market. M Boutique Hotel also offers various tours outside the city. One of them is to the ancient monastery in the heart of the mountains, where a winery has been operating for hundreds of years, producing wines from unique grape varieties not found in any other European country. Wine tasting is recommended.
Talk to Me About Prices
A three-night stay (June 13-16) at M Boutique Hotel starts at €164 per night for a couple. With added breakfasts at the Geppetto restaurant on these dates, the price starts at €212 per night. If you are interested in the exclusive rooms with private pools and jacuzzis, the price starts at €312 and €360 with breakfast included.
It's not for nothing that it's said the hotel loves Israelis. There is a discount for Israelis planning to stay there: 15% off for any booking with stay dates from May 20, 2024, to December 31, 2024. *Stays in July and August are not included in the discounted rate. Booking dates are flexible as long as the stay dates do not exceed December 31, 2024.
Discount code when booking accommodation: #MBINF
The author was a guest of M Boutique Hotel.