Words by Graeme Culliford
Genuine serenity is not easy to find, even at a five-star hotel, given that the world is full of boisterous guests and excitable children. But despite being just 15 minutes from Limassol marina, where cargo-ship size yachts anchor and the jet set sip fine wine on the waterfront, the Royal Apollonia hotel remains a surprising oasis of calm.
The crash of waves rolling in from the Mediterranean and the gentle rustle of palm trees swaying in the wind are the only sounds likely to disturb as you unwind. Perhaps most impressive is the view, a vivid panoramic of turquoise that fills the floor to ceiling windows every morning in the ocean-facing rooms.
Limassol, the second largest urban area in Cyprus after Nicosia, is developing at breakneck speed. New hotels and condos are going up all the time, giving the city a Dubai-like vibe enhanced by the huge number of clubs and bars.
Yet the Royal Apollonia, tucked away in the Potamos Germasogias suburb – a former village – remains a haven from the modern world where cares tend to melt in the year-round sunshine.
Hotel
Towering over the beachfront like one of the peaks of the Troodos Mountains that lie behind it, the Royal Apollonia is by no means a small hotel, which makes its ambient character all the more remarkable. The absence of open-air exercise classes, poolside DJs, or anything likely to quicken the pulse or excite the eardrums helps, of course.
A children’s paddling pool with water games is tucked away at the far end of the property but it is separate from the main, bosom-shaped freshwater option of 523 m2. Most guests scattered on sun loungers seem content to gaze at the ocean or engross themselves in a good book.
The soporific effect of the sea is another factor in the all-encompassing peace that pervades. The Mediterranean sparkles like a jewel on sunny days and the Royal Apollonia includes a quaint beach and shallow waters that are just a few steps away from the outdoor lounge and three ground floor restaurants.
Ease and convenience are bywords here and drinks can be summoned on the Exclusivi mobile phone app to save the effort of having to flag anyone down. For those whose devices are tucked away in a drawer, there is a swim-up bar where you can order draft beer and cocktails the old-fashioned way.
As is typical of the Louis Hotels chain that owns it, the Royal Apollonia is immaculate from top to bottom, with neutral tones filling the communal areas. Deep tissue massages are offered at the spa and there is also a sauna with a window wall to ward off claustrophobia, as well as a decently equipped gym and an indoor swimming pool.
The Royal Apollonia has been welcoming guests since 2010 but recently underwent a major renovation, which gives it a more modern air, although traditional crooners perform in the bar area most evenings. Guests are currently being offered free transfers from the airport in a top-of-the-range Mercedes.
Room
My room on the fourth floor was incredibly quiet and peaceful during my visit just after the Easter holidays in April. I soon began to relish throwing open my curtains in the morning to say hello to the sea and welcome in the sun’s rays. The view was simply breath-taking and, gliding back the balcony door, the sound of waves filled my ears as if I had been sleeping on the shore.
Most of the 204 rooms, including 13 suites, are an oasis of white, from the crisp bed sheets to the stark walls. Mine was big enough to include a desk, a seating area with trendy furnishings and a balcony where I could sip a drink and let the wind caress my face.
Food and drink
Most of the action takes place at the International Aura Dining restaurant, where the abundance of creatively prepared salads, grilled vegetables and fresh fish attracts health-conscious diners in droves at lunchtime and dinner. Breakfast includes a dizzying array of options from British staples like fried eggs, beans and bacon to Greek-Cypriot delicacies such as feta cheese pies.
There is a cake and pastry section and a block of honeycomb you can pick from yourself to add extra flavour to your fresh fruit and yoghurt. Other dining options include the Japanese a la carte restaurant Akakiko, where sushi-lovers flock, and the Alati Greek Flavours restaurant where the slow-cooked lamb is highly recommended.
In a nutshell
The Royal Apollonia is a five-star hotel boasting a prime beachfront location that brings a cosmopolitan crowd of holidaymakers back year after year. Don’t book if you are expecting pool parties and tequila slamming contests, but consider this a good option if you are seeking peace, tranquillity and luxury.
Factbox
BA offers seven nights at luxury five-star hotel The Royal Apollonia in Limassol, Cyprus from £898 per person. Price based on two adults sharing a superior inland view room on a bed and breakfast basis and includes return flights with British Airways from London Gatwick to Paphos and transfers. Price based for travel on 13 June 2023. To book, visit ba.com or call 0344 493 0124.
Address: Georgiou A 68, Str. Potamos Germasogias 4048 Limassol – Cyprus P.O. Box 52499
Phone: +357 255 088 00
Website: royalappollonialimassol.com
