Getting away for the weekend is definitely an invigorating experience and a chance to relax and enjoy the outdoors - especially in spring. Alkis and I had been toying with the idea of spending a weekend at Aphrodite's Hills since early March, but the whims of the weather made us postpone our trip until early April. Ironically, after a gloriously sunny week with temps rising to spring level, yesterday I woke to gloomy, cloudy skies which threatened with rain and reminded autumn more than spring.
It was raining lightly when we set off for Aphrodite's Hills but we were determined not to let the weather spoil our high spirits and great mood. Aphrodite's Hills is a village-style development including luxury accommodation and leisure activities such as a riding school, a tennis academy, the Aphrodite Hill Golf Resort as well as many restaurants and tavernas. It was built at about 5 km from Petra Tou Romiou (Rock of the Greek) within the area where, according to Greek mythology,. Aphrodite and Adonis used to.roam over the hills and the valleys.
Aphrodite's Hills
The blustery wind and the rain had got stronger by the time we reached the village of Pissouri situated within the district of Lemesos - Cyprus's second largest city. We had lunch at Kastro by Pissouri Bay. The village of Pissouri is built on a commanding mountain side, just off the main road and motorway. Further south of the motorway you drive through one of the best vineyards of Cyprus producing Sultani Table Grapes, and eventually reach the bay. Pissouri has also become a centre for wind and kite surfing.
Pissouri Bay
The rain had stopped at last by the time we finished lunch.
Alkis looks great and relaxed!
Soon after lunch, we headed for The Intercontinental at Aphrodite's Hills.We stayed at one of the hotel's loveliest suites.
The bedroom
The living room
The bathroom
Relaxing by our private swimming pool.
or simply enjoying the splendid view
For the evening, we booked a table for two at Leander Restaurant. I loved the fusion of japanese and european cuisine. The food was just divine! And, as always, Alkis impressed me with his choice of wine - a great French Bordeau - Fleuri. But, most importantly, I had a great time with my significant other!
Just before dinner
At Leander Restaurant - waiting for the first course and having a great time with Alkis
Mozarella Stick - the Chef's compliment
Japanese garden salad for me with tofu, cashew nuts and apple
Maki for Alkis
Such a great fusion of beef "chateaubriand", pepper steak sauce and scampi garnished with mashed potatoes, spinach and mushrooms. Congratulations to the chef! What a gastronomic performance that was!
Today, we woke to a bluer sky and a sunnier day. After breakfast, we went for a walk and to my surprise, I discovered the first spring greeting.
The first poppies!
...and some yellow daisies
We had coffee after this invigorating, morning walk in the heart of Mother Nature.

On our way back home, we stopped at Petra Tou Romiou - the Rock of the Greek or Aphrodite's Rock.

On reaching Petra Tou Romiou, one can see an impressive rock formation with the largest rock close to the beach. According to Greek mythology. Aphrodite (Venus), the greek goddess of beauty and love was born here. She rose from the white foam of the soft waves, floating on a sea shell and came to rest at Palepafos where her temple was erected.
In his Odyssey, Homer writes:
But laughter-loving Aphrodite went to Cyprus, to Paphos, in her precinct and fragrant altars...
The moist breeze of zephyr brought her there on the waves of the sea, with a noise of thunder among the soft foam....
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