A Tuscan Dream in Cyprus: Our Peaceful Family Escape to Columbia Beach Resort
Some places only take five minutes to make you feel like you're in a completely different world. That’s all it takes – the right view, clean air, a peaceful atmosphere, and suddenly your mind clears. Columbia Beach Resort in Cyprus is exactly that kind of place.
This isn’t just another hotel. It’s a quaint and picturesque village-like resort that feels like it was pulled straight out of a Tuscan postcard – only 40 minutes from Israel. We went for a family vacation over Passover – just the four of us: myself my husband Daniel, and our two daughters – Jasmine (4) and Ariel (10 months). We stayed for 4 nights, and to be honest, we were a little nervous. It was still early April, a bit chilly, and we weren’t sure how well a hotel vacation with pools would go in cooler weather.
That said, we’re at a stage where city tours and road-heavy itineraries aren’t ideal. With toddlers and babies, we prefer to slow down, breathe, and choose places that let us rest, unwind, and enjoy being together without running around. And it turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and relaxing vacations we’ve ever had as a family.
The hotel is well-equipped for chillier days – from the heated indoor spa pool to the sprawling green lawns, the sea views, and the quiet paths that wind through the property. In short, we truly enjoyed ourselves – this place just works.
We went on this trip in collaboration with WTC. If you’ve been following me for a while, you probably know I’ve been a customer of theirs for years (our very first trip with them was for our engagement – almost a decade ago 🥹). Since then, I’ve traveled with WTC several times, also as a paying customer – because I know they operate with the highest level of quality and service. When I choose WTC, I never worry about the hotel – I know it’ll be top-notch, and more importantly – I feel confident that everything will be arranged exactly as we need it.
So yes, this trip was a collaboration – but the recommendation? 100% from the heart. When I find great service, I love sharing it with you.
Keep reading – because I’m breaking down all the reasons why Columbia Beach Resort should absolutely be on your radar for your next family getaway.
Getting There
We landed at Larnaca Airport. With WTC, you can book a full vacation package that includes flights, transfers, and hotel – with the option of a shared shuttle or a private transfer. While the shared transfer is more budget-friendly, we opted for a private ride because we were traveling with little ones and wanted the comfort and convenience (plus proper car seats for Jasmine and Ariel).
You can also rent a car at the airport if you prefer flexibility and want to explore the area on your own – just note that the process takes time, and in Cyprus they drive on the left side of the road (unlike in Israel), so that’s something to keep in mind. That’s also something worth considering.
The drive to the resort takes about an hour and fifteen minutes – with our private transfer, that’s exactly how long it took us. If you choose a group shuttle (like a bus), it might take a bit longer depending on stops and route. But the scenery along the way is beautiful – hills, fields, little Greek villages, and sea views – it all sets the tone for vacation from the very first minute.
The Location
Columbia Beach Resort is located in the tranquil village of Pissouri, perfectly situated between Limassol and Paphos. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Paphos and 40 minutes from Limassol. For those who like mixing in a few attractions, you could visit the Paphos Zoo or shop at the Limassol Mall.
That said – we decided early on that this would be a quiet, slow-paced trip. We didn’t rent a car, didn’t leave the resort, and honestly didn’t feel like we were missing out on anything. We soaked up every moment within the resort grounds, and I wouldn’t have done it any other way.
The Design
The design of the resort is one of the first things you notice. It feels like a little Mediterranean village – cobblestone paths, low-rise buildings with terracotta roofs, wooden balconies, colorful shutters. Every path looks like it came straight out of a storybook.
The landscaping is next-level – manicured gardens, bright flowers, palm trees framing the sea, and hills in the background. Even when the hotel is full, it never feels crowded. Everything is calm and spacious.
The rooms and public areas continue the same theme. You’ll find rich wood, carved furniture, classic touches. It’s not the clean minimalist style I usually go for – it’s more rustic-elegant. Marble in the bathrooms, soft carpets, a cozy, luxurious feel.
Normally I gravitate toward modern interiors, but here – it just works. It feels warm, intentional, and totally in sync with the surroundings.
Service & Atmosphere
What truly sets Columbia Beach Resort apart is the service. From the moment we arrived to the moment we left, the staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Smiling, proactive, genuinely wanting to make our stay as relaxing and easy as possible.
At breakfast, at the restaurants, at reception, and with housekeeping – the level of service was top-notch. Chairs were adjusted for the kids, helpful suggestions were offered, and everything ran smoothly.
Housekeeping deserves a special mention – every morning while we were at breakfast, we returned to a spotless room. And in the evening? The resort offers turndown service, which means the room is reset for the night: blankets folded, lights dimmed, curtains drawn, fresh towels placed, and even pajamas laid out if you left them on the bed. It creates such a cozy, end-of-day feeling.
Everything is done quietly, efficiently, and with care – without being too formal or stiff. It just feels easy and natural, which is exactly what you need when traveling with kids.
Food
One of the most delightful surprises of this vacation was the food. We were on a half-board plan, which meant we could choose each day whether to have lunch or dinner included. We also had the choice of dining at the main buffet restaurant or at the resort’s taverna – Apollo Taverna.
Breakfast was served in the buffet restaurant and it was a real treat – the tables were filled with cheeses and cold cuts, a huge variety of fresh fruits, chopped veggies, salads, cereals, fresh breads, sweet pastries, jams, honey, and more. Beyond the buffet, there was also an à la carte menu we could order from freely: build-your-own omelets, eggs benedict, pancakes, Belgian waffles, French toast, crepes – every dish was beautifully presented and delicious.
The breakfast service was excellent – the staff were warm and accommodating, and everything was served with a smile. And the view? Picture-perfect – either toward the sea or the lush gardens. It was the best way to start each day.
By the pool, the restaurant offers another menu perfect for sunny days – with burgers, sandwiches, pizzas, salads, ice creams, great cocktails, beers, and smoothies. Everything you need for a no-fuss, no-hurry poolside day.
Pools & Spa
The first two days of our trip were spent mostly in the indoor heated spa pool – the weather was still a little cool, and it was exactly what we needed. The water was warm and calming, and the quiet vibe made it perfect even for Ariel. Jasmine loved it too – it became our post-breakfast routine: a cozy swim to ease into the day.
From morning until 2 PM, the indoor pool is open to families with kids. After 2, it’s adults-only – which we appreciated. Everyone gets their time and space, and it adds to the respectful, calm atmosphere of the resort.
During the last two days, the weather warmed up and we made the most of the outdoor pools – yes, plural! There are two large, beautiful outdoor pools. The water was still a bit cold, but it didn’t bother us – and we enjoyed every moment. Jasmine played in the kids’ pool, Ariel napped in her stroller or sat with us on the lounge chairs, and we just relaxed and enjoyed the space.
As for the spa itself – Daniel and I have a little tradition on our family vacations: each of us gets a moment of “me time,” and we both booked a massage during our stay. The service was very professional, and the spa includes a jacuzzi and quiet areas with comfy lounge beds for relaxing before or after treatments. Total bliss.
Kids’ Club
As a mom with kids at two very different stages, I know how crucial it is for a hotel to offer proper kids’ activities. Columbia Beach Resort totally gets that. There are two dedicated kids’ clubs – one for ages 4 and up, and one for babies and toddlers aged 4 months to 4 years.
Jasmine was really excited to try the kids’ club, but in reality, she didn’t spend much time there. When we visited, there weren’t other Hebrew-speaking kids, so she preferred staying with us – maybe next time 🙂
As for Ariel – I really wanted to try the toddler club, but Daniel felt she was still too little to stay there without us. So I let him win this one 😉 Still, just knowing the option was available gave me peace of mind.
The kids’ club for older children is open daily from 10:00–13:00 and 14:00–17:00, with changing activities: crafts, games, storytime, and more – all led by a kind and attentive team.
Beach
The resort sits right on a quiet stretch of coastline overlooking the peaceful Pissouri Bay. The beach area is private and serene, with well-spaced sun loungers and parasols. It’s quiet, calm, and beautiful.
Important to note – this isn’t a sandy beach but a pebbled one, with fairly large stones. It’s lovely and natural but not the most toddler-friendly for sand play. We mostly enjoyed walking along the water and resting in the shade.
Final Thoughts
If you're looking for a family vacation that doesn’t feel like a compromise – Columbia Beach Resort is your place. It blends calm nature with luxury and comfort, and it truly offers something for everyone.
We booked our stay through WTC – they offer full vacation packages including flights, hotel, and transfers. Everything is smooth, organized, and super convenient.
This place is especially perfect if you love that Tuscan village vibe – only here, it’s just a 40-minute flight from Israel. Scenic, warm, and 100% family-friendly.
I can definitely see us coming back – maybe in the summer next time, when the sun sets after 8 PM and the days feel endless ✨
