Parklane Limassol Cyprus review: Kid-friendly luxury in a laid back Mediterranean setting

Elliot Wagland kicks back at this family-friendly Cypriot hotel 
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Elliot Wagland15 January 2020

The word ‘luxury’ doesn’t often feel compatible with family-friendly holidays, but finding a destination that meets the perfect blend of romance and fun-filled activities for the children may no longer be as impossible as it sounds.

For a family holiday that meets everyone’s needs, why not cast that holiday net slightly further afield and head to Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa in Limassol, on the island of Cyprus.

The meticulously refurbished hotel became the first international luxury branded resort in the country and is located just 15 minutes east from the bustling harbour and vibrant town centre of Limassol, home to a centuries-old castle.

The lowdown

(matthewshaw.co.uk)
Copyright: matthewshaw.co.uk

The hotel is perfectly nestled on a thousand-foot stretch of sandy beach surrounded by the Troodos Mountains, idyllically placed beneath 7,500 plants and palm trees that blend in beautifully within the confines of the sprawling lush manicured lawns and floral gardens in the hotel complex.

From the moment you drive through the gates into the luxurious resort, you’re welcomed by the wonderfully attentive staff - then treated like a celebrity, with a red carpet included, until the moment you leave.

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

Built on the site of a pre-existing hotel and designed by Harrods Interiors, the complete re-design pays homage to Cypriot history, in particular with Lefkara designs. Named after the villages where they come from, the Lefkaritika lace has been produced in Cyprus for centuries, as far back as the 16th when Leonardo da Vinci himself bought an embroidered tablecloth. These designs are dotted across the floors, bedrooms and reception area of the hotel.

Another symbol which features prominently around the hotel is the amphora, a small two-handled jug that acknowledges the history of the surrounding area. In 2003 a collection of small perfume bottles were discovered during an archaeological dig at Pyrgos village in the Limassol district, where the Parklane Resort is located and the hotel pays homage to this historic discovery.

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

Discreet designs including the amphora feature within doors, carpets and bathrooms and hark back nearly 4,000 years to the remains of the perfume factory situated just a few miles down the road.

Total renovation costs of this 274 room and suite hotel is rumoured to be upwards of £50 million and it’s clear to see that no expense has been spared here.

The food

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

Given the grandeur of the hotel, the breakfast buffet is laid back and relaxed. Whether you’re in the mood for a made-to-order omelette or a more traditional Greek plate, the staff are on hand to cater for your every need.

Situated within the grounds of the hotel are five restaurants and two bars all of varying charm to entice you into your evening meal. There’s Daphne, a beachfront restaurant with an indoor and outdoor dining area, where the menu combines Cypriot and Mediterranean cuisine as you look out across the ocean, or you can choose to eat at The Grill, a higher-end restaurant that specialises in grilled meat dishes, such as dry-aged beef.

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

The majority of restaurants suit varying budgets, whether it’s a meal for two or a family with 2.4 children. Children are welcome in all restaurants throughout the hotel and with a varied menu on offer they promise to cater for even the fussiest of tastebuds.

The facilities

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

Where do you start? For fitness fanatics wishing to work out, you can escape the heat and head indoors to use the fully air-conditioned state-of-the-art gym and spa. There’s also a tennis court and a varied choice of water sports all at your disposal.

Looking for something more relaxed? Join a yoga or Pilates class or even swim in the tranquil indoor pool. There are qualified Personal Trainers on hand to assist with your work out or whip you up a protein shake at the health bar.

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

The real jewel in the crown at the hotel is the Kalloni Spa, which has a wide range of treatments in a 32,000sq ft relaxation area designed in the style of an ancient temple.

With 14 treatment rooms, a plunge pool, saunas and of course, a healthy food & drink menu, you can always sneak off for the afternoon after checking your children into the ParkKidz club just a stone’s throw from the entrance of the hotel reception.

For kids

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)

The Park Kidz is a 3,000-square metre complex comes complete with its own pirate-themed two-storey castle and pirate ship decked with water slides all situated with a gated and monitored play area.

For the football-obsessed child there’s the Football Escapes course, set within the grounds of the Parklane resort children’s area. The football programme was founded by ex- England and Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand along with Bobby Zamora.

During each school holiday, a former professional footballer joins UEFA licenced coaches to train children on a two hour daily basis, with each child receiving a personalised Football Escapes kit and medal at the end of the week’s course.

You can watch your child’s eyes light up each day as they receive expert training from the former players that Rio Ferdinand has played with or battled against including Jamie Redknapp, Joe Cole and Dimitar Berbatov, with the players fully immersing themselves into the occasion.

The rooms

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)

The luxurious feel of the hotel continues in the accommodation. There's an attention-grabbing marble theme as well as hi-tech buttons and a remote on hand for your every need (you could just spend your entire break in the room.)

If you want to splash out, you can book into a suite that come complete with its own pool.

Getting there

(Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol)
Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

There are numerous scheduled and chartered airlines including Easyjet that fly to Paphos and Larnaca all year round. Both airports are located just 40 minute drive from the resort.

Olympic Holidays (www.olympicholidays.com, 0208 492 6868) offers 7 nights at Parklane A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa from £934pp based on 2 people sharing a Superior Room Inland View on a B&B basis including flights from London Stansted, transfers and baggage, travelling April 2020.

Football Escapes: Cyprus Soccer Camp - In pictures

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