GETTING THERE
When John Papadouris returned to his hometown in the Cypriot mountains, he was devastated by its condition.
The scenic forests and rich scents of local fruit remained but he found the economy dwindling, the younger generation fleeing in search of jobs and the roads in a state of disrepair.
In short, the ancient mountain village of Kalopanayiotis — once a key stop for pilgrims — was at risk of becoming a lost one. But this story has a happy ending.
Determined to “revive” the village, the civil engineering magnate invested heavily in the area, and encouraged financial backers to do the same. Now, as Mayor of the village and owner of the local four-star hotel — the Casale Panayiotis — he has watched it bloom.
It is here, in the hotel’s bespoke library, that we are told the story. Like so many tourists, from both the UK and Israel, we have travelled up long winding mountain roads to stay at the boutique resort, located in the heart of the village.
“It is an amazing place for tourists, but it has also done so much for the local economy,” explains hotel manager Freda Yannitsas. “People in the village benefit from jobs at the resort, and they also use the lighting on the roads that has been put up by Mr Papadouris. It’s a real restoration project.”
Chefs use local produce to prepare traditional recipes, including dolma, baklava, haloumi cheese with fig jam and the heartwarming mougendra (a combination of lentils and rice, topped with sweet potato).
Guests can buy honey from local beekeepers, wine from nearby vineyards and traditional sweet-treats, made by elderly women whose recipes date back generations. And group tutorials are on offer. We are introduced to one lady, who sits down on a veranda, to prepare glyko koutaliou (orange peel preserve).
We watch as Mrs Aliki (also the vil-
10 nights on Cyprus costs from £2,149 per person with Sovereign, including three nights at Casale Panayiotis and a week at the Anassa Hotel, B&B, plus flights from Gatwick with EasyJet, airport security fast pass and access to No 1 Lounges (where available). Based on departure of June 20. www. sovereign.com