I recently enjoyed a stay at the Agora Hotel in Pano Lefkara, Cyprus. Situated in a charming hilltop village famed for its lace-making and silverwork, this boutique hotel provides a distinctive mix of luxury, tranquillity, and cultural experience.
The property features 18 rooms, a bar, and a restaurant with Mediterranean influences, all realized by the vision of Creative Director and interior designer Emilie Green Novél, and co-owner and General Manager Aleksander Eng. Eng discovered the hotel while biking during a friend’s wedding and instantly recognized it as the ideal location.
History and Location
The Agora Hotel is located in Pano Lefkara, a picturesque village known for its rich history that dates back to the 14th century. Famous for its traditional crafts and stunning stone houses, the village serves as a perfect starting point to discover the local culture and scenic beauty, with Larnaca being just a 30-minute drive away.
The village attracts tourists for day trips, yet staying a few days is highly recommended. The Agora Hotel serves as a perfect starting point for discovering the town and its surroundings. Visitors can admire charming stone houses with blue doors, a 14th-century church, and numerous traditional shops where you can observe the art of lace-making while enjoying robust Cypriot coffee.
The Agora’s proprietors, Aleksander Eng and Emilie Green Novel, selected Lefkara for their hotel largely because of its closeness to the Cyprus mountains. These mountains provide superb cycling opportunities that appear to be nearly untouched. Cyclists can enjoy challenging mountain roads, tranquil pine forests, and meandering paths that ascend hills and cut through olive groves.
Accommodation and Décor
The hotel features 18 elegantly designed rooms, each thoughtfully adorned to reflect the local heritage while incorporating modern comforts. The rooms boast a palette of pale greens, pinks, and burnt oranges, complemented by wooden floors and velvet furnishings, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. All furnishings are hand-selected by the owners, adding a layer of sophistication and charm. The bathrooms are equipped with showers and FRAMA toiletries, while the larger suites feature a deep, freestanding tub in the bedroom, discreetly separated by a wicker screen. Due to the courtyard-style layout of the hotel, there may be some noise at night from the restaurant’s music reaching the rooms, but it typically does not persist late into the night.
The Agora echoes the Soho House ethos, presenting itself as a trendy boutique hotel that draws in the ‘creative’ crowd. The library space promotes co-working, and guests can socialize around the pool, enjoying cocktails or coffee at the numerous tables provided.
The hotel was envisioned as a sanctuary for like-minded travellers seeking respite from the daily grind and a retreat for couples to enjoy undisturbed moments together. Despite its stylish and photogenic interiors, it’s not overrun by social media influencers; day visitors are prohibited, ensuring a tranquil atmosphere. Here, the ambiance is relaxed, with days filled with poolside lounging, backgammon games, and cocktail tasting.
Although the hotel’s central pool is small, it boasts a comfortable temperature – warm but not overly so – and is spacious enough to enjoy a refreshing dip.
The Green House Spa offers a range of treatments, including massages and reflexology. Additionally, yoga classes are held on the rooftop every morning, with the option for one-to-one sessions. The Agora is also known for regularly hosting wellness and craft workshops, along with trivia and movie nights.
Numerous trails are available for hiking in the nearby mountains, offering breath taking views of forests, olive groves, and hilltops. Additionally, Aleks is willing to guide cyclists through the mountainous terrain to discover biking paths or to impart his comprehensive understanding of the local cycling landscape.
Why Stay at the Agora Hotel
The Agora Hotel is an excellent choice for business travellers, offering a harmonious balance of relaxation and productivity. Its tranquil setting, along with a commitment to wellness and reconnection, provides a peaceful escape from daily stress. The hotel features a co-working space and a friendly atmosphere that fosters networking and collaboration, making it a prime spot for ‘bleisure’—the blend of business and leisure.
A hidden treasure that delivers a distinctive and rewarding experience. Whether you’re in search of a tranquil retreat or an effective workcation, this boutique hotel offers an ideal environment for relaxation and inspiration.