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AMBELIKOS in the Village of Potamitissa: I feel like returning home each time!
My Earthly Paradise….I feel like returning home each time!!!
A visit to Ambelikos is like another trip back home for me! I have visited it 4 times last year, and on every trip I try to include it –depending on the time I have. As a Guide Writer who comes to Cyprus in an attempt to search for genuine hidden gems, I find Ambelikos being one such gem in the Pitsilia region on the range of Troodos.
It is not only the countryside around that makes it so special, but the genuine Cypriot hospitality of the owner. Of course these words are almost repeated in every review from guests who come here, but Aki truly makes this difference. Besides being warm and friendly he gives advice, helps his guests plan the best trip in the area by giving many alternatives depending on their interests and what they want to see. There are so many places to visit in short distance that I believe even Cypriots never had the chance to visit. Many of my friends think that I am talking of Potamia (another village) instead of Potamitisa, thinking that it is the same village.
There are a number of UNESCO churches in the round area, and for people who love trails this spot is the best. On the other hand if you decide that you just want to come here and simply relax, you will have the chance to taste some of the wonderful dishes prepared by the owner.
Breakfast is also a feast here. Aki will surely ask you what you request and there is no way you cannot have it. Everything is of good quality and taste, and be sure to have a bottle of wine. Pitsilia is in the wine region so it is a guarantee that the wine Aki will serve you will be of fine quality.
After all these visits to Ambelikos we have become friends with Aki, and because I truly feel like returning home this time I asked him again to let me get in the kitchen and prepare our evening meal. Where else do you see this happening!!
I had along my sister this time, and dinner included prawns (saganaki) in tomato sauce with some cheese and white wine. Aki was our main guest of course.
There were several other guests that night joining us after dinner and suddenly we became one big group as if we had been friends for years. The night was beautiful, a bit chilly and we sat for hours chatting and telling jokes over good quality wine and local fruit.
Talking of fruit, well we had the most delicious fruit I have ever tasted. Aki’s father, Mr. Kyriakos brought to the hotel earlier, fruit that had been picked from the family’s orchards.
All rooms overlook the lush vegetation around the small village of Potamitisa and its orchards and you will surely be awaken in the morning by the cock-a-doodle-doo cackle or the gurgling stream that crosses the village. Each room is different to the other and every time I come here I wonder what room I am going to be given. Some include a fireplace and others include bath tubs or a Jacuzzi instead. Ask for the one that meets your needs. All rooms have the traditional look, and no matter what room you are given it is always fun to be in one. Coffee facilities are not included, but I always carry my own or ask Aki to give me one.
Our room’s balcony this time was overlooking a huge walnut tree with some branches very close to the porch. We could pick walnuts as well as the tree was full. At first I thought it will be boring to sit overlooking the walnut tree and Aki told us that he is going to cut it down very soon. He suggested that he gives us another room, but I told him not to bother as I wanted to see how it feels to have a shaded balcony. It was totally private. The cup of coffee we however had outside the porch made us love it. We urged Aki not to dare cut it because it is firstly pity for the tree, and secondly anyone who wants a better view can have another room. My sister and I enjoyed our stay in this room even with the walnut tree covering the view but it was just as good as any other balcony in the premises.
We took the short path that I truly love starting right outside the hotel and we walked all the way through the orchards. This time the trees had fruit on and they were hanging as ornaments of a Christmas tree. We cut one or two to taste and they were so aromatic and delicious. Any season you visit is unbelievably beautiful.
I am back by now, but I long to return again soon! My sister loved it so much that she is planning to return with friends.
