Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Cottage Awaits in Pendakomo, Cyprus
Escape to Paradise: Where Dreams Meet Dirt Roads (and Seriously Good Wi-Fi!) - A Pendakomo, Cyprus Review
Okay, folks, buckle up. This isn't your typical sterile hotel review. This is about Escape to Paradise: Your Dream Cottage Awaits, nestled (and I mean seriously nestled) in Pendakomo, Cyprus. I'm here to lay it all bare: the good, the potentially questionable (because let's be real, no place is perfect), and the moments that made me almost want to sell my current life and move in.
First Impressions: Pendakomo's Charm & The Daunting Drive (But It's Worth It!)
Getting to Pendakomo feels like a proper adventure. Forget the bustling tourist traps; this is real Cyprus. The roads wind, the scenery shifts from arid hills to groves of olive trees, and you get this immediate sense of escaping… well, everything. The "Escape to Paradise" name? Absolutely spot-on. The drive itself? Let's just say my rental car's suspension got a workout. But, even with the occasional pothole, the feeling of arriving is pure relief and pure, unfiltered wow.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag, But Heartfelt Effort
Now, the accessibility stuff. This is where things get a little… nuanced. The website boasts "Facilities for disabled guests," but I wouldn't say this is a perfectly accessible hotel. While there is an elevator, and they seem to be willing to help, it's clear this is a location that places a high value on its historical and geographical location, ergo it is much more focused on its customers in general. So, if accessibility is a critical factor for you, I'd suggest calling ahead and specifically asking about the specifics of the accommodations and how the staff can best assist due to the building's nature.
Where the Wi-Fi Reigns Supreme (Seriously, You Need This)
Okay, let's talk about what really matters in this day and age: Internet. Praise Zeus, because Free Wi-Fi in All Rooms! And not just a weak signal that flickers out the second you open your laptop. This is solid, reliable internet. Internet [LAN] is available, too, a godsend for anyone who needs to get some serious work done. I'm talking Zoom calls with zero buffering, streaming movies without the spinning wheel of doom, and even uploading (ahem, a lot) of photos to Instagram with ease. It's available in every single room, so there is no problem to work or stream from any location inside of the hotel.
Services and Conveniences: The Little Extras That Matter
- Currency Exchange: Handy, and I used it more than I care to admit.
- Daily Housekeeping: My room was always sparkling, which is a massive win in my book.
- Luggage Storage: Because, let's face it, I overpack. Every single time.
- Concierge: The staff was always ready to assist, and had great recommendations for things to discover, even for last-minute reservations.
- Doctor/Nurse on Call: Always good to know, just in case.
For Foodies & the Hangry: Dining, Drinking, and Snacking
Okay, let's get real. I like to eat. And "Escape to Paradise" doesn't disappoint. The restaurants offer a range of choices.
- Breakfast [buffet]: A must (I mean, who doesn't love a buffet?). Eggs, pastries, fresh fruit, the works.
- A la carte in restaurant: I indulged in the a la carte menu as well. I especially loved the local dishes.
- Poolside bar: This became my happy place. Cocktails with a view? Yes, please.
- The Coffee shop: It was a great place to relax, to work, or to chat with friends.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Ah, Bliss!
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: The pool with a view is the star of the show! I could spend hours there, and did.
- Sauna, Spa/sauna: A perfect way to unwind after a day of exploring.
- Massage: My shoulders were thanking me! The massage was pure heaven.
- Gym/fitness: Managed to squeeze in a workout (shocking, I know!).
- There is also a Body scrub, a Body wrap and a Foot bath.
Cleanliness and Safety: Peace of Mind in Troubling Times
Look, I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was huge for me. The hotel excelled with:
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Big thumbs up.
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They clearly knew what they were doing.
The Cottage Life: Your Room Review
My room was a dream. The Air conditioning worked perfectly (essential in Cyprus!), and the Bed was so comfortable I almost didn't want to leave. The Free Wi-Fi was, as mentioned, glorious. The Blackout curtains, the Coffee/tea maker, the Hair dryer, the Mini bar, and the Shower were all there, and all worked perfectly. I had a Window that opens, so I could hear the birds. The Desk was the perfect place to work, drink coffee, and prepare for the day.
For the Kids (And the Big Kids at Heart):
- Babysitting service: If needed!
- Family/child friendly: This is a great spot for families.
- Kids facilities: Kids will be happy!
Getting Around: Easy Peasy, Lemon Squeezy (Mostly)
- Car park [free of charge]: Score!
- Airport transfer: Helpful, especially after a long flight.
The Quirky Little Bits
There were a few unexpected treats:
- I found myself wandering over to the Shrine once to get some thoughts in order (a reminder of the hotel's unique location).
- The Smile alarms were a nice touch and the extra security features made me feel safer.
- I can definitely see this place being a Proposal spot
The Downsides (Because Nothing's Perfect)
- Okay, this is a minor quibble, but there's no pets allowed, so my furry companion would have to stay home.
- Some of the facilities weren't perfectly accessible.
Final Verdict: Escape Worthy? Absolutely!
Look, "Escape to Paradise" isn't flawless. But it is charming, relaxing, and a genuinely wonderful place to unwind. The location will win you over. The staff are warm and friendly. The Wi-Fi is ridiculously good. And the overall vibe is one of pure, unadulterated escape.
My Emotional Reaction: (Goes on with a heartfelt sigh)
I left "Escape to Paradise" feeling renewed, relaxed, and utterly, completely happy. It's the kind of place that manages to feel both luxurious and intimate. Would I go back? Absolutely. In a heartbeat. And I highly recommend it.
Book Now! Indulge in Paradise!
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's travel itinerary. We're heading to the Cottage Houses in Pendakomo, Cyprus, and trust me, it's going to be…something. I'm talking sun, maybe some sand, definitely questionable decisions fueled by cheap wine at 3 PM. Let's roll!
The "Don't Judge Me, I'm on Vacation" Itinerary: Pendakomo, Cyprus
Day 1: Arrival & Existential Dread in a Blue-Roofed Paradise
Morning (ish) (9:00 AM - Assuming the flight wasn't delayed… again): Touchdown at Larnaca International Airport! Okay, first hurdle: finding the damn rental car. I’ve already imagined myself wrestling with the GPS, sweating through my “I ❤️ Cyprus” t-shirt (yes, I bought it. No, I don’t regret it). The usual pre-vacation anticipation-mixed-with-absolute-terror. I hope the guy at the rental place speaks English. My Greek is… well, nonexistent beyond “Opa!” and “Efharisto” (thank you, just in case I order enough food to feed a small village).
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM - or whenever I finally escape the rental car hell): The drive to Pendakomo. Google Maps says it's an hour, but let's be real, that's assuming I don't get hopelessly lost and end up in the middle of a goat farm. I’m envisioning myself in a tiny car, windows down, hair whipping in the wind, singing badly to some obscure Cypriot pop song I'll discover on the radio. Major "Eat Pray Love" vibes, except instead of enlightenment, I’m hoping for a decent parking spot.
Afternoon (12:00 PM - The Moment of Truth): ARRIVE at Cottage Houses Pendakomo! (HOPEFULLY!). Okay, first impressions are key. Is it as charming as the photos? Or are we dealing with major Instagram deception and a leaky roof? I will be honest- the pressure is on. Immediately, I’ll have to assess: Pool? Good. View? Spectacular (fingers crossed!). Air conditioning working? Crucial. I'm picturing myself collapsing on the bed, feeling that glorious wave of "I'm here" satisfaction, followed by the inevitable "what did I forget to pack?" panic.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Grocery shopping. Because who needs the hassle of fancy restaurants when you can raid a local supermarket for olives, halloumi, and enough retsina to fuel a small party? I am predicting a MAJOR language barrier. Pointing, miming, and praying I don't accidentally buy a carton of donkey milk. Wish me luck.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Poolside! (Assuming the kids aren’t screaming, and I’ve managed to get a sun lounger). This is where the "real" relaxation begins. Slathering on the sunscreen, pretending to read a book (mostly people-watching), and contemplating the meaning of life while the sun bakes my brain. The first swig of that retsina, and BAM. Instant vacation mode engaged.
Evening (7:00 PM): Dinner at a local taverna. I've heard (or probably read on TripAdvisor) there's a legendary place with the best souvlaki in the world. Will it live up to the hype? Only time (and a few Mythos beers) will tell. I am SO ready to be charmed, utterly stuffed, and maybe a little tipsy from the local wine.
Evening (9:00 PM): Stargazing. Pendakomo apparently has incredible night skies. Gotta find a quiet spot and lose myself in the vastness of it all. Or, you know, just fall asleep. Depends on how much of that retsina I consumed.
Day 2: The Deep Dive into… the Sea (and My Emotions)
Morning (9:00 AM): Beach Day! Off to a nearby beach. I envision myself as a glamorous beach-goer, but let's be real… I’ll probably end up looking more like a lobster. Sunscreen application is key. The sea has to be bluer than my childhood dreams. I am ready for the salty air, the sound of the waves, and that pure feeling of freedom.
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): Attempted snorkeling. I say “attempted” because I am, shall we say, a novice. I'm picturing myself flailing around like a beached whale, but hopefully, I'll manage to catch a glimpse of some colorful fish. Or at least not drown.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Beachside taverna. Fresh seafood, please! Grilled octopus? YES, PLEASE! Followed by a nap on the beach. Because life is too short to skip a post-lunch siesta, even if it means getting sand everywhere.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): I am taking a break from the whole beach experience because I am still not over the fact I forgot to pack an oversized linen top. The rage is real. I went to a different beach, but it's too crowded so I am going back to my cottage.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM - The Moment of a Reckoning): That linen top situation is still haunting me so I take a drive to the nearby (I hope) town, to find the perfect linen top. I hope they have my size!
Evening (7:00 PM): Home. I am tired and hot and defeated. I am probably going to have a meltdown, which I cannot control because what is life other than feeling like you're going to jump the ledge and yell your heart out?
Evening (8:00 PM): I finally put the top on and felt a bit better, so I order a pizza and watch the sunset. I am a mess, but I am here.
Day 3: Wine, Waterfalls, and the Eternal Struggle Against Tourist Traps
Morning (10:00 AM - The Sleep In!): Wake up! No alarm. Glorious. I'm feeling the effects of the retsina and am not particularly eager to do much of anything, so a lie-in is absolutely necessary.
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Adventure Time! Drive to the nearby Troodos Mountains. Supposedly, they're stunning, with picturesque villages and… wait for it… waterfalls! I'm also on the lookout for a good local winery. There's no way I'm leaving Cyprus without sampling their wares.
Lunch (1:00 PM): Picnicking time! The local markets were raided for delicious things to eat. I've packed enough to feed an army. I hope I'll find a scenic spot, away from those dreaded tourist hordes.
Afternoon (2:30 PM): Waterfall walk. I am hoping I actually find the waterfalls and that they aren't tiny trickles. I'm picturing myself standing under cascading water, feeling all Zen and connected to nature. Though I'm fairly clumsy, so there's a good chance I'll trip and fall.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Wine tasting! Finding a winery is the core of my day. I am looking for all the local flavors. I'm envisioning myself swirling, sniffing, and pretending to know what I'm talking about, all while secretly just wanting to drink the dang wine.
Evening (7:00 PM): Fancy Dinner! There's this restaurant in a small town. If I can navigate safely AND not get lost AGAIN. I'm ready for something elegant, a perfect ending to a day of mountains and wine.
Evening (9:00 PM): Stargazing. Pendakomo apparently has incredible night skies. Gotta find a quiet spot and lose myself in the vastness of it all. Or, you know, just fall asleep. Depends on how much of that wine I consumed.
Day 4: The Great Halloumi Quest & Reluctant Departure
Morning (9:00 AM): Halloumi breakfast! Gotta find the best Cypriot breakfast. I'm determined to stuff myself with halloumi and fried eggs, a perfect energy boost for my final full day.
Mid-Morning (10:30 AM): One last dip in the pool. I am going to soak up every last moment of sun and serenity. I'll try to pretend that I’m not already dreading the return to reality. But, let's be real, I am.
Lunch (1:00 PM): I am thinking of a nice little snack so I get into the car and drive around because I am not sure what I am craving. I am thinking of finding my favourite restaurant, but I am not sure if it is near the Cottage.
Afternoon (3:00 PM): Drive. I am going to drive anywhere
Escape to Paradise: Pendakomo, Cyprus - Dream Cottage Edition (Frequently ...ish Asked Questions)
Okay, spill. What's the *actual* story with this cottage...I mean, beyond the brochure fluff?
Alright, alright, picture this: You've seen the Instagram pics, the website... everything looks pristine, right? Well, let me tell you, it *mostly* is. Mostly. Think of it like a beautiful woman wearing a perfectly tailored dress... that might occasionally have a tiny ketchup stain on the hem. Pendakomo is gorgeous, period. The air smells like sun-baked thyme and something indefinably *Cyprus* – a little bit of sea salt, a whisper of woodsmoke. It's soul-renewing. The cottage itself? Charming. Really charming. Stone walls built by someone who clearly *loved* the craft. But... yeah, there's a story.
The first time I arrived, I honestly felt a surge of giddy anticipation. I envisioned myself, you know, sipping a homemade iced coffee on the terrace (which, by the way, is amazing) watching the world go by. The truth? First morning, the coffee maker decided to stage a protest. Exploded. Mini-disaster. Turns out, it wasn't designed for my caffeine addiction. Lessons learned! But hey, there's a shop *down the road* (more on that shop later) that sells emergency coffee. And the terrace? Magnificent, as long as you're okay with sharing it with a few, shall we say, *persistent* lizards. They're harmless, mostly...
Look, it’s not the Ritz. It’s *better*. It's real. It’s life. It’s Cyprus.
I saw the photos... that pool looks INCREDIBLE. Is it as good as it seems? (Like, can I actually swim in it without being eaten by a giant frog?)
The pool...oh, the pool. Okay, so the photos don't lie. It *is* stunning. Crystal-clear water, the sun glinting off it... pure bliss. And no, no giant frogs (at least, I haven't seen any). But! Let me tell you about the first day I actually *got in*. I'd been dreaming about it for *weeks*. The sun was blazing, the air still and warm... the perfect time for a refreshing dip.
Went to dive in, but before I could fully immerse myself, my foot slipped on the wet tiles and I almost face-planted! Grace? I have none. Landed on my backside, legs flailing like some confused sea creature. So now I'm sitting there, looking utterly ridiculous and soaking wet, realizing that even paradise has its hazards.
But seriously, the pool is amazing. Just…watch your step. And remember, the view from the pool is *epic*. Bonus tip: Pack a giant inflatable swan. Trust me. It’s the law. And the pool is *perfect* for late-night swims under the stars. Pure, unadulterated magic.
What about the WIFI? Because, you know, *work*. Do I need to become a digital detox hermit?
Okay, deep breaths. WiFi. The bane of my existence, yet, essential for modern life. The good news? Yes, there *is* WiFi. The slightly less good news? It's... variable. Let's just say it has a personality. Sometimes it's lightning fast, humming along like a happy little bee. Other times... well, it decides to take a nap. A very, very long nap. Think of it as a Cypriot siesta for the internet.
I've learned a few tricks. The best signal seems to be on the terrace, gazing lovingly at the olive trees. Seriously. There's something in the air. And early mornings are generally better. Avoid trying to download a huge file at 3 PM, during the hottest part of the day – the WiFi will likely stage a full-blown revolt.
My advice? Embrace the downtime. Use the spotty connectivity as an excuse to stare at the view, read a book, or, you know, *actually* relax. And if you *absolutely* must work, try to download all the essentials ahead of time. And maybe pack a backup hotspot. Just in case. Because, let's be honest, you've chosen paradise. Embrace the imperfections.
Is there a shop nearby? Because I'll need... supplies. Wine, mainly. And maybe some snacks. And ice cream.
Ah, the lifeblood of any good vacation: The Shop. Yes, there is a shop nearby. It’s not a sprawling supermarket, okay? But it’s a treasure. A *glorious* treasure. Owned by a lovely Cypriot woman named Maria, who will greet you with a smile and the best gossip in town. The shop is small, packed to the rafters with everything you could possibly need and some things you didn’t even *know* you needed – like, say, pickled caper leaves.
The wine selection? Delightful. Red, white, rosé – all local, all delicious. The snacks? A glorious mix of Cypriot treats, imported goodies, and things you've never seen before, each one more tempting than the last. Ice cream? Yes, of course! It's a *necessity*. And Maria’s recommendations are golden. Ask her about the halloumi. Serious, you *need* halloumi.
Be warned: You might end up buying more than you initially planned. Because Maria is a charmer. And the shop is just… irresistible. Plan for multiple trips. Seriously, just go now. I miss it already.
What's the surrounding area like? Is it all just... beaches and sunshine? (Please say yes.)
Beaches and sunshine? Oh, yes, darling. But Pendakomo is so much more than just that. The beaches are *stunning*. Sandy, clear turquoise water, secret coves…they're what postcards are made of. But, honestly, the surrounding area is a vibrant mix of stuff.
You have the Troodos mountains nearby, perfect for hiking – *amazing* views. Wineries, if you like a tipple (and, let's be honest, you should). Charming little villages, each with their own character. Don't miss exploring the local tavernas, where you can get incredible food and even better company. There's a church in the village with a bell that rings at the most random times...and I've learned to adore it.
The people are friendly, the pace is slow, and the beauty is everywhere. One of the best things I remember is driving through the village the morning and smelling the freshly baked bread…it was just heavenly. So yes, by all means, enjoy the beaches. But take some time to explore. You won't regret it.
