One way to enjoy the holidays is to enhance your favourite cocktails with seasonal ingredients. A shot of peppermint schnapps, for example, adds holiday flare to a mug of hot chocolate. The inclusion of winter berries also gives a nod to the season. The Sea Breeze, for example, is typically thought of as a summer concoction of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice served over ice with a lime wedge for garnish. Almyra’s Winter Sea Breeze substitutes tonic water for cranberry juice, yet it includes fresh cranberries as well as pomegranate seeds and mint: the result is a slightly more astringent taste suitable to cooler climes. The classic Martini cocktail is a mixture of gin with vermouth garnished with olives or a lemon twist. Mixologists have developed endless variations on the drink in recent years—so why not try one specifically invented for the holidays? Almyra offers the Santa Hat Martini. It evokes holiday biscuits with a base of Absolut Vanilla Vodka (which gives hints of butterscotch and dark chocolate in addition to its distinctive vanilla flavouring); Malibu Rum adds a warm, buttery taste with tropical coconut overtones. Santa’s hat receives its red colouring from cranberry juice, while its fringe is suggested by a garnish of grated coconut on the rim. Try it and you’ll be tipping your hat to the bartender! Are you looking for more inspiration? Stop by the bar in Almyra’s Lobby and sample these and other offerings from our Festive Cocktail Menu.

‘Kundalini’ is a term from the Sanskrit language that refers to latent energy thought to be coiled at the base of the spine. Practitioners of yoga seek to release this energy, moving it through energy points they call chakras, to provoke a sense of enlightenment and wellbeing. At Almyraspa, we have partnered with cosmetics company Ila to offer the Kundalini Massage by Ila. Ila spa products are sourced with the finest plant and mineral ingredients, which are culled from remote wildlands by artisan producers dedicated to traditional, sustainable practices. The sixty-minute massage treatment focuses on the back of the torso and legs. It is a multi-sensual experience that features aromatic essential oils to stimulate the sense of smell and recorded musical chants to relax the mind. The therapist gently massages the back, making movements parallel to the spine with the aims of activating the nerve centre between brain and spine and releasing energy. Then the therapist applies warm poultices—muslin bags filled with Himalayan salt, marigold petals, and lemon peels—to the chakras on the back. You will then rest in a meditative state as you listen to chants, take in the scent of essential oils, and enjoy the warmth of the poultices. The treatment is meant to nurture and re-balance your sense of wellbeing; it is especially welcome during times of emotional distress. Those who hold their tension in their back or whose shoulders are tight from too much time in front of a computer stand to benefit as well.

Though there are many opportunities to purchase souvenirs of your visit to Pafos, it can be difficult to find items that were made in Cyprus following traditional methods. Fortunately, there are several centres devoted to promoting Cypriot crafts. The Cyprus Handicraft Service is a government agency formed to revive traditional folk art and to find new applications for it. It shelters experimental workshops in Nicosia and sponsors retail outlets across the island. In Pafos, the Cyprus Handicraft Centre is found near the Kings Avenue Mall. At the centre, you can purchase lace, metalwork, woodwork, and pottery made by local artisans. Another venue for exploring Cypriot arts in Pafos is called The Place. Located adjacent to the covered municipal market, it houses a retail shop featuring local wines and dried herbs, handmade baskets, woven textiles, fused glass, and pottery. Here, you can observe a range of artists at work and join in a family-friendly crafts workshop. Located nearby in the Old Town district is a new facility with an ancient past. Ibrahim’s Khan was originally built as an inn surrounding a courtyard where traveling traders would exchange wares. After extensive renovation, Ibrahim’s Khan reopened in 2018 as a crafts centre with sixteen stalls and a restaurant. The architects preserved the beautiful stonework of the building while adding a modern flair. You will find jewellery, carved wood, mosaics, and products made with local olives and carobs. Take some time to explore and you’ll find a suitable memento of your visit to Pafos.