Take a 1,000 year old village, preserve its quaint narrow streets and old stone built houses, add a venerated and spectacular monastery, sprinkle it all with star dust and you have Omodos!
Around 2002/3 Stavros conceived the idea of turning the family village property into a business complex that fully explored the agro-tourism concept.
Managing the extensive family vineyards, fruit orchards and market gardens, Stavros had his work cut out already, but the old Omodos family home was his real passion. His father and mother had – many years ago – converted the donkey stable on the street level, into a wine and souvenir shop.And wisely so, set in the prettiest and busiest lane in a village of pretty lanes,in a central position, close to the dominating Monastery at one end of the lane and the ‘linos’ (the much visited traditional village wine press) just a few steps towards the other end of the lane – it is clearly a perfect position.
It took him from 2003 until 2007 to fully convert the family property into the stunning complex it is today. And what a superb job.It is the only licensed agro-tourism listed building in Omodos. Some achievement in a village of listed buildings.
Omodos is the centre of the wine growing industry in the mountains, and it would be reasonable to say that the wine produced by Stavros from the family vineyards, is probably the best in the village – and this is a village of more than 50 wine producers! The wine he produces is natural – no preservatives – and a wonderful bouquet. It is only produced for the house and is therefore in great demand – A true agro-tourism product.
The family ‘market gardens’ – producing all manner of vegetables – also play a big role in the agro-tourism concept. Of course most of the produce isdestined for the family restaurant and this is evident in the quality and flavour of the food produced. Finally, the orchards produce the superb Cypriot fruits, apples, cherries, peaches etc etc. So, Stavros manages the vineyards, organises the market gardens, looks after the orchards and, now the new family complex is completed, oversees the lettings of the three luxurious tourist suites. Apart from that, all he does is devote himself to running the restaurant on a twelve hour a day basis!
Of course his family are all involved and his mother (Eftichea) in particular, keeps a close eye on all activities – especially the kitchen.
The physical centre of the re-formed family complex is still the souvenir shop – providing all that is best for the many visitors to this lovely village.
The old hay loft and vegetable storage areas on the upper floor have now been transformed into three luxurious suites of self contained apartments. To conform with the agro-tourism concept, each of these suites is themed on natural Omodos colours – a creative and attractive concept.
Viewed from the quaint and narrow street fronting the complex, it seems just like any other village house. Inside is a different story. each holiday suite contains a large double bedroom – complete with 4 poster beds and luxurious en-suite facilities, a well appointed sitting room (satellite TV etc), with far reaching views over the surrounding verandah’s and of course the very latest in fully equipped kitchens – extra sleeping facilities are available in the sitting rooms.
These lovely apartments are available to rent on either short or long term lets. Talk to Stavros, he will arrange reasonable and appropriate terms according to your needs.
Then we come to Stavros’s pride and joy – the restaurant, and what a restaurant! Stavros has managed to combine old world Cyprus charm with cutting edge modernity, all created to allow him to serve the tastiest food in Cyprus! Freshness and originality are the order of each and every day! A true Cypriot gourmet experience.
But that’s not all! Stavros is the restaurant – the restaurant is Stavros. Talk to any of his team – you can feel the pleasure and satisfaction they gain from working there for him – ask them who is the chef – they all answer ‘me’! There is not another restaurant like it anywhere in Omodos – indeed anywhere in Cyprus. It is a ‘one-off’. Superb food, superb wine, superb setting and really personal ‘Stavros’ service.
All day long, light meals and snacks are available. During the evening, the menu is a selection of all that’s best in Cyprus. Only fresh produce used. No micro-waved or re-heated food served here! A 16 dish original meze, mouth watering Cyprus classics, and all cooked using their own home made olive oil home made sauces and family produced vegetables.
Only a personal, family run business such as this, can provide meals of this quality and Stavros is on hand at all times to ensure the quality remains at the highest of standards.
