July 15, 2024 . . . Set within the village of Lefkara in Cyprus, The Agora hotel sits within the winding cobbled streets of the ancient village – situated at the foot of the Troodos Mountains, 650 meters above sea level. The town is imbued with a deep sense of history and is influenced by centuries of Italians, Greeks, Turkish, and Venetian merchants – making it feel both familiar and at the same time a new place to discover.
Agora translates to “a place to gather,” and as a former marketplace the owners have created a new gathering spot in this adults only luxury boutique hotel of 18 rooms. The hotel remains anchored to the community while welcoming travellers who wish to explore Cyprus and delve into the magic of this corner of the island.
The design of the hotel respects the heritage of the building and surrounding village yet offers interiors that feel like you have stepped into the home of a well-traveled friend. Guest rooms provide a deeper sense of low-key luxury with thoughtful details. There is a touch of colonial style elements using materials like rattan, bamboo and wood, while terracotta and limestone accents create a cozy yet airy feeling.
“Luxury is in the smaller more refined places, a less extravagant more detailed approach. We wanted to create a place where you really feel at home and where we can spoil our guests in a personal way,” says owner Emilie Green Novél who designed the hotel.
The hotel offers three types of rooms: Petite Rooms are a snug home base, while Demi Rooms offer a more spacious experience. Grand Rooms are the largest and boast a free-standing cast iron bathtub in the room. To ensure the best possible rest, mattresses are from the renowned Swedish bed manufacturer Duxiana. Bed linens are private label organic satin cotton from Portugal and plush towels are thick organic cotton. Each room is furnished with a 43’ inch TV, wooden shutters, and FRAMA self-care products made of natural, hand-picked ingredients. The design borrows from the local accents and colours that are always a hallmark of a destination such as the sea green hand sewn accents on robes.
The public spaces and the pool patio expand seating for guests for lounging and for dining. Restaurant Novél serves fresh and healthy food made with local ingredients. Simple dishes are Mediterranean inspired and designed for sharing. You can start your engine in the morning with the freshest eggs from Ygea Farm. For many, coffee is equally as important as a night's rest. For coffee aficionados, the Agora imports a single estate Brazilian bean that is delivered super fresh. It is then roasted to an exact preference by a local master roaster ensuring deep satisfaction in every sip.
The Bar is a casual, welcoming yet sophisticated living room for guests and has been adopted by locals as one of their own. Enjoy snacks and platters throughout the day or dive into our signature cocktails - choose from carefully curated Classics or a seasonal like Agora's Enzoni with Gin, local Green grapes, Campari, and lemon - served in a mid century, fluted low ball glass. The wine list is handpicked including some of the best regions in the world as well as Greek and local Cypriot indigenous varieties.
“It’s also about gathering like-minded people and having great conversation over food and drinks, where you meet new people and have unexpected nights,” says Aleksander Eng, owner.
Aleksander is an avid cyclist so he has woven this key ingredient into the activities that one can participate in while at The Agora. Located in the heart of the island, the area offers a range of beautiful routes for both novice and experienced riders and he has developed routes for various levels of expertise. Ride along the winding roads that lead up to the Troodos Mountains. "A challenging ride offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is perfect for those looking to test their endurance. Regardless of your skill level, cycling in Lefkara is an unforgettable experience." The Agora has built their very own fleet of Factor O2 Disc Carbon road bikes with custom Agora colours, Shimano Ultegra Di2 and Black Inc Wheels. Exclusively for Agora residents to rent during their stay.
Live & Belong: The beauty of staying at The Agora is that you can live and belong in a place that you might just be passing through. Guests can choose to cycle through the region, hike through the mountains and olive groves, or join in a Pilates or yoga session. If you prefer the slow lane you can go on a guided tour of the village to learn more about the ancient art of lace making, visit a local winery, stay poolside or do absolutely nothing but enjoy your surroundings.
The Agora Hotel, 25 Timiou Stavrou, Pano Lefkara, 7700 Cyprus. The hotel is located 30 minutes from Larnaca Airport via taxi. Follow us on Instagram. For reservations or information email stay@theagorahotel.com, or call via WhatsApp at +357 99 912500 or ring reception at +357 24 726000. Follow Novél and The Bar on Instagram to learn more about The Agora's food, beverages and special events.
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