Wed with a difference in Cyprus

Looking for some unique wedding ideas or a girly destination for a pre-wedding party? Cyprus has some interesting options and a long history of catering for this market. So we did a weekend visit to check it out. By Bernadette Fallon

Gone are the days when weddings meant a quick trip up the aisle, followed by a party in local hotel or bar. With so many locations, here and abroad, vying to offer something different, these days the sky is the limit. And that's before you even start to think about hen nights. Which are also becoming a thing of the past - the trend being for a more leisurely break, over a weekend, with girl friends.

 

But isn't it all a bit exhausting? Not to mention expensive. So it makes perfect sense to plan a girly getaway around some useful wedding business, namely shopping for key essentials. And a nice bit of relaxation and pampering - preferably with sun included. So you come home with a post-holiday chilled out glow, packed shopping bags and a tan!

 

Cyprus is a good option for short break that lets you chill, party and shop. Travelling there in January I was delighted to find that days were a sunny 20 degrees plus, warm enough for short sleeves and sandals during daytime (though the locals, still wearing boots and jackets, clearly thought I was mad). Still, lying by the hotel pool, glass of champagne in hand, I considered this really would be a great pre-wedding stress reliever; particularly as it's just five hours flying time from the UK.

 

And the Londa hotel is the perfect stylish base for a glamorous few days away. This multi-award winning boutique hotel is located on the outskirts of Limassol, with its variety of sights, restaurants, shops, bars and clubs. (Note that January, despite its warm temperature and sunshine, is officially off-season, so certain spots are closed and others are quieter than they would be in summer - which can be really pleasant if you're after a chilled out break, get the hotel to recommend places frequented by locals for a great night out.) Also, there are lots of stylish hangouts within walking distance or just a short taxi drive away.

 

Two to try

 

High Chapparal, a traditional Cypriot taverna and fish restaurant, where the waves hit the beach just a few feet away from your table

Seven Seas bar in the city centre's Columbian Plaza is a hangout for stylish Cypriots and offers live music seven nights a week

 

The Londa bar itself is a magnet for the local glitterati; enjoy an early evening drink with them on the pool terrace, pictured above. There's also an excellent restaurant for gourmet dining run by renowned chef Patric Steklmacher. Most rooms have sea-view balconies, or pool your resources and upgrade to a suite so you and the girls can have a luxury hang-out. Little extras like CD players and cappuccino machines come as standard in all rooms, as do Molton Brown toiletries in the bathrooms.

 

Spa time

 

There's a luxury spa, where customised packages can be created for your party - you'll also have the use of the gorgeous relaxation room with Jacuzzi, sauna and recliners, good for a natter between facials and manicures. Or treat yourself to a luxury package and combine several treatments for the ultimate in relaxation - I tried the remineralizing bath with dead sea salts, followed by the calming Peace of Senses massage with orange and marjoram essential oils, the perfect stress reliever.

 

There's a couples room for double treatments if you're on a romantic break, and if you're there to wed, the bridal package includes full makeovers - they can also bring in a hairdresser. Also on offer are waterproof makeup packages, ideal for an outdoor wedding, and even waterproof leg makeup if you're shy about revealing less than perfect pins.

 

Off shopping!

 

Saturday morning and I'm up early to check out the shopping - as I've heard it's possible to buy handmade shoes and commission designer jewellery at a fraction of the UK prices. Take care though - Limassol shops close at lunchtime on Saturday, so either get up early or arrive in time to go shopping on Friday.

 

Jewellery

 

Theodorou Jewellery in Anexartisias Street offers bespoke designs alongside standard off-the-shelf buys. It's a family business; inside the atmosphere is chilled out and decidedly unstuffy, with Theodore himself sitting behind the counter chatting to his Saturday morning customers. An artist with an eye for the unusual, his stop is full of delicate eye-catching pieces - order bespoke and he promises to match any design, ideal if you have your heart set on a particular piece but can't afford the price. ‘Yellow gold' is becoming popular again for wedding rings, he tells me - also big right now are white and yellow gold combination rings. Email theo.theou@cytanet.com.cy.

 

Fashion

 

Next we call quickly to Mitsu Mitsu, home of one of the country's leading fashion designers, whose shop is located in St Andrew's in the old part of town. Designs are very dressy with lots of glitz, reflecting the dressed-up going out culture of the Cypriots - good buys here for evening weddings. Visit www.pantelis-mitsu.com.

 

Shoes

 

And finally to Sabrina, where handmade shoes can be purchased from just 80 euros, again designs can be easily copied and orders shipped off to anywhere in the world. Or choose from a big selection in store, like these designs pictured. Wedding shoppers obviously make up a big part of the clientele, judging from the shoes on display. See www.sabrina-shoes.com.

 

Wedding options

 

The Londa is an ideal wedding venue if you are planning to do the whole business here. And just about anywhere in the hotel can be used for the ceremony and party - from the poolside to the stylish terraces, restaurants or private rooms.

 

You can book exclusively through the hotel and not trouble your guests to move outside the venue. Or, if you want to look further afield, it's a good idea to use a professional wedding company who can take you through all of the options and take care of all the details, both before you arrive and once you are in the country.

 

Fancy a yacht?

 

Planet holidays offer tailor-made packages to suit all requirements, from the small beachside dos with the minimum of people to mega bashes on yachts - as Louise from Planet explains, they've done everything from weddings for two to footballers' parties. And there are optional follow-up packages - Planet says it has gone on to organise christenings and renewal ceremonies for satisfied customers.

 

Details like photographers, hairdressers, beauty treatments and flowers will be arranged for you in advance. It's also possible to have a super fast turn-around on your photos, so the album can be delivered the next day if needed! Pre-wedding parties can also be added to the package - like spa pampering days for the girls, or golf trips for the men (or vice versa of course ...)

 

What will it cost?

 

Prices obviously depend on your requirements, but to give an idea of the basics - it costs from 282 euros for a civil ceremony in a town hall, from 350 to have an official attend at a venue of your choice, and from 600 for a church ceremony. Cypriot law requires you to be in the country for three days before your marriage. Your Planet wedding rep will take care of your wedding licence and spend a few hours with you on the day of your arrival to go through all the plans.

 

You can marry in any hotel in Cyprus, but if you're on a limited budget it's worth bearing in mind that the local Town Halls are often beautiful old buildings, and many have courtyards that you can use for the ceremony. Private beaches are also popular venues, but the most popular choice, according to Louise, is one of the yachts. It must be docked for the ceremony, but sets sail as the party begins.

 

Where to go for more information

 

For information on short breaks, romantic stays or wedding packages at the Londa, email info@londahotel.com or visit www.londahotel.com

Contact Planet Holidays on 0871 871 2234 or visit the website at www.planet-holidays.co.uk

 

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