The resort’s sales and marketing executive, Mary Nicolaou, said that the president was due to give a speech at the ceremony, alongside Elias Eliades of Pafilia and Archbishop Chysostomos.

Originally built as Tsada golf course in 1994, the venture was purchased by Pafilia five years ago, with the aim of establishing the newly-named Minthis Hills as a five-star luxury residential resort.

Nicolaou said: “Pafilia has invested millions here and the results are impressive. The golf course has been redesigned and the clubhouse rebuilt.”

The official event marks the completion of the first phase of a 12-year plan, which includes the main road and project infrastructure, the first residencies, an 18-hole championship golf course with practice facilities and driving range, a nature trail and a clubhouse.

Nicolaou said that the name - Minthis Hills - is derived from a 12th century monastery called Stavros Tis Minthis, which is found on the grounds. She admitted that the ambitious project had been held up by a number of problems, which had finally been resolved.

The sales and marketing executive said that 22 luxury villas had been built in the last two years. These were sold to mostly Russian and more recently Chinese clients who are purchasing off plan.

“The villas start at €1.5m and prices go up from there. The project will eventually include 450 villas in total.”
 Nicolaou noted that renowned architects Woods Bagat had teamed up with Pafilia for the designs of the houses, of which there are seven, for potential clients to choose from. Custom-made homes are also offered.

“The architects spent two months here, visiting the villages and surrounding areas to get inspiration. The design of the entire project, from the clubhouse to the villas, incorporates modern and traditional aspects. They used three main components in all of the designs, stone, wood and glass.”

The entire project will cover a vast expanse of ground – five million square metres – and the next part of the project will be the building and completion of a spa, which will be open to the public.

“We don’t have a timeframe for the spa but we hope this will get underway next year.” When completed, Minthis Hills will include a village square with restaurants and shops, a health club, equestrian centre, tennis academy and over 500 private residences.

The clubhouse also has numerous facilities, Nicolaou said, such as a restaurant, with a culinary team trained by Alain Ducasse, a bar, sports lounge, business centre and pro-shop.

The sales and marketing executive noted that the grand opening celebration on September 17 is by invitation only and for ‘high society’ guests.

Source: Cyprus Mail