8 FEATURE By Gerald Bowers
Minthis Hills
Unique resort
The whole resort is ecologically friendly within a naturally protected area
W
hy is it different? What makes it so special? In the words of the architect ‘’It’s about design, quality, lifestyle and the future.’’
The whole resort is ecologically friendly within a naturally protected area. Properties are built to enhance the environment. The villas are built into the contours of the mountain. Using local stone, from the local village, using natural local plants and trees. The exclusive design of the properties means that during hot summers, air conditioning is not required.
The concept of Minthis Hills relates to ‘Barefoot Luxury’, to look at living in an atmosphere of clean air, open spaces and energy from the environment. The types of
It’s about design, quality, lifestyle and the future buyers at Minthis Hills are ‘lifestyle buyers’ who are looking for a different way of living. Naturally the resort will have facilities like a shopping centre, tennis academy, a spa, but a different kind of spa, not just a gym, but a full lifestyle kind of spa/club. A village square with underground parking, where as a resident you can be an active resident or a passive one. Horse riding and nature trails are all part of this resort.
Planning permission has been obtained for 600 properties across the 500 hectares of Minthis Hills resort and has been divided into 11 autonomous neighbourhoods. The Masterplan provides for a choice of 8 different houses in the range. But each house can be customised to what the buyer really wants. Everything can be customised. The Architects will work on the customer’s needs. Can be bigger or smaller, it will be fitted and designed to what you really want. Plus Minthis Hills offers a whole lifestyle kind of management – Not just property management with security but a whole lifestyle service to assist residents.
Why is it so special?
It is the result of collaboration between internationally renowned experts who have created an extraordinary resort that
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THE DEVELOPER
When we talk about the team that developed Minthis Hills, we firstly talk about the Developer – Pafilia. Founded in 1977 Pafilia is the largest privately owned residential developer in Cyprus. Dedicated to delivering the best in concept, design, quality and service. The Pafilia promise is to provide first class properties with exemplary and
contemporary facilities and service that offer exceptional choices for both living and investing. Pafilia selects world renowned partners to complement its skills to achieve its innovative project visions.
THE MASTERPLANNER
Atkins is one of the world’s leading engineering and design consultancies with the breadth
and depth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time critical infrastructure projects. Atkins believes that design solutions must be fitting to the time, place and culture in which they are located. Their architects and urban designers work seamlessly alongside structural and civil engineers, environmentalists, acousticians, hydrologists and many more built environment experts.
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will captivate your senses. Combining the virtues of sophisticated living, exquisite design and mesmerising views. Minthis Hills offers residents the chance to truly unwind and indulge in the pleasures of contemporary living. Enjoying views as vast as they are captivating, Minthis Hills is a resort that celebrates its surroundings. With inspired Mediterranean architecture dedicated service and a liberating sense of space. It boasts a breath taking hillside location in the heart of the Paphos wine producing region, yet it’s just ten minutes away from Paphos city with its wealth of amenities. A key tenet of the design concept was to create a masterplan which is fully compatible with the sensitive natural landscape of the Tsada mountains. It was recognised at the outset that the density of development should be limited in order to ensure that the integrity of the mountainous character was retained while providing residents with unimaginable space. The vision is now being realised, the result is a truly extraordinary differentiated resort.
DESIGN
The architects were asked to make Minthis Hills the best in the Mediterranean. This was a major challenge in a market ranging from the ‘Costas of Spain’ to the shores of Croatia and the many Greek islands. The architects had to make a unique design concept. One which would define Minthis Hills and give differentiation from all the rest. Authenticity to Cyprus was of paramount importance in the design process.
The architects set out to understand the local vernacular so that they could develop a modern interpretation of the traditional architecture and one which references the forms of the villages and buildings in the surrounding highlands yet was fresh and modern and could appeal to buyers from all around the world. The architects visited many of these villages which told a story of ‘form and materials’. They looked at past buildings and past projects from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, and ignored the ubiquitous Mediterranean style villa and then beauti fully simple and elegant forms began to emerge. You can see these influences at Minthis Hills, the single pitched roofs, the courtyards, the outdoor spaces, the distinctive stone clad walls. By embracing these traditional forms and using local materials in a modern way, Minthis Hills has become a uniquely Cypriot modern architecture. Minthis Hills is definitely not just a re sidential estate or even just a golf resort, it is a unique resort. The architects have paid harmonious attention to detail, quality of materials and generosity of space and light. The idea that residents should live a healthy, peaceful and active lifestyle was critical to
the master plan. You can see the extreme care that has been taken to locate roads and buildings to enhanced views while avoiding disturbing sensitive natural areas. Inside the houses there is a blur between the outside and the inside (My visit and tour of one of the houses confirmed this). Pools, walled courtyards, double height spaces and cosy nooks are part of every Minthis Hills villa. Then there are the views, spectacular, breath taking and totally unique. The villas have been designed to frame these views, providing a never ending show of brilliant light, dramatic weather and varying seasons.
QUALITY
Minthis Hills has global significance and appeal. They have pushed the design ceiling way up and have significantly changed the game in Cyprus. This commitment to quality design has created value for investors, businesses and ultimately the island of Cyprus. Minthis Hills has influenced other developments in Cyprus. Other developers have noticed what has been achieved and are responding with better developments of their own. This can
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Minthis Hills was officially opened in September 2014 by Mr Nicos Anastasiades, The President of The Republic of Cyprus only help Cyprus achieve a more successful future in the lifestyle tourist industry.
THE ARCHITECTS
Woods Bagot is a global studio specialising in the design and planning of facilities across three key sectors: education, science and health, lifestyle and workplace. They have an impressive portfolio of past work and a reputation for excellence. They provide innovative design solutions that are functional and inspiring for both clients and residents and are passionate about making a lasting and relevant contribution to the environments which they create.
CHURCH OF CYPRUS
The Church of Cyprus is Paflias joint venture partner for the Minthis Hills project. In addition to its spiritual and philanthropic role, the church has always supported the economy through its involvement, as an investor, in various sectors such as tourism, industry, banking and more recently energy. Its financial base provides excellent stabi lity and security to the projects in which it is involved.
LIFESTYLE
Minthis Hills promises rewarding leisure time, be it relaxing enjoyment or sporting pursuits; residents have a myriad of options to choose from. A championship golf course, tennis courts and nature trails are a sample of the on-site activities, or residents may simply relax and rejuvenate in the resort’s luxurious spa. The dedicated staff team at Minthis Hills will ensure a residential experience that is relaxing, satis fying and rewarding by offering impeccable personalised service to cover every facet of your lifestyle. From housekeeping, private dining and property services to dedicated concierge and lifestyle management, the ex-
Woods Bagot is a global studio specialising in the design and planning of facilities across three key sectors: education, science and health, lifestyle and workplace.
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perienced team ensure your every comfort and convenience is taken care of, enabling you to relax with ease and enjoy a memorable experience at Minthis Hills.
Wine Region
The area surrounding Minthis Hills is home to one of the most celebrated wine routes on the island. Located in this wine producing region it seemed natural to offer residents the opportunity to produce their own label wine, with vineyard allotments, olive groves, and eco-plots available for rent on the resort. Residents are able to to receive initial ‘vine training’ and learn how to tend to their own plantations. Alternatively for those who prefer the fruits without the labour, a specialist can take care of it for you, allowing you to relax and reap the benefits.
RELAX AND REJUVENATE
Minthis Hills offers an organic experience, blending style and sustainability in equal measure to ensure residents enjoy all the pleasures of Mediterranean living. At 560 metres above sea level the area enjoys a micro climate benefiting from cool breezes and low humidity even during the summer. With no heavy industry on the island, and close proximity to the sea, Cyprus’ air
quality is invariably clear from any chemical pollutants. Minthis Hills adds a further fresh air dimension, a green environment. We all know that green spaces improve both physical health and mental well-being.
Location Location Location – Paphos
Paphos, the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty is situated on the south western coast of Cyprus. It is home to a great extent of the island’s rich cultural heritage including a medieval fortress, frescoed tombs and remarkable mosaics. Almost an open air museum in itself, UNESCO added the ENTIRE TOWN to its world heritage list. In addition to its rich culture Paphos also offers all the essentials of a cosmopolitan city including stylish boutiques, fine restaurants, modern amenities, first class medical facilities and great cafes. Minthis Hills is within easy reach of local areas and international transport links.
The Future for Property Development
So, what of the future? The developers Pafilia are already challenging the architects to continue to innovate and lead design even further. They are trying to produce more and better villa choices, more sustainable design, more sensitive to the land and environment, more inspiring. Sophisticated buyers travel the world and know quality design when they see it. They
are demanding higher design quality and Pafilia have this available in Minthis Hills. To achieve this required a partnership with the planning authorities, the government and to innovate to go forward.
Cyprus Citizenship
Non EU citizen? Purchase a luxury villa for €2.5million at Minthis Hills and obtain Cyprus citizenship (EU) for your entire family, including dependents up to the age of 28 years, within 3 months. The team at Minthis Hills can help and provide assistance. For further information about Minthis Hills please contact: www.minthishills.com email: info@minthishills.com Tel: +357 26848 800