Recognised for its Cyprus property, Pafilia has won the coveted 5 stars in the Europe & Africa Property Awards 2009, in two categories: “Best Golf Development” and “Best Architecture (Multiple Units)” for its Minthis Hills development. Minthis Hills has now been nominated for the International Property Awards as well, which are dedicated to finding the best real estate professionals across the globe. Top scoring winners from the Europe & Africa Property Awards compete against other winning companies from Asia Pacific, the UK, Americas and Arabia to find the ultimate World’s Best in each category.

According to Demetris Ashiotis, executive director of Pafilia Property Developers, “Minthis Hills is our landmark development in Cyprus and really is a labour of love for all those involved. We have pushed the boundaries in every aspect to create what we believe is the ultimate address not just in Cyprus, but the Mediterranean. It is very satisfying to have this recognised and it demonstrates our ability to compete at the highest levels.”

Designed by Woods Bagot, the private residences at Minthis Hills blend traditional and modern elements to create a timeless design that has universal appeal, regardless of whether the customer usually prefers one particular style. The properties are designed as part of the resort, which as a whole, has been specifically created to encapsulate barefoot luxury, being close to nature with wide open spaces and at the same time providing the ultimate luxury with 5 star services to match. The architecture therefore blurs the boundaries, bringing the outside inside and vice versa and bringing you closer to nature, while the whole design and finishes exude luxury. Traditional Cypriot mountain village elements have been incorporated including local stone and wood and interior courtyards. This helps with energy efficiency, encouraging cross ventilation to provide natural cooling during Summer.

Minthis Hills stretches across nearly 5 million square metres, which is approximately 1200 football pitches. It is set in an idyllic surroundings, with spectacular mountainous countryside and views to the nearby sea, as well as to the Troodos mountains, which stretch up to 1951m and where you can ski in the Winter. The environment plays a big part in this resort. Just recently, Pafilia announced its pledge to the UNEP’s Billion Tree Campaign to plant 6500 trees by June 2010 in Minthis Hills. This will be only a tiny proportion of the total number of trees and plants to be planted there, which will be in excess of 100,000.

Life at Minthis Hills offers escape, but not isolation. Its unmatched on-site facilities will include the recently upgraded 18 hole championship golf course, an exclusive spa, several fine dining and local restaurants, shops, tennis courts, nature trails and vineyards which can be rented by owners to produce their own wine. Meanwhile, the coastal town of Pafos, where you can find virtually anything you could wish for, will be only 15 minutes away.

The existing Minthis Hills 18 hole par 71 championship golf course was originally designed by Donald Steele and is now being improved even further by Mackenzie & Ebert, who have worked on many of the top Open golf courses around the world. According to Tom Mackenzie, “There are few places in the world where you can play in such stunning surroundings as Minthis Hills, with the view of the Troodos Mountains and the course itself hidden away in a valley with the 12th century monastery set right in the heart of it.” The course has a length of 5,828m or 6,550 yards, short enough for you to decide whether to use a buggy or walk the course, as many of the purists prefer. There are a full range of practice facilities, including a elevated driving range with panoramic views. A large new clubhouse is currently being built, which will act as the heart of the community, providing bars, restaurants and five star services to residents, such as a full concierge service.

The European Property Awards are part of the renowned International Property Awards, which have been about for 15 years.