Found the most kosher vacation abroad

The challenge of finding a kosher vacation spot outside of Israel is well-known among those who observe kosher laws. Typically, this means packing pots, pans, and kosher snacks for the journey. However, a solution exists just an hour away from Israel.

Welcome to the "Blue Lagoon," a luxurious 4-star kosher resort in Paphos, Cyprus. Located 25 minutes from the airport, the resort provides a perfect family vacation with three pools, a game room, spacious and well-equipped rooms, a scenic seaside promenade, a spa, a synagogue, and two kosher meals a day. Yes, you heard that right—the hotel features a kosher dining hall under the supervision of Rabbi Aryeh Ze'ev Raskin, the chief rabbi of the Jewish community in Cyprus.

The hotel has been operating under kosher standards on the island for seven consecutive years, 365 days a year. "The mayor visits to give his blessings on holidays, and the place is known for its kosher standards all year round!" said Chris from Issta, a travel company. "We build the hotel's Sukkah on the promenade, and the locals are always interested in the customs and offer their blessings," she added.

How It Works"We source the dining hall's ingredients from Europe and Israel, and we get the kosher certification for the meat from Chabad," explained Yair Levy, the hotel's kosher supervisor. "The dining hall's chef, Shamai Kaiser, has been living on the island for about 12 years and knows the products well. Each product has a barcode, and they identify everything that comes into the dining hall."

The food offered is varied and delicious. Dinner includes a selection of meats and legumes, a wide salad bar similar to what is found in Israeli hotels, fruits, a variety of pareve desserts, breads, and a beverage station. For breakfast, there's an omelette station, a wide array of salads, cheeses, tuna, and sandwiches that can be made to go for lunch. There's also a rotating hot bar with scrambled eggs, pasta, shakshuka, and casseroles. Those who prefer sweet breakfast items will enjoy a selection of fruits, cereals, yogurt, or sweet pastries.

What about allergies, you ask? The dining hall has an extensive allergen chart in Hebrew, though it doesn’t label the food according to this chart. Nevertheless, those with allergies will find the chef attentive to their needs regarding all dishes. "We don't leave anyone hungry," Shamai told me as he walked through the dishes with me, explaining what was safe for me to eat and nut-free. Except for a pistachio cake, all dishes were safe. Vegans and vegetarians will also find a broad selection, from legumes to various vegetables. If you have food allergies, I recommend speaking directly to Chef Shamai, who will point out the relevant allergen markings.

A bonus we really liked—during dinner in the kosher dining hall, you can enjoy a local tavern-style performance with musicians and dancers, adding an authentic Greek atmosphere!

Hotel AmenitiesThe hotel's rooms are very spacious, comfortable, and suitable for families. Some have a kitchenette (not kosher) equipped with a dishwasher, refrigerator, and even a washing machine! The rooms have large, pleasant balconies overlooking the pool and the sea.

The hotel offers two outdoor pools for children and adults with sea views. There is also an indoor pool operating year-round adjacent to a jacuzzi, a spa center, and a well-equipped gym. Separate swimming hours for women are updated as needed for the indoor pool.

At the edge of the hotel is a stunning promenade currently under development, which will soon offer about 5 km of pleasant walking along the sea. In the future, cafes will also open along it—currently, it leads to a private, pleasant beach with lifeguard services, and about 2 km of it is already built and ready for walking. The atmosphere is very relaxed, perfect for a sunset stroll, with breathtaking views.

Near the kosher dining hall, you will find the hotel's large synagogue, which can accommodate about 100 worshippers. "During holidays, it’s full, and there is always a minyan on weekdays," Yair Levy told us.

On the same floor, there is also a quiet lounge overlooking the children's playroom, allowing you to sit and enjoy light refreshments served in the morning and evening while the children play. And if you miss Israeli snacks like Bamba? Don't worry! There is a wine and kosher snack shop from Israel on site, which you can also find in the resort’s minimarket.

"We aim to serve all Israelis and sought solutions for those who observe kosher and Shabbat," said Tali Goldstein, VP of Marketing and Sales at Issta. "It's no surprise this is happening in Paphos; it's a leading destination, with sales tripling from last year and continuing to grow. Not only religious guests come to the hotel; the traditional community also enjoys the resort. The goal is to leave the packed food cases in Israel and travel abroad with peace of mind. We have a commitment to half the rooms at the hotel throughout the season. Whole families can come; the rooms are spacious and suitable for large families."

Not Just the HotelBeyond the resort’s facilities, Paphos offers a variety of attractions and activities. You can explore the old city, which offers a wide range of clothing stores and souvenirs, colorful cafes, taverns, and bars that operate until the late hours. Those who keep kosher can enjoy a cup of ouzo or a cold beer, and for those who don't, the options are plentiful.

The Blue LagoonAs part of the kosher vacation packages offered by Issta, you will get a boat trip to the Blue Lagoon—a must-visit experience. A paradise of clear, clean turquoise water that might make you think you’ve arrived at a Caribbean beach. The trip to the marina takes about 40 minutes, and the boat ride takes an additional 45 minutes on a large, comfortable two-story boat with two restrooms and a covered seating area for those who prefer to avoid the sun. The boat travels at a constant, pleasant speed, so even those who suffer from seasickness will feel safe and relaxed, enjoying the experience.

Upon arrival, a giant slide leads straight into the water—a fantastic experience for kids. You can also comfortably descend via a ladder into the clear waters and swim during the hour you will be in the area. The courteous boat staff also offers floats and life jackets for children, as well as snorkels and masks for your use.

Saba Restaurant: Kosher Lunch in TownAbout a 10-minute drive from the hotel, located in the heart of Paphos's promenade, is "Saba Restaurant," a kosher establishment by Chef Meir Adoni. Here you will find delicious Mediterranean grill dishes, fresh salads, hummus, tahini, pitas, and laffas just like at home. The prices are comparable to those in Israel, the service is excellent, and the portions are generously served.

What About Shopping?About a 5-minute drive from the hotel, you can reach the large King’s Avenue Mall, which houses over 120 stores, including a giant Jumbo store with particularly attractive prices and many well-known fashion chains. And the prices? I checked Zara and its branches (Stradivarius, Bershka, Mango, and Pull & Bear) myself, and the prices are about 40% cheaper than in Israel—a significant difference for Israeli consumers. Additionally, you can request a tax refund at the mall’s check-in counters for purchases over €50, reducing your fashion shopping bill by up to 50% compared to Israel.

If you still want to explore the area on your own, you can add car rental to the packages offered by Issta. Just note that driving in Cyprus is the opposite of Israel—steering is on the right, and driving lanes are reversed. Therefore, I recommend that inexperienced drivers avoid driving on the island and instead use cheap taxis (€8-10 to the mall/promenade) or buses (€1.5).

How Much for a Kosher Delight?The price per person in a double room for a 3-night weekend stay in June starts at $735. For 4 mid-week nights in June (Sunday-Thursday), you’ll pay $949 per person in a double room. The packages are on a half-board basis and include flights, transfers to and from the airport, a cruise to the Blue Lagoon, and a Greek evening at the hotel with live music and dancers.

It’s important to note that the hotel has two separate dining halls—the dining hall on the upper floor is not kosher, while the kosher dining hall is located on the lower floor near the pool. You can only book the kosher packages, including flights, transfers, and the Blue Lagoon cruise, through Issta. If you choose to book a room via Booking.com, you won’t enjoy these benefits and will have to assemble a package yourself, which, according to my check on Booking, is not worthwhile. For example, 3 nights on a weekend in June (13/6-16/6) for a couple + child will cost NIS 5,425 via Booking. This, of course, excludes flights, transfers, and the Blue Lagoon cruise.

Given the current conflict and the rise in anti-Semitism worldwide, the question on everyone's mind is—how do Cypriots receive Israelis? "No country in Europe comes close to the support, sympathy, and concern for Israel like Cyprus," said one of the founders of the kosher initiative at the hotel. "The Cypriot people love and support Israel." The resort has local security arrangements, a night guard since October 7, and regular police patrols. "For those who are worried, this is the safest and best place to visit," Chef Shamai told us.

The writer was a guest of Blue Lagoon Hotel and Issta.