100 years ago, To Hani tis Paramythas was a haven for the weary traveller. Alix Norman meets a young entrepreneur who’s reviving the inn through the concept of co-living
For centuries, To Hani tis Paramythas was an inn – one of many guesthouses dotted around the island. A welcome rest for those on the road in the Pitsillia region, the establishment offered footsore travellers a hot meal and a soft bed for the night en route to wine festivals, trading posts and distant family. Of course, with better roads and quicker methods of transport, its purpose changed. For a while, To Hani became a taverna; in more recent years, the traditional stone building has hosted team-building and cookery events. But now, thanks to the ingenuity of one world-travelling entrepreneur, To Hani has come full circle: an inn, not for the weary traveller, but for the digital nomad…
“We’re bringing To Hani tis Paramythas back to life,” explains Christy Melinioti, the woman behind the venture. “Our goal is to continue the Hani’s tradition of bringing people together in a carefully designed space; a place where they can live, work and play in what’s known as ‘co-living’.”
Highly popular abroad, co-living is a new idea in Cyprus. Unlike house- or flat-sharing, the concept offers a community living model that accommodates residents from all walks of life: any age, differing professions, varying interests, and all nationalities. “In short,” says Christy, “co-living changes the way we perceive home. It brings together people who would otherwise not meet, but who can form a community, growing and learning from each other during their stay, sharing experiences and activities.
“The concept is simple,” she explains. “With co-living, you don’t have to deal with the tedious logistics involved in flat-sharing: all your bills are included in the rent – utilities, wifi, cleaner, common expenses, upkeep of the grounds – and are handled by the co-living leader. Your social activities are organised for you: there’s a team on the ground who set up all sorts of events – everything from cooking classes to pottery workshops, coffee mornings, and music nights – which are open to both residents and visitors. And, most importantly, you enjoy access to a multicultural group of people you probably wouldn’t meet under normal circumstances: you get to exchange personal interests, professional skills and experiences.
“For instance, one of our residents is a superb cook,” she reveals, “and has taught us all to make various pasta dishes. Another practises yoga every morning, and is sharing her expertise. Granted, during Covid, we’re not hosting activities which include visitors – all our residents are tested every three days to ensure the community is safe,” she adds – “but once measures allow, we’ll be planning all sorts of events.”
Currently, To Hani has eight occupants, all on three- to 12-month contracts. “We have residents from Russia, Germany, Sweden, Greece and Cyprus, ranging in age from 26 to 55 and working in industries as diverse as Forex, marketing, catering, branding, financial analysis and design,” explains Christy. “This is a new venture – our first group moved in in late April, and I very much enjoyed welcoming them…”
Born in Limassol, 33-year-old Christy has a wealth of experience in similar ventures. “I grew up here and in London,” she reveals, “and travelled from an early age. Initially, I studied education in the UK, before working in alternative schooling in London.” Back on the island for a spell, Christy managed environmental and social initiatives with a prominent local NGO, and then for the Limassol Tourism Board. “I discovered that I have a passion for creating and holding space for people to connect and inspire one another,” she smiles, “and that led, in time, to a job with American company Unsettled” – a co-working venture for remote and independent professionals – “which saw me running retreats in Columbia, Argentina, Peru, Bali, Tuscany and Barcelona. But, with the advent of the pandemic, I found myself in Cyprus once more, in search of my next endeavour. And when I saw To Hani, I knew exactly what that would be…”
Creating Cyprus’ first co-living space has been, says Christy, a labour of love. There were renovations to the inn, furnishings to add – “everything is decorated in a vintage, country-style that’s in keeping with the building’s heritage,” she explains – and residents to attract.
“Our concept is also to tap into a market of like-minded people who understand the beauty of a co-living space,” she explains. “This is not a party place, it’s a space where we bring together digital nomads and young professionals. Why remain in New York or Manchester when you can live and work in Cyprus, experiencing the whole culture for several months rather than being a tourist for a week?” she asks. “Not only are we blessed to be surrounded by nature, the island also boasts excellent weather, fantastic activities, and an incredibly rich heritage. Plus, we’re an EU member, a business hub, and a headquartering destination. Cyprus has so much going for it as a co-living destination!”
But To Hani isn’t just aiming to help foreigners. “If you’re a young professional working from Limassol, co-living offers a wealth of advantages,” says Christy. “Why pay €800 for a tiny studio in the city when you can live in a much larger space, with access to huge communal areas, stunning natural landscapes, and like-minded people?”
Along with the eight rooms for residents, To Hani boasts two large communal living rooms, two kitchens, two dining spaces (one of which comfortably seats 16 at its lengthy table), a vast conservatory and extensive grounds, which include fruit trees, herb gardens, and vegetable patches.
“Plus there’s the village and surrounding areas to explore,” says Christy. “We’re just 12 kilometres from Limassol, but a world away from the chaos of the city. So you’re paying a lot less, but enjoying access to huge spaces, stunning nature and all sorts of communal events. Of course,” she adds, “if you want to sit in a corner and read, or invite a friend for a quiet coffee, then that’s also an option – the idea is to give people the space to do exactly what they want. It’s a space for peace, for connection, for conversation…
“As a concept,” she concludes, “co-living can trace its origins back to the shared living models of the chawls in western India, to the longhouses of South America, and to the roadside inns of the Mediterranean… With co-living, we’re reviving this concept, making To Hani just what it was always intended to be: a welcoming space for travellers.”
For more information, visit www.facebook.com/tohanicoliving/ https://www.instagram.com/tohani_coliving/
