It’s no myth, Cyprus is a jewel in the Med
A trip to the beautiful sun-kissed island where ancient history is entwined with modern day luxury
After my first visit to Cyprus, the words that spring to mind about the island are romantic, friendly, unexpected, beautiful and relaxing. A trip in April also showed that it can be really sunny and warm at that time of year, ideal weather to enjoy a spring break with a splash of total relaxation and a sense of feeling ‘at home’.
My stay at two different
Louis hotels - in Limassol and Paphos - highlighted that there’s so much to offer on this island steeped in thousands of years of turbulent history spiced up with myth, legend and even a Richard the Lionheart connection thrown in to keep us Brits happy (he married Berengaria of Navarre at Limassol castle in 1191).
And, indeed, this destination, a four-hour flight away, is already a firm favourite with us holiday-loving islanders.
My first luxury stay was at the Royal Apollonia Hotel in Limassol. Right on the beach, it’s one of Louis Hotels’ Elegant Collection of five star offers. It’s equally a good choice for families with youngsters, couples or groups of friends. And straight away it lived up to what it says on the tin. Cocktails and a cooling towel and lots of smiling faces greeted our small party of female friends when we arrived.
It was a wonderful welcome after an early start that morning on our easyJet flight. However, the early hours at the airport passed so much more smoothly washed down with a free glass of bubbly and breakfast in the uncrowded, comfy Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick’s north terminal. Cheers! A fabulous way to start and, as it turned out, how we meant to go on.
As if my large and stylish room was not enough to make me feel special, stepping out on a balcony with my own jacuzzi and 70s-style stylish basket chair was heaven. And the view? Priceless - sea, sand and sunsets.
I was happy to swim in the sea and the pool, but it was a little ‘bracing’ for some. It was definitely warm enough to sunbathe afterwards, however.
The breakfast, lunch and dinner buffet here is award-winning, and with all the very varied international dishes catering to all tastes I can see why. I particularly loved the pork carvery, always available. But with the Cypriots’ love of salads and the diverse dishes of a typical ‘meze’ meal, there was always a vast selection to choose from. This is a foodloving destination and there’s plenty of it!
You can also choose to eat in the signature restaurants for a change and a treat - Asian and Greek-themed.
My skin was also given a treat thanks to a covering of beneficial and therapeutic mud in the Dead Sea Climatological Room in the Royal Spa. And after my skin was smoothed out, it was the turn of the knots in my shoulders with a massage. Relaxation complete. I was sad to say goodbye to the Royal Apollonia, but Paphos beckoned and the five star, adults-only Ivi Mare.
This new hotel is right on the seafront with another gorgeous view of the Med from my balcony. The pool here is the longest in Paphos and the spa also has a lovely indoor pool.
With the hotel’s white leather furniture and stylish decor, this definitely has an upmarket feel and the Mirrors bar proved to be an alluring place for, yes, yet more cocktails. There was a theme emerging on this trip. But the gorgeous-looking (and generously proportioned) drinks, with all the favourites, were very reasonably priced.
The buffet offering was, again, delicious, but I particularly loved dining at the Japanese restaurant on site - Akakiko. We watched enthralled as the sushi chef created delicacies for us. We dined until our stomachs could take no more as a super smooth saxophonist serenaded us through the evening. Eat your heart out Kenny G.
The bright blue and white decor in my bedroom had a very cool feel and all our party noted
‘This new hotel is right on the seafront’
with glee how we could shower and slightly open a clever blind to see the sea at the same time without losing modesty.
The path along by the sea here can take you to one of the town’s favourite spots for watching the sunset or, the other way, to the harbour. But we preferred to spend most of our time at the luxury haven of the hotel.
I think Aphrodite herself, the Greek goddess of love, pleasure, and beauty, who rose from the sea off the Cyprus coast, in all her glory, would have lingered longer here too.