CYPRIOT HOT SHOT
CARLY READ TRIES HER HAND AT ARCHERY AND MORE ON THIS SUNNY HOLIDAY ISLE
PULLING the bow string back under my chin, I winced before I finally let the arrow go.
My initial apprehension turned into delight as it found its distant target with a satisfying thud.
To the cheers of my fellow wannabe Robin Hoods, I made my mark on the scoreboard. I’d come in a close second – not bad for an absolute beginner.
I was in an archery class at the Robinson Club Cyprus resort, the first of TUI’s premium all-inclusive club brand to open on the Mediterranean island that boasts more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
Archery was just one of 60-plus sports and activities laid on at the four-star resort on the south coast, near the charming village of Alaminos.
Opened 18 months ago, the vast range of activities available is clearly a big draw, as the 322-room resort was buzzing with holidaymakers, seeking more than just a fly-and-flop break.
From tennis (there are nine courts) and football on the astroturf pitch, to windsurfing and sailing, there’s something for all the family, or you can even try something for the first time – as I did with archery.
A relaxing lunch from the international menu at the main buffet restaurant – one of two on site – set me up for the next adventure: a tour of this historic island, with our guide, Maria.
First up was a visit to one of its most impressive archaeological sites – the ruins of Kourion set above Episkopi Bay, an hour’s drive away.
Legend has it this city was founded in the 12th century BC by descendants of the Argives, inhabitants of Argos, a city in Greece’s Peloponnese.
The centrepiece is the Roman theatre constructed towards the end of the second century BC, entertaining audiences of around 3,000, with music and drama.
Today the carefully restored theatre stages live performances during the summer months.
Taking in the island’s fascinating sights is thirsty work, so a stop at the Ktima Gerolemo Winery, near Omodos, one of the wine-making villages in the tranquil Troodos mountains, was ideal.
Cyprus lays claim to being one of the world’s oldest wine producers and I relished the chance of tasting some superb whites and reds on a tour of the 127-acre estate. Dinner back in the resort was a barbecue at the beachfront Breeze Bar and from a mouthwatering menu of steaks, burgers and seafood, I plumped for the juicy prawns.
While waiting for my order to be cooked, I tucked into a tasty Cypriot mezze platter before choosing a rather fine red, recommended at the wine-tasting session. Delicious! I began the next day with a yoga class on the beach. Working through the movements in the invigorating sea air set me up for the rest of the day.
And I felt I’d earned my breakfast of eggs Benedict with traditional Cypriot bread, freshly squeezed orange juice and a strong espresso. Spurred on by my successful attempt at archery I decided to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), and in the calm clear waters I soon discovered not only is it far easier than it sounds but it’s fun too.
After all that activity, I flopped on to a sun lounger by one of the resort’s two pools, settling with a good book and a drink from one of the four bars to soak up the glorious 35ºC sunshine.
That evening, after dinner, I took in a show themed “World of Tomorrow” in the resort’s huge theatre. The crowd clapped along to an entertaining performance of music and dance.
All too soon it really was tomorrow – and my last day at Robinson Cyprus. I decided to let myself be pampered in the spa and its three saunas and wonderfully relaxing steam bath. But it was the soothing aromatherapy massage, easing those tense muscles, which really hit the spot. Steeped in history and with spectacular beaches, Europe’s sunniest island delivers on every level.
A morning yoga class on the beach set me up for the rest of the day