Cyprus

I have just returned from an action packed trip to Cyprus organised by the Cyprus tourist Organisation. There is so much to do and see. From Wine tasting tours to ancient sites. From skiing in the Trodos mountains to relaxing on its wonderful beaches. I had the chance to stay in several hotels on the Island and tour several more. Below are the three hotels I stayed in on the visit. Avanti Hotel The Avanti is a 4 star hotel situated just 250 metres away from the beach in Paphos. I had a good size pool view room; the decor was of a more traditional style. All bedrooms were refurbished in 2010 It would be a great hotel for dance groups travelling together, it has two fully sprung wooden dance floors. Also bowling groups can make use of its six full sized greens. It’s also is well set up for families with children’s clubs, pool and meals. Rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children in bunk beds plus a cot. Interconnecting rooms are also available. Golden Bay Beach Resort This 5 star hotel is situated on a sandy beach in Larnaca Bay. It is just 15mins from Larnaca International airport and 30mins from the Capital Nicosia I had a standard side sea view room which was decorated in a modern contemporary style. All the rooms are a good size with the same modern finish. We had breakfast and dinner in the Yacht club Restaurant. The food was a buffet which can be taken both indoor and outdoor on the wood deck with lovely sea views. The hotel would be good for families being right on the beach and having good facilities for families. Standard rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child but interconnecting rooms are also available for larger families All the hotel’s we visited were well set up for weddings and the Golden Bay also had its own small private chapel. Four Seasons Hotel A 5 star deluxe hotel situated on the beach just a few minutes’ drive from Limassol centre. It is a large hotel with 304 rooms but manages to have a lovely welcoming feeling. I stayed in a standard land view room which was extremely comfortable especially the bed. The bathroom was a really good size with a jacuzzi bath and lots of marble. Breakfast is buffet style taken in the Café Tropical which is a wonderful setting all wood decking, pergolas and water areas. We had dinner one evening in the a al carte Italian restaurant which has won many awards and I can see why. After dinner we went next door to ‘Colours’ the Four seasons ice cream parlour with great indoor or outdoor seating to round off the evening. If you are interested in staying away from the main resorts, Cyprus is busy renovating some of its old unused properties into some lovely tourist accommodation in villages like Tochni. We visited several properties in the village all were renovated to a high standard with air conditioning and central heating. We had a lovely lunch in Tochni tavern with lovely views and a really nice breeze blowing through the valley. It is over twenty years since I last visited Cyprus and I am hoping it will not be long before I am able to make a return visit on holiday with my family.