For those looking for a luxury, adults-only holiday escape, you probably think that you have to travel far, to tropical islands such as the Maldives or the Caribbean countries. But as OK! discovered, blue seas, five-star hotels and relaxing spas can be found much closer to home.
We travelled to the Mediterranean island of Cyprus – just a four hour flight away from London – were we split our holiday between two locations: Paphos and Limossol. Here we enjoyed stunning views, traditional cuisine, and plenty of time to lay back and relax.
Read on to find out our top tips on where to stay, what to eat and what to do...
Paphos
Where to stay
We stayed at the adults-only Ivi Mare hotel in Paphos, which offers the ultimate environment for complete rest and relaxation. This five-star resort is located a 30-minute coastal walk away from the town’s beautiful harbour.
Chilling out starts at the hotel’s stunning pool, complete with hot tub. The Utopia Pool Bar menu offers everything from local wines to signature cocktails and there’s really no need to move from your sunbed or beach club-style daybed because you can order an afternoon (or morning – it’s five o’clock somewhere!) tipple delivered directly to you via the Ivi’s app. And there are no early mornings rushing with a towel trying to reserve a sunbed as there are enough beds for full capacity at the hotel.
The on-site spa offers a wide selection of treatments, and they’re all inspired by Greek history. You can enjoy a couples’ massage or facial before unwinding in the sauna or steam room.
What to eat
As well as Palettes buffet restaurant serving all-you-can-eat local and worldwide cuisine three times a day, The Ivi Mare is home to two speciality restaurants, including Fiki Japanese Fusion. We sampled some of the Asian menu including sushi, edamame beans, curries and tempura while overlooking the hotel’s illuminated pool area. As we enjoyed an after-dinner espresso martini, a live singer kept us entertained with some singalong ballads.
If you’re venturing out, Paphos harbour also provides some incredible fish taverns offering a fresh catch-of-the-day feast to enjoy while you take in the sights of Paphos Castle and the bay.
Where to go
We explored the local area by heading to Old Paphos, which is a short taxi ride from the hotel. Old Paphos is perched on a hill, and we were blown away by the stunning views overlooking the town below. We also hit the small boutiques and shops for some retail therapy and were impressed with the variety of souvenirs and leather handbags on offer at Kennedy Square and Makarios Avenue.
To refuel, we stopped for a glass of Greek white wine and the local delicacy of dips and pitta bread in one of the many cafés and bars.
For those looking for the perfect photograph, the municipal library, built in the 1940s, makes a lovely backdrop for a Cypriot-inspired picture.
How to book
The Ivi Mare has 148 rooms, including plenty of suites and deluxe rooms. We stayed on a premium all-inclusive basis in a junior suite, with a gorgeous balcony and hot tub overlooking the sea and glorious evening sunsets. Seven nights start at £628 per person on a half-board basis, including flights and transfers. For more, go to Easyjet Holidays or TUI.
Limassol
Where to stay
Just an hour from Paphos is the coastal spot of Limassol. We stayed at the luxury Royal Apollonia, which is right on the beach front and in the area of Germasogeia. It’s a lively part of the city, with nightlife on your doorstep, but if quiet evenings are more your thing the hotel grounds are a calm oasis.
Watersport facilities are situated just outside the hotel for jet skiing or parasailing when you’re not relaxing in one of the three hotel pools or at The Royal Spa. We tried out the Climatological Dead Sea Room – an experience Cypriots travel far and wide to enjoy. Covering your body in mud and entering the Climate Room allows you to experience the real salts, minerals, temperatures and the restorative effects of actually being in the Dead Sea.
What to eat
There are three restaurants on site at the Royal Apollonia catering to many tastes. The gorgeous Alati Greek Flavours serves local cuisine, with a set menu including Grecian delicacies such as lamb shank.
Make use of the resort’s swim-up bar, which offers the chance to sip on a delicious cocktail while relaxing in the pool.
Where to go
Head to Limassol’s marina where luxury hits a new level. With super-yachts galore, and a range of bars and restaurants situated around the water, it makes a lovely lunch or evening dinner spot and offers a chance to sample some Greek souvlaki.
Nearby is the old town, home to Limassol Castle, which dates back to the 1500s and can be explored at a small cost. Head down to the My Mall shopping centre in the area of Zakaki for designer shopping and home comforts.
How to book
The five-star Royal Apollonia offers a range of rooms and suites, all with a balcony. There are a variety of packages on offer including bed and breakfast, half board and premium all-inclusive. A seven-night stay, including flights and transfers, costs from £621 per person. For more, visit Easyjet Holidays or TUI.
