View from Columbia Beach Resort over Pissouri Bay

BY MARCIA LEONE

Each year we like to go to a new country, and this year that country was Cyprus. Originally we looked into Cyprus for the weather. We were so tempted to go back to the Greek Islands, but because we were travelling in October we wanted to still have a “summer” holiday where we could guarantee warm waters for the kids to swim. And swim we did, nothing can prepare you for the beautiful blue waters of Cyprus- but there was so much more to this strikingly beautiful country that we fell in love with- the history, the landscape, the mythology, the people.

The crystal waters near the Love Bridge at Ayia Napa

WHERE TO GO

There is no doubt that the best beaches are on the east side of the island- from Pernera to Ayia Napa. We based ourselves in Aiya Napa for 5 days and explored the most amazing beaches- Konnos Bay & Figure Bay were the stand outs- perfect for families. We walked along the coast to see the Love Bridge and a fun day at the most epic water park . This area is incredible for a fun fly and flop summer holiday, but to explore the full beauty and history of that Cyprus has to offer, I would recommend also basing yourself on the South/South West Coast. As well as the stunning coastline and access to the famous Blue Lagoon, the historic and archeological sites near Paphos as well as the mountain villages and vineyards (Cyprus has some of the best wine we have tried) really give you a sense of the culture and are a must when you visit.

Stop off at Aphrodite’s Rock on the way to the Blue Lagoon

ACCOMODATION

The jewel of the trip for us was staying at COLUMBIA BEACH RESORT overlooking the blue flag bech of Pissouri Bay. For us, the perfect accomodation is family friendly, but also adult friendly. This five star resort had every amenity, but also a boutique feel. The rooms were gorgeous and spacious (huge bath), the pools were stunning- with specific family pool and child-friendly wading sections on both pools, a private beach with watersports (including a floating slide!). The Creche (open year round) and Den Children’s Club (4-12 years) was the icing on the cake. The additional onsite babysitting service meant (for the first time on our whole trip) we could enjoy a peaceful cocktail by the pool and dinner at one of the resort’s three onsite restaurants.

The dining experience is reason enough to stay here. We enjoyed a delicious poolside buffet breakfast each morning. We also enjoyed a fun family dinner at Cape Aspro overlooking the stunning bay ( the best fresh fish we have ever eaten); a traditional Cypriot experience at Apollo Tavern and the most exquisite meal at Bacchus, with a gourmet Italian menu created by Michelin-Star trained chef Ioannis Giakoumidas. (This is where you get that baby sitter!)

The grecian style day spa and fitness centre is five star - with 6 treatment rooms, jacuzzi and indoor pool.

Guests can also pre-order key baby items, so they are ready and waiting when they arrive. From nappies to prams, the resort has a variety of items, so you can pack light(er) don't need to worry about forgetting anything.

COLUMBIA BEACH RESORT is a fabulous base to explore the sites with day trips organised from the hotel to Blue Lagoon, Aphrodite’s Rock, the mountain villages and more.

We stayed as guests at the Columbia Beach Resort.

RATES

A seven-night stay at Columbia Beach Resort starts from €3,248 per family when arriving on 10 May 2020. This price is based on a family of four (two adults, a child aged 3-11 years and an infant aged 0-2) sharing an Executive Suite, Sea View, on a bed and breakfast basis.

This price also includes an early booking discount of 20%, which is currently available on 2020 Summer stays when booked at www.columbiaresort.com.

TRAVEL DIARY | CYPRUS