One of the few short haul destinations that remains on the UK’s travel corridors list and deemed one of the safest islands to visit this winter, is Cyprus, the perfect retreat for some winter sun.
Just a ten-minute taxi ride from Paphos airport, the esteemed Aphrodite Hills Resort is ready to whisk you into a state of total relaxation. This impressive resort is an intoxicating mix of world-class golf, a tennis academy, an opulent spa, a variety of excellent restaurants and top-notch accommodation.
The resort is within a short distance from the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, as well as being ideally located close to Paphos, Coral Bay and beyond.
Offering a diverse and varied range of accommodation options, the resort includes apartments, a five-star hotel; Aphrodite Hills Hotel by Atlantica, a range of luxurious private villas and both short- and long-term options. The peaceful surroundings and views make this a totally relaxing place in which to reside, while being close to those hot spots that are sure to please.
With more of us seeking a controlled environment away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle, the villas and residences here offer the perfect solution. Catered in-villa dining options with private chefs are, unsurprisingly, a popular choice at the moment and most villas come with their own private pool. The wonderful thing about this resort is that it is so vast and so private, that social distancing happens naturally.
The resort’s award-winning 18-hole golf course has recently had a total revamp and reconstruction of both the greens and the bunkers which dominates the landscape with its tiered greens, sandy bunkers and a dramatic beauty. It has been rated one of the top three in Europe and it has just been announced as one of the new venues for the world-renowned golfing tournament, the PGA European tour.
Opposite the course’s clubhouse is the Retreat Spa by Atlantica, a total sanctuary in honey-coloured stone fashioned to a Greco-Roman style with a very extensive treatment menu, 27 rooms, six heat rooms and its own Hammam. There are a range of totally indulgent treatments and packages to choose from, but the signature Thermae experience is one that is not to be missed.
Young ones will be pleased to find out that they have their very own tailored treatment menu, while gym enthusiasts will be thrilled with the state-of-the-art equipment available to use. You’ll never need to experience a bad hair day while staying here either as there is a hair salon ready and waiting to tend to your needs and leave you looking fabulous for any occasion.
Nearby to spa is the famous Tennis Academy offering the highest quality of court surface and a wide selection of coaching services for all player levels. The Tennis Academy features nine championship floodlit courts, five are hard courts and four clay courts. There is also football, horse riding, personal training and yoga on offer for all ages and abilities.
When it comes to dining, you could not wish for more. There are a total of 18 restaurants and bars to choose from including the Fig and Olive for a la carte Mediterranean dining. There is also El Sabor Restaurant, a Mexican a la carte offering; Ladi and Rigani, a traditional Cypriot kebab house; the Italian dining experience, Zimi Trattoria; Gate to India, innovate Indian cuisine in an elegant setting; live teppanyaki cooking, and the sunset bar to wind down in after an active day.
For a hit of active winter sun in a luxurious and easily reachable location, Aphrodite Hills delivers on everything.
Rates start from $400 (approx. £356) per night for a three-bedroom superior villa with private pool. The nearest airport is Paphos (a 15-minute car transfer). For further information or to book, visit aphroditehills.com.
