DESTINATIONS GREECE & CYPRUS | PAPHOS
Limassol lowdown
Nicosia may be the island’s capital, but Limassol (pictured) is home to its wealth. There’s a buzz in the air, in this place where old and new mesh together, with the city’s Old Town and Port rubbing shoulders with a swanky marina filled with superyachts, complemented by waterfront bars and restaurants. Farther along the promenade, the 204-room Royal Apollonia hotel has a cosmopolitan feel, attracting an international crowd. Immediately on arrival there are impressive views of its sizeable pool terrace and the sparkling Med beyond.
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Paphos Castle; David Golledge; Tombs of the Kings PICTURES: Shutterstock/Fotogrin, kirill_makarov
courtyard bar and restaurant attracts locals and tourists to sample its beers and ciders brewed on site. A selection of five small glasses are a great way to test out new brews, my favourite being the zesty Sundowner Pale Ale. The food offering includes craft burgers and sourdough pizzas, plus packages can include transport from hotels and an open bar.
STAY IN STYLE
And for those who like to return to a certain level of comfort after a day of historical exploration, culture and craft beer, Cyprus has plenty of plush hotels to choose from. Guests at the 239-room Louis Imperial Beach Hotel, are greeted on arrival in a spacious, light-filled lobby. Rooms are simple, spotlessly clean and decorated in muted tones, while main buffet restaurant Amorosa has been recently renovated and caters to its mature British clientele with a different themed cuisine each night. Those seeking something a little different should head to the more
50 13 JANUARY 2022 The Ivi Mare’s
Mirrors Bar is a sophisticated spot for watching the sun go down
intimate Japanese fusion restaurant for pan-Asian dishes, including bento boxes bursting with fresh flavours, or the recently opened craft burger restaurant. The hotel’s bar is plush and
popular, with nightly entertainment such as live music and quizzes. And as my visit was in November, I was grateful for the sizeable indoor pool, complete with spa options. For clients looking for something
a little hipper, arriving at the adult-only King Jason hotel feels like strolling into an urban club lounge, with its collection of inviting, sumptuous sofas. Outside things are just as chilled, with an impressive four pools – including
one made up entirely of whirlpools and featuring an underwater exercise bike and treadmill.
LOYAL GUESTS Pre-pandemic, this 127-studio and suite property was exclusive to the UK market, although its manager Thomas explained that while British arrivals remained dominant, the hotel has made efforts to widen its appeal. “We couldn’t open last year because the UK was in lockdown, but this year we aim to stay open,” he told me determinedly, adding that the loyalty shown by a high rate of returning guests did allow the property to reopen relatively early. Its sister hotel, The Ivi Mare, is also adult-only, yet a different proposition. The 148-room seafront
BOOK IT
Mercury Holidays offers seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Louis Imperial Beach Hotel from £751 including flights and transfers, based on a May 2022 departure from Stansted.
mercuryholidays.co.uk
travelweekly.co.uk
hotel is still gleaming having opened in May 2019. It has a boutique feel over its six floors, the sleek decor complemented by quirky design features and plenty of greenery. The equally stylish Palettes buffet restaurant spills outside and enjoys a prime location in front of the sizeable pool, set within minutely manicured gardens. The Ivi Mare’s Mirrors Bar, overlooking the coast, is a sophisticated spot for watching the sun go down with a cocktail in hand.
Looking out over the shimmering seas again, it became easy to understand why Cyprus has drawn visitors time and again. Views befitting the Greek goddess of beauty, a rich history and cosmopolitan cities on the water make Cyprus a truly enticing option.
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