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A pair of rebranded resorts are the perfect base to explore Cyprus by land and water, finds Yolanda Zappaterra


hey say travel broadens the mind – and nothing proves the point more joyously than watching the Eurovision Song Contest on a giant outdoor


screen with a hundred or so strangers drawn from more than a dozen different nations. The resounding chorus of cheers for the competing countries gave me a distinctly warm feeling – as warm as the balmy Cypriot evening we were enjoying together. Cocktail in hand, I watched the song-filled show


from the wonderfully relaxing Ammos Pool Bar at Mare Ayia Napa. Formerly Atlantica Village Ayia Napa, the hotel reopened in spring along with a sister property in Paphos under the new ‘elevated’ brand Mare Resorts – and I was among the first to discover what these updated escapes have to offer.


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DESTINATIONS AYIA NAPA/PAPHOS | GREECE & CYPRUS


CYPRUS BY SEA The 341-room Mare Ayia Napa is set on a sandy beach in the protected natural area of Cape Cavo Greco, a few miles outside the eponymous party centre. It’s an otherworldly landscape characterised by a limestone coastline, perfect for nesting colonies of birds and for the popular local sport of cliff-jumping. Watching people leap from cliffs is a highlight of an


afternoon boat trip with stops for swimming, snorkelling and paddleboarding – plus a long Mediterranean lunch – leaving us so relaxed it feels like we’ve been in Cyprus far longer than just 24 hours. The next day offers more marine action with an


introductory scuba diving session at the Museum of Underwater Sculpture Ayia Napa. Those ²


26 JUNE 2025


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