Cyprus, the Jewel of the Mediterranean:
Fought-over throughout the centuries, Cyprus remains one of the prime islands of the Mediterranean. The added bonus (for the British, at least!) is that you drive on the left, all the signs are in English as well as Greek, and the natives are charming and welcoming. Summer lasts at least 9 months and even the winter is mild. It is often possible to ski up in the Troodos mountains in the morning and sunbathe or play golf in the afternoon down near the coast. When Spain and Portugal are unpredictable then Cyprus comes into its own.You can venture to the north of the island, and Nicosia or Kyrenia with all its history, - see Belapais Abbey, for example. Within a 30 min drive you will find Kolossi Castle and the Graeco-Roman ruins at Kourion which is Cyprus's most important archaeological site. The famous Kykkos monastery in the Troodos is an hour away.
Aphrodite Hills Golf & Leisure Resort:
This resort has been modelled on the best in the world and, as the first such resort on Cyprus, it may have seemed ambitious but, now established, it has been a revelation.
The 5* Intercontinental at the entrance to the resort offers the facilities one would expect: a selection of restaurants and bars for indoor and alfresco dining, pool-side grill, spectacular views, its own swimming pools, spa, gym and games rooms, - even a chapel for weddings and christenings! Rental guests are welcome at the hotel.
The Retreat Spa has been rated one of the best in Europe. It takes as its theme the Greek and Roman baths of old, complete with a colonnaded central courtyard, pools of progressive warmth, a frigidarium and fragrant gardens. A range of treatments, both traditional and modern, complete this exceptional experience. The gym at the Retreat has a comprehensive range of Cybex equipment.
In addition to the beach near the entrance to the resort, there is a beach club 15 min further east
The Village Square:
The shops and bars at Aphrodite Hills have been grouped together in a Cypriot village style near both the hotel and the golf Clubhouse and which gives the resort a range of facilities for everyone. The Pro-shop at the golf club has a large stock of golf equipment and clothing while the individual shops in the Village include a Pharmacy, small supermarket and off-licence, art gallery and several boutiques. The bars, restaurants and tavernas are superb for casual dining and supplement the restaurants in the hotel. In fact, you may find it difficult to justify leaving the resort at all during your stay!
In addition, there are Kids' and Teens' Clubs where children can be entertained while you are free to play golf, tennis or avail yourselves of these lovely facilities.
You can follow the designated nature trail through the resort.
Golf:
The par 71/70 6,299 metre Aphrodite Hills golf course was designed by Cabell Robinson and opened in November 2002. Surrounded by protected forest, the golf course is laid out on two plateaux separated by a spectacular ravine. The course is demanding and varied, always a challenge no matter how many times you have played it, with lakes, bunkers, Olive and Carob trees and Myrtle bushes strategically in play to catch the reckless! The spectacular par-three Seventh is played across the ravine from a narrow tee-box to a large green but beware, it is very deceptive - take one more club or two more balls! The golf complex offers a double ended 350 metre practice range, PGA qualified resident golf instructors, a golfing academy offering a variety of programmes and lessons, three hole Academy Course (one par three and two par four) for beginners, short game practice facilities and a luxurious clubhouse with restaurant & bar facilities. It has a 4-court tennis academy with full time coaching staff. There are frequent golf competition days and, as our guest, subsidised green fees can be arranged.
There are two other courses within easy reach, Secret Valley and Tsada in addition to others further afield and some currently under construction.
Other Activities:
historic sites, museums,
