An ideal wayto keep all thefamily happy

All-inclusives

An ideal wayto keep all thefamily happy

How does Cyprus measure up for an all-inclusive break?

In many ways, all-inclusives are the ideal family option. They enable parents to budget for what can be the most expensive two weeks of the year and all-inclusive properties usually offer excellent children’s facilities.

With a growing number of properties, Cyprus is a viable alternative for parents who may not want to splash out on a Caribbean break with young children in tow.

JMC Holidays group product and planning manager Cyprus Alex Babic said: “The short-haul all-inclusive product is catering for a different market to long-haul, appealing more to families than couples as it offers good value for money. In the Caribbean, four and five-star properties are the key performers, while three or four-star all-inclusives take poll position in the short-haul market.”

Libra sales and marketing manager Kim Wonnacott said while Cyprus is an attractive option for parents, agents should warn clients who have been to the Caribbean not to expect the same standards.

“The Cyprus all-inclusive programmes can’t be compared to those in the Caribbean. In the Caribbean the concept is usually on a grander scale, whereas in Cyprus there can be certain restrictions. For example meal times are slightly stricter in Cyprus.”

She added Cyprus was likely to be a cheaper option. Thomson group brand manager travel agents Richard Nealson agreed the two destinations shouldn’t be compared.

“The resorts are completely different. Properties in the Caribbean are often in remote areas, lending themselves to the all-inclusive concept. The majority of the resort areas in Cyprus have a well developed infrastructure with good value bars and restaurants,” he said.

He added: “The Hotel Phaethon Beach Club in Paphos is one of our best-selling all- inclusive resorts, so there’s definitely is a market for all-inclusives in Cyprus.”

A family affair: short-haul all-inclusives are excellent value and ideal for families with small children

Unijetoffers the four-star Hotel Laura Beach in Paphos. The £439seven-night lead-in includes:buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; unlimited snacks and ice cream; unlimited locally produced alcohol and soft drinks and use of sports facilities.

Cosmosfeatures thefour-star Atlantica inLimassol. The £549seven-night lead-in price includes:buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner; afternoon tea; unlimited snacks and ice cream; unlimited locallyproduced alcohol and soft drinks; use of sports facilities and an introductory diving lesson.

what the operators offer

Famous for a day

Briony Key took part in the filming of a docu-soap while on a trip to Cyprus

SUMMER in Britain had, as ever, proved not to be the sunbaked extravaganza I was hoping for. So when I was offered a one-week all-inclusive trip to Cyprus, I jumped at the chance.

However, there was a catch. A Granada film crew would be on the island at the time of our trip and may want to include some of our programme in its docu-soap, Holiday Hotel.

On arrival the crew seemed keen to attach themselves to our party. In fact, we did have the eerie feeling of being watched throughout our stay.

The crew were relatively discreet with their footage and fortunately there were no completely cringe-worthy moments.

Nevertheless, nothing goes unnoticed. One amusing aspect of my brief claim to fame was receiving calls from friends when the series was screened asking why I had not told them about the filming. Well, some things you’d just rather keep to yourself.