| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 13/11/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 75 |
| Copyright: Other |
operator view: top destinations
We asked three operators to name their favourite places in Cyprus. Here is what they said:
limassol
Four Seasons Hotel, Limassol: luxury accommodation in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere
Mathilde Roberts, managing director, Argo Holidays
“I have worked with Cyprus for many years and have taken many holidays there. It is now certainly one of my favourite destinations. Although in a broad sense, Paphos is my favourite resort on the island, my absolute favourite place to stay is the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol.
“This is unquestionably one of the most luxurious hotels on the island, but what really endears me to it is the way the staff allow guests to completely relax. The hotel has a very informal and comfortable atmosphere, you don’t feel you have to dress up to fit in with surroundings, you can just be yourself and unwind.
“Limassol itself is one of my favourite places to shop – especially for jewellery – which is half the price it is in the UK. I love the cosmopolitan atmosphere of the place – there is so much going on and a huge choice of bars and restaurants.
“One of my favourite haunts is the Ladas Fish Restaurant in the old town and Le Nautile at Le Meridien Resort and Spa which serves such good French cuisine, it reminds me of my home country.
“Limassol is a great base for exploring the rest of the island – it is close to many other resorts and now also offers access to Egypt, Jordan and the Holy Land.”
nissi beach
Steve Stewart, product group manager, First Choice
“Nissi Beach is a fantastic location on the outskirts of Ayia Napa. To me it is idyllic – 500 metres of white sandy beach stretching out into an aqua blue lagoon.
“The beach is protected by the islands, dotted off the coast, so the sea is always calm and very safe. It offers you space to relax but it is also close enough to Ayia Napa to allow you to dip into the action it offers as and when you want it.
“Nissi Beach is on the eastern side of Cyprus and this is where you find some of the very best hotels – luxury four and five-star properties where you can really pamper yourself – such as the Atlas Beach Hotel, where the new free-form pool with slides is fantastic.
“Cyprus is a very hospitable place and the area around Nissi Beach offers you the quality accommodation you might expect in the Canaries, combined with traditional character and a genuine local atmosphere.
“Some parts of the island are rather swamped out with tourist development, but this area still offers local food in small tavernas, plus quick and easy access to the mountains if you jump in a hire car. It is also great for families because there is plenty of self-catering accommodation and the award winning Water World is just five minutes down the road.
“That has some of the most spectacular water rides in the world and offers evening entertainment too. I have no hesitation recommending this area – even in winter it is great and offers interesting contrasts – from the beach to the snow- capped mountains.”
Nissi Beach Hotel: quality accommodation
paphos
Karl Bolton, group product manager, Sovereign
“Paphos has to be my favourite destination in Cyprus because it manages to combine so many of the things that make the island such a great holiday destination.
“With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Cyprus is a fantastic year-round destination and one of my own personal favourites. The varied landscape – from the Troodos Mountains to the many great beaches – means it offers a holiday that is so much more than just basking in the sun. What stands out is the friendliness of its people and their close association with the British.
“Stay in Paphos and you get a sense of the history and the modern culture of the island in one place. Paphos has a number of fascinating ancient sites and an impressive Venetian Fort and there is lots to explore.
“It also has a great selection of open-air tavernas, bars and restaurants along the harbour where the sun never goes down and you never need go hungry or thirsty.
“When I visit, I try to stay in the stunning Hotel Paphos Amathus Beach which is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World group and is a first-class hotel with its own spa. If you can’t relax here, you can’t relax anywhere. Combine this with the great beach and you have a perfect, year-round place to be.”
Paphos: lots to explore
Paphos: lots to explore