Cover Stars: Maxine Bracewell describes moment she discovered she had been selected for VIP trip

Q. How was the Jet2.com flight from Manchester?
A. The Jet2 crew were very friendly and professional. I was fortunate because I’d been allocated a window seat, which was perfect as I was able to view the lovely coastline when we were coming in to land at Paphos. On the flight, we had a complimentary drink, an in-flight meal and then of course there was a wee bit of shopping when duty-free came round. When you land at Paphos, it’s very straightforward and a lovely, clean airport. 

Q. Can you tell us about the hotel?
A. The Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel is like an upscale beach retreat, really, but the hotel is a very relaxing environment. It would be perfect for couples, friends or even a solo traveller.

There are two large pools as well as an indoor heated one. There is also a spa and wellness area where you can have a massage, and there’s a gym too. My suite was beautiful. I had a lovely view overlooking the pool and the sea, and the room was perfectly equipped for me. I had a coffee-making machine, a stocked fridge and there was a gorgeous marble bathroom with lovely products to use. 

Q. What were the activities in Paphos?
A. We went for a fabulous meal in the Old Town. It was a Greek meze so everybody could have a wee bit of this and a wee bit of that. It was a lovely way of trying different food. I think everybody needs to experience the Old Town – it’s just lovely, steeped in history and culture and the people make you feel really welcome. We also walked around the harbour area, which was absolutely stunning – particularly at night. There are photo opportunities everywhere in Paphos. And I love the way the city is mainly flat, so it’s suitable for people of all ages.

Q. What was the highlight?
A. I loved the sunset cruise on the private yacht. That was absolutely amazing, because we all felt like film stars. We had our drinks and I was up at the front of the yacht with Ryan [McCourt] and it was just magical. So I would recommend that as a great add-on for anybody who’s going to Cyprus.

Another of my highlights was going to see Aphrodite’s Rock. That is the birthplace of Aphrodite, who is the goddess of love and beauty, and there was lots of beauty all around. Now I’ve been there, I would definitely go back. And because I’ve been there, I use that as part of my selling technique for Cyprus, particularly when I’m speaking to couples. I tell them they should make the effort to go to Aphrodite’s Rock to get photos taken, because that would be very memorable for them. 

Q. Have you made many Cyprus bookings through Jet2holidays since the trip?

A. I’ve booked a full wedding at the Constantinou Bros Athena Beach. They get married next September, so they were planning early, but they booked on my recommendation and I also explained to them that different members of the family could stay in some of the different Constantinou Bros hotels. So far, I think we have about 40 guests booked.

I’ve also booked another Cyprus wedding, and there’s one pending at the moment too.

Maxine Bracewell’s career 

My first job in travel was at Gulliver’s Travel in Ballymena. I used my savings to buy the British Airways books and studied in the evenings, before flying over to London to sit the industry exams. Then I was approached by a Belfast agency wanting to open in Ballymena, so I worked in their Belfast office for three months. During that time, a couple asked if I could set up a travel agency for them. So I set up Park Travel and worked there for five years before joining Next Island Holidays. 

When I started, they sent 2,400 people from Belfast to Athens that summer. The following summer, with just me working on that programme, I sent 16,900 people away. I then went on to set up Globespan in Northern Ireland and the south of Ireland as well. When I had been with them for nearly 10 years, I set up my own agency, Travelmax, which turns 24 this month.