cyprus

Cyprus – Europe’s eastern edge – embodies the true essence of the Mediterranean. Sleepy villages, classical amphitheatres and temples, haunting monasteries that cling to craggy cliff tops and ancient Byzantine buildings packed with precious icons and frescoes lure visitors thirsty for romance, history and adventure.

Known in ancient times as The Green Island, Cyprus remains the land of grapes and olives.  It's also a botanist's dream, with the spring air thick with the scent of lemon blossom, and the ground – from the lush hills of the Akamas Peninsula to the remote cliffs of the Troodos Mountains – carpeted with wild flowers and herbs.

Paphos

• Columbia Beach Resort

Columbia Beach Resort is a luxury all-suites resort with an outstanding selection of recreations and activities on offer to keep everyone entertained.  Perfect for both adults and families.  The 80m lagoon-style swimming pool connects with an indoor pool and large children’s pool (and a kid's club). There are 2 floodlit tennis courts, 2 squash courts, a gym, and - nearby - 3 championship 18 hole golf courses.  This boutique resort also has an excellent spa.

• Aphrodite Hills Resort

In the azure sea a short way off the coast of Paphos, a majestic rock marks the mythical birthplace of Aphrodite. Since Hellenic times, the faithful of all creeds have flocked to worship at this beautiful bay, establishing a fine tradition of mosaic-making. Today, Paphos's open air museum of Byzantine churches and Roman ruins is interspersed with al fresco restaurants and café bars.  Nearby, a range of privately owned villas and apartments are set within the exclusive and beautiful Aphrodite Hills Resort, offering a luxurious choice of accommodation.  With golf, spa, beaches, numerous restaurants, tennis courts and an excellent Tennis Academy.

If you're a golfer, please see our summary of golf in Cyprus

Polis

• Anassa Hotel & Spa Resort

Towards the north-westerly tip of Cyprus, the island’s rolling hills and ancient vineyards give way to the wild, dramatic beauty of the Akamas Peninsula. Named after the mythical son of Theseus, Akamas is one of the most beautiful areas of Cyprus; with its fresh mountain springs and seasonal swathes of wild orchids and cyclamen, it comes as no surprise to learn that it was here that Aphrodite first set eyes on Adonis. The Anassa occupies a secluded spot on the edge of the proposed Akamas Nature Reserve, along a private stretch of coast in between the little town of Polis and the charming fishing village of Latchi.

• Zening

Just along the beach from the Anassa, the new Zening Resort is due to open in June 2013.  It will be Europe's first resort dedicated to yoga, meditation and wellbeing.  Zening are designing their holidays to have at their heart the key pillars of spiritual wellbeing, complete relaxation, restorative beauty, soft fitness and a good diet.  The resort will be for adults only.