Azia Resort & Spa

The 5 star Azia Resort and Spa isn’t just your base for exploring Cyprus. It’s also where you can eat like a local, as the food is sourced from the hotel’s own plantation, as well as the island’s farms. There’s fun for the whole family but also areas reserved for just adults. The main pool area comprises a large lagoon with a sit down swim-up bar and a separate pool for infants to splash around in. There’s also one just for grown-ups, along with an indoor option, complete with a waterfall.

Around 25 different activities are available each day. So you might start one day with a Zumba class and end it with shuffleboard, the next it might be tennis and yoga. Little ones aged 2.5-12 can join the kids’ club, while the teenagers have their own programme of activities. The spa includes a steam bath, sauna, hammam, an aromatherapy steam room, a whirlpool and jet massage. There’s also a wide selection of relaxation and beauty treatments available to book.

The main buffet restaurant has themed evening meals, a seating area just for families and another just for adults. If you choose Half Board you can eat either your lunch or dinner here. For something special, choose from one of the six a la cartes - there’s Italian, pan-Asian, Cypriot and French options to choose from. Plus there’s the Coconut Terrace where a range of Mexican, American and British-inspired classic wrap and rib dishes are served al fresco. All Inclusive customers can eat at Coconut Terrace as many times as they want, other restaurants are limited to one or two included dinners per week. Those staying on a Half Board basis can enjoy one included evening meal at the Italian a la carte.

Seven bars allow you to enjoy a drink on site at any time from 10am until midnight. (Last orders for All Inclusive is 11.30pm.) There’s an Adult Only bar, as well as evening entertainment just for the grown-ups. At the poolside option, you can also grab a snack or ice cream.

Each of the 300 rooms is a generous size and includes air conditioning, WiFi, satellite TV, a minibar and 24 hour room service. You may choose to upgrade to a room boasting a whirlpool bath on your private balcony. The Family Suites include a separate bedroom for the parents. Premium options are located in the Adult Only wing, where you’ll also find the Premium Lounge, offering a buffet continental breakfast, afternoon tea and pre-dinner aperitifs, as well as Espressos on tap all day.

For those interested, Azia Resort runs early evening tours around their plantation, where you can see species of citrus, avocado, palm, guava and mango close up and pick some seasonal fruit to take back with you. Opposite the hotel you will find a golf driving range and a mini golf course. If you wish to explore the island on two wheels you can hire a bike from the reception. The staff can also assist with booking watersport activities including scuba diving and windsurfing.

There are numerous historical sites to visit in Paphos (just 5km from Azia Resort), so make sure you book a long enough stay to see everything. You could spend the best part of a day exploring the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, an important ancient Greek and Roman city, which is still being excavated. Here you can see mosaics, as well as the remains of temples and theatres. There’s also the extensive Site of the Tombs of the Kings, the restored Roman House of Dionysus and more. Children who aren’t interested in history might enjoy a visit to the zoo or waterpark.

For something a bit different make a 30km drive south to see the spectacular Aphrodite's Rock, mentioned in Greek mythology. Venture out a further 45km and you’ll arrive at the Holy Monastery of the Cats. According to the legend when a plague of snakes infested the island St Helena imported cats from Persia and Egypt to combat the problem. It’s now customary for strays to be housed here.