Sofianna Resort & Spa

Sofianna Resort & Spa is a fantastic find - a 4-star family-friendly hotel that has everything you need for the kids combined with all the swish style of a sophisticated retreat. Plus, you’ll be waking up each morning just 3km from the heart of Paphos, putting the prom, sandy beaches and beautiful harbour in easy reach of your room.

What more could you ask for? Well, how about a pair of glittering pools and a mini kids’ splash park (April to October, min/max height restrictions apply) dishing up all the fun in the sun you can handle! Or if you’re planning a winter getaway, head indoors for warm-water swimming and laid-back lounging time. It’s open November to March, when the outdoor pools are closed.

Life on dry land is just as enticing, with everything from a kids’ club for 3 to 11 year olds (April to October, depending on numbers) to sports and games for everyone. Practise your spike on the volleyball court, test your boules skills or let those arrows fly to the bull’s eye with a round or two of darts. And if you’re there during the summer, the Sofianna’s entertainment team will be primed to keep you on your toes.

Craving another pina colada or need to top up on H2O? With a choice of bars, you won’t have far to wander, wherever you decide to chill. Go All Inclusive and non-branded, non-bottled drinks are covered from 10am to midnight.

And as for the food, you’ve all sorts of tasty treats to chow down on. Like flavourful burgers at the all-day snack spot, ice cream by the pool, and a Sunday carvery to make your mouth water. It’s just one of the weekly themed meals at the buffet restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day. Even better, book All Inclusive status and your food’s included from 7am to 9.30pm.

For a change of dining scenery, make a reservation at Mesogios. It’s the hotel’s very own meze restaurant, so prepare to work your way through an array of Mediterranean flavours. You’ll get a credit towards your meal if you’re on the All Inclusive plan (free for under 2s), though house drinks are still, well, on the house.

If you’re ready to step away from it all for an hour or two, sneak off to the hush of the Aphrodite spa. Top picks include the Sense Crete herbal treatment, pampering Flow and Glow face yoga, and blissful tailor-made massages. There’s also a gym, sauna and whirlpool.

When it comes to relaxing in your own hideaway, take your pick from a variety of 172 rooms and suites. Interconnecting and family rooms are available, giving you and your brood all the space you need. Or go all-out with a swim-up option and you can splash straight into the water from your private terrace. Whichever you choose, you’ll get twin or double beds, air conditioning/heating, satellite TV, high-speed Wi-Fi, tea/coffee facilities, a mini fridge and a laptop-size safe.

Economy rooms (2 adults), ideal for couples, have a walk-in shower, a terrace and a land view. Standard, pool view and swim-up double/twin rooms (up to 2 adults and 1 child) are designed for couples or small families, with bath/shower and a furnished balcony or terrace. Land and pool view Superior rooms (up to 2 adults and 2 children) are more spacious. Land and pool view Deluxe rooms (up to 2 adults and 2 children or 3 adults and 1 child) have a separate bedroom.

For the ultimate in classy stays, swim-up junior suites (up to 2 adults and 2 children) and two-bedroom family suites with land or pool view (up to 4 adults and 1 child) are also available.

Of course, holidays aren’t only about the perfect hotel! Days out are a breeze from Sofianna Resort & Spa, whether you stroll to Alykes Beach (800m) with its shops, bars and restaurants, or go exploring by bike, car or the excellent local buses. Paphos harbour’s just 2km away, famous for its history - including a medieval castle. And don’t miss the incredible mosaics at Kato Paphos Archaeological Park! After all, it’s only 1km away. That’s less than 15 minutes’ walk! Seeking the biggest (and wettest) family day out? Then pack your swimsuits for the awesome Aphrodite Waterpark, 5km away.

Please note that some facilities and services at Sofianna Resort & Spa are seasonal so won’t all be available at once. For example, the lounge bar is open from November to March only, when one of the pool bars is closed for the winter.