Sunrise Pearl Hotel & Spa

Sunrise Pearl Hotel & Spa is a 5 star hotel in Protaras, on the eastern coast of Cyprus. The long and sandy Vrissiana Beach is adjacent to the resort, providing opportunities for sunbathing, swimming and watersports. While Fig Tree Bay, with its shallow waters, is under 10 minutes’ walk away. The little ones can join the kids’ club, offering a range of activities including skittles, treasure hunts and art & crafts. And there’s an onsite cinema showing family-friendly movies daily.

Adult guests can make use of four outdoor swimming pools, two of which are child-free, one with a swim-up bar. A kids’ only option nearby offers shallow waters and fun features. There’s no need to get up early to try and bag a sunbed. You’ll get one allocated at check-in, which is then yours for the duration of your stay. If when you’re packing, your suitcase is looking fairly full, don’t worry about squeezing in a beach towel. A fresh one is available daily from the pool attendant’s desk.

An indoor pool is also available to guests, providing an ideal place for a swim if you’re travelling off-season. A wide range of exercise and sporting opportunities are available onsite, including a fully equipped fitness centre, an indoor squash court and two outdoor tennis courts. For something a bit different, scuba diving lessons are offered throughout the week. Allowing you to learn in the safety of one of the resort’s pools before you go on to swim alongside the fish in the Mediterranean Sea.

The well-equipped spa features a sauna, sanarium, steam room and a snow chamber. You will also find an invigorating shower area and heated pools with different temperatures and salt concentrations. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s six treatment rooms where you can book a relaxing massage.

There’s no shortage of places to eat at Sunrise Pearl Hotel & Spa, as there are seven restaurants to choose from. Start the day with a rich American style breakfast at Waterfall. Return in the evening to sample culinary specialities from all over the world, while being treated to majestic sea views and instrumental melodies. For lunch, drop into the poolside Mistral or you may prefer the tasty grilled seafood served at Fishbone. Additional options for dinner include an American grill, an Italian, a pan-Asian and a Brazilian Steakhouse. The gastro collection is completed with Kyklos Mezedopoleio, offering exciting Cypriotic and Greek dishes. Reservations are required for the six speciality restaurants and guests staying on a half-board basis can eat at each one once during their stay.

When you fancy a drink, Sunrise Pearl Hotel & Spa offers four bars, including options poolside and in the lobby. A resident DJ provides a vibrant atmosphere at the lounge bar (open until 1:30am), while the five large screens at the sports bar ensure you have a good view of all the action. For lovers of all things sweet, there’s something special. Patisserie Amelie serves cheesecakes, meringues, macaroons, homemade ice-cream and waffles, accompanied by drinks including milkshakes and coffee. The only downside is it’s open from 9am to midnight, so you may have to resist the temptation to eat too many sugary treats in the same day.

The hotel offers a range of room types to suit the needs of different travellers. As you’d expect from a 5 star hotel, all options are of the highest standard. Each features complimentary WiFi, air conditioning, a King sized bed, a private balcony, a TV, a safe, tea & coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water, an espresso machine, bathrobes and a hairdryer. You don’t need to worry about taking an international adaptor to charge your phone or tablet, as USB plugs are available. If you upgrade to a suite, you’ll get a larger TV in the lounge, as well a second TV in the bedroom, preventing any arguments over who has the remote. There are also two sofas, both of which can convert into additional beds.

If you’re hiring a car you have the benefit of the complimentary underground parking, so no need to worry about the inside of the car feeling like a furnace when you get in. Thanks to the hotel’s location and the handy bus stop it’s easy to get to Waterworld Ayia Napa, with or without a car. Here children will love the 18 thrilling rides and attractions. If the name conjures up a vision of a similarly named attraction in the West Midlands, forget that image, as this is outside and in the Mediterranean sun.

Local buses also offer the opportunity to visit the unique walled city of Famagusta. Here you can see Othello Castle, the setting for a Shakespeare play. If you decide to go here please note that while Famagusta is internationally recognised as being in the Republic of Cyprus, it’s under the control of a de facto TRNC. This means you need to show your passport to be allowed in.