Cyprus: the hidden gem

Underdog

“I’d never been to Cyprus. Though apparently I wasn’t alone – Cyprus isn’t top of most people’s list, with Spain, Portugal or Greece generally coming to mind first for a holiday destination. So when I got the opportunity to head to Cyprus for Puurenkuur, I was made up!

Cyprus as holiday destination

Cyprus isn’t a typical summer destination; the climate there is so mild that even the winter and spring months are ideal periods for holidaying. I went in April; the sun was shining brightly and the temperature was 27°C. What a contrast to the cold and rain back in the Netherlands! Cyprus has some lovely little bays you can swim in on its coasts. The inland is beautiful and green, with small mountain villages. Paphos is bustling. It has lots of great shops, restaurants, a nice harbour and a little narrow beach; ideal for sunbathing and chilling with a book. At least, that’s what I would have done for relaxation in the past. This time was different. This time I would be experiencing relaxation in a whole other way…

Unlike on a regular holiday, on a wellness holiday, relaxation isn’t an added bonus: it’s the priority. The dedicated hotel programmes ensure that you do indeed focus on you: facials, back massages and yoga classes all offer an opportunity to reconnect with yourself. The crazy thing was, I only realised I really needed all of this once I was doing it!

Almyra

If you’re travelling as a pair, I highly recommend Columbia Beachotel en Columbia Beach Resort. If you’re travelling alone and looking for some conviviality, then Almyra is a good choice. This particular hotel is situated in the centre of the town, so you have easy access to whatever you long for, whenever you want it. My trip to Cyprus was brief, but brilliant. What a little gem of an island Cyprus is!”