Cypriot style
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Polis
One hour north of Pafos is Polis - a small seaside town where restaurant owners still use their own boats to catch the fish of the day.
Rocky hills and juniper trees are interrupted by the occasional 1980s-inspired villa complex, but tradition still reins supreme and the town is largely undeveloped.
Aphrodite's bath is a short walk from the road; a picturesque grotto where the goddess is said to have spent some quality time with her lover Adonis.
Anassa Hotel lies on the shore of Asprokemnos Beach at Polis, overlooking Chrysochou Bay and the Akamas Peninsula.
The five-star property stays true to traditional Mediterranean design with Roman mosaics, Greek motifs and Venetian frescos. It is a low-rise development with no buildings higher than three storeys.
Popular with high-profile celebrities and royals, Anassa offers a truly secluded luxury experience. The hotel has 177 rooms and suites, including family suites, three bedroom suites and stunning rooftop suites that feature private balcony Jacuzzis overlooking the sea.
The two-storey Alexandros Residence at Anassa is perfect for guests who want a more private holiday; the two-bedroom villa suite is located a short walk from the main hotel, surrounded by landscaped gardens and overlooking Chrysochou Bay.
Troodos
The drive to the mountainous Troodos region instantly transports tourists into pure European scenery characterised by dense pine forests and snowy winters.
Kakopetria village is a hidden gem, with cobbled streets, picturesque bridges and friendly locals.
Traditional restaurants such as the Linos Tavern give a taste of true Cyprus, with carafes of Cypriot wine and delicious locally produced rainbow trout served with fresh Greek salads and bread.
The nearby Omodos village is the perfect place for history buffs; tourists can visit the well preserved Monastery of the Holy Cross and see the village's original wine press. There are also small stalls that sell locally made lace, herbal soaps and various other Cypriot treasures.
Skiing is popular in winter and summer activities include cycling and hiking among the towering pine and cedar trees.
Families: Suggest a trip to Pafos Bird and Animal Park or Kourion Archaeological site for an educational and fun day out for the whole family.
The Baby Go Lightly service at Anassa Hotel offers parents the chance to order a wide range of baby items online, keeping holiday packing to a minimum. Parents can request car seats, potties, high chairs, nappies, baby walkers, bottle warmers, crayons and a host of other equipment. Anassa's Baby Go Lightly Crèche has supervised play for all guests aged six months to four years. Older children from four to 11 have the option of joining the Smiling Dolphin Club.
Penguin Village at Le Meridien is an adventure playground for young guests aged from three to 12 years. The hotel also offers crèche facilities for babies and infants up to three years. The Grand Resort is also a family oriented hotel with summer and winter activities for children. The hotel has a wide range of festive activities for children and families during December and January.
Couples: As the home of Aphrodite, Cyprus almost sells itself to couples and honeymooners. With picturesque beaches and luxury resorts, it is a haven for weddings and romantic holidays. Suggest hotels such as Anassa or Elysium and day trips to the birthplace of Aphrodite and Aphrodite's bath. The Troodos mountains also offer a romantic holiday for couples, particularly in the snowy winter months. Skiing, bike riding and hiking are good activities on offer suited to couples.
Sports and adventure travellers: European soccer teams, Olympic hopefuls and other sportsmen and women often train in Cyprus and tourists can catch the action at events such as the annual Cyprus Car Rally or Men's Challenger tennis tournament. For those looking to get in on the action themselves, Cyprus is perfect for cycling, hiking and watersports such as diving, snorkeling and windsurfing.
Culture seekers: Cyprus Tourism Organisation has mapped out a range of self-drive routes on the island that take in a range of natural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sights.
They include the Byzantine Route, Wine Routes, Antiquity Route and Aphrodite Route. Throughout the year there are a range of cultural events such as operas, Greek theatre and village festivals.
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