Cyprus: Clubs, Countryside or Castles?

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guest post by Ricky Durrance

There are many so called gateways in the world. Countries where influences from different cultural and social worlds mix together to create a unique experience for visitors. For instance, Turkey is often referred to as the gateway to the East – and perhaps the gateway to the West if you approach it from the opposite direction. However, for a true experience of extremes, Cyprus has few equals. One night you could be anywhere in Western Europe, dancing to the best music in the best clubs. The next you could be on the north coast, exploring a truly beautiful and idyllic scene, full of green fields and ancient castles. Whatever takes your fancy, just book into a Cyprus hotel and fill your boots!

Cyprus Clubs

Ask any twenty something in the UK where the best place to go to for fun, clubs and partying is and the majority will say Cyprus, or, more likely, Ayia Napa. Tens of thousands of people head to the party capital of the world every year for one thing and one thing only –world famous Cyprus clubs. Located on the south east of the island, Ayia Napa is home to well-known and famous party venues – Castle Club, Napa Dreams, Insomnia – the list goes on. When arriving in town expect to see Cyprus hotels booked up to the rafters with carefree youngsters and superstar DJ’s, all preparing for raucous night time activities in the best Cyprus clubs.

Cyprus Countryside

Do not just judge Cyprus by Ayia Napa. To do so would be a travesty as there is so much more to this beautiful island. Cyprus boasts a number of outstanding areas of natural beauty that make it a perfect destination for a walking holiday. Cyprus is known as the island of Aphrodite, who was the goddess of love and beauty – perhaps a clue as to what to expect when visiting. Booking into Cyprus hotels in the less touristy areas of the island is fairly simple in most months of the year. Once settled in, get exploring. The month of September is generally considered to be the best time to visit, as the hot summer sun will not be as harsh and makes for perfect walking weather. The Troodos Mountain Park (photo) and the Akamas Peninsula are two popular areas for walkers thanks to the vast array of wildlife and plants on show.

Cyprus Castles

Like your history? Are you a keen culture vulture who is looking for a holiday whilst also having the opportunity to take in life outside of Cyprus hotels? Cyprus has over 9000 years worth of history which means that visitors are never left disappointed on the cultural front. Kyrenia Castle (photo, top), Kantara Castle, St. Hilarion Castle (photo, right) and Buffanvento Castle are all well visited castles in Kyrenia alone. If Cyprus clubs are not your scene, just spend your days pottering around the ancient ruins which have been influenced by the various island conquers, such as the Romans, Persians and Egyptians to name but a few.

There is so much more to Cyprus than clubbing. True, Cyprus clubs still do and will continue to pull in the crowds. But it is also welcoming to all other visitors – just make sure you book into the right accommodation via Mydestination.com/Cyprus.

Ricky Durrance is a freelance copywriter and enthusiastic traveller who is always looking to write for and meet interesting people who share his passion for travel. Ricky names Cambodia and Laos on his list of favourite travel destinations.

Photo Credits: club, mountains

The Jewel In The Crown Of Cyprian Luxury

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guest post by Elegant Resorts

The jewel in the crown of luxury hotels is the aptly named Anassa Hotel in Cyprus. Anassa means 'Queen' in ancient Greek, and certainly the Anassa Hotel is fit for any royalty. Perhaps more than this, because it overlooks the Baths of Aphrodite and is just a short trip from Paphos Harbour, the mythical birthplace of the Goddess of Love herself.

What do you look for when choosing between luxury hotels? Classic architecture? Seclusion? Fabulous, natural countryside? One of the finest beaches in the world? Luxurious and spacious suites with panoramic views of the ocean, private plunge pools and terraces? Gourmet restaurants so outstanding even the menus are enough to make the mouth water? If so, then the Anassa Hotel is likely to exceed your expectations.

The Anassa Hotel was always bound to be a cut above the rest, with one of the most idyllic and picturesque locations in Cyprus. Situated in the area of Latsi, the region is completely unspoiled, and provides stunning views in all directions. The white, sandy shore is just a stone's throw from your private balcony or terrace, quite literally.

Each dawn you are provided with utter seclusion and unrivalled luxury from the moment you open the curtains and watch the sun rise, hear the Mediterranean gulls call lazily to each other, and listen to the gentle sound of the waves rolling in for another day's splashing about doing whatever it is waves do once they reach the shore.

The fact that the Anassa Hotel is one of the elite luxury hotels in Cyprus which boasts five stars simply doesn't do it justice. Sadly they'd have had to invent an extra star to include everything that's been provided in order to make any stay more than just a holiday experience. From the two waterfalls cascading into the depths of two separate swimming pools to the seemingly endless sandy shores just yards from your private villa, and from the award winning Spa to the four outstanding gourmet restaurants, the Anassa Hotel certainly lives up to its regal name.

The Anassa Hotel is open all year round, and whatever the season there are facilities to cater to your every wish. With both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a range of award winning spa treatments and therapies, a contemporary gym, and a wide range of sports activities including tennis and scuba diving, time spent here will be time well spent, whatever the time or season.

Whichever of the spacious 177 rooms and suites you choose you'll benefit from panoramic sea views and outstanding comfort. Tear yourself away from the view for a while and take a stroll down the coast towards the Akamas peninsula, or explore the grounds where wild herbs and flowers create the most astonishing scents in the evening.

When you're ready to eat after all that walking and admiring the views, not to mention the invigorating sea air, one of the most difficult decisions will be which restaurant to dine in each day. The Amphora is the main buffet restaurant, Pelagos provides an al fresco dining experience by the pool, Helios provides a mouth-watering a la carte menu and for gourmet enthusiasts the Basiliko offers a dining experience fit for royalty.

Certainly the Anassa Hotel is one of the most regal luxury hotels in Cyprus, and a stay here will make you feel like royalty every day.

Photo Credits: sunset, water view, walkway, pools, scuba