I have a confession to make. I’ve been to Cyprus three times, and couldn’t tell you a single historic attraction I’ve visited. Or a traditional village I’ve explored. Or even anywhere, really, that I’ve ventured beyond the hotel I was staying in and the nearest collection of bars and restaurants.

I’ve fallen victim to the phenomenon known as the ‘fly and flop’ holiday, where tourists get off the plane, flop themselves down on a sun lounger and essentially stay there for the duration of their trip. 

Of course, it has its own merits as a holiday, and there’s always scope to relax and recharge while abroad. But as I disembarked the plane for my fourth trip to Cyprus, I was determined to do things differently and explore more of this remarkable country. It’s an island rich in history, occupying a geographic and cultural crossroads between Europe and the Middle East, being occupied by empires of the Egyptians, Persians, Romans, Arab caliphate, Venetians and Ottomans to name but a few. This tapestry of influences has made it a hugely significant cultural hub, something I wanted to soak in while on the island.

This was made easy by a stay at the Asmina Suites hotel, a perfect jumping off point to explore Cyprus. It’s a mere fifteen-minute drive from Paphos airport and walkable from Paphos town, offering easy access to the harbour and bustling bars and restaurants. But it’s also a short drive from the archaeological park of Kato Paphos, one of the most important archaeological sites of Cyprus and an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.

That was my first stop on a private tour with archaeologist and seasoned guide David Pearlman, a native of New York City who has lived in Cyprus for more than 40 years. He explained the history behind the mosaics – considered some of the finest in the Mediterranean – and the stories of Greek mythology that inspired them. He brought the ruins around us to life, pointing out details I would never have spotted, telling stories that made everything more vivid. He brought us to Aphrodite’s rock, a stunning sea stack that rises up beside the shore and is, according to legend, the birthplace of the goddess Aphrodite.

(Image: Cyprus Tourist Ministry)

From there, we drove to the ancient Greek city of Kourion, yet another site of huge archaeological significance. Ravaged by earthquakes in the fourth century, the hilltop city was rebuilt to include public baths and amphitheatre (which can be visited today), but my highlight was the panoramic views stretching right over the sea as far as Limassol.

We also visited the village of Omodos, with its charming, cobbled streets and open-air market stalls. Famous for wine making, we got to see the village’s traditional wine press and then sampled some delightful rosé at the Stou Kir-Yianni tavern. This is proper Cypriot food, meze-style, where there’s no menu on the table and you essentially get what you’re given.  But it’s no hardship with food like this: fresh herby dips served with warm traditional bread, whipped feta and tomato couscous, mushroom orzo and, the pièce de résistance, huge spears of chicken kebabs served with crispy pork crackling. It’s exactly how food should be, sharing plates and sharing conversation.

The final call of the day was the Ktima Yerolemos winery. At an altitude of 900 metres, this hilltop haven is safely tucked away from the tourist strips below, with stellar offerings that include a highly-regarded dessert wine, Commandaria, as well as red, white and rosé. We eagerly sampled them (and even a shot of the local spirit drink) as part of an insightful presentation from the vineyard’s owner.

(Image: Asimina Suites)

Albeit slightly giddy from the wine, we returned to the hotel feeling truly culturally enriched, with a fresh perspective on this historic island. Plus, with the sightseeing done, I could now spend the rest of my trip vegetating on a sun lounger guilt-free. And where better to relax than Asimina?

The hospitality here is old school: chairs are pulled out for you, drinks are topped up frequently, staff remember your name and use it throughout your stay. I informed the staff upon check-in that I had a nut allergy, then as if by magic, every member of the waiting staff not only knew about it but made pains to reassure me my dishes wouldn’t be contaminated. Our plates were cleared as soon as we finished them, our drinks brought to us on trays while sitting by the pool. It’s a type of customer service that feels like a lost art, but not at Asimina Suites.

Guests with an all-inclusive or half board package will want to sample one of Asimina’s four restaurants, including the heavenly beachfront Kymata restaurant. A special mention is warranted for both their homemade humous and vegetarian moussaka – the perfect dishes to enjoy while watching the sun sink behind the horizon. There’s plenty of options after dinner, too, where we loved strolling along the sea to Paphos harbour in search of cool cocktail spots and livelier bars. 

(Image: Asimina Suites)

Nursing a sore head the next morning? No panic, you can enjoy a leisurely lie-in while safe in the knowledge that there will be no scrum to secure a sun lounger at dawn. Asimina have 30 extra loungers to ensure that even if the hotel is at capacity, there is more than enough space for everyone. And if you don’t fancy sitting by the pool, you can also opt for the beach that adjoins the hotel, jumping straight into the sea from their custom-made pontoon. But don’t worry about kids dive bombing into the sea, or splashing you in the pool, as this is an adults-only hotel where peace and quiet is assured.

The perfect blend of culture and relaxation, there’s so much more to Cyprus than the tourist strips. And with a stay at somewhere like Asimina Suites, you can really have the best of both worlds.

I’ll never ‘fly and flop’ again…

Book before 28.02.2025 and save 20% at Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus. A 7 night stay in a Junior Suite on B&B at Asimina Suites with Jet2 flights from Glasgow is from £1369 per person. For further information simply contact the UK sales office on 01924380160 or email sales@uk-cbh.com or visit www.asimina-cbh.com