Inside the ‘hidden gem’ of Cyprus with beautiful beaches and 60 activities to choose from
CYPRUS is known for having some of the world’s most historic treasures – but I think I’ve found a new gem.
Hidden away on an eastern corner of the Greek island, the Robinson Club is a sprawling resort on a wide stretch of sandy shoreline, backed by country fields.
In the distance lie tall, craggy mountains and rolling vineyards, but from here all I can see is greenery and the dark-blue ocean.
The hotel opened just over a year ago in the charming village of Alaminos.
And it still feels brand-spanking new, with all the mod cons you could ask for. Spacious rooms each come with a balcony so you can take in the views over lush gardens and sea.
Most importantly, it’s got the service to match the serene sights.
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We arrived late at night, but the staff made sure we did not go hungry, with local meats, cheeses and fruits waiting for us in our room.
That’s the type of service I yearn for but very rarely find.
We were staying in a standard double room that had all the usual tea and coffee-making facilities, a wide-screen TV and fridge as well as one of the best power showers I’ve ever used.
People don’t come here for the rooms, though. It’s the never-ending beachside fun and sporting activities that are the real draw.
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Adults and kids have more than 60 sports to sample, from football and volleyball to paddleboarding and sailing. There’s also a state-of-the-art gym and several outdoor classes including spin, yoga and circuit training.
Or you can channel your inner Emma Raducanu on the tennis courts, where you can get lessons from the experts to brush up on your serve and volley.
You can’t beat the delicious kebabs
For me, the archery area had the most appeal.
I was worried that my first few ropey efforts would injure someone. But after an hour-long lesson, I felt as if I could hold my own at the Olympics.
Once you’ve exhausted yourself, there’s no better reward than a pampering session at the first-class spa.
There’s three saunas and a soothing treatment menu, but it was the steam bath that did it for me — the perfect place to unwind and while away the hours.
Of course, you can do all that from the hotel’s two pools too, which are flanked by bars so you don’t have too far to wander if you want an ice-cold drink.
And drinks are something you won’t be short of here.
Each evening, I decided to soak up the last of the rays at the Sundowner event at the beach club.
Lounging lazily on a bean-bag and sipping a cocktail while the DJ played house tunes, I watched the warm sun set on the horizon.
Any aperitif must be followed by a slap-up dinner, though.
I’m a huge foodie and the Cypriot grub here did not disappoint.
The terraced main restaurant offers delicious Cypriot mezes — you can’t beat the delicious kebabs, fresh fish and halloumi and feta cheeses, all accompanied by locally sourced salads and vegetables.
There’s classic dishes from Asia and the rest of Europe too, as well as a beach restaurant.
After days whizzing from the tennis courts, to beach, spa and restaurant, you may want to venture out to get a real taste of the country.
After all, Cyprus is a lovely island and it’s worth exploring.
Spicy Syrah wines and fruity Rieslings
Luckily, guests have use of the Tui Collection service that offers ready-made excursions, so you won’t have to worry about planning yourself.
The picturesque Troodos mountains are an amazing spectacle — you can even ski there in winter.
From here, we headed up to Omodos village, where the narrow streets are perfect for a casual stroll.
Swing by the busy market which has a great buzz about it as folk try to snap up a bargain or two.
The beautiful monastery is certainly worth a visit too.
It is a huge stone building with tall archways, magnificent wooden ceilings and precious artefacts.
Or, if you haven’t yet sampled enough of Cyprus’s juicy wines, the Ktima Gerolemo Winery is just over an hour’s drive away.
It is home to rows and rows of lush vines with plump, juicy grapes. The charming staff made us feel right at home, telling us their fascinating story while we sampled spicy Syrahs and fruity Rieslings all made on these very grounds.
But I was most blown away by the archaeological site at Kourion, which is the island’s most famous historic draw.
The ancient remains of the former city are packed with traditional baths, walls and designs from thousands of years ago — and the restored outdoor amphitheatre is simply breathtaking.
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Nothing could quite beat my evening sunset tipple back at the resort, though.
Even an exquisite amphitheatre can’t compare to the sight of a setting sun and peaceful waves lapping on to an empty shore. Pure bliss.
GO: CYPRUS
GETTING THERE: For the best prices for flights, see .
STAYING THERE: A week’s full-board at the 4H Robinson Cyprus, arriving September 17, is from £1,179 per person. See .
MORE INFO: The exclusive Tui Kurion, Klossi and Winery Tour is from £51pp. See . For more on visiting Cyprus, see .