By NICK MCDERMOTT

Golden years: Cyprus's shoreline is held in legend as the birthplace of Aphrodite


Nestled in a quiet valley, its secluded slopes flanked by bright bursts of bougainvillea and fragrant jasmine, Columbia Beach Resort offers more than just mesmerising views.

For despite its isolated setting at the foot of a winding mountain road, there is little chance of getting bored while staying in one of the 94 luxury suites that are spread through its grounds.

Perched above the glittering waters of Pissouri Bay, on the south coast of Cyprus, the complex inhabits its own private section of beach, promising a sun-drenched refuge from the demands of everyday life.

On arrival, my wife and I are greeted by the sound of crickets. The noise fills the air – a welcome change from the usual wail of police sirens and traffic noise inflicted upon us on a daily basis back at home. And at 33 square metres, the junior suite that we are ushered towards almost matches our London flat for size.

My wife is immediately impressed by the opulence of the marble-clad bathroom. I'm just glad that the air-conditioning works – as our visit to the island coincides with a heatwave, which prevents us from even thinking of using our balcony during daylight hours.

Despite the hotel being at near full capacity during our stay, the spacious grounds and abundance of sunbeds means it never feels crowded. And it is undeniably civilised to be able to flit carelessly between the pool and the beach without having to save a space at some ungodly hour and stay put for fear of 'lounger-scroungers' descending on your chosen spot.

Just taking in the stunning views over the Mediterranean from the 80-metre long lagoon pool – with the occasional visit to the poolside bar – is enough to keep even the most demanding couple occupied for a day or two. Certainly, we have no complaints as our tans start to deepen and the worries of life back in Britain drift away.

There are water sports galore for adrenaline junkies. Or so I am told, because, comfy on my lounger, I struggle to even think about anything even vaguely energetic. And certainly not golf. As a fairway refusenik, I'm safe from the allure of this most curious of sports. But for those who like to act as modern-day Flintstones and spend the day with a club in hand, there are three championship-standard courses nearby.

For those seeking a little more from their holiday, there's plenty of culture on offer – as long as you're prepared to hire a car.


Blue wonder: Columbia Beach Resort nestles nicely on Cyprus's south coast


Nearby are the ancient ruins of Kourion, a city kingdom which reached its height at the start of the first millennium, before declining in the wake of an earthquake in 365 AD.

Thirty minutes’ drive away, meanwhile, Paphos and Limassol are Cyprus’s popular tourist resorts, offering the usual bar and banana-boat experiences that many associate with the island.

But there is more to this Mediterranean rock than sun and sand. According to legend, Cyprus is the birthplace of Aphrodite. The ancient goddess of love – so the story goes – rose fully-formed (and perfectly naked) from the foaming sea, at a spot a few miles west of Pissouri Bay.

Locals still claim that a midnight swim at the location – known as Petra Tou Romiou – works wonders for your love life. Unfortunately, my wife and I never manage to put this particular theory to test.

Clearly, all this romance has rubbed off on the resort. Columbia is home to the small, but well-formed, All Saints chapel. Overlooking the Mediterranean, it makes for an undeniably dramatic setting to tie the knot. Designed to resemble an early Cypriot Christian building, its interior has been painted in a riot of bold colours.

It is, all told, a pretty place to swap vows.
Columbia resort also boasts an award-winning spa – having scooped the ‘Mediterranean’s Leading Spa Resort’ gong at the 2009 World Travel Awards.

Unable to resist, my wife and I both have a 'tension-relief deep tissue body massage'. Which seems to do the job. Perhaps it is the massage. Perhaps it is the influence of Aphrodite. But I emerge from the experience feeling lighter, happier – and definitely less stressed.

The food is what you would expect of a five-star resort. Well-made and presented, if a touch unimaginative – a little Cypriot meze here, a flourish of international staples there, the sort of fare that will keep all but the most difficult guests happy.

But with rooms in high season costing around £300 a night, is it worth the expense?

This, after all, is no small sum. But there is something undeniably magical about Columbia, beyond the scenery and the attention to detail. It is easy to see why it should be popular with an affluent crowd who want to enjoy a sunshine break – Kim Cattrall, Jack Dee and Piers Morgan have all rolled up here in (one assumes) their limousines to catch a few rays.


Peaceful: The resort is a place to hide away amid blissful scenery


But the moment that makes out week truly special has nothing to do with celebrity glamour. Rather, it is a star turn from the Cypriot wildlife.

On our last evening, we return to our room in the early pre-dawn after a hard night's partying with friends who are staying nearby. Taking a moment to unwind during the last twilight hour, we step onto our balcony.

We are greeted by a cacophony of squeaks, a shrill outburst that captures our attention.

A colony of bats bursts forth, swirling in the gloaming – hundreds of black forms flying in intricate patterns, hopefully in search of the next mosquito. Then, in an instant, they are gone.

It might well be a metaphor for our stay in Cyprus. Captivating, but over all too soon.


Travel Facts
Junior suites at the Columbia Beach Resort (www.columbia-hotels.com) start from £160 a night in low season and £300 in high season.

Scheduled flights to Paphos are available with EasyJet, British Airways and Cyprus Airways.


source :dailymail