I’ve recently returned from my second trip to Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus. Having heard mixed reviews about the island, prior to my first visit last November, I was a little bit anxious but came away with an incredibly positive feeling.

Firstly, there’s the climate. I was in Aphrodite Hills towards the end of last November and the temperature was a very sociable low to mid 20’s for the majority of my stay, the perfect site seeing or sporting time of year. As any typical Englishman entering the ocean in the middle of our winter, I tip toed gently towards the water to discover the sea temperature was absolutely lovely. On return from my recent visit in July, I can confirm that summers there are hot! If you’re looking to escape the all too regular rainy British summer weather then head to Cyprus, you can’t go wrong.

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Secondly, the food. Being a fairly hot tourist destination, there are naturally a wide range of restaurants offering everything from a Chinese takeaway to fine French dining. The restaurants you find in the centre of the major towns will provide a mixed bag, you will find the odd gem and prices will be as expected but going out into the provinces is where you will find the real treats. Within the Paphos region alone there are so many little villages in the hills and you will be inundated with traditional restaurants that will serve excellently priced local dishes with an authentic atmosphere. As long as you’re not a connoisseur, you may not find the local wine too bad either!

Thirdly, I had no recognition of the history or Cyprus. The earliest confirmed site of human activity dates back to 10,000 BC and there are countless Ancient Greek settlements and ruins around for visitors to enjoy. The island also has many indicators of the Persian, Roman and British rule that have all seized control at certain points throughout its extensive history.

The fourth and final note is focused on the resort itself, Aphrodite Hills. The brochure claims it to be the eastern Mediterranean’s No. 1 leisure resort and I would say it would take some beating. A lot of resorts believe they have thought of everything when they provide the odd tennis court or kids based activity but that’s not a patch on what Aphrodite Hills offers. There are an abundance of tennis courts providing all types of surfaces, a world class spa, three separate kids clubs looking after all age groups, a championship 18-hole golf course with a 3 hole training course and a village centre. Not to mention an incredible array of property types available for holiday rental, from one, two and three bed apartments to two, three, four, five and six bed villas. They really have thought of everything.

Aphrodite Hills is certainly worth a visit at any time of year.