The island of Cyprus is a popular destination with its approx. 340 days of sunshine per year and fascinating scenery – from fine sandy beaches to the Tródos mountains, almost 2,000 metres high – and culture dating back thousands of years. In former years mainly the cultural traveller appreciated the mild climate all year round, the hospitality of the locals and the rich beauty of nature. For these reasons nowadays however, more and more golfing clientele joins in, also due to the yearly growing offers of luxury hotels. One of the latest shooting stars in this field is the “InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort Hotel” in the heart of the “Aphrodite Hills” luxury resort.

It is located in the south west of the island, approx. 17 kms away from Paphos and near the bay where Aphrodite, the goddess of love, emerged from the sea. The luxury resort features beside the 5* resort hotel also “The Retreat Spa”, an 18 hole Championship golf course, a tennis and equestrian academy as well as holiday homes for rent or sale. The whole development presents itself like a Cypriotic village with traditional houses, small squares, restaurants and taverns - only the modern designed furnishing and understated comfort relates to a luxury resort.

The 290 rooms and suites are well appointed and unify luxury and comfort with their traditionally friendly cypriotic décor combined with minimalistic, modern design on the highest level. Orange, red and gold, the colours of the sun are dominating and all rooms provide balcony or terrace, offering unobstructive views to the sea, the pool area or the 18 hole Championship golf course.

Four restaurants and two bars take care of the hotel guest’s culinary requirements from early morning until late at night. A wide choice of Euro-Asian fusion and Mediterranean specialities is offered. Extra calories can be burnt around the clock at the hotel’s sport and wellness area.

“The Retreat Spa” with its 27 treatment rooms is the winner of the Spa Award 2008, voted by the readers of “Condé Nast Traveller” magazine. The English “Professional Beauty Award 2008” even crowned it “The European Spa of the Year”. The wellness complex, one of the ten best in Europe, was built like a monastery, with dancing fountains, luxurious steam thermals and a pool terrace with sea view. Since April “Li’Tya” an Australian product line is implemented in the programme, combining the sciences of the centuries-old art of plant healing and other healing techniques of the aborigines.

The little holiday maker is in good hands in the “Pegasus Kids Club” where children from three to twelve years of age will be transformed to wild beach pirates.

Guests who wish to tie the knot at the resort will get a hassle free event organized by a wedding planner on site, taking care of all necessary details, highlighted by a church ceremony at the resort’s own cathedral.

The interesting 18 hole Championship golf course “Aphrodite Hills Golf” however awaits the golfer on a hill above the sea and will be a challenge for all levels of players. The fairways are set up between areas covered with carob and olive trees and a steep gorge separates both plateaus of the golf course lay out. All in all a good test of golf with complimentary stunning views of sea. Golfers who wish to improve their game will opt for the “Aphrodite Hills Golf Academy” with their qualified golf tuition.