Anyone looking to escape the traditional English Christmas this year should consider celebrating in Cyprus at the popular Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows in Larnaka that hosts a spectacular programme.
Activities are designed for the whole family to enjoy and include learning how to make Cypriot pastries and traditional Christmas decorations; a children’s mini club and the chance to meet Father Christmas on Christmas morning; as well as enjoying Christmas carols, festive dinners, a fabulous Christmas lunch, and a magnificent New Year’s Eve Gala Dinner Buffet, with live music and dance show.
The Cypriot winters tend to be very mild and average around 20 – 18˚C in the day with bright sunshine and the evenings around 11 – 9˚C by the coast. In the Troodos Mountains however there is snow so keen skiers can take to the slopes for a few days skiing. The Cyprus Ski Club (www.cyprusski.com) started in 1947 and developed the ski resort to now include four ski lifts and eight well-maintained Alpine pistes and facilities.
The Christmas programme at the Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows kicks off on 23 December with an organised beach walk in the morning, followed by the option to do some last minute Christmas shopping in Larnaka town centre. Guests can enjoy a great Sushi Dinner at the Adelphi Lounge Sushi Bar (opened this August 2016), followed by entertainment in the Piano Bar.
On Christmas Eve there will be a chance to sing carols whilst enjoying a festive drink in the Adelphi Lounge plus a gala dinner, and Christmas Day is packed with lots of eating and drinking and live entertainment.
During the festive season there are also local excursions around the island or the opportunity to hire a car to explore on your own. Larnaka District has many of the island’s most scenic villages including Lefkara where traditional lace is made. Alternatively, drive to Nicosia in under 30 minutes and enjoy a day at the races, browsing shops or visiting Laiki Yitonia, the old quarter of this city, which has been carefully restored – a pedestrian area within the walled city, east of Eleftheria Square. Charming winding alleys with traditional houses and shops, restaurants, galleries, restored as typical examples of Cypriot urban architecture of a bygone, more graceful age.
The extensively renovated and refurbished 4-star Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows near Larnaka is situated on the Mediterranean coastline, and offers five star facilities and services including the Wellness Centre, where guests can recharge their batteries with a range of massages, plus sauna, Jacuzzi and steam bath.
For the more energetic, there are tennis and squash courts, plus outdoor and indoor heated swimming pools.
So for the perfect stress free Christmas head off to the beautiful island of Cyprus and enjoy all the festivities without having to lift a finger. Prices are from £710 per person for one week, departing on 21 December, with flights from London Gatwick, transfers and accommodation based on two people sharing on a bed and breakfast basis. For reservations contact the Olympic Holidays on 0208 429 6868 or visit www.olympicholidays.com
For a post-Christmas package to take in the New Year, AITO specialist Planet Holidays are offering 7 nights flying from Luton 28 December with accommodation on bed and breakfast at the Palm Beach Hotel & Bungalows from £599 per person including transfers in resort. Contact Planet Holidays reservations on 01438 841 270.
For more information on the hotel visit www.palmbeachhotel.com
