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“You’re going to have a beautiful day!” That’s the greeting we received from pretty much every Cypriot we encountered during our visit to Ivi Mare in Paphos. Normally, us Brits get looks up to the heavens should we dare to have brought the bad weather with us. Visiting Cyprus before its peak season kicks off, the temperature was actually only 18 degrees when we arrived – cold for most locals, but far be it from their sunny demeanour to even try to affect our time. We could all learn some positivity and manifestations from these guys, I think…
Let’s circle back. There is a point each year when the British weather begins to test even the most resilient among us. Summer still feels frustratingly far away (despite flirtatious heatwaves for a few days here and there), jackets remain within arm’s reach and sunny lunches outdoors continue to feel more aspirational than achievable. Cyprus, however, has other ideas.
Enter a trip to Paphos, Cyprus’ archaelogically-rich coastal city – home to various historical ruins and Aphrodite’s Rock, too.
Long before much of Europe consistently warms up, the Mediterranean island is already stepping into its season – delivering blue skies, sea air and temperatures that make outdoor living feel effortless. For travellers looking to swap grey mornings for coastal calm without committing to a long-haul flight, Ivi Mare in Paphos offers an easy answer.
Set directly on the seafront in Paphos, the adults-only hotel has mastered the art of slow travel – the kind that encourages long breakfasts (because there is plenty to choose from!), afternoons stretched beside the pool (waking only to sip your cocktails that keep on coming, should you be an all-inclusive guest), and evenings that drift naturally from aperitif to dinner.
The atmosphere is warm in every sense of the word – not simply because of the Cypriot sunshine, but because of the staff, whose welcoming approach gives the hotel an easy charm that never feels forced. While flipping your morning omelette and fixing a drink is no huge task for a hotel employee, it is the kindness and friendliness of the staff at Ivi Mare that would likely cement a regular guest.
One of Ivi Mare’s greatest strengths is how quickly holiday mode begins. Paphos International Airport sits roughly 12km away, meaning transfers take little time at all – a welcome luxury after navigating airports and early morning flights.
Cypriot dining and more
The Ivi Mare leans heavily into food – what else can you expect from a nation so proud of its cuisine? Its Palettes main restaurant runs themed buffet evenings that change nightly, bringing variety without losing quality. Our favourites included the Cypriot night (of course), as well as the Mexican and Mediterranean evenings. Local favourites sit alongside international dishes, while Cypriot influences appear throughout, creating meals that feel rooted in place rather than designed purely for tourists. Live cooking stations add a touch of theatre, turning dinner into something to linger over rather than rush through. If your stomach can allow, definitely pay a visit to the dessert table…
Those wanting something more intimate can book into the hotel’s speciality restaurants. Alati Greek Flavours celebrates traditional cuisine with sharing dishes, fragrant herbs and Mediterranean ingredients that represent Cyprus’s culinary identity. The beef cheek and moussaka were particularly impressive – all washed down with a glass (read, bottle) of local wine, of course.
Elsewhere, Fiki Japanese Fusion offers something entirely different to what you’ve most likely been stuffing your face with throughout the day – featuring sushi, donburi dishes and gyoza to name a few. While the focus of the cuisine is Japanese, there are more Pan Asian options to be found on the menu, too. All in all, it’s the one to book if you’re looking for lighter flavours and a calmer, more contemporary atmosphere.
While the buffet opens for lunch, too, if you can’t bear to tear yourself away from a tanning session, the Snack Bar is very humbly named, with a delicious chicken gyros wrap, gorgeous calamari and a selection of pizzas, pastas and salads on offer. You’ll struggle to leave room for dinner here – we definitely were guilty of this!
The hotel’s adults-only approach means the atmosphere remains peaceful rather than overly polished and sterile. But for those wanting to venture beyond the hotel, Paphos itself has enough archeology and ruins that will give history buffs more than enough to devour.
Exploring Paphos
Paphos Old Town and the wider archaeological areas sit nearby, making it easy to explore ancient ruins, harbour walks and layers of Cypriot history without committing to a full-day excursion. Mosaic-covered Roman villas, centuries-old landmarks and coastal views offer a contrast to slower resort days – enough culture to satisfy curiosity while still allowing time to return for an afternoon by the sea.
For those wanting to venture beyond the hotel, Paphos itself rewards exploration. The UNESCO-listed Paphos Archaeological Park sits within easy reach, home to incredibly-preserved Roman mosaics, ancient villas and ruins that offer a window into the island’s layered history. Nearby, St Paul’s Pillar – beside Agia Kyriaki Chrysopolitissa Church – marks the site where, according to Christian tradition, Saint Paul was flogged while spreading Christianity across Cyprus, adding another layer of historical significance to the area. A smaller stop but definitely worth it, if you can time it just as mass ends, you can get a sneak peek inside the church.
Should you wish to dine out during your visit, the Ivi Mare staff are only too accommodating with knowledgeable recommendations. Head to Agora Tavern (facebook.com/agoratavern) for the mezze feast of your life: choose from vegan, vegetarian or meat and prepare to roll home. Christos Grill and Seafood (christosgrillandseafood.com) was another delicious spot, as well as Koutourou Ouzeri (facebook.com/Koutouroukafeneionouzeri). Head to Ethos Vin (ethosvin.com) for a nightcap accompanied by live music, which is only a stroll away from Agora Tavern.
Further afield, Aphrodite’s Rock – Petra tou Romiou – remains one of Cyprus’s key landmarks. According to Greek mythology, this is where Aphrodite emerged from the sea, and whether mythology is your thing or not, the setting itself feels worth the journey. Legend has it that should you bathe in the same waters, you, too, will be granted eternal beauty. Obviously any fear of cold water went out of the window as it’s essentially Cyprus dropping the skincare routine.
All jokes aside, this was the most magical part of the surrounding area, and I recommend wholeheartedly packing sandwiches for a little picnic on the beach. The dramatic coastline, white rock formations and open Mediterranean views make it an easy addition to a Paphos itinerary.
What makes Ivi Mare particularly appealing heading into summer is timing. Cyprus reaches that sweet spot earlier than many European destinations – warm enough for al fresco dinners, pool days and evenings outdoors before peak season crowds fully arrive. There is something deeply satisfying about finding summer before everyone else does. Mind that UV though: I haven’t burned since I was 14 years old in Florida (even the hole in the ozone layer in New Zealand didn’t get me) but I found myself a little pink after sunbathing all day in Cyprus!
Part of Ivi Mare’s appeal lies in how easily it allows guests to experience both sides of Paphos – the slower pace of a seafront resort alongside centuries of history, excellent food and coastal landscapes that feel distinctly Cypriot.
Visiting before the height of summer means enjoying all of it with a little more breathing room – whether that means securing a poolside sunbed without competition, lingering over dinner outdoors, or wandering ancient ruins before the midday heat settles in.
Seven nights at the five-star adults only beachfront The Ivi Mare in Paphos, Cyprus costs from just £1,254 per person. Price is based on two adults sharing a Double Room with Inland View on a B&B Basis and includes direct return flights from London Gatwick to Paphos with easyJet and transfers. Price is based on select September departures. Visit theivimare.com for more hotel information and to book, go to easyjet.com
Holiday Extras is the market leader in UK airport parking, hotels, lounges, and transfers. Booking an airport lounge means you can enjoy more holiday with less hassle – and lower costs. Entry to the No. 1 Lounge North at Gatwick Airport, North Terminal for two adults with three hours’ access ahead of departure is available from £96.00. Plus with Flextras, if you need to cancel or amend you can without charge. For more information and to book, HolidayExtras.com or call 0800 316 5678.
