There are many wild and wonderful reasons why we want to go on holiday, aren’t there? But basically they all boil down to pretty much the same thing. We want to get away from the normal, humdrum existence, the grind, the 9 to 5 world. We want to leave behind the stresses and strains of everyday living; gas bills, gardening and going to the supermarket. Instead, we want to swap it all for a taste of the better life. Or maybe that’s just me.
Some people choose to go on action packed adventures for their holidays, flying off to far flung corners, going on safari, swimming with dolphins. Others choose to go for some rest and relaxation. Where peace, quiet and pampering are the order of the day. Some folk choose to do all the above.
However, don’t know about you, dear reader, but there are some times when I don’t want all that much from a holiday.
Nope. All I want, all I really, really want, is to go somewhere where the sun shines, the sea glitters and I can just blob out for a few days. With nothing on my mind, except maybe a hat to keep the sun out of my eyes. And of course, somewhere comfortable to sit and watch the sunset. Every single evening.
All of which is why I ended up on a back to basics, week long, Jet2 Holiday, recently. Their sales pitch is something along the lines of, “package holidays you can trust.” Have to say I’ve always found that describes them very well.
I’m sure they do some nice, high end, type holidays too, but in this case, all I wanted was something cheap, cheerful and not too complicated. So, after seeing what was on offer, we plumped for a modest little hotel in Cyprus.
Getting There
We flew from Bristol Airport. Have to say, having flown with them before, the Jet2 staff were, and are, universally lovely. Always smiling, cheery and helpful.
Definitely lifts the mood to start the day off with such an upbeat bunch. They made the four hour long flight pass by in the blinking of an eye. Or two.
Cyprus
One of the things we did on the flight, was realise just how far away Cyprus is. To get there, you go past Greece, past most of Turkey and, to be honest, don’t really stop until you’re almost in the middle east.
We were staying in Paphos , which is on the south west side of the island. After looking at the map, we realised the nearest patch of land over the water from there, was Egypt.
All of which explains several things. Most importantly, it explains why there are so many interesting old remains dotted all over the place. But more of that later.
For now, it’s enough to say that the hotel was a short drive away from the airport, so we got there nice and easily. Which is always handy.
Hotel
We were staying at the Leonardo Plaza Hotel. An adults only, modest but honest sort of place, right on the beach, with all the usual niceties necessary for a sweet, sunny holiday.
With swimming pools sprinkled round the outside like cupcakes, lots of sun loungers, palm trees by the dozen and an air of peaceful contentment exuding from each and every inch of sand.
The sort of place where you can saunter downstairs in your dressing gown, stroll along the beach, head back to the pool and have a drink in your hand, all before you’re remembered to put your sun cream on. Definitely did the job we wanted it to. Gave us a peaceful, easy feeling just by being there.
Bedroom
Our twin room was comfy, cosy and perfectly delightful. Not a lot of bells and whistles. But just what the holiday doctor ordered. Perhaps most importantly of all, the balcony overlooked the beach, making it the perfect place to sit and watch the world spend it’s days.
Also made a mighty fine spot to sit and sip a glass of something cool, watching the sun slide down into the sea every evening. Can’t beat a sunset seen from your very own balcony.
Food
You can go all inclusive when it comes to food and drink. We didn’t go that far. Went for a bed and breakfast type deal. Again, no bells or whistles. Breakfast was a long and leisurely graze along the various buffet bars on offer.
Everything from full English to fruity feasts and waffles. They also had some pretty crazy stuff to tickle your tastebuds. Olive pie, anyone?
Facilities
Most guests, especially the all inclusive crowd, seemed to spend their time either eating, drinking or lounging by the various pools. Can’t say I blamed them. Made perfect sense. It’s what we were all there for, after all. However, if you did fancy doing something a bit different, pushing the envelope, stepping outside of the sunbathing comfy zone, there were other things available.
For the all inclusive crowd, there was a spa area. With indoor swimming pool, steam room and sauna. No idea why anyone would want to use an indoor pool when there were so many sparkly and sweet swimming pools outside, but hey. Each to their own.
There was also a rather nifty little gym downstairs, which if you are a fan of such things (spoiler alert – I am) was a lovely little bonus. Can’t go wrong with a bit of lifting and dipping, really makes the day go with a swing.
Since I had forgotten to bring anything to read, I was also pleased to find a tiny little book swap shelf in one of the chill out zones dotted around the lobby.
Entertainment
The evening we arrived, there was a band setting up in the bar area. They then started playing local Cypriot songs, along with local type dancers. Including one bloke who turned out to be dab hand at dancing around with a whole stack of drinking glasses on his head.
Must say, it was great value. They have a different act on every night, each of which turned out to be a crowd pleaser. Often getting people up and dancing. Shaking their stuff in sweet contentment. Made the bar a real hotspot for evening entertainment.
Out and About
Since we wanted to eat out every afternoon and evening, we had the perfect excuse to get out and about, to do some Cyprus exploring . Finding our way around the area was easy as pie. (Olive pie, maybe?) The paved beach promenade is just two steps from the pool area and goes on for miles in either direction.
If you turned left and strolled for ten minutes, you found the lovely little blue and white domed church of St Nicholas sitting on the edge of the beach. A nice peaceful spot to drink in the views and contemplate life.
Whereas, if you turned right, half an hours very pleasant ambling took you to a pretty harbour, fringed with shops, bars, cafes and restaurants. Next to which was an old fort, suitably soft on the eye and another very nice place to stop and sit for a while.
Obviously we weren’t the only ones to take advantage of the views, as there were lots of comfortable benches just waiting to be sat upon to watch the sunset. (In case it’s not obvious by now, they do sunsets rather well round these parts).
We often wandered down that way for supper, enjoying some of the finest fish meze available to mankind in one of the local tavernas. Along with some suitably tasty pizzas in another. Whilst a third took salad satisfaction to whole new heights.
You could hire bikes from the hotel, which is what we did. Spending a delightful couple of days cycling along the coastal path, or heading inland to Paphos old town where old men played checkers in the shade of ancient olive trees.
Talking of ancient, along the way we passed a few holes in the ground which turned out to be ancient catacombs from centuries ago. Another reminder that this island has had humans hanging out on it since the ancient Romans were modern. Can’t say I blame them. It’s a really sweet spot.
Conclusion
We went to Cyprus in search of sunny skies, clear blue seas and good times, and boy did we find them. If ever a package holiday did exactly what it says on the tin, it was this one. And all without breaking the bank. Can’t get better than that. Only question is, where to Jet2, next?
FAQ’s
How much does it cost?
Package Holidays to the Leonardo Plaza Hotel & Spa start from £999 per person for 7 nights, all inclusive. Price includes 22kg baggage allowance, 10kg hand luggage and return transfers.
How do I book?
To book this holiday visit their page on Jet2 .
