I’ve just returned from a three-day familiarisation trip to Cyprus, kindly hosted by Constantinou Bros Hotels. It ended up being more than a hotel visit – it was a useful reminder that perception and reality don’t always line up.

I was one of 80 agents on the educational visit, exploring Paphos and the 4 hotels of The Constantinou Bros.

We were based at the newly refurbished Asimina Suites Hotel, with visits to Athena Beach Hotel, Athena Royal Beach Hotel & Pioneer Beach Hotel, which gave a clear picture of what this group offers – and, more importantly, who each property suits. The General Manager Aristol Diomedous went above and beyond with his staff to ensure we came away feeling well informed about these hotels on this beautiful island. The Hotels are a family run business founded by the Constantino Family in 1979.

First things first – the headlines vs the reality

At our final evening dinner, the Deputy Minister of Tourism spoke candidly about the recent media coverage following the drone incident linked to tensions in the UAE.The result was a few cancellations – completely unnecessary. Bookings are now recovering, but still not at the levels seen this time last year.

The reality? Cyprus is nowhere near the affected areas. It remains a safe, stable destination, and being there in person made that very clear. The atmosphere is exactly what you’d expect from a Mediterranean escape – relaxed, welcoming and quietly confident (no drama, just decent rosé and a view). It’s a useful reminder that headlines don’t always tell the full story.

Asimina Suites Hotel – calm, space and proper service 5 Star Hotel

Adults-only luxurious resort, focused on space, comfort and a more peaceful pace. It’s ideal for couples who want to switch off completely rather than be surrounded by activity (or anyone else’s inflatable flamingo).

Suite

Comprising lounge leading through via a sliding door into the large bedroom area.
The suite has everything you need or would want.

The suites are genuinely spacious, with separate seating areas and quality furnishings that make it easy to settle in properly rather than just ‘stay’ in a room. It’s also worth noting the hotel has recently been used as a filming location for a drama featuring Peter Andre, due to be aired on Amazon Prime – which says a lot about the setting and standard.

From the moment we arrived, the service set the tone. We were welcomed with a cool face cloth and a glass of bubbly, then invited to sit comfortably while everything was taken care of – no queueing at a reception desk. Throughout the stay, nothing was too much trouble. It’s a family-run hotel, and that comes through in the way guests are looked after – warm, genuine and personal. The hotels and service is full of Cypriot charm.

The atmosphere shifts effortlessly from relaxed days to more elevated evenings. It’s the difference between a pleasant stay and one you’d actively return to.

At all of the 3 other properties you would experience the same standards but a different feel. All rated are rated with 4 stars.

Athena Beach Hotel offers a livelier atmosphere, better suited to those who enjoy a bit more energy while still expecting good service and comfort. This hotel welcomes children and has child facilities of clubs, 2 water slides and splash pool.

Adult only Pioneer Beach Hotel is adult only. with varying room types.

Athena Royal Beach Hotel leans quieter and more relaxed, appealing to couples who want a calmer environment, though with a slightly less boutique feel than Asimina Suites. It also stands out for its leisure facilities, including three freshwater swimming pools, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, a floodlit tennis court and both indoor and outdoor green bowls courts – a real draw for guests who enjoy a more traditional, social side to their holiday as well as staying active, particularly those looking for longer stays or returning year after year (there’s a reason some guests know the bar staff by name).

Across all three, the consistency stands out – well-run hotels, strong service and a clear understanding of their guests.

More than a coast…

Further in land the land is scattered with Olive Groves and Vineyards.
We visited KTHMA TEPOAEMO winery.
Cyprus is famous for their wines and the Maratheftiko was a delicious rose.
The Olive oil was fragrant and delicious.

Cyprus itself – more than just the coast

Beyond the hotels, Cyprus offers far more than a typical sun destination.

Head inland and the scenery shifts to rolling hills and vineyards. We visited a local vineyard in Omodos for wine tasting. For those who like to stay active, there are walking trails to explore, five golf courses across the island, making it ideal for longer stays. Villages and chapels to visit, the history. It’s an island steeped in mythology. As the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, it carries a sense of history that still feels present. We visited Petra tou Romiou, where she is said to have emerged from the sea, as well as the Sol Alter sculpture ‘The Goddess of Love’ at Paphos Harbour – bringing that story into the present day.

Add to that genuinely warm hospitality, and it’s easy to see why people return.

Final thoughts

This trip wasn’t just about seeing hotels – it was about understanding the destination properly highlighting the safety of this wonderful island. The Constantino Bros Hotels are fabulous. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to visit the 4 hotels and this provided me with a better understanding to find the right resort for the right person.

Three days in Cyprus – separating headlines from reality

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