Golfing paradise (From Hampshire Society)

Golfing paradise

5:10am Monday 1st February 2010

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Golf and Cyprus aren’t words you often hear in the same sentence – up until now that is.

The island in the eastern Mediterranean has firmly put itself on the map as far as golf is concerned and is a superb alternative, and more than a match, to the more commonly visited golfing destinations of Spain and Portugal. It is a jewel in the crown of golf in Europe.

Whether it is a dedicated golfing break you are looking for or to simply play a few rounds as part of a family holiday, Cyprus is perfect.

It has year round sunshine and the three courses we recently played are within 30 minutes of the popular resort of Paphos in the southwest of the island – the Mediterranean to one side and stunning hills and scenery to the other.

Three very different courses, each challenging and unique in its own way.

I played all three courses about six years ago, and on a return visit they were much improved despite being wonderful the first time around.

Minthis Hills Golf Club (formerly Tsada) was founded in 1994 and is set among the orchards and vineyards of a 12th century monastery – giving it an air of timelessness and romance. It is nestled in a gentle valley at around 550 metres above sea level which ensures cool breezes in the summer months.

It may only be 15 years old but it feels and looks as if it has been there forever. On first sight it appears rugged but the course has been lovingly carved out of the rolling hills with stunning views and blends perfectly with its surroundings.

At 6,400 yards, the par 71 was renovated in 2006 with every tee and bunker being rebuilt and a new irrigation system installed. A brand new clubhouse is the perfect place to look over the course and relive the round just played.

Secret Valley opened its fairways two years after Minthis Hills in 1996. As the name suggests it lies in a scenic valley with grand trees adding maturity to the relative youngster – and is near Petra tou Romiou, the legendary birthplace of Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love.

The strikingly colourful natural rock formations offer panoramic views and are a perfect backdrop to the course.

Designed in two loops of nine the first few holes offer a gentle start, but don’t get taken in – like a good wine, it gets better as time goes by.

The back nine is the more challenging with some very clever green locations where the architect has used the natural landscape to create a jewel in the valley.

At almost 6,600 yards from the whites there are an array of tees of this par 71, making it a good test for players of all abilities and handicaps.

Again a new clubhouse overlooks the course, where better to enjoy a drink and meal before or after you play.

The third course – Aphrodite Hills – on the itinerary was very different to the other two. Built and opened in 2002, it is a stone’s throw from Secret Valley but a very different landscape.

As part of the Intercontinental Aphrodite Hills Resort – an award-winning integrated golf, leisure and real estate development – it has spectacular views over the Mediterranean and is dotted with native olive trees.

The course is build on two plateaux separated by a dramatic ravine. Architect Cabell B Robinson is said to have created the perfect mix of challenging pot bunkers, manicured fairways of lush Bermuda grass and generous tiered greens. Again there are a number of tees to suit players of all abilities.

While set in a real estate development, the properties are set well back from the course and don’t leave the golfer intimidated, fearing he might put his ball in a neighbouring swimming pool.

Aphrodite Hills features one of the most spectacular par 3s in Europe. The seventh is the signature hole playing steeply down across a canyon on to a large green nestled in a grove of olive trees.

FACTFILE

Golf is not the only attraction in Cyprus. It is an island steeped in history, together with sun, sea and beaches. Paphos archaeological park has a Roman villa and monasteries aplenty, plus there is the mediaeval castle in the old part of nearby Lemesos.

Food is to die for with the local cuisine easy on the palette and course after course to satisfy every taste bud.

The Yialos fish tavern in Pissouri caters for all, while Scorpios in Paphos is a night to remember – the food is second to none and the locals and staff will often move a couple of tables and give a impromptu performance of Cypriot dancing and music.

We chose two nights at the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri and two nights at the Almyra in Paphos. Rooms, comfort and service is exceptional and the views from both hotels, although very different, are picture postcard. The Columbia Beach Resort overlooks the Med while the sunset from the restaurant at Alyra is breathtaking.

And finish a few days of golf with a spa treatment at the Almyra to relax the muscles and the mind ready for the next trip. Golf prices vary depending on the time of year. Aphrodite Hills is around 150 euros which includes a mandatory buggy. Minthis Hills and Secret Valley are around 65 euros but check out the websites as green fees offers are available.

• Cyprus Tourism Organisation visitcyprus.com, 020 7569 8800.

• Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri columbia-hotels.com – operates a free shuttle bus to the golf courses. Junior garden view suites available from 195 euros per suite per night.

• Alymra almyra.com – garden view rooms available from 160 euros per room per night.

• Aphrodite Hills aphroditehills.com • Secret Valley and Minthis Hills cyprusgolf.com.

• Cyprus Airways operates flights to Cyprus from London, Manchester and Birmingham. For reservations visit cyprusair.com or call 020 8359 1333.

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