September in the Med
Cyprus is another easily accessed destination for sun-seekers looking for a September escape, with resorts across the island offering some of the very best in deluxe accommodation and exclusivity.
With its own marina and private beach and evoking a real sense of elegance where privacy is of paramount importance, it is an excellent choice for travelling with the whole family, with a renowned Junior Club programme and personal service that is second to none.
The Eastern coast of Cyprus is famed for its white sandy beaches, and the azure surrounding waters are perfect for some snorkelling or diving while most luxury hotels include fabulous spas offering an enormous range of exotic therapeutic treatments if you crave a slower pace of life on your travels. Visit the quaint, boutique retreat that is Anassa Hotel in Paphos and which is a more intimate hideaway exuding more of a traditional Cypriot village vibe than that of a busy touristy resort. Still, the resort is in close enough proximity to the main town that a lively night out can still remain firmly on the cards. Located on a hillside overlooking the glistening sea below, Anassa is less of a brash complex and more of an authentic getaway, with classical low-rise, whitewashed buildings located around a charming square — the ideal place for a secluded romantic getaway perhaps… Limassol, on the Southern end of the island, is more appropriately located for visiting the likes of Choirokoitia, a Neolithic settlement which is one of the Mediterranean’s most important archaeological prehistoric sites and many believe holds the key to the very evolution of human society as we know it! For something a little less deep and meaningful, stay in Amathus, a short distance from bustling Limassol, perhaps testing out the Amathus Beach Hotel which is accredited as one of the Leading Hotels of the World.
For a Grecian departure, the rugged, volcanic island of Santorini is a must-see. Famed as being brought to life from one of the most enormous volcanic eruptions in the world (rumour has it that this eruption sparked the mythical story of the Lost city of Atlantis), the island is essentially the uppermost area of one huge volcano poking out of the Aegean Sea, and, as such, is a craggy, hilly cliff-side island. The picturesque whitewashed villages and towns afford panoramic views out across the submerged caldera and add to the exclusivity and romance of the location. Small, boutique hotels take full advantage of this, and exquisite properties like Andronis Luxury Suites and Mystique include rooms (some with private cliff-side pools) and restaurants that overlook the waters for some truly spectacular evening sunsets over dinner. Let’s face it, when this time of year rolls round, we all feel like we deserve a little pampering, so take a few days off, get on a plane and in a few hours you could be enjoying a cocktail and some much needed peace and quiet with an unquestioningly more pleasing outlook than a dreary City office window. Swap the city for the beach and escape to Europe this year, while you still can!
September 2012 | www.financial-spread-betting.com | 53