TRAVEL
A FAMILY ESCAPE WITH SPACE, STYLE AND SUNSHINE ON TAP
ALTHEA KALAMIES VILLAS PROTARAS, CYPRUS
LET’ S BE HONEST, FINDING THE PERFECT FAMILY HOLIDAY SPOT CAN FEEL LIKE AN IMPOSSIBLE BALANCING ACT. YOU WANT SOMEWHERE WITH ENOUGH SPACE FOR THE KIDS TO SPREAD OUT, THE LUXURY OF A PRIVATE POOL FOR LAZY AFTERNOONS AND THE CONVENIENCE OF HOTEL-STYLE FACILITIES JUST A STONE’ S THROW AWAY. ENTER ALTHEA KALAMIES VILLAS, A COLLECTION OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY, CONTEMPORARY HOMES-FROM-HOME IN SUNNY PROTARAS THAT TICK EVERY SINGLE BOX. BY SAMANTHA READY
Tucked in a quiet spot at Althea Beach, about a five-minute drive to the bustling main Protaras strip, these villas offer that rare combination of independence and comfort, blending the ease of a self-catered stay with the added bonus of access to a fullyfledged resort. Our villa, one of just 18 in the small, secure complex that opens between April and October each year, was the kind of place you walk into and immediately exhale. Bright, airy and thoughtfully designed with modern furnishings, cool tiled floors and a layout that made sense for a family of five.
Three good-sized bedrooms( complete with comfy beds and ample storage), two bathrooms, a downstairs loo and a large, open-plan living space flowed seamlessly into the outdoor area, while the private pool was the real star; a crystal-clear, sunwarmed spot that kept the kids happily entertained for hours while we sipped coffee( or let’ s be honest, a cheeky afternoon rosé) from the shaded terrace. The designated parking space right outside the villa was another small but mighty perk – no hauling luggage across car parks, just unload, unpack and relax.
It’ s the little details that make these villas so family-friendly. A private gated entrance with most properties offering fabulous seaviews. Contemporary finishes with great WiFi( for those with older children you’ ll feel this one). A fully equipped kitchen, perfect for breakfast feasts or easy lunches when you don’ t fancy heading out. And plenty of space, both inside and out, for everyone to find their own corner, whether it’ s lounging by the pool, playing games in the living room, or stealing a quiet moment on the balcony.
While the villas feel wonderfully selfcontained, what sets them apart is access to the Louis Althea Beach Hotel, just a short stroll away. Here, you’ ll find a kids’ club to keep little ones entertained, evening entertainment for post-dinner fun( who knew the sheer wonder of a parrot riding a bicycle? And we’ ll forever cherish the look of awe from the smalls as Mr R’ s unrivalled musical knowledge stormed us to victory in the music quiz), and the option to dine in the hotel restaurant or upgrade your stay to half board, full board, or all inclusive – ideal if you want the flexibility to self-cater some days and enjoy a break from the kitchen on others. It’ s the best of both worlds: the space and privacy of a villa with the facilities of a resort right on your doorstep.
The beach is also just moments away- soft sand, gently lapping waves and plenty of sunbeds for those lazy Cyprus days, while the new boardwalk snakes around the front of the resort for pleasant early evening strolls for miles, too. And when you want to venture out, Protaras’ s lively strip of restaurants, shops and bars is a short walk or drive away, meaning you’ re never far from an ice cream stop or a sunset cocktail.
Althea Kalamies Villas isn’ t about flashy luxury or over-the-top amenities. It’ s about space, comfort and ease, all wrapped up in modern finishes; creating a place where families can unwind together without compromise. Where kids can splash in the pool while parents sip something chilled on the terrace. Where you can pop to the hotel for a kids’ disco one night and barbecue under the stars the next.
For families looking for a slice of laid-back Cyprus living, with the bonus of hotel perks just a flip-flop’ s stroll away, this is a spot that absolutely delivers. And the best bit? It’ s the kind of place that leaves you planning your return trip before the first one’ s even over … Well, I mean we have a music quiz crown to retain now, right?
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