Family Moments to Cherish

Lifestyle blogger Maria Thomas shares her holiday diary of a beautiful family getaway at the Louis Paphos Breeze.

Everyone needs some down time - dads, mums and children too. That's not an easy task when two out of three children have their own agendas! That’s why grabbing the family for a fantastic holiday together is my favourite time of year as we can really spend time making memories to cherish when they get older. This year, the five of us found time to catch up with each other’s lives bonding over family games and enjoying everything the Louis Paphos Breeze Hotel in Paphos, Cyprus, had to offer. From the moment we stepped foot into the hotel the children familiarised themselves with the staff who made us all feel we were at home away from home. The children soon acclimatised, eating, snacking and drinking the whole time, spreading their wings around the spacious premises and facilities of the hotel!

LUNCH WAS SO EASY AND CASUAL The children satisfied their own taste buds and we all ate something different! (so exciting for them because mummy doesn't do anything like this at home!). The buffet laid before us was a feast to say the least. I yearned to have two stomachs to enjoy both the sweet and savoury temptations. Watching my children strolling around the hotel gardens jumping into the pool laughing and playing with each other, it was clear that we had made the absolute best decision and their joy was music to my ears.

I REALLY ENJOYED THE AFTERNOON We found ourselves a cosy table in the lobby on the lower ground floor and played card games as a fam. Thank goodness for Paphos Breeze being kid friendly as my Alexis screamed with delight every time he beat us at UNO! He made quite a show for the staff around too! The kiddies drank freshly squeezed juices whilst hubs and I had a G&T before heading off to ‘Meze’, the hotel’s Greek tavern.

A MEAL TO REMEMBER We had a culinary experience worth bragging about in terms of atmosphere and cuisine at ‘Meze’, which is an adapted version of the Cypriot meze at its finest. The food, a modern twist on the traditional way locals know it, amazed us in both taste and presentation. The rocket and pastelaki salad along with the fried Manouri cheese was to die for.

ENTERTAINMENT FOR YOUNG & NOT SO YOUNG After dinner, my children couldn’t wait to get to the musical show. They loved it and so did I (if you are staying at the Louis Paphos Breeze then don’t miss out on this hotel’s entertainment, it’s great!) We and the children were fully engrossed in the show which left them on a high, then off to bed we marched to enjoy our spacious room.

How is it that kids don’t get tired of swimming? Mine spent most of the morning jumping in and out of the water, splashing about and taking part in organised activities by the pool while I was sipping a Greek coffee and reading a book on my sunbed. Entertainment for the young with relaxation and rest for the old - what more could I ask for?

KIDDO PARADISE The next morning I opened my eyes to find the kids missing! They had already gone for breakfast! They couldn’t bear to waste time locked up inside, so my three musketeers sorted themselves out. We managed to join them in time to share their food fest. From eggs to pancakes they had it all and I followed suit.

Enjoying a stress-free and hassle-free break was pure bliss as it meant that hubby and I were also able to recharge our batteries, soaking up the sun in a chilledout, friendly environment, knowing the kids were kept entertained and happy. Roll on next year!

Catch Maria Thomas’ regular lifestyle blog at wednesdaymorningcoffee.com