THE FACTS ABOUT THE ELYSIUM

On a headland at the northern end of Paphos, between the ancient ruins of Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings, is The Elysium beach resort. From a distance, it looks a bit like a prison; but on closer inspection it becomes clear that it has been designed in the style of a fortified palace, with a mix of ancient Greek and Roman, Venetian and medieval architectural elements. The 250-room resort is approached via a drawbridge, an arch and a glitzy, colonnaded reception area. An early indication of things to come, the reception includes a fake archaeological site with replicas of broken artefacts and 'excavated' mosaic floors. Most of the bedrooms are in two wings off the main building, with the rest in a smaller, adults-only building with its own swimming pool. They range from doubles to a two-bedroom Royal Suite, with several options in between, including double-height loft rooms. The interior design is as diverse as the architecture: some rooms are decorated with Navajo-style rugs and earth- coloured throws, others with shot-silk fuchsia bedcovers, ruched curtains and gilt mirrors. There are four restaurants: Epicurean, which serves good, affordable fare such as grilled chicken breast, sea bass and salmon steaks; Cava, the formal, fine-dining option, which offers a more adventurous, Mediterranean-meets-Asian menu in a barrel-vaulted room lit with wrought-iron candelabras; and two alfresco restaurants, Mediterraneo and Lemonia Piazza, which are good for light lunches. There are also two cafés and two bars. This is a vast holiday resort, packed with happy guests of all ages who tend to gravitate towards the huge, multi-level outdoor pool area, the film lounge or the Greek-style amphitheatre for live concerts. There is also an excellent spa with 11 treatment rooms, a Roman-style, colonnaded indoor pool, a gym, an aerobics studio, sauna, steam room and relaxation room. The staff will greet you with friendly smiles wherever you go. CONTACT The Elysium, Queen Verenikis Street, Paphos (00 357 2684 4444; fax: 2684 4333; www.elysium.com.cy). Doubles from about £85