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Cyprus has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 9,000 years. Today its history blends with the comforts of a contemporary European lifestyle.
As the third largest island in the Mediterranean, it has long been a crossroads between three continents.
The island's landscape ranges from sandy beaches to pine-covered mountains and this, combined with an ideal climate, friendly locals and a prospering economy, makes Cyprus a first choice for people investing in a home away from home.
Cypriot property prices remain favourable compared to prices in France, Spain or even Malta or Gibraltar, and the cost of living is extremely low compared to other Western European countries.
A recent report in the British newspaper, the Sunday Times, put Cyprus firmly in the top slot for Britons seeking a more attractive destination in retirement.
And it's understandable. The reasons that make Cyprus so appealing are sustainable, which is important for any investor to keep in mind.
There is an extremely friendly tax regime, mortgages are available to overseas buyers, as is healthcare which is now available to European retirees following Cyprus's accession into EU.
Cyprus also has a remarkably low crime rate, one sixth of the European average; offering security and peace of mind for new and current homeowners.
Putting all financial benefits aside, most expatriates are still interested in Cyprus for the architecture, culture and the food.
And don't forget that Cyprus is the birth place of Aphrodite, the Goddess of love, and that is how Aphrodite Hills came to be.
Aphrodite Hills is a luxurious and casually elegant resort near Paphos, overlooking the very spot where Aphrodite is said to have emerged from the shimmering Mediterranean Sea.
Being the first ever fully-integrated golf, leisure and real estate development in Cyprus, Aphrodite Hills includes a five-star deluxe Intercontinental Resort Hotel, featuring 290 rooms and suites, plus a presidential suite complete with private pool.
Residents and guests alike can enjoy a game of golf on the 18-hole championship course, competition-standard tennis courts, excellent fitness facilities and the sophisticated Retreat Spa with its Greco-Roman 'thermae' spa.
The resort is also nearby the luxurious Zias Beach Club, the relaxing Cove Beach, and Aphrodite's Riding Club with excellent horse riding facilities. For children and teenagers, there are also the Rainbow, Pegasus and Zoouse Kids Clubs, children's playground and the fun Grotto Teen's Club.
Aphrodite Hills is easily accessible. It is situated 18 kms away from Paphos Airport and 112 kms from Larnaca airport. The extensive network of roads and motorways makes driving in Cyprus very convenient and safe.
At the heart of the resort is the bustling Village Centre with its night spots, restaurants and shops, and a traditional chapel which is the perfect setting for romantic events.
The latest village that is currently underway at the Aphrodite hills is Theseus Village inspired by Theseus, a great Grecian hero and slayer of the fearsome half-man, half-bull Minotaur.
It is arranged around three terraces with commanding views towards the sea. Each terrace has its individual character and blends nicely with the energy that engulfs the village. The architects capitalised on the natural lines of this elevated site to achieve a feeling of space and harmony.
The village offers apartments, villas and junior villas, all designed and built to universally high standards.
There are three styles of apartments in Theseus Village, entitled: Hyppolite, Phedra and Ariadne which are the names of Theseus's lovers. Each of the ground floor apartments flows seamlessly from living and dining areas into landscaped gardens, while the upstairs apartments boast wide balconies shaded by pergolas and wooden roofs.
Every apartment comes complete with top quality fixtures and fittings, and superb furnishings creating a Mediterranean atmosphere. Each apartment building has its own entry piazza and ample parking with imaginative garden design.
The villas are named after Theseus's mythical weapon of choice, the Ropolo, and the villas will be located at the edge of a ravine. Each villa has a private swimming pool and generous terrace.
The porch leads into the entrance foyer where there is a guest cloakroom and then to the left is a spacious kitchen.
To the right of is a comfortable bedroom with en suite shower room, suitable for guests. The dining room and living room, featuring a stone fireplace, opens onto the covered terraces leading to the pool.
Upstairs, three bedrooms lead off to the generously-sized lobby. The larger master bedroom has a luxury bathroom with double vanity and private terrace while the second and third bedrooms share a convenient shower room.
As for the junior villas, there are two styles: Aethra and Aegeus, which are named after Theseus's mother and father. The junior villas will also be situated along a ravine edge. Available in a choice of two or three bedrooms, every property has extensive terraces which extend out into a private garden and a private pool looking over the natural landscape.
The living and dining areas feature large windows facing the gardens and are arranged on either side of the entry foyer. The dining area can easily be served by the large open kitchen. All master bedrooms boast en suite bathrooms and private terraces for additional privacy. You can purchase the junior villas with fixtures, fittings and fine furnishings.
Finally, at the heart of Theseus Village is the main swimming pool with its gazebo and signature pavilion that creates an informal focal point for the village.
Overall, Cyprus is an island of outstanding natural beauty and is known for its warm welcome, hospitality and friendly people; providing a healthy living environment for all.
