With my son starting school in September, this was one of my last chances to squeeze in a shoulder-season escape before term-time holidays – and the big price tag – became the norm. My wish list was simple: guaranteed sunshine, a family-friendly culture and medium-haul. (A nine-hour flight when my son was two was perhaps…not my smartest parenting choice).
Greece and its islands are always a family favourite, but what about neighbouring Cyprus? Shamefully, my knowledge of the island stretched little further than halloumi and a vague memory from my A-levels that it was the birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love. So I felt compelled to learn more and even, dare I say it, educate my son a bit.
Then there was the price. Return flights with Jet2 from Leeds Bradford to Paphos for a family of three, each with a 10kg cabin bag, came in at under £300. So that swung it, and we were off!
Hayley Barclay on Why We Chose Cyprus for a Last-Minute Family Holiday
Imperial Island Paphos Review
This 239-room seafront property has recently undergone a multi-million pound refurbishment, elevating it to official five-star status. It had only been open a week when we arrived so we were one of the first families to stay. After driving through the jostle of Paphos town, Imperial Island’s soothing, minimalist foyer, complete with a full-sized palm tree and marshmallowy chairs, was soothing indeed. The main entrance opens out to a chic bar and terrace with wonderful views of the gardens and sea and it was immaculate.Most of the hotel is on a lower level so the ground floor gives way to a gorgeous wraparound deck and everything from the furniture to light fittings just felt completely brand new.
The room
We stayed in a family sea view room with a sliding door that turned it into a cute two-bedroom space. The rooms are not enormous but comfortable for a family of three and decked out in neutral, coastal shades. The child’s bed overlooked the sun-trap balcony so it was a perfect little son for my son to take a break from the heat, with a sea breeze to cool him down. Nespresso machine, fresh fruit and miniature fancy cakes came as standard and a roomy, waterfall shower with double vanities completed the five-star upgrade.
The food
The food at Imperial Island was exceptional. The only option is all inclusive and you certainly get your money’s worth. AI can get a bad rep – noisy buffets, queues and the same dishes on repeat but the menu at Imperial Island changes every day and is themed. There were mountains of fresh salads, grilled meat and fish and local specialities like syko and Kleftiko made it feel like eating a la carte every time. The inside and pool side dining area also had an elegant restaurant feel, all drinks were table service and after dusk, was rather romantic. There was also a special children’s section with fail-safes like pizza and chips and an ice cream station, open all day.
There are also two specialist restaurants on site so you can mix things up. Fiki is a moodily-lit Japanese fusion, serving a tasty set menu and you can enjoy sushi, beef fillet teppan and sweet and sour duck with cocktails with a twist like watermelon margaritas. Though it’s a grown-up vibe, kids are catered for with a fun bento box and we just made sure we sat outside near the playground so my son could burn off some energy in between courses.
Pygmalion Burger Shack is the hotel’s other option and is perfect for a post beach, more casual supper – seriously good beef and ice cold beer and milkshakes.
The facilities
Imperial Island manages to cater for both families and adults splendidly. Hidden around the corner from the main building is a dedicated adults-only pool where you cannot hear a peep. Nearby is the spa, beach and a bar and the resort is large enough and designed in such a way that parts of it are nicely secluded. It’s got one of the largest gardens on the seafront, which leads straight to its cosy beach.
The huge main pool area is its main event, with French Riviera-esque loungers and the area is big enough it never feels crowded.
There is also a shaded splash pool with a waterslide and tipping buckets where my son spent hours and hours while I read my book.
The kids club is a soothing sanctuary for over-heated little ones and is open in the mornings and afternoon till 5pm, closed for lunch. There’s mountains of toys, crafts and a giant Connect 4 set and a separate gaming and cinema room for teens. Children can be left without parents from age four but have to be able to use the loo by themselves. It’s staffed by the hotel’s Animation Team who are all bubbly, fun and friendly and my son loved seeing them transformed in their splendour for the evening entertainment.
The team also holds low-key exercise classes and quizzes throughout the day and if you win there’s a bottle of champagne in it for you.
Onsite there’s also a small souvenir shop, a decent gym, an indoor pool and a shaded playground – everything those travelling with a young family could possibly need.
Louis Paphos Breeze Review
A slightly more budget-friendly option by the same brand, and equally close to the airport, is the Louis Pathos Breeze. It’s a medium-sized four-star plus property on the outskirts of Paphos and a bit more geared towards families. Guests are greeted by a white, clean-lined entrance that gives way to a dreamy view of the Mediterranean sea and staff are efficient and charming.
The rooms and suites are located in Ottoman-style villas dotted around the pool which blends nicely into the restaurant and a chic bar.
The Room
We stayed in a one-bedroom apartment with a sofa bed, kitchenette and large balcony overlooking the pool. It was clean, functional and bright and housekeeping visited twice a day – armed with treats like Turkish delight, jams and wine – to keep it looking fresh. There are also sea-front options but being so close to the action was definitely a bonus with a young child.
The Food and Facilities
There were bountiful buffets for breakfast, lunch and dinner with a particularly pleasing array of cakes. There is also an a la carte meze restaurant open three nights a week for feasts of grilled meat, halloumi, local vegetables and pastries and cocktails/mocktails on tap. Pathos Breeze also has a lively Animation Team that doubles as a kids’ club and there is a nightly show or disco in the auditorium. Overall a pleasant, good-value, safe little spot with gorgeous views and jolly staff.
Other things to explore in Paphos
If you can bear to peel yourself away from your sunbed, Paphos itself is amazing. It can be all too easy to stay glued to an AI resort but the history and mythical culture of this ancient land – inhabited since the Neolithic period – is fascinating.
About a ten-minute taxi ride away is Paphos Archaeological Park, part of the region’s official UNCESCO World Heritage Centre status, a vast space with the remains of villas, palaces, fortresses and tombs to explore. A highlight was the House of Dionysus, the ruins of a villa with more than 5,000sq foot of resorted mosaic flooring depicting hunting and mythological scenes. The Odeon amphitheater was also impressive with a secret “echo” spot and the place is also awash with little lizards. For pre-schoolers a few hours will probably suffice but hard-hore history buffs (like my husband) could easily spend days there.
Another great day out is the nearby Aphrodite Water Park. It’s suitable for the whole family with a mix of kids’ splash pools, family slides and some gnarly white-knuckle rides including the Cannon Drop and a giant inflatable beach ball that you catapult off. Before the UK summer holidays start it’s also very quiet so no queues and loads of spots to sunbathe and relax. The whole park is also bursting with glorious-smelling jasmine trees and all food and drink is paid for using a wristband so no need to carry any cash. For non-swimmers, life jackets are also for hire for £5 a day. A fun, adrenaline-filled day out with something for everyone.
Paphos Harbour is also a lovely stroll away and the sea front is dotted with buzzy bars, ice cream shops and restaurants.
Sometimes the best holidays are last-minute and spontaneous. Travelling to Cyprus on a whim was one of my 2026 highlights so far – sun-soaked, fabulous food and super convenient from “up north”, too. And with Imperial Breeze’s planned water park for 2027, we will be back.
Family Travel Essentials for Cyprus
Antler luggage – I adore having matching luggage for my family and this stylish British brand do hard-shell cases for all sizes that don’t come with a crazy price point. I am never without my 28L Discovery backpack too – tons of pockets, comfortable and can double up as carry on it’s so roomy.
Polarn O. Pyret – this eco-friendly Swedish brand’s pajamas – including a special edition Liberty print for adults – are perfect for warmer climes: breathable and soft.
Hydro Flask mini water bottles – these dinky bottles, made for “200 ml of tiny sips”, are great for carting around when out and about on holiday.
Bling2o – these super fun kids goggles are almost like toys and come in themes from unicorns to dinosaurs.
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