Ayia Napa

New Era starts as the latest member to join this ever-growing team as the company's resident groomer is Maria Modestou, so I booked Bandit in for a shampoo and trim so that I could have a quick chat ... I asked Maria how she got into pet grooming.  She said, "I was born and raised in Xylophagou and grew up with lots of dogs in the family.  I love dogs, and decided to learn how to groom them properly to start my own business" ...

I'd heard so much about this diving centre I just had to get in touch with Steve Fox-Kirk, owner and head instructor of Taba Diving, and it was my pleasure to catch up with him for an Inside-Out style interview ... I never imagined he'd take me on my first ever Discover Scuba Diving Course ... sooo ...

Specialising in Lamb or Chicken Souvlaki cooked over real charcoal nice and slowly … They’re getting good vibes about their Gyros made with pork, beef, lamb or chicken using the old family recipe, marinated for two days before being slow cooked on the Rotisserie … served in Greek or Cypriot Pitta Bread, topped with salad and a selection of sauces … but I must say the Pork Steak in a Bun is delicious! …

There are loads of beach bars in Cyprus, and then there’s Nissi Bay Beach Bar … it's the kind of place that instantly reminds you why Ayia Napa became one of the Mediterranean’s most iconic summer destinations back in the early 90’s.  Sitting directly opposite the Nissi, aka the island, on the white sands of Nissi Beach in Ayia Napa, this legendary hotspot blends tropical beach-club energy with unmistakable Cypriot summer madness.  And honestly, the moment I first stepped onto the sand with a cocktail in my hand and the bassline from the DJ booth rolling across the bay, I understood exactly why this place is so unique.

The resort is in the ever-popular coastal area of Pernera, in Protaras.  This long-established family-run destination has become far more than just a restaurant.  It’s a complete holiday experience, blending authentic Cypriot hospitality, beachfront dining, stylish villas and apartments, and one of the most relaxing pool bar settings in the area, all intermingled into one and 'Open to the Public', with a small charge for sunbeds and umbrellas on the spacious lush green lawn!

Kendall Events specialise in bringing legendary tribute acts from the UK and Europe, internationally renowned artists, groups, and performers, with fame and success on the international circuits.  Many are acclaimed multi-award-winning artists who, some people say, "they're as good, if not better than the originals"! … Karen arranges absolutely everything to perfection; from the flights and accommodation for the artists, to the venues and sets up mini festivals and tours around Cyprus so you’ll all get a chance to 'catch the band' wherever you are …

I wanted to have a chat before Andreas gave me a personal tour of the museum, so we met upstairs in the cafe and ice cream parlour, my delicious cappuccino brewed with 'Vittorio Coffee' pure Arabica from Brazil.  I asked Andreas to tell me how it all started?  He said, "It started as a hobby, I would find old cars, in Cyprus, mostly Fords, buy them and restore them myself, to showroom perfection, sometimes having to source spare parts from all over the world.  Then he said, " Next thing you know, whenever my friends were selling a vintage or classic car, I would buy it".

Over a delicious coffee, and my little chat with head Chef and partner Maria, it became blatantly obvious why this restaurant has won the 'Best Fish Restaurant' in the 'Time Out' and 'Check In Cyprus' Eating Out Awards three times in the past decade ... Probably because Maria has this uncanny knack to recognise flavours that complement each other ... Seriously, this lady is on another level !!!

Over a gorgeous cappuccino I asked Vaida, why she created 'The Loop'? … She explained; "I'm originally from Lithuania, but lived in Holland for many many years and fell in love and married Nicos a Cypriot and finally moved to Cyprus just 8 years ago" … Vaida continued, "I noticed there was a distinct lack of places to get good fresh food, not just vegetarian and vegan but specialising in healthy eats and healthy diets".

This is where they excel, specialising in over 20 different choices of kebabs.  Gyros here is a choice of 4 meats, pork, chicken from Greece, beef and lamb from the UK, each cut into thin slices, layered and seasoned, and set onto big skewers ready to be imported.  Vangelis said, "I spend a little extra, but I get the very best" ... I asked "do you then add a little more seasoning" and he said "there's really no need", tbh, the beef Gyro was probably the best I've ever tasted ...