Askou 45, Coral Bay, Peyia 8575 Cyprus, Paphos, Cyprus | 357 26 62 22 00
All-inclusive property with well-maintained water park
Simple, spacious rooms have kitchenettes and balconies, many with sea views
Two outdoor pools and a kiddy pool overlooking the sea
Buffet restaurant with entertainment, a pool snack bar, and minimarket
Indoor pool, grotto, hot tub, and massage tent
Private rocky beach
Small gym, tennis court, beach volleyball, and bike rentals available
Kids' club, arcade, billiards table, and playground
Meeting room available
Free Wi-Fi in the lobby and underground parking
Rooms have dated decor and minor disrepair
Requires an uphill climb to nearby shops and restaurants
Beach is rocky
Fee for Wi-Fi in rooms and most public spaces
Buffet food is unvaried
The lower-middle-range Aqua Sol Holiday Village is a modest and affordable option for families seeking an all-inclusive stay in Coral Bay. The 149 Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments are dated and spare, with tube TVs and simple kitchenettes, and many have balconies with sea views. A well-maintained water park is the standout feature here, and there are also two outdoor pools and a kiddy pool overlooking the sea. Buffet-style dining and various kids' activities round out the family-friendly amenities. There are a couple of downfalls, however: The private beach is rocky, and the property sits at the bottom of a hill, making it a climb to nearby shops and restaurants. Couples may prefer the Queen's Bay Hotel, which has a low-key vibe and more attractive rooms.
Scene
Affordable family-friendly resort on a shingle beach with a free water park
Greek-themed touches give the Aqua Sol Holiday Village a fun, family-friendly atmosphere throughout its sprawling grounds. Simple cement buildings in shades of clay and bright white are linked by well-landscaped pathways, while old-fashioned wells add a charming touch. The spacious lobby has a stone front desk, oversized pottery, and plenty of clay-colored sofas next to a billiards table. The property extends to a pretty, but rocky beach, where lounge chairs are scattered across an adjacent lawn. The main feature, however, is the well-equipped water park. It’s hard to miss the hotel’s rough edges, like dings in the plaster and dated furnishings, but many guests are willing to overlook such issues for the affordable prices and range of features.
Location
On a shingle beach in Coral Bay, on the western side of Paphos
The Aqua Sol Holiday Village sits at the bottom of a hill and has direct access to a shingle beach in Coral Bay. The hill is lined with other hotels, while shops, bars, restaurants, and ATV rentals are located at the top of the hill -- they're within walking distance but require an uphill climb. The city center of Paphos is a 20-minute drive away, while major sights such as the Tombs of Kings, Paphos Castle, and Paphos Archaeological Park are 20 to 30 minutes away by car. The Sea Caves in Peyia are a 10-minutes drive from Aqua Sol. The hotel is two hours from Nissi Beach and about one hour and 40 minutes from the Church of Saint Lazarus. Paphos International Airport takes 35 minutes to reach by car, while Larnaca International Airport takes one hour and 40 minutes. Bike rentals and free underground parking are provided.
Rooms
Spacious, but dated studios and apartments with kitchenettes and sea views from many
The 149 Studios and One-Bedroom Apartments are spacious, but their decor is sparse and dated, such as the homey floral bedspreads, tired red-fabric couches, and faded striped curtains. Rooms have terra-cotta tiles, white walls adorned with colorful paintings of Greek scenery, and either balconies or terraces, some with sea views. All rooms have old tube-style TVs and kitchenettes with mini-fridges, electric kettles, cutlery, and dishes; some also have stoves, ovens, and toasters. One-bedroom apartments have separate living and dining spaces with built-in kitchen tables. Bathrooms feature dated peach-colored tile and shower/tub combos, and hairdryers can be requested for a deposit. Key-operated safes are in the wardrobes. In-room Wi-Fi requires a fee.
Features
Free water park, indoor and outdoor pools, and casual dining
Unlike some areas of the hotel, the beachfront Aquasol Aquamania water park is well-maintained. There are six large slides, a lazy river, and a watery playground area with a smaller slide. Another playground overlooks the rocky beach, and there are also a kids' club and an arcade. Two Greek island-themed pools and a kiddy pool are surrounded by man-made rocks, including a Poseidon sculpture. Indoors, there are another pool and a grotto, as well as a hot tub, sauna, and massage tent. The spacious wood-floored gym offers only a few older cardio and weight machines. Tennis courts and beach volleyball are also available.
Many guests stay here on an all-inclusive basis and buy snacks at the small market. The Aphrodite Restaurant, with indoor and outdoor seating, serves international buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Next door is the Aphrodite Open Air Tavern with sea views. Aphrodite Bar and Poseidon Pool Bar serve cocktails, as well as sandwiches, burgers, French fries, and ice cream. Family entertainment such as folklore and live music is on-site during the day and evening. Freebies here include Wi-Fi in the lobby and underground parking. Wi-Fi is also available by the pool bar and restaurant terrace for a fee.