THE Cypriots have a saying: “We always survive.”
It is a mantra that echoes in my head as my golf ball makes a sickening plonk into the middle of a lake.
I’m hacking my way around Limassol Greens, the Mediterranean’s newest sporting crown jewel.
It only opened to the public in late 2025, but it is already making a splash (literally, in my case).
I might have lost three balls but the sun is out, the air is crisp and, true to the local spirit, I’ll survive.
The vibe is “modern luxury” from the second you pull up to the pristine clubhouse near Cyprus’s second city. We are greeted by smiley, attentive staff who make us feel more than welcome.
READ MORE ON GOLF HOLIDAYS
My hired Callaway clubs appear brand new and the Trackman technology on the range ensures my swing is dialled in before I hit the first tee.
Once on the course, the tech stays with you. Our buggy comes equipped with a GPS screen that acts as both a sat nav directing us around the 71-par course and a digital caddie, calculating yardage to the pin.
Carved out of an old orange grove, the still course has some citrus trees around the perimeter.
This is Cyprus’s fifth course, meaning the island can truly claim to be a “golf destination” for holidaymakers.
Limassol Greens is curated by the same course designer as Aphrodite Hills, the best-known course on the island, and its mix of challenging holes coupled with forgiving fairways and fast-running greens means it may soon be challenging its more established neighbour for supremacy.
After 18 holes we retreat to clubhouse restaurant The Roost. It’s a bright sanctuary serving exactly the kind of high-protein fuel a weary golfer needs.
Another restaurant is under construction, suggesting that, like the golf course itself, Limassol Greens will only flourish with time.
I’m staying at the City Of Dreams Mediterranean resort, a five-minute transfer away.
Dominated by the lively casino at its heart, the 500-room hotel is a playground for adults and a fantastic base for playing golf.
My room was a masterclass in high-spec comfort, featuring a huge comfortable bed perfect for relaxing after hours out on the course.
The pièce de résistance? A free-standing bathtub separated from the bedroom by a glass wall.
You can soak in the suds while staring at the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Keen to fuel up before heading out for 18 holes, the options and quality at breakfast are faultless.
The orange juice tastes as fresh as if it’s come from the groves by the golf course.
Among three premium restaurants is Prime Steakhouse, where I tackled a cut of wagyu steak imported from the US so tender it practically melted on the fork.
The next night, I swapped the steak knife for chopsticks at Amber Dragon.
The roasted duck truffle puffs — flaky, buttery and decadent — are the stars of the show.
The variation of food and inventive presentation make for a memorable evening.
The hotel provides free transfers to the popular Lady’s Mile beach during the summer months.
But I head to the spa instead. It exudes calmness with low lighting and soothing music.
I’ve booked an express treatment, with my masseuse happy to focus on my legs and shoulder, which are feeling achy after so much golf. While only 25 minutes long, I feel rejuvenated by the time I leave.
Even in January, the main city of Limassol — about 15 minutes from the hotel by taxi — feels alive. I took a breather from the greens to explore the historic centre.
While the medieval castle where Richard the Lionheart had his wedding is impressive, I was more captivated by the city’s feline residents.
Legend says St Helena imported 1,000 cats in the 4th century to hunt snakes. Today, their descendants rule the sun-drenched streets like royalty.
I finished my trip with a stroll along the marina as the sun dipped behind a forest of multi-million-pound yachts.
With a cold Keo beer in hand and the feel of a breeze blowing over the Mediterranean sea, I realised the Cypriots aren’t quite right. You don’t just survive here — you thrive.
GO: LIMASSOL
GETTING THERE: Fly to Paphos or Larnaca with easyJet from Luton, Gatwick and Bristol in May with fares from £34.99 one way.
See easyjet.com.
STAYING/GOLFING THERE: Packages at the City Of Dreams Mediterranean start from £743pp in winter and £978pp in summer, including two nights’ half-board and drinks and one round of golf at Limassol Greens.
See cityofdreamsmed.com.cy/en/experiences/ultimate-golf-experience.