Here’s why me and my family keep returning to Cyprus for our holidays

My dad’s already talking about going to Cyprus together – which wouldn’t be that strange, if we hadn’t just come back.

In fact, we hadn’t even made our way to the airport – or left the inner sanctum of the hotel resort in Limassol – when my 70-year-old father sprinted (yes, sprinted) ahead to try and reserve the same rooms next year, leaving the rest of us rolling our suitcases into the lobby.

When I was younger – before I became a parent – it would have felt like torture to envisage going on a full Richards family break; particularly with partners and kids in tow.

Yet, fast forward a few years (and a divorce) later and I can genuinely say it has become the highlight of my holidaying year.

Being a single parent means that my own three-person “holidays” – while wholesome, bonding and full of fun – don’t end up feeling like much of a break at all; given that there’s only one adult to build sandcastles, dive to the bottom of the pool to rescue stray goggles and to choose restaurants: me (not to mention the fact that I also have to pay for everything).

But the hardest thing by far about holidaying alone with my children is the feeling of responsibility. I get so anxious, planning where to go; where to stay; which airport to go to and what time to fly – not to mention packing for us all (and having to remember the vital associated stuffed animals, without whose attendance the holiday would be ruined). When we are away, after the kids go to bed and it’s time for a sundowner, it’s just Me, Myself and I. In those situations, “relaxation” can sometimes feel incredibly lonely.

So, about three years ago, when my dad suggested we join forces and go away en masse – my brother, sister-in-law and baby niece too – I was a little apprehensive, but also excited to find out what a big group vaycay could feel like.

And now, having survived a third annual visit to Cyprus, I can say – hand on heart – that it is the thing I most look forward to every year.

Of course, there are annoyances – it wouldn’t be a family holiday if there weren’t. Truth be told, after the first time, I didn’t think any of us would be quite so enthusiastic to repeat the intense eight-day-long full trip away with parents, grandparents and Gen Alpha nieces and nephews, but the luxury five-star Amathus Beach Hotel with its plush “all you…