It all changed last year when I met Adam Thomas, and we started chatting about accessible properties abroad and he told me about a project he was working on. It was in Cyprus, somewhere that we had looked at previously to buy a property, as we had visited numerous times both for training camps and family holidays. I explained some of the difficulties that I experienced in accessibility, but also the importance of design and aesthetics, of wanting somewhere that was suitable, but looked nice too ! My father is an architect so these are some of the things that I grew up with. The project that Adam was working on also had a gym and a spa (I spend more time in the latter than the former these days). Getting all those things right is so important and needs time, and good people behind it.

I was asked to put some of my experience of training facilities and gyms into practise by looking at the designs and concept, but I knew that if I wanted to do it properly then I would have to go and visit the parent company and also the site. I have just come back from Cyprus where I met George, the architect behind all the plans and designs that I had seen in the UK. George is forward thinking and committed to beautiful designs that work – he listened to what Adam and I have had to say about the balance of accessibility and style. I also has a chance to look at the site where the apartments are going to be and also the surrounding area, they are in a great place and there are some exciting developments on their way which I will tell you more about soon !!!! I think that what is going to happen there is going to be a brilliant long term investment and have been so pleased that I am buying an apartment, and am in the process of picking the apartment that I would like. There is definitely more to come…

It is a beautiful, unspoiled island of contrasts. The rural Turkish north and the more developed Greek Cypriot south; sleepy villages and lively nightlife; Byzantine art and architecture and popular beach resorts. The weather, the food and the people alone make it a fantastic holiday destination.

Because it is such a popular tourist destination, in recent years facilities for disabled people in the south have really improved. Cypriots themselves are friendly and helpful and there is a general willingness to help overcome the access hurdles.

In the larger hotels in the south, you’ll find a reasonable level of wheelchair access – though as ever it’s worth checking precise details in advance. Prices compared to the UK are good.

When Adam and I visited, we travelled with Cyprus Airlines, who were excellent and really took care of us. You pay a little bit more but get a great service. British Airways, Monarch and Easyjet are among the 50+ airlines who also fly there.

We spent a day driving all over the island, including up into the mountains where the views are incredible. We picked out our very own plot for an apartment too!

Well in 16th April 2009 Savvas, Tanni and the Mayor of Larnaca launched the Q Well being Accessible beach to the TV and press in Cyprus! It is not built yet but will be soon.