A couple from the UK who relocated to a more affordable destination within a short flight distance encountered a couple of issues. With budget-friendly flights starting at £34 and a flight duration of 4 hours and 43 minutes, Cyprus remains a popular choice for British vacationers and expatriates. Donna Curley and her partner Nick were attracted to the charms of this Eastern Mediterranean country.
Having established themselves in Derbyshire, Donna and Nick began envisioning a future in Cyprus. In 2013, they purchased a one-bedroom vacation home in Kapparis. Their frequent visits to the island exposed them to its relaxed atmosphere, leaving a lasting impact on them.
Donna, aged 49, had a career as a fitness instructor in Derby, including stints at a local gym and as a Weight Watchers coach, before transitioning to online teaching during the Covid pandemic. Nick, who was born at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus, served as an Army reservist.
As Nick’s adult children from a previous marriage reached their twenties, the couple decided it was the right time for a fresh start. They sold their residence in Holbrook, acquired a property in Avgorou, and started planning a wellness retreat, although the transition posed some challenges.
Donna shared with The Times, “Establishing new friendships has been more difficult than anticipated due to the strong existing expat social circles, but there is a growing number of British individuals relocating here for the advantageous tax benefits and lifestyle.”
She added, “Our relocation to Cyprus aimed to enhance our time together, which has materialized, albeit not to the extent we had hoped for yet. Adapting to a significant move involves overcoming hurdles, embracing the Greek notion of ‘siga siga’ (slowly slowly). I am pleased we took the leap.”
Their new residence is a two-bedroom bungalow with a pool and 3,000sqm of land. While laying the groundwork for their wellness venture, Nick and Donna have been juggling various jobs to sustain their income.
Donna mentioned that the cost of living in Cyprus is generally lower, although certain items like food can be unexpectedly pricey. By utilizing solar power and water from their well instead of traditional utilities, they have trimmed significant expenses. However, during colder months, they rely on a wood-burner for warmth and occasionally resort to a backup generator.
Their story mirrors that of another British family who recently discussed their move to Cyprus. Former educator Sarah and IT specialist James relocated due to long work hours, high expenses, and safety concerns in the UK.
Sarah remarked, “There is immense pressure on children in UK schools, leading to their unhappiness. James and I were overworked, and the cost of living was exorbitant. James applied for a job in Cyprus on a whim.”
She continued, “If things didn’t work out, we planned to view it as an adventure and return home. However, everything has exceeded our expectations, and the place is stunning. It’s a dream come true that we never imagined possible.”