A couple from the UK made a move to a more affordable country within five hours away and encountered two challenges. Cyprus, a popular destination for British travelers and expatriates, captivated Donna Curley and her husband Nick, leading them to consider the Mediterranean nation for their future.
Having established themselves in Derbyshire, Donna and Nick discovered a potential new life in Cyprus during 2013 when they purchased a one-bedroom vacation home in Kapparis. The island’s relaxed atmosphere and the sense of tranquility it offered left a lasting impression on them with each visit.
Donna, 49, transitioned from her role as a fitness instructor in Derby to online teaching during the Covid pandemic, while Nick, a former Army reservist born in Cyprus, pursued their dream of starting anew. With Nick’s children reaching adulthood, the couple decided to sell their home in Holbrook, move to Avgorou, and embark on establishing a wellness retreat despite facing some obstacles along the way.
Reflecting on their journey to Cyprus, Donna shared with The Times that building new friendships proved more challenging than anticipated due to the established social circles of many expatriates on the island. Nevertheless, the couple aimed to spend more quality time together, although not as much as initially hoped.
Their current residence is a two-bedroom bungalow with a swimming pool and extensive land, serving as the foundation for their wellness venture. While working on their business plans, Nick and Donna balanced multiple jobs to maintain their income stream.
Donna highlighted the lower cost of living in Cyprus compared to the UK, noting some exceptions during colder months when they relied on alternative heating sources. Their experience echoes that of another British couple, Sarah and James, who relocated to Cyprus seeking relief from demanding work schedules, high expenses, and safety concerns in the UK.
Sarah expressed their initial move as a leap of faith, which turned into a fulfilling experience in the beautiful surroundings of Cyprus, a dream they never thought attainable.