After a four-year hiatus away from club management, Valencian-born Miguel Girbes returned to the fold earlier this year when he took over the reigns as director of golf and sports at Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus. And it’s fair to say that he’s never been busier.

Having worked at standout destinations previously such as PGA Catalunya (now Camiral), Finca Cortesin and Emporda – all in Spain – it was only a matter of time before the 47-year-old returned to club management following a period founding PlayInOne, a golf travel business.

So, when the opportunity to relocate to Cyprus, and spearhead Aphrodite Hills Resort following the departure of Andrew Darker to Limassol Greens presented itself, Girbes jumped at the chance and has wasted little time in stamping his authority on the worldclass.golf destination.

Among the most visible improvements is the new starter hut near the first tee as Girbes explains: “We saw an opportunity to really enhance the golfer’s experience right from the start. This facility, which replaces the previous structure, is now equipped with a fully outfitted kitchen, restrooms, and a patio area, so now, guests can enjoy fresh pizza, burgers, sandwiches, ice cream, and drinks all in one place.

“We wanted to make sure people can grab something before their round, mid-game or at the end of their round.”

The resort is also preparing for the introduction of GPS ordering, which will allow golfers to place their food orders from anywhere on the course.

“Imagine you’re finishing the third hole, and you realise you want a burger at the ninth. With GPS ordering, it’ll be ready when you get there – hot and fresh.”

While the clubhouse remains a central gathering spot, the new starter hut creates another layer of guest service. “It’s all about giving our guests choices and making their day memorable,” he adds, his enthusiasm unmistakable.

His pilgrimage to Cyprus has seen Girbes make personal sacrifices, and at just 16, he left home to pursue education and golf in the United States, thanks to a scholarship that covered both high school and university.

“It was a huge leap,” he remembers, adding that living and working in countries like Spain and the US taught him that success depends as much on people as it does on the product. Upon returning to Europe, Girbes’s path turned toward sports management and resort operations, and gravitated away from playing professionally, to golf operations and commercial management.

“Early on, I realised I wanted to create places where people felt welcome, not just run tournaments,” he said.

At the end of 2020, Girbes made a deliberate decision to leave a previous role due to differences in management style. Reflecting on that period, he shared: “It was a tough decision. There were plenty of offers in Spain, but I wanted stability for my family and a chance to build something lasting.”

When the opportunity in Cyprus came along, it promised both professional fulfilment and a better quality of life for his family, who soon joined him after his initial move in January this year saying: “Cyprus is about security, climate, and quality of life. For my kids, it’s been a great change.”

Under his stewardship, the resort is evolving from a real estate-focused operation to a holistic hospitality destination. “We’re investing in everything – from the golf course and hotel to sports facilities and restaurants,” he said.

By collaborating with neighbouring golf courses such as Limassol Greens, Secret Valley and Minthis, he has created a destination, allowing guests to sample a range of experiences with the resort acting as a central booking point.

“Most guests want more than just a game – they want experiences, memories, and convenience. That’s what we’re building.”

Ongoing infrastructure projects are central to Girbes’s vision. “We’re renovating every bunker with new drainage and lining, but keeping the classic design intact,” he explained. Furthermore, the resort will see a new golf academy building, expanded retail space, and a driving range elevated with Trackman technology.

Beyond golf, upgrades extend to tennis and padel courts, the gym, restaurant spaces, and hotel rooms. A refurbished clubhouse and continued improvements in hospitality are also on the horizon.

Membership and visitor relations are always a balancing act, and Aphrodite Hills hosts approximately 45,000 rounds each year, with around 10,000 played by members, who number about 300 and enjoy reserved tee times.

“We’re adjusting the membership structure and raising prices, especially for categories like afternoon-only memberships,” added Girbes. “The goal is fewer rounds, but higher yield – focusing on premium service and attracting guests who want the best.”

The pro shop, too, has shifted its inventory, now emphasising branded apparel and accessories that have proven popular with visitors.

Girbes does not shy away from addressing service challenges. “We’re working on a dedicated bag drop area and more attentive service on the course. Staffing is always a challenge, but customer experience must come first.”

The resort’s clientele is primarily British, with increasing numbers from Germany, Scandinavia, and Eastern Europe. “British golfers love Cyprus for winter play. We’re also reaching out to Scandinavians and Germans.

“Direct flights from the US are limited, but we’re exploring new partnerships and events to attract Americans too,” he said, keen to promote the resort in North America.

The experience of moving between countries has shaped his philosophy, and for the first time in his career, he hasn’t set himself a time limit as to when to move on.

“I’ve lived in so many places, but Cyprus feels like home – a place where my family is safe and happy.” After years of change, he says, “it’s a relief to be settled and see my work make a real difference.

“I want to build a team that’s proud of what we do and a place where guests feel they belong. Our recent investments are about positioning the resort as one of the best in the region. It’s about matching demand with service, so guests always get great value.”

He remains focused on elevating Aphrodite Hills Resort, nurturing a true sense of community, and shaping a destination that stands out for its quality and warmth. For him, every improvement is not just about facilities but about making every guest’s experience unforgettable.

To further appreciate the scope of his ambitions, one must look at the way he views both the industry and the wider community.

He recognises that a resort is more than just a collection of services and amenities – it is, at its heart, a gathering place where people reconnect, celebrate, and find respite.

“Golfers might come for the course, but they return because of the memories they make and the way they’re treated,” Girbes observed.

His belief in sustainability is apparent not only in the environmental upgrades to the destination, but also in his approach to human resources, and is dedicated to hiring locally whenever possible and to providing ongoing training and professional development for staff.

“Investing in people is investing in the future,” he remarked, “because the right team is what truly sets a resort apart.”