Anassa
Polis Chrysochous, Cyprus
Telegraph expert rating
“Anassa takes luxury to a whole new level. Seriously upmarket guest rooms and suites, a spa and gourmet dining is the deal here. Throw into the mix gardens overflowing with tropical plants, and this place is the definition of a retreat.”
Location
This hotel overlooks the sweeping bay of Polis Chrysochous and occupies one of the best spots in Cyprus. The sand is soft, the coastline rugged and the Akamas National Forest Park and the pretty fishing harbour of Latchi is on the doorstep. The town is about a mile away and dates back to Neolithic times when it was a city-kingdom known as Marion. A super little museum tells its story. The town is well served by public transport, although guests will need a car or shuttle from the hotel into town.
Style and Character
Visiting dignitaries, high-flying business people and celebrities are known to have stayed at the Anassa, due in no small way to the level of privacy and seclusion it offers. From the road, a wall, forestry and an impressive entrance (which leads to a long driveway) is all that suggests something special is within. This welcoming hotel, an easy elegant place with a subtle décor of natural colours complemented by luxurious furnishings and objets d’art, lives up to the promise.
Service and Facilities
The team here are confident and discreet – luggage is whisked away to your room and a welcome fruit drink appears in front of you without you barely noticing. The facilities are seemingly endless, from the Thalassa Spa with its pool surrounded by colonnaded terraces, gym and treatment rooms (the wild juniper salt body scrub is recommended) to its outside pools, tennis courts and boutiques. There’s a children’s play area and a walkway leading to the beach.
Rooms
A series of winding paths through gardens of herbs, bougainvillaea and oleanders lead guests to rooms and suites housed in one, two or three storey whitewashed and red-roofed houses that cascade down to the beach. This is a sprawling place. Fortunately, shuttle carts dart around to take guests from the main reception area to their accommodation.
Inside, the décor is elegant in creamy white shades with accent greys and blues coming from comfy sofas and lavish soft furnishings. All rooms and suites have a balcony or terrace with views of the sea or gardens, and an array of amenities. A nice touch is a welcome fruit platter, irrespective of the room chosen. Bathrooms are super luxurious, with both a full-size bathtub and shower, marble tiling and upmarket Italian Acqua Di Parma toiletries.
Food and Drink
Almost all the pastries, bread, jams and even cheese are produced in-house, while fruit and vegetables are grown in the grounds or sourced nearby. Breakfast buffet-style is taken in the light, bright Amphora restaurant where guests can sit inside or on its terrace overlooking the sea. Dinner can be enjoyed here too, with à la carte options and live cooking stations.
Guests are spoilt for choice when it comes to dining. In addition to Amphora, the beautiful Basiliko, with its white décor and linens set in a sunken courtyard, offers a menu of Asian-Mediterranean fusion dishes. Be sure to try the Mediterranean red snapper yaki-souvlaki with garlic pak choi, topped and tailed by a starter of wanton soup made with shitake mushrooms and ginger, and a dessert of homemade pistachio ice cream.
Meanwhile, Helios specialises in French-inspired cuisine served on its terrace in the shade of a giant olive tree. Beside one of the pools and the closest to the beach is Pelagos restaurant with a focus on fish. A show kitchen adds interest. Drinks can be taken in Armonia, Meltemi or the Blue Bar.
Value for Money
Access for guests with disabilities?
There are ramps throughout the resort, although guests using a wheelchair or with restricted mobility may find paths uneven. Shuttle carts can transport guests around the grounds. Some rooms are reached by stairs, rather than lifts. Ground floor and adapted rooms are available.
Family-Friendly?
Parents can pre-order items from the hotel’s Baby Go Lightly service. There is the Mythos club that caters for babies from four months through to 12 years with a programme of play, swimming, age-appropriate craft and sports classes. The spa has a menu for little ones and the restaurants have special menus. Babysitting is available.
Click here to read the article in The Telegraph.