Whether you’re after sunshine with the girls, a romantic trip or a multigenerational holiday, Cyprus is a failsafe option – and there’s one hotel that should be at the top of your list. Anassa offers five-star luxury on the unspoilt Akamas peninsula and has everything you could need for a memorable stay. Here’s what to expect.
The Location Set on the edge of west Cyprus’ rugged Akamas peninsula, Anassa is in a truly breathtaking location. The area is famous for its secluded beaches, crystal-clear waters, and expansive gardens home to bougainvillea and orchids. Visitors can also explore mile-long valleys, gorges, and sandy bays home to an abundance of wildlife – imagine walking along a nature trail by the coast or visiting the shallow cave pools in nearby Paphos. The hotel itself is set on a secluded tip of the island, meaning you can relax with total privacy, while still being near charming coastal towns and fishing villages.
The area offers guaranteed sunshine with the season stretching from March to October. Expect temperatures between 20°C in the spring, to 27°C towards the end of the season. There’s plenty of time to book a trip, whether you’re after an Easter holiday or winter sunshine later in the year.
The Hotel One of the most iconic hotels in Cyprus – and the Med – Anassa has established itself as a luxury spot amongst those in the know. Since opening over 25 years ago, it’s now considered the crown jewel of luxury hotels across the island thanks to its impeccable design and friendly service. The hotel has 166 rooms, suites and residences, designed by American designer James Northcutt then later refreshed by Parisian interior designer Joelle Pleot, laid out like a traditional Cypriot village. Accommodation ranges from spacious rooms with garden views to suites with private balconies, all of which have whitewashed walls, minimalist features and tasteful pops of blue to reflect the beautiful sea views. There are also four additional villas with separate living areas and infinity pools for families, friends or couples looking for total privacy.
Guests can relax in the split-level freshwater pool (which has separate shallow areas for kids) which cascades into a larger infinity pool with sea views. You can also walk around the immaculate landscaped gardens for some R&R or explore the beach below to recline on a sun lounger or swim in the sea.
The Food & Drink This is a hotel where you can try a range of cuisines and enjoy traditional Cypriot dishes, too. Anassa has four places to eat, including the hotel’s main restaurant, Amphora. There’s a laid-back vibe for breakfast through to occasional dinners from the à la carte menu. Guests can also dine alfresco on the olive-shaded terrace. Elswhere, there’s the candlelit Basiliko, the Med-fusion restaurant which serves Asian-inspired dishes in an atmospheric dining room with whitewashed walls and low vaulted ceilings.
For fine dining and live classical music on the terrace, go to Helios. Expect French-Mediterranean cuisine while live pianists and harpists set the vibe. And for something a little more relaxed, Pelagos is the Cypriot taverna that overlooks the pool and gardens. Diners can watch chefs at work on the grill and order seafood and mezze dishes, sharing salads and more. In summer, you can also enjoy poolside barbecues – imagine grilled seafood with a glass of crisp rosé while the sun sets. Across all the restaurants, you can expect local produce, with honey produced down the road from a local beekeeper, and cheese, bread and jam made on site for fresh Cypriot flavours.
Guests can also kick back at the hotel’s three bars. Visit Meltemi during the day with its swim-up bar or ask a member of the team to bring snacks and cocktails to your sun lounger. There’s also Blue Bar on the beach which offers sunbed service while you relax. After a day of sunbathing, you’ll want to visit Armonia for an aperitif overlooking the water – or a selection of canapes and sushi.
The Spa Anassa is home to one of the world’s best spas, Thalassa. Inspired by a Roman-style health retreat, the spa has won numerous awards for its impressive facilities and extensive range of therapies, from one-off treatments to immersive ten-day detox programmes. Guests can use the indoor Roman-style pool made from Italian marble, as well as a thalassotherapy pool, sauna and steam baths. There’s also a serene relaxation area as well as squash and tennis courts outside. You can even start the morning with a yoga session or book time with a PT.
Treatment-wise, you’re spoilt for choice. Thalassa draws on the healing powers of the Mediterranean to create bespoke treatments using natural products, including seawater pumped directly from the nearby Chrysochou Bay. It’s also one of the few spas in the world to offer Augustinus Bader treatments, including facials and body treatments using the brand’s award-winning products, all designed to restore and soothe. You can also enjoy massages, body treatments and couples’ therapies.
The Activities Guests of all ages will be entertained during a stay. Head to the hotel’s private beach for water-based activities like water skiing, windsurfing, parasailing and jet skiing, or book an excursion to the nearby glittering Blue Lagoon or along the scenic Akamas coastline. Adults can also enjoy wine tastings at Anassa's wine cellar, pottery sessions, horse riding, sound bathing classes and more.
Meanwhile, those on a family holiday can drop children off at the award-winning Mythos Kids' Club (which takes babies and younger kids) where they can try pottery lessons, baking, treasure hunts, archeology and even mini spa treatments. It’s also worth booking the babysitting service so you can enjoy a romantic dinner or day on the beach.
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