Cyprus is a lot more than just sun-soaked beaches and turquoise-warm waters. There is that too, but take time to explore more of this island and be rewarded with a captivating culture, alluring landscapes steeped in myth and history, and a taste-bud-tingling mix of culinary customs. Whilst there may be a divide on this island, all inhabitants share a distinct belief in family bonds and a sense of community – whatever side of the line you are on, you are sure to experience warm and welcoming hospitality. The natural beauty of the island, the wonderful Mediterranean climate and the myriad of outdoor pursuits on offer will all surely tick the holiday must-have boxes. If that isn’t enough, check out some of the beautiful luxury hotels we love on the island and see if you can still resist booking then…
Karpaz Gate Marina Resort
A quiet spot on the remote northeastern coast of Cyprus is the setting for the Karpaz Gate Marina, an award-winning and sought-after destination for the sailing and superyacht communities. Guests at the in-situ hotel (and marina residents) will feel far from the throng, yet surrounded by wonderful amenities, with the option to hop on a cruiser or take a sailing course and explore the historic and rural neighbouring areas. The 52-bedroom resort has a Beach Club (with real sand, watersports, an infinity pool and an eatery), The Gallery Spa with a traditional hammam, bespoke wellness/activity packages and Hemingway’s Restaurant.
Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort
Surround yourself with olive groves and lush Cypriot fauna, as you stay in one of the 202 bedrooms at this resort in Paphos. It has a 130-metre beach, three outdoor pools, a heated indoor pool, a playground, a 2,585m2 spa with products by Cinq Mondes and Valmont, a fitness centre, a nightclub, an outdoor cinema and an onsite boutique selling Bio-organic products. Dine on local Italian and Japanese cuisine across 10 different restaurants and bars, including the fine dining venue, Sky7 restaurant. The design at Cap St Georges has plenty of nods to indigenous style while providing a chic, airy and minimalist modern elegance.
Aphrodite Hills Golf & Spa Resort Residences
Combining golf (the award-winning PGA National Cyprus Golf Course) leisure and real estate, this was the first development of its kind in Cyprus. It has a tennis academy, basketball courts, a physio centre, a Pony Club, a soccer school, multiple pools and lots of activities for kids. The Retreat Spa caters for adults and has treatments for those aged eight to 15. A show lounge bar provides evening entertainment and there’s a host of restaurants and bars, for Asian, Mediterranean, Mexican, Meze, Indian and buffet cuisine. Family rooms and suites with private pools are available.
Four Seasons Hotel
Around six miles from Limassol and overlooking the coast, this Four Seasons property has welcomed many a famous face. Spend time in the Shiseido Spa with treatments using ingredients from the sea, a sauna, steam and ice rooms and an indoor freshwater pool. Or swim outdoors in one of several others, including an adults-only infinity ocean-view pool, and a family-friendly one with a water slide. Play tennis, do some watersports facilities and dine in five international restaurants. Kids have their own playground and club, but there are also child-free areas, including adult-only suites.
Anassa
This hotel’s name means ‘queen’ in ancient Greek. Five minutes from Latchi, near the town of Polis, on the northwestern coast of the island. It overlooks the ocean and uses seawater from the bay in the thalassotherapy treatments at the spa. Guests can play squash and tennis, swim in the pool, work out at the gym and take part in yoga sessions. There are four onsite restaurants plus a weekly beach BBQ and weekly cultural outdoor entertainment, and four bars, including one on the beach and one swim-up. Trained nannies are available and a programme of activities is provided.
Casale Panayiotis
Stay in the traditional Kalopanayiotis village in the Marathasa Valley, a little under an hour’s drive from Nicosia and Limassol. The stone-built houses that make up this resort stand are flanked by Troodos Mountains and create a sense of authenticity. While the boutique property is small in terms of accommodation (there are 26 guestrooms and suites), it offers an impressive array of amenities; five restaurants, a wine bar, a library, a cultural centre and Myrianthousa Spa, where you’ll find an indoor pool, jacuzzi and snow cabin. A programme of local experiences is also available.
Golden Bay Beach
Fresh and modern decor at this family-friendly resort is found throughout, with the exception of the taverna restaurant, where you can experience a more rustic slice of Cypriot life including live local music. Golden Bay Beach is on the outskirts of Larnaca, so it’s handy for those wishing to see some sights while having direct beach access. Onsite, you’ll find the Serenity Spa with an indoor pool and sauna, outdoor pools, tennis courts, a seasonal kids’ club, a playground, bars, a traditional pub and four restaurants.
Columbia Beach Resort
Located in the Bay of Pissouri, the Columbia Beach Resort is a home away from home. Relax in the lagoon style pool, while admiring the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea. Revitalise your body and mind with award-winning spa treatments. And, wind down with gourmet cuisine that includes à la carte dishes and fine local dishes. The interior is filled with detailed designs, luxurious and majestic views, and breath-taking surroundings. This luxurious hotel offers several activities, including boat trips and swimming lessons. The Cub Life crèche and the Den Kids Club offer fun activities for the kids.
The Elysium
In the world of Greek Mythology, The Elysium equates to a “blissful place”. The hotel buildings are Byzantine in style (the chapel is a magical spot for nuptials) and sits beside the UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings, creating a sense of ancient Grecian connection. But there are plenty of mod cons here; an ESPA spa with a hammam, palm-fringed swimming pools across several levels, tennis courts, a children’s play area, five restaurants (serving produce from the hotel’s kitchen garden) and two bars. All bedrooms and suites have either a balcony or a terrace.
Annabelle
This may have been one of the foremost hotels on the island for some thirty years, but the Annabelle rocks a thoroughly sleek and modern aesthetic, thanks to a multi-million refurb. Enveloped by tropical gardens and facing the beach, it enjoys a prime spot in Paphos. Up on the rooftop, you’ll find a pool, restaurant and bar with wonderful views, and there are several other restaurants and pools besides, including one lagoon-style at ground level. Take some time out at the spa, play tennis and squash, try watersports, read in the library and shop in the boutique.
