Positioned on the southwestern coast of Cyprus, this UNESCO World Heritage city, steeped in myth and history, is said to be the birthplace of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. The city boasts a treasure trove of archaeological sites, including stunning Roman mosaics and ancient tombs, alongside picturesque beaches, a vibrant harbour, and bustling nightlife. Whether you’re keen on delving into the depths of Cypriot history, basking in the sun on its golden shores, or exploring the culinary delights of seaside tavernas, Paphos promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Cyprus’s rich heritage and its warm, inviting culture and here are our favourite 5-star and luxury hotels to stay at in the city.
Louis Ivi Mare
An exciting new arrival to the island, Louis Ivi Mare opened in May 2019 as part of the wider Louis Hotel group. Sitting beside Kato Paphos beach, it’s within walking distance to the harbour and a short taxi ride from the airport. 148 rooms – some with outdoor jacuzzis – have been designed in cutting edge contemporary style, with gleaming marble floors, geometric patterns, exotic textiles and colours inspired by the Mediterranean. Booking is made on a half-board or all-inclusive basis, to include some or all meals at the main eatery, themed Greek and Japanese a la carte restaurants and a pool bar.
Amavi Paphos
Couples can relax in an adult-only environment at Amavi Hotel – the first five-star hotel of its kind in Cyprus. It’s right next to a blue flag beach, giving you the option to swim in the palm and luxury lounger lined pool or the Mediterranean. From the grounds and – depending on which side your room is located – you’ll have views of either Paphos’ medieval castle, harbour and/or the aquamarine sea. Inside you’ll find another pool, fitness centre, spa, three bars and three restaurants – including a raw sushi bar. Two of these eateries have extensive alfresco terraces, ideal for watching the sunset over a romantic meal. Amavi provides five types of accommodation, with private gardens, pools, balconies and sea views – glass-walled baths areas even enable you to enjoy the vista at the same time as taking a relaxing soak.
Constantinou Bros Asimina Suites Hotel
This 111 room contemporary-styled boutique retreat caters for older teens (16 plus) and adults. The town centre is a 30-minute walk away, still accessible but offering the peace of quieter surroundings. Book a one or two-bed suite and you’ll have the use of Caribbean style cabanas on the adjoining Kato Paphos beach, your own private pool and a whirlpool. If by chance the weather isn’t perfect, there’s an indoor freshwater pool with jacuzzi, fitness area with sauna, the Elixir Spa, beauty salon and live entertainment in one of its three bars. More active pursuits include tennis and table tennis or swimming in one of the two interconnected pools. Meals are taken a la carte, with light menu options, indoors or out. And for an extra special intimate dinner, you can dine at the pier by candlelight.
The Elysium Paphos
This pretty resort feels more like a mini village. Rooms are set around a traditional lemon tree-lined Cyprian square, with pool and collonade. The Elysium has many accommodation types: bedrooms, studios, maisonettes and villas with double-height living areas and mezzanines. The interior design varies from regal grandeur to traditional Cyprian decor, depending on which room of the option you book. This makes it easy to tailor your holiday, both in terms of your style preference and flexibility within the space – the larger villas being ideal for long stays, families, bigger groups or increased seclusion. Additional features at this resort include ESPA treatments, five refined restaurants, bars, a constellation themed cafe and a wonderfully quirky food tricycle, serving poolside snacks in summer.
Sentido Thalassa Coral Bay
Sentido has a worldwide network of sophisticated hotels and resorts. This one is named after Coral Bay, which surrounds three of the hotel’s sides. It caters for guests aged 16 and over with 100 guest rooms and a feature spa for mind, body and soul: Anagenisis. The bright lights of the town are within easy reach, but the uplifting light space of the resort, fantastic service and many amenities make it hard to leave. Rooms are decorated in a light palette, with marble bathrooms, rain showers, oversized balconies and in some cases, butler service. Meal options can be anything from a seven-course formal meal in Psari to a casual snack at Ipokambos Beach Bar.
Annabelle Paphos
Embrace the island’s heritage with a stay at the unusual Annabelle Hotel – there’s an archaeological site in its six acres of tropical gardens and authentic Corinth capitals in the foyer. Although a veteran of the Paphos hotel scene at over 30 years old, Annabelle underwent a large refurbishment in 2018, adding the stunning Ouranos rooftop pool, a new bar and restaurant, wellness centre and more suites (taking the total to 244). Further pools, tennis and squash courts, watersports, a library, boutique, five eateries and four bars leave guests with no shortage of activity. It’s a very family-friendly resort with a kids club, babysitting service, some interconnecting rooms, children’s menus and a Baby Go Lightly service, where parents can pre-order everything they’ll need – perfect for hassle-free holidaying with a baby or toddler.