Best 5-Star Hotels in Paphos

The Grand Hotel Excelsior offers 5-star luxury, built into the bastion walls of Valetta close to the gates of the city. It overlooks Marsamxett Harbour and provides some stunning views out to sea. Larger than the hotels inside the city walls, the hotel has extensive facilities including indoor and outdoor pools, gym, spa and multiple dining options. Rooms are airy and spacious with French windows leading to individual balconies and views out to the harbour. In true resort style start the day with their extensive breakfast buffet and in the summer months, the Tiki Bar and Yacht Club on the water’s edge serve light lunches and grills.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.