The Best Luxury Hotels in Paphos

Romance is not only on the cards, but written into the DNA of this made-for-two hotel. Kick up the R&R – that’s romance and relaxation – with a rose-scented couples’ candle massage at Elvara Spa. At sunset, make your way to Amavi’s rooftop restaurant, Immenso, for sushi and Cypriot wine from Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser.

Disneyland meets super spa at this sprawling mega resort. For kids, there’s a jam-packed schedule of over 170 activities, including an in-house animation team, huge live music venue and top-of-their-game sports instructors. For those over the age of 18, the adults-only wing features blissfully bouncy four-poster beds, a waiter-serviced sun deck and oasis-like pools, complete with back-massaging jets and swim-up beer stations.

Annabelle has been welcoming guests for over 30 years, yet she’s looking good for her age with winding waterways, cool-to-the-touch marble floors and a recently renovated spa. Ask for a top floor room for easy access to Ouranos, the hotel’s rooftop bar that serves more than 50 varieties of gin. Try one as part of a fuzzy sky – a herbal mix of Tanqueray, salted red vermouth and Benedictine-infused pears.

Understated elegance converges with nature at this beachside bolthole. Trailing ivy cascades down from the lobby ceiling, and the plant theme continues in the palm-patterned wallpaper. Open the window and you’ll hear the Med crashing on the shore. But the real clincher? An Olympic-length swimming pool guarding the hotel entrance.

Inspired by the 4,000 year-old archaeological site upon which it sits, the décor of this palatial stay is taken from Greek history – including a bronze bust of the hotel’s namesake, the empire-building king of Macedonia. The lobby echoes with the gentle thwack of flip flops as guests and locals head to Seven Orchids restaurant – the appeal of which is (surprisingly) not the excellent sesame salmon, but the palm-tree laced view of the sun dipping behind Paphos Castle.

Despite being in the middle of one of Paphos’s busiest districts, you can pretend you’re in a tiny Cypriot village in Elysium’s Royal Garden Villas. The wood panelled accommodation is designed to look like a series of classic Cypriot houses, centred around a lemon tree-perfumed ‘village square’, complete with an illuminated sunken pool. Once you’ve finished Instagramming, head to Astria Bar for an Elysium fizz – a zesty Disaronno cocktail topped with Champagne.

Traditional Grecian architecture meets modern minimalism in this trendy, tapioca-toned hotel. Less is more seems to be the décor ethos – a mandate not extended to its swimming pool offering (there are five to choose from, including one on the extremely photogenic rooftop). Every year, Almyra hosts its own pop-up art and culture festival to showcase the local artistic community.

Porthole-shaped mirrors, stone waves over the check-in desk and azure accents signal that this is the most Mediterranean hotel on Kato beach. You too can get into the sea-themed spirit by nabbing one of the sand-side tables at the Tavernaki taverna. Order the seafood mezze – it’ll come with a complimentary side of ocean breeze.

Four swimming pools. Nightly entertainment. The curacao-coloured Med just a few sandy steps away. It’s no wonder that this hotel attracts a near-cult following among its guests, many of whom return every year. Relax with a pint of Keo beer and a plate of whatever the chefs have dreamed up at Akamantis restaurant. By day, it’s a half hour walk to the harbour – and the hotel will send you off with a gourmet picnic lunch.

The Athena Royal offers a well-balanced mix of beachfront relaxation and light activity. It’s a popular spot for bowling holidays, thanks to its 18 full-size rinks. There’s also a tennis court and resident dance leader available to all guests. Toast your arrival with the complimentary bottle of wine before making a beeline to the wooden jetty and launching yourself into the ocean, Mamma Mia!-style.