The Best Hotels to Book in Cyprus

Styled like a classical mansion with “Byzantine village” townhouses clustered around a discrete rotunda, Anassa has whitewashed facades and russet roofs that exude tasteful luxury. Facing Chrysochou Bay beside the Akamas Peninsula National Park, terraces and gardens gently dip to an idyllic sandy beach. It’s strikingly polished and well-heeled with a dash of celebrity glamour drawn to the vast Thalassa Spa, infinity pools and sea- or hill-facing rooms with balconies and sun terraces. Four restaurants, including a laid-back taverna, feature gourmet cuisine, in-house breads, pastries and cheese.

On the coast at Paphos, Elysium (which means blissful place) resembles a stylish holiday village tinged with Byzantine architecture softened by tropical-looking gardens and a vast circular pool. Rooms, suites and villas range from modern to rustic; all have balconies or terraces and some come with plunge pools and gardens. An array of restaurants and cafes feature Cypriot, Tuscan and pan-Asian cuisine along with sushi and pastries. It’s the sort of place to which families might want to migrate, never tiring of corking Mediterranean sunsets beyond the private beach.

Just east of Limassol, facing the Mediterranean, the modern high-rise buildings of Amara don’t, from afar, readily suggest stylish luxury. Close up, it’s quite another matter. Fronted with a huge L-shaped infinity pool, manicured gardens and terraces with loungers, this elegant resort features sea-view rooms and suites with floor-to-ceiling windows. A sports centre, tennis court and notable “holistic oasis” spa tick all those upscale boxes. Above all, the restaurants pack a Michelin-tinged punch, beefed up by celebrity chefs: Nobu Matsushisa features his celebrated Japanese-Peruvian cuisine while Giorgio Locatelli focusses on Italy.

Some island hotels evoke a bucolic idyll but up in a lush mountainous stronghold, Casale Panayiotis is the real thing: seven traditional homes in the Marathasa Valley’s Kalopanayiotis village restored and adapted for guests. Their innate rusticity – mottled masonry walls and cantilevered balconies – is tempered by modern amenities and woodburning stoves while a small spa and indoor pool lend a streak of luxury. Two restaurants and a cafe stretch across Kalopanayiotis. It’s an idyllic spot for a more authentic Cypriot experience in the ruggedly pretty interior.

In the hills of Kyrenia, northern Cyprus, Gillham fuses vineyard tourism and boutique all-suite accommodation. With around 4ha (10 acres) of vineyards, it’s a relatively small operation so tours and tastings tend to be personable. Most of the sleek modern suites occupy slightly blocky two-storey cottages with exposed wooden rafters and stark white walls. An outdoor pool and spa complex (featuring a splendid hammam and vinotherapy) neatly round off the luxe facilities while resident Israeli chef Eyal Lavy mingles Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern flavours.

For pleasure-seeking couples and on-trend families, Almyra is a “playground of possibility, where carefree living meets maxed-out style” – and possibly maxed-out cards at the boutique shop with big name brands. The pearly decor’s softened with pops of sea- and sky-blue while angular stark-white buildings overlook slender Alykes Beach towards the picturesque curving hook of Paphos harbour and castle. Bet the high-end spa and seven restaurants, lounges and bars distilling Cypriot, Mediterranean and Asian fusion cuisine means you’re probably too busy unwrapping your inner supermodel to notice.

Almost a part of Paphos archaeology with ancient remains in magnificent gardens, Annabelle is among the most famous hotels in the region melding tasteful luxury and state-of-the-art amenities. A 2017 makeover gave the grande dame of Paphos more than just a facelift; a spa, new indoor rooftop pool and a swim-up grotto pool add to the existing lagoon-like facilities while handmade furniture and rolling wooden shutters lend a more homely yet stylish feel. Amorosa, the stand-out restaurant and among the best in Cyprus, features international gourmet dining.

The King Jason is perfect if you’re seeking an all-inclusive experience, with extensive amenities including five swimming pools, a spa and fitness facilities. The hotel sits close to the vibrant community of Paphos and a coast that showcases idyllic villages that could have been plucked from a postcard. The variety of room types works for many different travelling parties: there are studio rooms, deluxe studios and even one-bedroom suites. Plus the airport is just 15 minutes away.

At Paradisos Hills, one truly understands the meaning of “good things come in smaller packages”. Named fittingly, the hotel is situated in the Cypriot mountains on the edge of a forest, treating guests to a captivating panorama that stretches unspoiled to the horizon. The complex is an expert blend of old-world charm and modern luxury, 14km (9mi) from the beach.

Looking for more Paphos stays? Book into one of the city’s best all-inclusive hotels.

A smaller boutique faction of the larger Olympic Lagoon Resort, Olympic Bay combines the attentive personalised care of an intimate hotel with access to the amenities of a large resort. It’s adults only and offers airport transportation, complimentary breakfasts and pool, spa and fitness facilities. Best of all, it sits right by the sands of Landa Beach (also known as Golden Paradise Beach) where you’ll find calm, swimmable waters and powdery sands.

If you’re an independent traveller, these hotel apartments offer luxuriously furnished, spacious, self-catered lodgings. Situated at the highest point of Pissouri village, Hill View has picturesque views of the Troodos mountains and coast, while you’ll also enjoy the cool mountain breezes. It’s surrounded by fertile land and there’s a communal pool, sun-soaked gardens and a terrace.

This luxurious resort combines top-of-the-line exclusivity with a homely intimacy. The 100 rooms come in a modern, clean-lined style with a selection of sea or park views. Chances are though, you’ll be spending most of your time on the white sands or perusing the lush green grounds. When you’ve topped up your vitamin D, The Muses Library Lounge has table tennis, pool and a TV area. Plus, being based in Ayia Napa means you can leave the complex to enjoy the dynamic nightlife.

From the moment you enter Capo Bay Hotel, you are transported to a beachside haven. The decor is infused with sandy hues and shades of the sea, while flowers perfume the air and the tide brings a gentle pulse. From the tapestries on the walls to the handcrafted wooden furniture, getting back to nature has never been this glamorous. This coastal paradise also has a spa, hot tub, pool, gym and a variety of dining options.

Come to Aliathon Resort and you might find yourself sunbathing alongside an Olympic champion. That’s because the Paphos complex has become a go-to for the sporting world, thanks to an extensive collection of sports facilities available to guests. But don’t worry, you don’t have to run a sub-10 second 100m to enjoy this resort. There are a small town’s worth of restaurants and bars, plenty of swimming pools and even a plaza for shopping.