Condé Nast Traveller names best hotels in Cyprus

The prestigious travel magazine Condé Nast Traveller has named what it rates as the best hotels in Cyprus for families, couples and friends.

Referring to the island’s warm weather and beautiful seas, the publication says Cyprus is a popular spot for winter-sun escapes.

“So with sun worshippers in mind, the best hotels in Cyprus tend to offer that flop-and-drop stay that can be hard to resist,” it said.

Every hotel on the list has been selected independently by its editors and written by a Condé Nast Traveller journalist who knows the destination and has stayed at that property, according to the publication. “When choosing hotels, our editors consider both luxury properties and boutique and lesser-known boltholes that offer an authentic and insider experience of a destination,” it said, adding that the list is regularly updated as new hotels open and existing ones evolve.

The list follows, along with CN Traveller’s reviews:

Cap St George, Peyia

Best for: fine dining with a view

"Cap St George feels like a private little republic holding dominion over a peninsula on Cyprus’ west coast, halfway between Paphos and the Akamas National Forest Park. Opened in 2022, the resort is seemingly determined to keep its largely European and Israeli guests from ever wanting to leave its extensive premises: from the horse ranch, there are sunset rides among the sea caves; catch-and-eat fishing boat excursions; an open-air cinema playing Disney movies for the kids; a high-tech gaming lounge; a nightclub that brings in top local bands, plus a two-kilometre-wide private beach. The kitchen grows its fruit and veg in the nearby Perivoli farm (where guests can pick the produce), but it sources its cooks from all corners of the globe: foodies will love the roster of Michelin-star chefs, such as Wolfgang Becker, who are flown in every third weekend to wow diners at the Sky7 restaurant, where the seventh-floor ocean views bring added meaning to ‘elevated’ dining. The beige decor of the rooms is somewhat uninspired, but the suites’ gorgeous, private infinity pools will make leaving your room – never mind the hotel – an exquisite struggle."

Anassa, Latchi

Best for: the whole crew

"A 2022 Gold List winner for one of the best hotels in Europe, Anassa breaks the mould in terms of location. Its series of immaculate white buildings, spilling down the hillside to pools and onto the beach, is on the north-west coast, about an hour’s drive from Paphos airport. The drive is worth it – the hotel sits right on the scoop of Chrysou bay, great for scuba diving straight off the shore. But it’s the multigenerational appeal that draws Anassa's loyal following. The kids' club is slicker than most London nurseries, and the adult-only spaces are effortlessly chic. The spa is a leap above your average, with healing thalassotherapy pools and treatments by cult farm-to-face brand Tata Harper. With its four reliable dining options plus a ‘Baby Go Lightly’ service that provides any essentials you may have forgotten and more, Anassa ticks all the boxes in one big elegant marble-covered swoop."

Amara, Limassol

Best for: sea views and sushi

"It’s easy to be mesmerised by the view at Amara. The Limassol hotel ensures its sweeping beachfront is the star of every stay, with each room designed around a 180° sea lookout. There are large glass doors looking out onto glass-sided balconies, plus you can open shutters to look out to the horizon from the deep bath or large rain shower. In addition to the ceaseless ocean view, Amara’s other drawcard is its impressive restaurant offering. Enter a show-stopping separate entrance and venture down jet black stairs to find Matsuhisa, a slickly designed space with sensationally fresh sushi from celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa. Also on site is Michelin-starred Ristorante Locatelli, which claims the most romantic sunset views in all of Cyprus. Amara is great for couples as well as families, and rooms are cleverly divided into an adults'-only spa wing and a family-friendly wing with its own dedicated pool, kids' club and creche."

Alymra, Paphos

Best for: families

"It was chosen by our editors as one of the best family holidays in Europe, so naturally Paphos hotel Almyra is our top pick as the ultimate hotel in Cyprus for families. Children are wonderfully catered for here without compromising on design and sophistication. Parents can lounge under bougainvillea as they watch. their kids do handstands in the shallow emerald pool, or enjoy some sunshine from their Kyma suite’s seafront terrace while little ones have a daytime snooze inside. Like the sister property to Anassa, Almyra also offers the same handy ‘Baby Go Lightly’ service, as well as a kids’ club that's up there with the best. Breakfasts are perfectly geared towards children with plastic cutlery and a greatest hits menu. At night even the most jaded foodie will be satisfied by standout restaurant Notios with its almost-Nobu Japanese-Mediterranean fusion. For lunch, don’t miss the seafront taverna Ouzeri, where you can enjoy a relaxed meal and sunset with the whole family."

Amavi MadeForTwo Hotels, Paphos

Best for: honeymooners

"Amavi is the adults'-only antidote to the playgrounds and kids' clubs that line the Paphos coastline. From the minute you step into the glossy lobby, where floor-to-ceiling windows overlook swaying palm trees, pools and loungers, it’s evident that this is a different kind of playground. Days are spent on the soft, sprawling lawn, where lounges enjoy a direct view of the sea. If you’re feeling adventurous, the beach is just a couple steps away, and next door on the sand is the new Antasia Beach Club if the mood should strike. Otherwise, Amavi staff can bring cocktails and fresh sushi to your lounger, plus there’s a swim-up bar. Sushi is also a standout at Immenso, which serves fusion Nikkei cuisine on the hotel’s rooftop. The views and the custom-built Robata grill may make it the best restaurant in Paphos. Hotel bars in these parts can be hit or miss, but Selene is a true hit. Opt for a table outside under the stars and order something adventurous – this is the kind of place where playful cocktails are served in shells or shrouded in dry ice."

Apokryfo Traditional Guesthouse, Lofou Village

Best for: a village stay

"The alternative to the big shiny beachside mammoths, Apokryfo Traditional Guesthouse is a smart boutique hotel overlooking the picturesque village of Lofou, located at the foothills of Mount Olympus. As with most hotels in the Troodos area, the rooms are laid out through a collection of stone houses that wouldn’t look out of place in the Cotswolds. Inside are equally chic interiors too, and some rooms have their own fireplaces or courtyards. All, thankfully, have air conditioning. In the summer, supper at the Agrino Restaurant is served by candlelit on the rooftop terrace or in the courtyard by the pool. Wherever you fancy, just make sure you come hungry. The menu is more of an agenda, with a delicious and generous array of Cypriot mezze set to come your way. Leave room for dessert too – the loukoumades are little honey pastry puffs of heaven."

(Source: cntraveller.com)