Anassa
Latsi, Cyprus

Name: Anassa
Address: 40 Alekou Michailidi Road, Cyprus, Cyprus, 8852, Cyprus

About the hotel

Style

Cosmopolitan

Rooms

166

"From its classical buildings to its exquisite gardens, everything about Anassa feels regal and romantic: rooms are dreamy, dining is superb and the Romanesque spa is downright decadent."

The grande dame of European family hotels is back at the helm after a recent multi-million euro refurbishment. Setting the benchmark for luxurious resorts, Anassa Hotel overlooks the sparkling Mediterranean waters and has great food and beverage facilities, fantastic extracurricular offerings and endless activities for kids.

The property lies on the west coast of Cyprus in lush surroundings on the Akamas peninsula. Perched on the cliff’s edge and just a few steps away from the beautiful beach, a short boat ride takes you to the crystal clear waters of the blue lagoon.

There are two outdoor pools (one heated, the other fed by natural waterfalls) and one indoor pool, well-lit with natural light despite being subterranean and located adjacent to the spa. But whatever accolades and awards are attached to it, Anassa is surprisingly cool and relaxed. I wandered around in shorts and flip flops for the better part of four days, although I donned some pants and a polo for dinner, and no one cared.

Originally designed by an American architect, all of the rooms are super spacious. The recent renovation was the work of famous Parisian interior designer Joelle Pleot who was assisted by local artisans, the Charalambous brothers. The style is fresh, chic and Greek, flooded with light and sea views at every turn. Private, intimate and very spread out, Anassa always feels half empty even when it’s full.

Its reputation precedes it. Most guests rave about the stellar location, the beautiful flower filled gardens, the delightful suites, and the exceptional spa. And, as I discovered during my stay, for families, this is indeed a beautiful hideaway, with more activities than the kids could possibly undertake in a week. It is not, however, a romantic retreat for couples. In a nutshell, it’s a relaxed yet sophisticated environment for a luxury family vacation. Full stop.Seen from afar, the hillside Anassa Hotel on Cyprus’ west coast resembles a stately Mediterranean villa with whitewashed walls and manicured Cypress trees. Venture a little closer and it transforms into an elegant Cypriot village. “Anassa” means “queen” in ancient Greek – and no wonder – from the classical buildings to the exquisite gardens, everything about the space feels regal. At the hotel’s heart is its gem: an expansive courtyard designed to resemble a village square, complete with romantic lights strung overhead and a gorgeous Byzantine chapel.

Contemporary rooms and suites are open and airy, done up in beachy hues with natural materials throughout. Blonde wood and whitewashed walls give the spaces a dreamy, ethereal vibe. Opt for a Sea View Room; while you do have the option of Garden View accommodations, you’d be remiss to pass up on the dramatic ocean vistas. Many rooms have balconies and terraces to take in those views, made even better when enjoyed from a private pool.

Many traditional Cypriot delicacies (think fabulous fresh cheeses and honey infused with flowers) are made by the hotel on-site. In the village square, a “Cypriot Village Fair” is held weekly, complete with live music and folk dancing. For dining during the rest of the week, eight restaurants and bars keep things interesting. The cavernous Basiliko blends Asian and Mediterranean cuisine in a gorgeous dining room; the entire place – right down to the linens – is a vision in cream. The tavern-style Pelagos serves seafood and pasta al fresco, pleasantly shaded with a view of the sea. In the lobby, Armonia Bar serves cocktails and canapes (and a fabulous chocolate cake), and the bougainvillaea-draped Amorosa Lounge and Terrace is a romantic little retreat for a glass of champagne. Pretty as those options are, you needn’t even leave the water for refreshments; the swim-up Meltemi Bar and Blue Bar on the beach see to that.

Anassa is wonderfully family-friendly, and children are spoilt for choice with a variety of engaging programmes. For the rest of the family, the abundance of nature makes it easy to stay active outdoors, whether exploring the nearby mountains on bicycle or learning to paddleboard on the crystal-clear waters of Chrysochou Bay.

No stay would be complete without a visit to the decadently Romanesque Thalassa Spa. Many of the spa’s superb treatments are inspired by the sea, from algae body wraps and salt scrubs to Thalassotherapy treatments that are second to none.

Hotel amenities

Air conditioning

Laundry/valet service

Restaurant

Room service

Lounges/bars

Children welcome

Business centre

Beachfront

Fitness centre

Internet complimentary

Parking complimentary

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