Need a sign to book a holiday in the South Mediterranean? May I humbly recommend you opt for a September break… It's slightly off-season, has high-ish daily temperatures, is great for a long weekend, and has no (or at least very few) kids. Heaven!
And you can't go far wrong at the Anassa Hotel, AKA the star of North West Cyprus. Yes, the private peninsula and high-spending crowd are impressive, but this hotel is anything but ostentatious. It's understated and decadent, with some of the friendliest and most welcoming service my partner and I have ever encountered at a five-star hotel.
First things first, after a four-hour flight and a 60-minute drive, I booked myself straight into the spa for the signature Augustinus Bader facial. If you have always wondered about this legendary brand loved by the likes of Hailey Beiber and Victoria Beckham, now is your chance to try it. The Signature facial means you get to test the full spectrum of products from the cleansing gel to the face oil and serum (my favourite, although the rich day cream is hard to beat for its everyday intense but non-greasy feel). And don't worry – if facials aren't for you, there are some really unusual treatments and experiences to try. All “infused with the spirit of the sea,” this world-class menu features algae body wraps, seaweed polishes, and saltwater jet spray massages.
The whole spa is beautifully designed, with nods to Roman architecture everywhere in statues and a sizeable column-lined pool. After a few gentle laps here and a peek around the door of the well-equipped gym – hotel gyms tend to be low-key with small weights and limited space, but not this one. Plenty of space for multiple guests and a challenging weight rack if that's your thing… I retreated to my very private Junior Suite for a refresh before dinner.
Is there something for foodies at the Anassa Hotel?
There are four main restaurants in total, with two particularly special spots in Basilika and Helios. The chefs at Anassa pride themselves on using local ingredients, making all of their dishes by hand wherever possible. This is no surprise, considering they are led by Executive chef David Goodridge, who started his career at the prestigious two Michelin-starred Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons, famed for its use of organic and homegrown ingredients.
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The first night is always trial and error as you figure out where your favourite spots are, and there are many to choose from here. To remove all indecision, we opted for “Dining Under The Stars”, one of the carefully curated experience meals. With an interesting barbeque-style set menu that included inspired dishes like seafood Souvlaki, grilled Kung Po prawns, Japanese smoked beef and char-grilled pineapple flambé. We were hoping for an exquisite Mediterranean feast with an equally special star-lit setting, and that's exactly what we got.
We thought the meal experience might be more sociable, but in fact, the tables were very private, spacious, peacefully lit, and extremely romantic. As with everything at Anassa, the food and service were impeccable. There are different experiences to choose from every night, so don't leave without trying at least one. Apparently, a guest favourite is the village square, with a traditional Cypriot feast, folk music, and dancing set to the backdrop of the classic dome chapel, a location for weddings that happen most weekends.
Our personal highlight meal was in the less traditional Basilika, which had an unexpected Mediterranean-Asian-inspired menu. The menu included sushi perfection and the most tender sashimi, a nice change from the rich but wholesome Mediterranean flavours we'd become so accustomed to at Anassa.
With floor to ceiling creams and whites it has a chic subterranean feel, it’s definitely one for the adults. We didn't get the chance to try beautiful Helios. Still, the menu is refined French-Mediterranean (as always, there's a twist!), and the setting is beyond Instagram-worthy, with carefully laid tables scattered amongst ancient olive trees under pretty festoon lighting. Hot tip: make sure you book your dining well ahead of your stay; these unique spots get booked up fast.
For shady daytime lunches in the shade, there is Pelagos, a casual poolside restaurant with tasty mezze and a daily fresh fish counter, with lots of healthy options for a lighter dining experience if you fancy it. Succulent lamb koftas and tangy Greek salads are a must have and they will be the best you've ever had. Or for those who don’t want to venture far, the lounger service is excellent. We were really impressed with the quality of the menu by the pool and on what feels like a completely private beach. Perfect Caesar salads and shoreline chilled rosé were ordered on repeat.
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And finally, Amphora for breakfast. When we spotted the “build your own” salad station, we knew we were in for a treat (if you are a nutrition buff like me!). Although the breakfast menu was extensive, with a bespoke egg station and an array of local nuts, seeds and tropical fruit, most mornings, we feasted on homemade cheeses, honey and bread. Simple flavours but so well made they felt completely decadent, and if you get there early enough, you can secure a table in the ocean-view courtyard.
For drinks, you are spoilt for choice, from sipping shorts to afternoon tea, all served wherever, whenever and without pretence. Our favourite treat was an 11.30 am glass of Champagne at the Meltemi Swim up bar followed closely by a 4 pm sun-kissed Pina Colada at Blue Bar on the beach, lounger service only, of course! For evenings, pre (and post) dinner, Amorosa Lounge provided the views. The outdoor lounge is a raised terrace, looking out over the impossibly lush landscaped gardens, with a 180-degree view of Chrysochou Bay. It's best enjoyed as the sun goes down behind the hills of the Akamas National Forest Park.
Which are the must-book rooms at Anassa?
Number 68, our home for the long weekend, is particularly special, with an uninterrupted view of the ocean and a private plunge pool. But if you can't stretch to a Junior Suite, there are over 100 more rooms to choose from, 166 to be precise, and all of them include unique features like private balconies or terraces and sea views. The decor is neutral and feels luxe and simple all at once, which is very much the Anassa vibe.
Imagine local materials like wood and marble, ocean-inspired blues and whites, sumptuous fabrics and huge beds! Best of all, they all offer full-size Aqua Di Parma products to try throughout your stay. A little like the Augustinus Bader facial, if you've wondered what the hype is about, now is your chance to indulge in this Italian luxury brand famous for its heavy scents.
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Added extra, there is an extensive luxury boutique on-site if you are caught short. Housing everything from Gucci to Estee Lauder is not for the budget-conscious but is perfect for the international and super chic regulars here at Anassa. And one last thing, and absolutely worth an extra special mention, is the service. Every evening, we asked for off-menu cocktails, and the team was more than willing to oblige. A daily acknowledgement with a touch of humour really made us feel at ease, and whilst they were super attentive, they were never overwhelming.
I had an adult-centric agenda for my break and Anassa was perfect for this but they are also absolutely brilliant at looking after families. You will find all of the usual facilities and clubs for kids of all ages, they even have an intro to scuba diving for children. I can’t think of a better place to learn than in the safety of the very clear, very calm waters of the bay. So if my agenda doesn’t resonate, don’t be detoured, the teams at Anassa can actually cater for just about anyone, they really will tailor your stay to you!
3 nights at Anassa is available through F&P Travel from £850 per person based on two sharing a Garden View Room. Price includes breakfast, return BA flights from London to Paphos and complimentary F&P Travel concierge service. To book, contact F&P Travel 01306 264005.
Cyprus for those who like the finer things in life.
