Review of Anassa Hotel

As the third-largest island in the Mediterranean, Cyprus enjoys a privileged position south of Turkey and southeast of Greece, blessed with exceptional weather from spring through autumn. During summer, the dry and intense heat makes it one of Europe's most desirable holiday destinations.

The Anassa occupies a serene stretch of the island's north-west coast, perched on the fringes of the Akamas National Park. This tranquil corner of Cyprus rewards visitors with cascading waterfalls, dramatic gorges, and wildflower-strewn meadows waiting to be discovered.

Spanning 20 undulating acres, the resort's hillside complex flows gracefully through sculpted gardens, manicured lawns, and sparkling swimming pools before reaching a secluded beach and the crystalline waters of Chrysochou Bay.

Nearby attractions include the charming coastal village of Neo Chorio, the legendary Baths of Aphrodite, and the spectacular Blue Lagoon. The fishing harbour at Latchi is a short drive away. The Anassa is the flagship of three Thanos luxury Hotels & Resorts on the island, complemented by the Annabelle and Almyra in Paphos—each exceptional in their own right—approximately 50 minutes' drive away.

Paphos Airport is a convenient 45-minute drive from the property, while Larnaca Airport lies roughly 185 kilometres to the east, about a two-hour journey.

A total of 166 low-rise rooms, suites, and residences are arranged in a graceful crescent, evoking the character of a whitewashed Byzantine village as they cascade through blossom-filled gardens toward a pristine sandy beach.

Accommodation spans classical low-rise rooms through to beach-chic suites, grand villas, and spacious family-style residences—all set against the endless blue of the Mediterranean.

Every room features generously proportioned beds, plush armchairs, hardwood or marble flooring, and artful floral arrangements. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the entire property.

Guests may choose from 9 room categories, 11 suite configurations, and 4 private residences.

Garden View rooms begin at a generous 41 square metres. The bright, airy Studio Suites in the main building showcase bespoke furnishings by Joëlle Pléot, handcrafted by local artisans, and each enjoys sparkling sea views from step-out balconies.

Garden Studio Suites offer approximately 47 square metres of elegant living space, complemented by colourful vistas of the gardens, hillside, and sea. Junior Suites—housed in the main building or nestled in tranquil garden settings—feature artisanal Mediterranean furnishings with louvered shutters, while select rooms boast fireplaces, sun terraces, or private plunge pools.

The Junior Panorama Suites command sweeping panoramas across Chrysochou Bay, the Polis coastline, and the Akamas Peninsula. One Bedroom Pool Suites, reached via winding stone pathways, present idyllic villa-style living in traditional residences with lush sea-view gardens.

The Aphrodite and Adonis suites crown the hotel's top floor, positioned at the sunset and sunrise corners respectively. These romantic one-bedroom retreats feature four-poster beds, fireplaces, balconies with hot tubs, sea-view bathrooms, and private lift access.

In classical Greek, anax translates as king—a fitting name for this palatial two-bedroom top-floor suite with private lift access and breathtaking Chrysochou Bay vistas. Beneath the domed rotunda ceiling, contemporary furnishings harmonise beautifully with traditional Cypriot antiques.

The Andromeda Villa draws inspiration from the mythological heroine saved from the sea-dragon Cetus by Perseus. Its opulent interiors, mesmerising sea views, and private infinity pool make this three-bedroom residence among the resort's most coveted.

The Alexandros exudes majesty in every detail: its namesake, the sweeping views, the curated antiques and artwork, the grand entrance foyer, and the lush private gardens.

Two additional private residences complete the collection. Alcyone Villa—whose name evokes calm, peaceful days—is a serene retreat where guests breakfast by the pool or enjoy evening drinks beside the outdoor fire. Aether Villa, named for the pure, luminous air breathed by the gods of Olympus, features vast sun-drenched interiors, king-size day beds, and a stunning infinity-edge pool.

The Anassa is celebrated for its gracious hospitality and thoughtful touches, with special experiences such as star-gazing sessions and exclusive wine tastings arranged on a regular basis.

Set along a secluded 150-metre beach, the resort features a PADI Five Star Gold Palm Dive Centre and an RYA Sailing Centre, alongside a comprehensive Water Sports Centre, two tennis courts, squash, table tennis, and beach volleyball facilities.

Two magnificent outdoor freshwater swimming pools—one multi-tiered with a cascading waterfall, the other adorned with intricate mosaic tiling—are complemented by a serene indoor sky-lit spa pool.

The atmospheric Village Square, anchored by a Byzantine Chapel, serves as a picturesque venue for weddings and celebratory occasions.

The award-winning Thalassa Spa encompasses 18 treatment rooms and offers an extensive menu of wellness therapies, including exceptional massages. Thalassotherapy—from the Greek thalassa (sea) and therapeía (healing)—harnesses the restorative powers of the maritime climate, seawater, and marine-derived ingredients. Signature treatments include the Osea Malibu Lavender Sea soak, saltwater jet spray massages, seaweed polishes, and algae body wraps, with select therapies using seawater drawn directly from the crystalline waters of Chrysochou Bay.

The spa's product portfolio features QMS Medicosmetics, OSEA, beyond organic ila Spa, and Tata Harper.

Bougainvillea winds elegantly around courtyard patios leading to the Roman-inspired pool, while the exquisite indoor pool includes a thalassotherapy Jacuzzi. The comprehensive 10-day spa package, showcasing many of these treatments, represents an especially appealing off-season offering.

Additional spa amenities include acupuncture, swimming clinics, a saltwater exercise pool, saunas, steam baths, a fully equipped fitness centre, yoga sessions, a hair salon, and a dedicated relaxation room.

A charming on-site boutique stocks holiday essentials alongside designer pieces from Prada, Miu Miu, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Acqua di Parma.

While the resort effortlessly caters to every holiday need, guests are encouraged to explore the surrounding area. The Troodos Mountains offer excellent walking trails, the Byzantine winery and monastery at Chrysorroygiatissa are remarkable, and the hotel arranges sunset cruises and aquatic excursions to nearby beaches.

Families are warmly embraced at the Anassa, with thoughtful provisions ranging from mini spa treatments to early restaurant sittings. The Explorers Children's Club—operating from April to October for ages 4 months to 12 years—offers painting, games, and cooking activities. Babysitting services, dedicated children's menus, and in-room baby amenities can be pre-arranged through the convenient 'Baby Go Lightly' service. The resort is fully accessible for guests with disabilities.

Every detail at the Anassa reveals a refined aesthetic sensibility—from bowls of fresh lilies in the elegant lobby to pots of just-picked hydrangea on occasional tables and plump olives artfully arranged on hand-painted plates.

The whitewashed exteriors, crafted from stone, marble, and natural materials, are draped in vibrant pink bougainvillea that contrasts dramatically with the bright blue Mediterranean beyond.

Inside, corridors of highly polished marble, punctuated by blue-striped benches, lead into rooms where swathes of muslin at large windows invite natural light to flood in. Locally handcrafted furnishings are set against a palette of soothing, understated tones.

A harmonious blue and white colour scheme radiates contemporary Mediterranean elegance throughout.

From entry-level rooms to pool suites and private residences, every accommodation category strikes the same balance: modern comforts married with traditional antiques for a distinctly refined Cypriot aesthetic.

Eight distinctive restaurants and bars showcase seasonal and regional cuisine under the direction of Executive Chef David Goodridge. Bespoke in-room dining is available on balconies and terraces, and private chefs can be engaged to prepare meals within the residences.

The Anassa's four restaurants span the spectrum from refined elegance to relaxed seaside charm:

Helios, the resort's French-Mediterranean fine dining destination, features graceful arches, stone-slab floors, and crisp linens within intimate dining enclaves. Accompanied by a harpist or pianist, guests enjoy à la carte service and daily-changing table d'hôte menus on an outdoor sea-view terrace shaded by olive trees. The slow-cooked lamb is a celebrated house speciality.

Amphora offers relaxed yet stylish dining with an open-air terrace overlooking the sea. Mornings bring bountiful local and international buffet breakfasts with à la carte options, while evenings feature themed dinners with live cooking stations—a firm favourite with families.

Basiliko delivers Asian-inspired delights within a cosy, candlelit cavern setting.

The poolside Pelagos specialises in mezze, local favourites, and freshly caught seafood. Breezy lunches feature grilled meats, vibrant salads, and pasta, alongside signature dishes such as crispy battered sardines, panko prawns, grilled octopus, and generous Greek salads.

No summer evening at the Anassa would be complete without cocktails beneath a tangerine sky at the Armonia Bar.

At the Meltemi Bar, guests can savour fresh smoothies, chilled Champagne, or a signature Cojito—rum, fresh mint, pineapple, and coconut milk—from swim-up seats beneath a shady bamboo canopy.

The Blue Bar brings cocktails directly to the beach. A weekly beachside barbecue offers burgers and volleyball for younger guests alongside torchlit grilled seafood and chilled wine for adults.

A highlight of any stay is the Cypriot Village Fair, held in the atmospheric Byzantine Chapel of Saint Athanasia and Village Square. This traditional weekly celebration brings together a generous Cypriot buffet, live folk music, and spirited dancing—with all guests warmly encouraged to participate.

Ingredients are sourced locally wherever possible, with honey supplied by a beekeeper just a mile from the property. The resort's own grounds yield fresh produce, including harvests from approximately twenty citrus trees bearing mandarins, oranges, and lemons—all put to excellent use in the hotel kitchen.

Each October, olives from the hotel's groves are harvested. Plump black olives are marinated with salt, while green olives are crushed and preserved in saltwater, served with garlic, lemon juice, and coriander. The remaining harvest is pressed into the resort's own olive oil.

The Thanos Hotels group places corporate social responsibility and sustainable tourism at the core of its values, encompassing local community engagement through the procurement of regional produce, local employment, and sponsorship of cultural events. Environmental stewardship initiatives include comprehensive waste recycling, water conservation programmes, paperless operations, and energy-reduction measures such as LED lighting, motion-activated sensors, air-conditioning door sensors, and EcoFuel boilers—alongside ongoing efforts to minimise the carbon footprint and embrace renewable energy sources.

    Varun Sharma
    Editor-In-Chief
    Businessclass.com

    Natasha Michaelides
    Co-owner
    Thanos Hotels and Resorts

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