Overview
If heaven on earth existed, we’re pretty confident it would strike an uncanny resemblance to Anassa – an effortlessly elegant seafront sanctuary and the crowning glory of Cyprus. With a wellness-first approach to family holidays, it magically answers the wants & whims of both serenity seekers and their energetic offspring. Parents can saunter down to the sumptuous spa, tantalise their taste buds in the quadrant of restaurants, or enjoy a creative cocktail hour (the alcohol-free options are some of the best we’ve ever tasted), whilst children have the time of their lives in the Kids Club. Designed as a traditional village, impeccably groomed grounds cascade down into the sea, with marble interiors, oversized terracotta vases and fountains of flowing water lining a central village square. This 5-star hotel offers next-level-luxury in keeping with its surroundings – from the ancient-inspired feast nights to the Byzantine chapel, Anassa encapsulates old-world Cypriot charm and natural beauty. A connoisseur of making child friendly, chic, it’s easy to understand the eternal allure of a soul-soothing stay here
Mama
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Flight
4 hrs 35 mins from England to Paphos and Larnaca airports
Transfer
Paphos is closer, only a 60 minutes drive away, but Larnaca is served by more frequent flights from the UK, taking 2 hours 10 minutes to transfer
Best time to visit
With 300 days of sunshine per year, Cyprus makes for a brilliant shoulder season destination, but whilst the weather is warm from April onwards, our top tip is to visit in early autumn to give the sun a chance to heat the sparkling sea
Favourite room
We love the two bedroom family suites, with central lounge, outdoor dining terrace and picnic-style seating, made for al fresco room service. Plump for an interconnecting, or two bedroom, suite with private pool for the ultimate luxury
Nearby
Hidden in the Akamas Peninsula, with the mesmerising Mediterranean to the front and fairytale forest to the back, Anassa serves up a faultless fly and flop. Should you wish to explore (and we wouldn’t blame you if the furthest you go is from bed to beach), there’s the sea to sail, hills to hike, monasteries, museums and vineyards to uncover
Price
from £775 p/night during low season and £1132 p/night during high season
Meet the family...
Frankie
Parent to Tiny Traveller aged 11 months
We were searching for a warm weather April escape, but as I was pregnant the risk of Zika ruled out much of the Caribbean. Cyprus delivered blue skies and swimwear-spent days, plus ease of travel and minimal time difference. The bountiful breakfast at Anassa is truly one of the best hotel spreads I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating, with a mix of traditional delicacies, made to order eggs, a rainbow of fruit and at least 10 different types of local honey. Our son was warmly welcomed everywhere, highchairs and children’s cutlery readily available and staff always made sure to serve him first. The glittering pools were a godsend in the heat, and the sumptuous double bed shaded loungers a particular treat
Worth waking the baby for
01
Blue Lagoon
A hidden gem, off the traditional tourist trail, this small cove is complete with crystal-clear waters, abundant marine life and healing natural springs. Snorkelling, swimming, diving and soaking up the sublime scenery are all the agenda with a day trip here
02
Lara Bay
A siren call for parents who want to escape hordes of people and parasols, this unspoilt stretch of sand is home to more nesting loggerhead and green turtles than it is tourists. Accessible only by four-wheel drive, the sands have been kept blissfully unspoilt. Visit from late May – August for the best chance of witnessing new hatchlings
03
Akamas National Park
Less than a 10-minute drive from Anassa, guests are transported to a pristine paradise at the panoramic Akamas National Park. Boasting three official nature trails, the waterfall Baths of Aphrodite, remote beaches and impressive gorges
