What it is

One of the best destination spas on earth, perched on a seafront hill with 166-rooms in its terra-cotta roofed, Byzantine village-inspired structures.

What it isn't

Ravenous. Every ingredient in the four restaurants on the property is local; the staff make all their own cheeses, breads, sauces, pastries and more. Need your meals to be gluten, dairy or sugar free? Just ask.

What we think

Anassa is one of those rare hotels you’ll never be able to get out of your head. It’s not just that it’s visually stunning, with camera-ready guest rooms where neutral palettes sing against blonde woods, and gauzy curtains dance in the breeze of your terrace doors, carrying with them the faint scent of the bougainvillea and olive trees flourishing on the grounds. It’s that it has soul. Here, candlelit meals set to live classical music are everyday occasions, and sunset cruises and professional photo shoots with model-turned-photographer Nikolas Michael are just a handful of the myriad activities they’ve curated for guests. The spa itself is nothing less than legendary for good reason, from its thalassotherapy pools, steam baths, and an indoor pool flanked by Roman columns that would wow Aphrodite herself. Most soulful of all? The food. On a recent menu at Helios, their restaurant on the waterfront terrace: a truffled leek veloute soup with lightly poached clams, crab and a dusting of Oscietra caviar.

You're here because

You have a thing for looking goooood on vacation, because you enjoy your trip all that much more—and their stone and bronze boutique, Kult, is chockablock with sartorial thrills from Dolce and gabbana, Miu Miu, Prada and more.

The Moment

You’re not going to lie: you haven’t been feeling particularly beautiful lately. But after a week in this sunswept utopia and this afternoon’s marine extract facial and hot stone massage, you’re not only beautiful—you’re you again.

Restaurants & Bars

Basiliko - Signature gourmet restaurant where vibrant Asian cuisine meets the magic of the Mediterranean in a candlelit setting.

Amphora - Enjoy sea views and a relaxed vibe in a casual-chic dining room for local and international buffet breakfasts, à la carte selections, and themed dinners with live cooking stations.

Helios - Stylish interiors, a gorgeous olive tree terrace and the finest contemporary French-Mediterranean cuisine set to the strains of beautiful piano and harp music.

Pelagos - Enjoy Mediterranean flavours including seafood specialties, mezze, salads and pastas.

Location

A pristine peninsula in northwestern Cyprus, an hour drive from Paphos International Airport. Yes, they’re happy to arrange luxury transfers.