Cyprus is well known for the warmth of its welcome and there’s certainly no shortage of properties where clients can lap up the local hospitality.
Several new and new-look hotels have recently joined the existing players and operators have been quick to start featuring them.
The island also has greater potential than many destinations to do well this year because hoteliers have reacted well to the recession, according to Photis Lambrianides, commercial director of Olympic Holidays.
“Prices have largely stabilised, giving Cyprus an advantage over countries that have become more expensive,” he says.
“The quality of the product is guaranteed and that’s a key selling point. The destination has long held strong appeal for the UK market and this summer families will benefit with discounts being offered for children in their own room, as well as sharing with parents, and good single-parent offers.”
This year’s big opening is the adults-only five-star Asimina Suites Hotel in Paphos. Unveiled in April, and created from the former Paphian Bay Hotel, the beachfront property features 121 suites including some with private pools. A large lagoon-style pool forms the centrepiece of the leisure facilities and the Elixir Spa offers a wide range of thalassotherapy and aromatherapy treatments.
Owner Constantinou Bros Hotels has run four-star hotels for more than 20 years, including the Athena Beach, Athena Royal Beach and the Pioneer Beach hotels. Operators featuring Asimina Suites include Thomson, Thomas Cook, Olympic, Sovereign, Cadogan, Cyplon and Planet Holidays.
Cyplon has a free half-board offer for the property on selected dates in August and October, and managing director Harry Hajipapas says: “Asimina Suites is a prime example of a hotel group targeting the higher end of the market. It reinforces our view that Cyprus will flourish more as a high-end destination in the future as the lower end of the market is catered for by the likes of Egypt and Turkey.”
Also for couples, the adults-only Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort in rural Miliou is new for 2010. The atmospheric 56-room boutique property has a mix of suites, bungalows and classic rooms. It is a former monastery, dating back to 1649, and some of the rooms are converted monks’ cells.
Nearby is a natural sulphur spring, forming the basis of many treatments, and there is also an extensive spa and relaxation programme including yoga, meditation and holistic therapies.
A new package on the Cyprus spa scene is a five-night detox break at the Columbia Beach Resort in Pissouri Bay. The hotel’s spa has teamed up with lifestyle guru Daniele de Winter, whose spa and beauty range was launched at the resort last year. With its nearby sister property, Columbia Beachotel, it is also offering packages that include transport and tickets to many of the island’s festivals, such as Limassol’s September Wine Festival.
Limassol’s five-star St Raphael Resort is currently being upgraded, and the extensive facelift will include the rooms, spa and Phoenician Restaurant. A new indoor garden, an ideal location for pre-reception wedding drinks, opens in June and revamped menus are being introduced at the resort’s Sailor’s Rest restaurant.
Foodies can also savour a new menu in the Caprice restaurant at Limassol’s Londa Beach Hotel. The so-called ‘modern eclectic cuisine’ showcases ingredients and cooking styles from around the world.
The five-star Coral Beach Hotel in Paphos recently unveiled a Family Plan to complement its new creche, amusement centre, pair of children’s swimming pools and separate restaurant for youngsters. The inclusive plan covers meals, snacks, drinks and entertainment.
A £13 million refurbishment and expansion was completed last year at the Amathus Beach Hotel in Limassol and new facilities include the spa and seaview Cyan restaurant. The hotel, and its sister property in Paphos, are offering free children’s lunch and dinner throughout July and August, regardless of the board basis.
And while angst-ridden adolescents might be reluctant to take the plunge, spa-loving mums could well be sold on the latest initiative from luxury hotel Anassa. Following the refurbishment of its Thalassa Spa, the hotel outside Paphos has launched a pampering programme aimed at teenage boys. Treatments include the Teen Organic Facial, with accompanying tips on skincare, and a mini spa menu of manicures, pedicures and massages.
Orestis Rossides, London director of the Cyprus Tourism Organisation, says: “There is constant investment, particularly in the hotel sector, where hotels of all classifications are upgrading their properties.”
Cyprus will continue to cement its reputation as a golf destination with the opening of its fourth course in October. The Elea Golf Club, designed by Nick Faldo, is close to Paphos.
Sample product
Cyplon offers a seven-night half-board package in a junior suite at Asimina Suites Hotel this summer from £2,082 with Monarch flights from Gatwick and private transfers. cyplon.co.uk, 0800 074 8888
Sunvil Holidays has seven nights’ B&B at the Library Hotel from £877 in September, with Monarch flights and car hire. sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4759
Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B in a double room at Ayii Anargyri Spa Resort this summer from £756, including Cyprus Airways flights and transfers. classic-collection.co.uk, 0800 008 7288
