The Baths of Aphrodite, where the goddess of love reputedly took the plunge, are an enduring Cyprus tourist attraction. Anyone who bathes in the grotto will supposedly be blessed with eternal youth but, alas, it’s strictly forbidden to jump in and find out.
So the next best thing is to head to one of the island’s increasing number of world-class spas. Even Aphrodite herself would envy the heavenly retreats on offer, with pampering treats incorporating big-name beauty brands, local treatments such as the trachana wrap, which uses milk and wheat, and holistic therapies.
This year saw the opening of the five-star, adults-only Asimina Suites Hotel in Paphos, where the Elixir Spa offers a wide range of thalassotherapy and aromatherapy treatments.
Cadogan Holidays, Cyplon Holidays, Olympic Holidays, Planet Holidays, Sovereign, Sunvil Holidays, Thomas Cook and Thomson are among the operators featuring the property.
Another sophisticated newcomer aimed at adults is Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort, which incorporates a former monastery. Several operators have added it to their 2010/11 programmes including Classic Collection Holidays, Olympic, Planet, Sovereign and Sunvil.
“Cyprus hotel spas are among the best in the Mediterranean,” says Photis Lambrianides, commercial director at Olympic.
What’s more, right now, there are plenty of discounts and incentives for autumn and winter 2010, such as room upgrades and half-board at bed-and-breakfast prices.
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
Why? This five-star beachside resort is the grand dame of the island. Le Spa is an indoor and outdoor thalassotherapy centre, boasting four outdoor and three indoor sea water pools – each with a different temperature – and 32 treatment rooms.
Signature treatment: Watsu underwater massage.
Would suit: Families looking for a beach holiday with pampering for parents and activities for children.
Sample product: Elegant Resorts offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £1,090 this September, including flights and private car transfers. elegantresorts.co.uk, 01244 897518
InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort
Why? Roman-Greek bathing rituals, tranquil massage pavilions, a soothing fragrance garden and pools overlooking the sea are on offer at The Retreat spa. The five-star resort was the first leisure and golf development on the island.
Signature treatment: Journey of Reflection, an 85-minute, four hands massage.
Would suit: Clients who want to play golf, tennis, horse ride, cycle and work out before chilling out.
Sample product: Cox and Kings has seven nights’ bed and breakfast for the price of six from £1,140 this October, including flights and transfers. coxandkings.co.uk, 0207 873 5000
Anassa
Why? The celeb-frequented Thalassa spa at Anassa is a Roman-style health retreat offering everything from hour-long treatments to a 10-day detox.
The spa uses natural products from the Organic Pharmacy and offers nutritional advice and holistic lifestyle sessions. Set among low-rise buildings and tropical gardens, Anassa occupies a secluded spot on the northwesterly tip of Cyprus.
Signature treatment: Anassa Champagne Aphrodisiac, a candlelit massage for two in the guests’ suite with a bottle of bubbly to share afterwards.
Would suit: Couples in search of romance, rest and relaxation.
Sample product: Seasons in Style offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £1,720, a saving of £505, valid until the end of October, including flights and transfers. seasonsinstyle.com, 01244 202 000l
Four Seasons
Why? The independently-owned Four Seasons in Limassol opened the first thalassotherapy centre on the island and achieved another first with the only Shiseido Spa in the Mediterranean region. With the original seawater and seaweed treatments still available in the thalassotherapy area, the hotel provides two distinct spa products.
Signature treatment: Shiseido’s Spa Serenity is a top-to-toe indulgence featuring Japanese spa rituals.
Would suit: Foodies and spa lovers who want the best of both worlds.
Sample product: Cyplon offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast in September for £995, a saving of £112, including flights and transfers. cyplon.co.uk, 0800 074 8888
Azia Resort and Spa
Why? Named after the immortal flower in ancient Greek mythology, Azia’s Asphodel Spa reflects the Paphos resort’s philosophy of sophisticated barefoot living.
Set against the backdrop of falling water, anise-scented treatment rooms and the outdoor treatment gazebos, the spa offers a haven of peace and indulgence with many therapies influenced by nature.
Signature treatment: Ritual of Renewal, a two-and-a-half-hour treatment including an Elemis Exotic Lime and Ginger Salt Glow, deep-tissue massage, steam bath and other water-based treatments.
Would suit: Clients looking for a chic but unpretentious retreat.
Sample product: Olympic offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at Azia Blue, the resort’s hotel, from £765 in September, a saving of £178 on the brochure price, including flights. olympicholidays.com, 0844 499 4449
Ayii Anargyri Natural Healing Spa Resort
Why? Situated in Milou, one of the smallest villages in Cyprus, in the hills between Polis and Paphos, a former 17th-century monastery has been transformed into an atmospheric boutique hotel, with some of the rooms in converted monks’ cells.
A nearby natural sulphur spring forms the basis of many treatments and there is also an extensive spa and relaxation programme including yoga, meditation and holistic therapies.
Signature treatment: Orient, a two-hour detoxifying and purifying ritual.
Would suit: Spa goers looking for therapeutic wellness treatments in serene surroundings.
Sample product: Sunvil offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast from £619 this autumn, including flights and car hire. Short breaks are also available on the same basis from £502 for four nights. sunvil.co.uk, 020 8758 4759
