Judith Baker enjoys the hospitality of the Amara, a welcome addition to the Cyprus luxury hotel scene.
The Amara Hotel Cyprus opened in June 2019 and so is only just beginning to make its full impact on UK visitors. The chic property was designed by US-based David Rockwell Studio and WA Interiors who have created an opulent building that boasts sea views from each of its 207 rooms. With infinity pools, lush landscaped gardens and artful marble interiors it is a calm oasis with an emphasis on elegant décor and fine dining.
The hotel is 11 kilometres from the centre of Limassol with its lively bars and restaurants and is situated facing a peaceful beach. Around the property are palm-filled gardens and courtyards with olive trees and Cypriot limestone reflecting the country’s rich architectural heritage.
The 207 rooms include Rooftop duplex suites with a private pool, sun loungers and a dining area on the roof. Families have several options including seafront bungalows which offer two-bedroom cabanas with private pools. My room was flooded with natural light and had elegant furnishings, a roomy marble bathroom and stylish touches and décor.
Foodies will be in their element at The Amara as the hotel has offerings from two celebrity chefs. Nobu Matsuhisa (the man behind the famous NOBU brand) and Giorgio Locatelli (founder and chef behind Michelin-starred restaurant Locanda Locatelli) have opened restaurants in the hotel serving their signature dishes in beautiful surroundings. Seafood lovers will love the alfresco seafood tavern ‘Armyra by Papaioannou’, the brainchild of Chef George Papaioannou. Breakfast and lunch can be enjoyed in the spacious dining room looking over the pools to the sea, and meals can be taken throughout the property on the beach or in the gardens.
There is a hedonistic spa for those in search of pampering which features a distinctive 3000-year-old piece of wall which was discovered when excavations took place nearby. Treatments include thermal experience, sauna, steam room, ice room and Hamman
If you can bear to drag yourself away from the hotel, there is plenty to do nearby. It is a short drive to Omoros village with pretty cafes and artisan shops selling glass, jewellery and local lace. Pause at the lovely monastery with relics and colourful icons and enjoy a relaxed authentic Cypriot lunch in the charming Maures Xines restaurant. Although not famous for its wines, Cyprus is quickly becoming a major player on the wine world stage with an increasingly sophisticated range of wines produced in the vineyards here. The Oenouyi winery offers tours and wine tasting and a wine festival takes place in September.
Tell me more about the Amara Hotel Cyprus
Amara Hotel, 95 Amathus Avenue, Agios Tychonas 4533, Limassol Cyprus
T: +357 2544 2222 E: Info@Amarahotel.Com
Doubles start from €382 per night (inc breakfast)
