Cyprus – Soak Up The Sun In Winter And Live In Style

Cities steeped in history, seaside hotels, and winter sunshine: Cyprus invites visitors to relax and explore all year round with its warm temperatures. Where to stay in style.

Cyprus, the sunny island. When Germany is shrouded in fog and rain clouds and the days grow shorter, summer lovers like to hop on a plane and travel to warmer climes. All it takes is a good three hours in the air, and you’ll land in Cyprus, an island in southern Europe that seems to have as many sunny spots as it does archaeological sites.

Marble bathrooms, sea views and cat houses

The southern part of the island is Greek and belongs to Europe. Even in December, the sea is still inviting for swimming, while you are surrounded by a mix of ancient history and Mediterranean joie de vivre. Fuchsia-colored bougainvilleas entwine stone walls, palm trees sway gently in the wind, all accompanied by the sound of the waves. The relaxed nature of the islanders, combined with the mild climate, makes Cyprus a first-class destination for anyone who appreciates warmth and culture.

Those who value luxury should check into the Amara Hotel in Limassol. Just a 30-minute drive from Larnaca Airport, you will find yourself in the airy, bright, modern five-star residence of the Cypriot hotel group Stademos. There are 207 stylish rooms, all (!) of which have a balcony with sea views, and some even have a private pool. The mini-bar is included, the bathroom is lined with marble, and the evening turn-down service ensures that your room is always tidy – fantastic!

Opened in 2019, the Amara Hotel also offers a 3,000-square-meter spa area, extensive gardens with several infinity pools, and a sandy beach with loungers that are as comfortable as beds. A highlight for animal lovers: the many cute hotel cats that live in small wooden houses on the grounds.

From truffle pasta to lobster

The Amara Hotel is a five-star hotel with heart, soul, and plenty of comfort. There is a tennis court that guests can use free of charge, a family-friendly kids’ club, and The Garden café with its jungle flair and a dessert display case that rivals France’s iconic patisseries.

The food at the Amara Hotel is top notch. Starting with the buffet breakfast, which includes a live cooking station offering an excellent range of sweet and savory dishes, including Greek delicacies, freshly squeezed juices, and what is probably the best pistachio croissant in Cyprus. At lunchtime and in the evening, you can enjoy a wonderful meal at the fish and seafood restaurant Nerea, located near the beach with a sea view.

Guests also have three other restaurants with à la carte menus to choose from for dinner. Ristorante Locatelli is an offshoot of the Michelin-starred restaurant of the same name in London, run by Giorgio Locatelli. The highlight: once a year in autumn, at the end of October, the Italian celebrity chef himself travels to the restaurant to create an excellent truffle menu, usually accompanied by truffle expert Carlo Caporicci from Umbrien.

At Beefbar, whose concept originated in Monte Carlo, high-quality cuts and street food are served alongside creative side dishes on charming plates decorated with emojis. Last but not least, fans of Asian cuisine can enjoy Japanese-Peruvian specialties from world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa at the Amara Hotel, such as black grouper with miso or rock shrimp with tempura. All in all, a deluxe gastronomic offering that is rounded off by four different bars, each with its own drink menu.

Southwest Cyprus – Living right on the waterfront

No less beautiful and located directly on the sea, southwest Cyprus is also a great place to stay. More precisely, about an hour from Limassol in Paphos. A picturesque place with the famous royal tombs and the Amara sister hotel Elysium. The five-star accommodation is aimed at families and history buffs and impresses with a palm-lined XXL pool area and many newly renovated rooms. The ambience focuses on local materials, more resort than boutique hotel. Particularly successful: the adults-only residential wing with new, two-story studio and villa suites, some of which offer a private pool and views of the tombs of the kings.

Apart from the design-savvy, luxurious Amara and the resort-style Elysium with its local flavor, the superior 4-star Hotel MedBeach is another great option for a temporary home in Cyprus. It is located near the old town of Limassol, just a ten-minute drive from the Amara. Simple rooms, a beautiful sandy beach, and family-friendly services such as babysitting, a kids’ club, and age-appropriate meals make this hotel the perfect “home away from home” for a multi-generational vacation.

Let’s face it: Cyprus offers sun, beaches, and endless summer vibes. On top of that, the island scores with a good balance of culture, comfort, and cuisine for every budget and taste.

photos: Stademos Hotels (8), Mike Badstuebner (5)