Anassa

Pafos

After years of inter-community tension ending with the island being divided into two separate political entities, Cyprus, in the last decade, has become a very popular tourist destination for Europeans. The opening of its borders to the rest of the European community ushered in a new economic era for this island praised in verse by Homer. Numerous hotel infrastructures have spread over the Cypriot coast, all along its beaches. These luxury establishments owe their success to the growing demand of vacationers for peace and relaxation. Formerly Cyprus’ royal city, Pafos a UNESCO world heritage, is surrounded by wild nature. “The delight of Cyprus” according to poet Maurice Scève, is rich in archaeological sites and vestiges of unusual landscapes where the preserved nature forbids any sort of construction. It’s an idyllic refuge for visitors seeking privacy.

A divine retreat

Far from the bustling city, isolated 30 kilometers from Pafos, the Anassa’s charming villas look out onto the Akamas peninsula, a stretch of wild land with pink laurels, almond trees and wildflowers. With its narrow cobblestone streets, its fountains and garden and the low lying houses decorated in Mediterranean style, the hotel gives one the impression of a traditional Byzantine village. Owned by the Thanos Hotel group, this off the beaten track resort invites visitors to experience the joys of solitude and romance.

Anassa, or “queen” in Greek, pays tribute to the goddess, Aphrodite, whose beauty inspired the conception for the complex. One might ask if the waters of the spa encircled by Doric columns did not share the same virtues as the underground waters into which the goddess plunged her body to achieve eternal youth. This gentle invitation to relax might very well be followed by a gourmet stop at one of the hotel’s four restaurants, each of which is intimate and in harmony with the atmosphere of serenity and calm surrounding the site. The decoration of the suites is sober, pure and luminous. For couples wishing to seal their common destiny here, the hotel’s little chapel awaits them.

“Cyprus is a bridge between Europe and the Near East, Asia Minor and Africa. All these civilizations have left their mark here, and visitors can discover their vestiges within a very small perimeter. It’s a country with a human face.” (Jean Catsiapsis, Specialist in Greece and Cyprus)