Almyra
Paphos (Pafos), Cyprus
Reviewed by
Michael Cullen
I challenge anyone not to have a great holiday at Almyra. OK, so it's bigger than most i-escape hotels, and the resort town of Paphos can be a bit tacky. But hey, you've got 4 pools to choose from (including adult-only options, a godsend during the popular school holidays), lawned grounds for sunbathing, a small patch of beach to swim or sail from, a superb spa to pummel you into glorious submission, and kids' clubs to look after the little ones. There's Asian-Med cuisine served alfresco at low cushioned benches, or Cypriot mezes at lamp-lit taverna tables on the seafront. Art exhibitions grace the open-plan lobby. Kick-back of an evening by the firepit alongside the lap pool. 5* service comes from 150 staff who seemed to be smiling permanently (and sincerely) during our stay.
Bedrooms are sleek but understated, with a choice of couples' rooms and family suites in the main buildings, or more spacious Kyma Suites in a secluded wing. Stroll to the old harbour for cruises and amazing Roman mosaics, jog or cycle along a pedestrianised promenade to the Tomb of the Kings, or hire a car to explore turtle beaches, vineyards and cedar forests. Oh, and did we mention the sun shines here over 300 days per year?
Bedrooms are sleek but understated, with a choice of couples' rooms and family suites in the main buildings, or more spacious Kyma Suites in a secluded wing. Stroll to the old harbour for cruises and amazing Roman mosaics, jog or cycle along a pedestrianised promenade to the Tomb of the Kings, or hire a car to explore turtle beaches, vineyards and cedar forests. Oh, and did we mention the sun shines here over 300 days per year?
Highs
- There's a lovely vibe: staff really care, the chef chats to diners, waitresses remember preferences from one day to the next, and the gardener burns rosemary to keep insects away from your terrace
- We loved the Joëlle Pléot-designed bedrooms: clean white spaces with wooden accents, comfy beds and excellent showers
- We stayed in the Kyma Suites on our last visit, delightfully secluded, with semi-enclosed sea-view patios – you'd never guess you're in such a big hotel
- Our dinner at Notios was outstanding: tender sushi, fresh sea bream, crisp and exotic salads, delicate mango mousse... and Ouzeri's meze lunches were fun, too
- Paphos is home to Cyprus' biggest archaeological park and close to its best beaches; it has its own airport with excellent connections
Lows
- The main building is big and blocky, with tall hotels on either side; rear-facing rooms can get noise from passing motorbikes at night (ask for a sea-facing if you're noise-sensitive) as you'd expect from being in an urban area
- The beach is very small and overlooked by passers-by (but the waters are calm – great for long swims)
- Paphos is a well developed resort town – karaoke bars and English pubs dot the old harbour – but you're 5 minutes' walk away on a relatively quiet patch of seafront
- The buffet meals in Mosaics Restaurant can be a bit hectic at busy times
- Twin beds are available on request but they may be two single mattresses on a double bedframe