This adults-only oasis is the perfect place for a complete recharge. Infinity pools overlook the Med, all of the bedrooms are elegant and uncluttered, and the four intimate restaurants deliver refined dishes; one serving up classic Cypriot treats, another with a live pianist. Since its grand opening in 2019, it’s remained one of the most exciting hotels on Paphos harbour and its beachside location is a real boon; you’re moments from the sand and every room overlooks the water. Sunsets are a big deal here too, so expect many evenings spent on your balcony watching the sun turn tangerine over the sea and the ramparts of a medieval castle, which is in strolling distance.
Overall score 7/10
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Rooms and suites
Score 8/10
The 155 guest rooms are fresh and contemporary with furnishings in soft greys, creams and caramels, and accent colours of aqua or fuchsia for throws and cushions. All rooms have big, comfy beds, handy touchscreen controls for adjusting lighting and temperature, and marble bathrooms with both rain showers and bath tubs. The real highlight — and something unusual in Paphos — is that each room manages to have an unobstructed view of the Med. If you can afford to splurge, opt for a Superior Cabana and you can also look forward to your own private garden or pool.
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Food and drink
Score 8/10
It’s hard to choose between Amavi’s four restaurants — service in all is both efficient and discreet, and dishes are plated up by skilled chefs and paired with wines that elevate flavours. Nocturne, a moody hideout with white linens, sparkling crystal and live piano music discreetly playing in the background, is the most formal and the best place to head for an intimate evening dinner for two. Dishes might include salmon tartare with a parmesan pancake followed by a rack of lamb or beef tenderloin with blueberries, and a trio of chocolate desserts. Elsewhere, Immenso specialises in Asian cuisine, Fort-O-Lana serves classic dishes from Cyprus, and Ezaria is the place for all-day buffet-style dining, including breakfast where guests can expect bowls of fresh fruit, Greek yoghurt with honeycomb, cereals and cooking stations for pancakes and eggs. Drinks-wise, there are three bars serving everything from speciality teas to cocktails.
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What else is there?
Score 7/10
The serene Evera Spa and Wellness has an indoor pool with its own relaxation deck overlooking the sea, and a lengthy menu of massages and facials using eco-friendly products from French company Thalgo. Signature treatments include the Prodige Des Océans Ritual, which uses 63 marine nutrients applied to the face and body for total relaxation, and scrubs that use ginger, salt flakes and pink sand. Couples can choose from a menu of massages using rock crystals and aromatherapy oils. The hotel aso has two further pools, one surrounded by tropical plants and the other with a view of the sea.
Where is it?
Score 7/10
Amavi is just a 15-minute stroll from the buzzy Paphos harbour, where you’ll find a medieval fort and the famous mosaics of Paphos. Together with the nearby Tombs of the Kings, this whole area is classified as an Unesco world heritage site. Frequent buses pass by the hotel to the harbour. Car hire and taxis are readily available and further restaurants and bars are within walking distance of the hotel.
Price half-board doubles from £446
Restaurant mains from £12
Family-friendly N
Accessible Y
Carole French was a guest of Amavi (kanikahotels.com)
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