Amara – Cyprus
Even before the first stone was laid, the Cypriot owner of Amara secured the services of Nobu Matsuhisa and Georgia Locatelli. The former had a hand in the look and feel, with the result being an aesthetically arresting design, where food and the endless sea view are the main attraction. It has easily and firmly placed itself amongst the best hotels in Cyprus. From the moment you arrive, through the grand entrance, greeted by slick and efficient staff, you’re instantly cocooned in its relaxed and sophisticated vibe.
Right on the beach, it sits in immaculate gardens with striking water features, floating paths and tall palms. It’s perfectly set up for families looking for downtime and couples after some pampering, with a private stretch of beach; a glorious Spa and an intangible sense of calm.
At A Glance
Luxury Family Hotel
Why We Love It:
for its laid back sea front location.Style:
Contemporary & slick Mediterranean chic.Location:
On the beach, 8km from the centre of Limassol, close to the archaeological site of Amathus.Rooms:
207 rooms, suites & cabanas – all with terraces & a sea view, some with a plunge pool.Swimming:
Outdoor infinity pool, indoor heated pool, Spa seawater pool for adults & a children’s pool.Children:
From toddlers to teens & everything in between. Amara features a complimentary Kid’s Club offering an array of activities, as well as crèche & babysitting services.Accessibility:
2 rooms are specially designed for those with reduced mobility, & public areas all have ramps.Open From:
All year round.rooms
The Mediterranean view and absolute comfort were firmly at the top of the brief for the rooms and suites at Amara. Each room, suite and cabana is luxuriously spacious and understated, with floor to ceiling windows framing the blue horizon. Decorated and furnished in neutral tones, wood and glass, with open plan marble bathrooms, the feel is contemporary and simple. They all have a balcony or a terrace. Amara has introduced a unique concept – that of the ‘silent room’.
If total peace and quiet is what you’re after, these soundproofed rooms will guarantee you a restful night’s sleep. We love the Cabanas that are just steps away from the beach and have options to suit both couples and families.
food
You come to Amara for the food. There are few other places that can boast such pedigree amongst its chefs. Matshisa Limassol is one of the renowned Nobu Matsuhisa’s dining destinations, where you’ll find all his signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion dishes. Ristorante Locatelli, with delicious homemade Italian dishes with a twist, is only rivalled by its exceptional location overlooking the sea. Not to be outdone, the celebrated Cypriot chef Giorgios Papaioannou serves classic and traditional seafood dishes at Armyra on the beach.
For fresh meze and light snacks, the Dining Room is your spot. And even breakfast won’t disappoint you. An extensive buffet on the terrace each morning is quite simply the best way to start the day. There are four bars – with the Rooftop Bar being our absolute favourite. It’s definitely the place for a sundowner.
activities
Amara is the perfect retreat for enjoying some very well-deserved down time. The first class Spa, with its indoor pool, outdoor sea water pool, sauna, ice rooms, thermal experience space and superlative range of treatments and rituals should be your first stop. There are daily fitness activities and guests can also have their own personal trainer during their stay. The sports centre here has a well-equipped gym and a tennis court.
You may not want to leave the grounds, but if you do, there’s plenty to see in Limassol – a short taxi ride away. For water sports fans, there’s a centre not far away, from where you can kayak or sail.
family
There’s something for every age at Amara. The kid’s club caters for children between four and twelve, with a fabulous array of organized activities. Dance, arts and crafts for the younger ones, and tennis coaching for the older ones. Open every day from 10am to 1pm, and 2pm to 7pm, there’s no need to pre-book. There’s also a fully equipped crèche for babies from four – thirty-six months, staffed by professionals. This does need pre-booking and carries a charge.
Amara can provide everything you need, so you don’t need to pack it. And of course, there’s a babysitting service. Many of the rooms interconnect; the restaurants have children’s menus and there’s a shallow children’s pool.
sustainability
Water and energy conservation was very much factored in when the Amara was built. Waste water is used for irrigation and solar panels are used to heat the hotel’s water. The hotel works closely with local suppliers and is committed to supporting the community in which it operates.
Location
Limassol, Cyprus
On the beach, 8km (10 minute drive) from the centre of Limassol, close to the archaeological site of Amathus. Larnaca airport is roughly an hour away or you can fly to Paphos which is 75 minutes away.
