Katherine Gotla from our Mediterranean team recommends the Thanos Hotels – Anassa and Alymra – for the perfect family holiday, with activities to keep every family member entertained…

Scott Dunn has been working with the Thanos hotels for several years but since installing our Explorers children’s clubs in both hotels, we’ve been working closer than ever before.  The climate in Cyprus makes it a virtual year-round destination, although if travelling with small children I would recommend going any time from the Easter holidays through to October half term.

Anassa hotel and beach

Both the Anassa and Almyra have great family room and interconnecting options. The Explorers children’s clubs run for children aged 4 months upwards including a teens club in the summer months. The Anassa has a small heated children’s pool with easy access, making it perfect for little ones getting used to water for the first time. The ‘Baby go Lightly’ service means that you can pre-order anything and everything required for your little ones, leaving you free from travelling with bags of nappies, sterilizers, swimming floats etc…

Having fun in the Explorers children’s club

If you are travelling with older children and want to get out and about on the island then there is plenty on offer. Take a visit to Lara Bay Beach, also known as ‘Turtle Beach’, located at the Akama peninsula 30 minutes from the Anassa. The beach offers spectacular scenery and is famed for its turtle hatchery where loggerhead and greenback turtles lay their eggs – one of the few places in the Mediterranean where they can still be found. Lara is also home to the Mediterranean monk seal, another very rare species. The hotel will arrange a jeep excursion to take you to explore the area and seek out the turtles and seals.

If your children are learning about the Ancient Greeks at school then be sure to visit the Kato Pafos Archaeological Park, where some of the most famous ancient ruins are set. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to colourful mosaics straight from the floors of Roman villas, the ‘Limeniotissa’ ruins of an early Christian Basilica and the famous ‘tombs of the kings’. You can take the time to explore by yourselves or the Almyra will arrange a private guide.  At just 10 minutes from the Almyra it won’t take up too much time away from your sun lounger!

The Almyra adult-only infinity pool

Once your children are back in the Explorers club then make sure to take some time out for yourself! The adult only infinity pool at the Almyra is the perfect place to grab a drink and your book and lie back and relax. If you are a gym bunny then I can safely say you will not find a better view from a treadmill than in the Almyra gym! If it is water-sports that you are after then the Anassa’s vast beach is the place for you.

The beach at the Anassa

And if you want to be on the go none stop, then look no further than the brand new ‘Extraordinary Active Holidays’ now offered at both the Anassa and Almyra. They are catered for budding triathletes or active individuals wanting to enhance their swimming, biking and running skills. Daily activities include open-water swims, pool diagnostic sessions and road cycles accompanied by a guide to showcase the best the island has to offer.

Beach-side dining at the Almyra

Triathlon training 

After the days’ activites – whether it be working on your sun tan or working out – both hotels have fabulous dining options, the perfect place for refuelling.  My favourite being Natios at the Almyra serving an Asian-Mediterranean fusion and Helios at the Anassa, a fine-dining, contemporary, French Riviera fare served under olive trees on the terrace. There are also children’s options at both hotels. And what better time and place than over dinner to start planning your itinerary for the following day…