Cyprus in Autumn

While some parts of the Med are starting to cool down, Cyprus is perfect for September and October travel. Last year, Katherine our Med Sales and Service Manager, jetted off in the last week of September to divide her time between the fabulous Thanos Hotels – Almyra and Anassa.

First stop was the Almyra, a short 20 minute transfer from the airport and real haven amidst the hustle and bustle of Paphos. As the car pulled up, my bag was whisked away and a drink thrust upon us whist we completed an easy check in at the cool, sleek reception.

Almyra

There are plenty of room options here depending on your party set up and the ones Scott Dunn suggest all have a great view out over the sea. For families, we recommend the connecting Terrace Sea View rooms which open up onto the lawns meaning the children run around and keep themselves amused while you read your book or sip a drink (or both!) on your terrace. One and two bedroom suites are also available as well as the more luxurious Kyma suites with private gardens and a more secluded location.

Ultimate relaxation is the order of the day during a stay at the Almyra, the Explorers club with qualified nannies, keeps children entertained from 4 months up to 11 years. The family pool is covered in a huge sail that keeps the sun off it during the middle of the day. And the adult-only pool adjacent to the spa is perfect for when you’ve off-loaded your children and don’t want to be surrounded by little people. Find time for a spa treatment if you can – even as a couple if that is your thing – and if you want to get a bit active I defy you find a treadmill with a better view than here! While the hotel is on the sea front, there is no beach, so the best way to swim in the ocean is on a boat trip.

Shaded pool

Treadmill with a view

View from the spa

This takes the whole day and includes being collected from the hotel after breakfast and taken along the coast towards Coral Bay. Meander up the shoreline stopping to view some old ship wrecks as you go, being fed and watered to your heart’s content. You will stop every now and again to swim in the crystal clear water or make use of the kayaks and snorkels provided. At Turtle Bay it was nesting season so we couldn’t stop and swim here but we saw turtles swimming around the boat.  A traditional guitarist entertained us over lunch and after an afternoon swim we returned to Paphos having had a super day out.

Sunset at Almyra

Cocktail hour in the pool

Next we were off to the Anassa – a 5* oasis set on the Akamas Peninsular looking over the Eastern Mediterranean. You will be spoiled for choice here with your dining options and the award-winning spa is a must. Again the Explorers club takes care of your childcare needs and there is also a great water sports center on the large beach for sailing, windsurfing, SUP etc. Day trips can be arranged from here such as a jeep safari into the national park – including Turtle Beach depending on the time of year – but the beach, pools, restaurants and lush gardens make it very hard to leave!

But leave we must and as I sit here writing this I am already plotting my next visit. It was the dream trip and these hotels are really the perfect destinations – all summer long – but especially for early and late summer sun.

The beach at Anassa

Anassa tennis court