Stella’s Travel Review: Amara Hotel Luxury Wellness Escape in Cyprus

Location and design

The ultra-luxe AMARA is located on the coast near Limassol, the most cosmopolitan city in Cyprus and about a 35-minute drive from Larnaca International Airport.
The design and attention to detail at the AMARA is exquisite, and I would say this is the most beautiful hotel in Cyprus. The owner of the AMARA wanted to have a Nobu restaurant in his hotel. Nobu understandably wanted its own designer, David Rockwell, to design their restaurant. After seeing his work, the AMARA team engaged him for the whole hotel and what a good move that was. Yes, it has an Asian feel but with a Mediterranean style, too, and the result is stunning. Each room has a sea view, which allows you to witness some spectacular sunsets while sitting on your balcony.

The team

As you would imagine, the service is top-notch and I will pay particular homage to Maya the Customer Relations Manager, who greets all our guests and makes sure they are happy. This is particularly important if you are travelling alone.

The food

I ate very well. Not surprisingly with a Nobu and Gino Locatelli restaurant on-site — a few more carbs than usual but it was worth it!! My rule is that if you are going to come off track, then do it in style and with supreme quality. There are many healthy choices but this is not a place for a strict diet. The breakfast buffet is one of the best I've come across outside of Asia.

Wellness facilities and activities

The spa is built around 3,000-year-old ruins from the ancient city of Amathus, and is beautiful, with different relaxation areas and heat rooms. There's a heated indoor pool which is perfect for lap swimming in both winter and summer, and a very impressive gym with the latest equipment. There's also a seawater outdoor pool at the spa, which is peaceful and beautiful. The AMARA offers two or three fitness activities per day which are mainly fitness based, and include Pilates. Yoga is offered on average a couple of days a week.

My wellness experience

My experience was very much about relaxation. Walking along the coast, swimming, and enjoying luxurious treatments at the spa. The spa uses one of my favourite brands, The Organic Pharmacy, and the Rose and Jasmine Massage I had was divine.

Personal highlights

• The sheer comfort and beauty of the hotel. In every corner there is a work of art or a beautiful piece of furniture. It's a delight to the senses.
• The breakfasts. I usually don't eat breakfast as I follow Intermittent Fasting, but I made an exception here as the spread was so good and I could eat very healthily.
• Relaxing at the spa with the feeling of being part of ancient Greek history! I love that the ruins have been preserved and you get to feel part of that…the ancient Greeks did have their own spa treatments, after all!
• The mini bar is refilled with water and healthy drinks daily, which is inclusive in the rate — my personal pet hate is expensive water at hotels!

Areas for improvement

The lunch menu at the pool bar felt a little limited and the service was a little off. I put it down to being off-season, but I did mention it to management.

Who's it for?

• Couples who want a luxurious spa holiday by the beach.
• Single travellers happy in their own company, and who want to be pampered and relax with a good book and lots of sunshine by the sea.

Insider info

• The seawater pool at the spa is adults only and very quiet. We have negotiated for our clients to be able to use this daily for peace and quiet, as there is usually restricted access.
• There are restaurants within walking distance if you want to try a more taverna-like experience.
• Travel here outside of the peak summer months of July and August to avoid the crowds. May, June, October and November are particularly great months to go to take advantage of the best climate.

Stella visited in March 2024.

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