Anassa is the most romantic resort in Cyprus for couples who want a beach, a spa and the island's wild northwest coast on the doorstep. It sits above a secluded private beach near the fishing harbor of Latchi, on Chrysochou Bay, at the edge of the Akamas peninsula. The resort is built like a hillside village of whitewashed buildings, chapels and courtyards, with gardens running down to the sea.
It is a five-star hotel and one of the best-known on the island. A renovation backed by more than €10 million refreshed the main terrace, the Junior Suites and higher categories and the villas. The top residences have private pools; others have outdoor whirlpools on their terraces. Four restaurants, several bars and the marine-themed Thalassa spa mean you can stay put for days.
Anassa suits couples who want a polished, slow beach honeymoon with easy access to boat trips, coastal hikes and quiet villages. It is a long way from Paphos town and its nightlife. It also welcomes families, so couples wanting a strictly kid-free resort should ask about the season or look elsewhere.
Highlights at a glance
- Secluded private beach on Chrysochou Bay
- Residences with private pools
- Thalassa marine-themed spa
- Village-style whitewashed design
- Gateway to the Akamas peninsula
Why Couples Love Anassa
The setting is the main reason. This corner of Cyprus is greener and quieter than the south coast, with the hills of the Akamas behind and the bay in front. The resort's private beach feels secluded. The water is usually calm and clear.
The design also helps. Instead of a big block, Anassa is a cluster of low white buildings, lanes and terraces, so walking to dinner feels like strolling through a village. Bougainvillea, citrus trees and sea views appear at every turn.
The service and food are the third draw. This is a mature, well-run resort. The staff are used to honeymooners and anniversaries. Mention your occasion when booking and ask about a private dinner on the beach or in the gardens.
Suites and Residences to Book
For a honeymoon, the Junior Panorama Suites are a good middle choice, with sea views and space to relax. These were among the categories refreshed in the recent renovation. Studio Suites with Sea View are the entry point and work for couples who will spend their days at the beach and spa.
The Adonis and Aphrodite suites come with outdoor whirlpools, a step up for couples who want a private soak under the stars. One Bedroom Suites add a separate living area.
At the top are the Alcyone and Alexandros residences, each with a private pool. They are the big splurge but give you real privacy, especially in July and August when the resort is full. Ask which units have the clearest sea views and the most privacy from the paths.
Restaurants, Bars and the Thalassa Spa
Anassa has four restaurants: Basiliko, Helios, Amphora and Pelagos. Amphora is adding a grill-focused concept. Pelagos is a good bet for seafood by the water. Ask the concierge which restaurant suits each night of your stay, since the menus and settings vary from casual to dressy.
For drinks, Meltemi, the Blue Bar and the Armonia Bar cover sunsets and nightcaps, while the Amorosa Terrace is a pretty spot for an aperitif. A glass of Cypriot wine, such as a Xynisteri white, is the local choice.
The Thalassa spa has a marine theme and a full menu of treatments. Book a couples massage for the afternoon after a hike or boat trip. For a romantic dinner, ask about private dining on the beach or in the gardens.
Why guests fall for it
Things to Do
The Akamas peninsula begins next door. Take a boat from Latchi harbor to the Blue Lagoon, where the water is clear and shallow for swimming and snorkeling. Hike one of the coastal trails from the Baths of Aphrodite, a short drive away, for views over the bay.
Farther along the coast, Lara Bay has wild beaches where turtles nest in summer. Visits are managed to protect them. For a full day out, drive south to the Avakas Gorge for a walk between narrow limestone walls, then continue to Paphos for the UNESCO-listed mosaics in the Archaeological Park.
Petra tou Romiou, the rock where Aphrodite is said to have risen from the sea, is about an hour and a half away. Go at sunset. Closer to home, the village of Polis has cafes, a small market and a relaxed evening atmosphere.
Getting There
Fly into Paphos International Airport (PFO). The drive to Anassa takes roughly an hour, heading north through Paphos and along the hills to Polis and Latchi. Arrange a transfer with the resort or rent a car at the airport. Larnaca (LCA) is farther, about two hours by road, but has more flights.
Most US couples connect through a European hub. A car is useful for exploring the Akamas, the hill villages and Paphos. Driving in Cyprus is on the left, which takes some getting used to.
In summer, Cyprus gets very hot, so plan hikes and sightseeing for early morning or late afternoon. Wear sunscreen and carry water. The sea is warm from June to October, with spring and autumn the most pleasant times for walking.
Is It Worth It?
For couples who want a beach resort with real character and a quieter side of Cyprus, yes. Anassa is one of the most polished hotels on the island, with a private beach, an excellent spa and suites with private pools. Expect roughly $750 a night and up for an entry suite in high season, with residences much higher. These figures are approximate and vary by date.
The trade-offs are distance and atmosphere. You are about an hour from the airport and Paphos town. Families are welcome, so school holidays can be livelier. Couples who want to walk to restaurants and the harbor should look at the seafront hotels in Kato Paphos instead, such as Almyra. For a romantic, slow-paced beach honeymoon, Anassa is a top pick in Cyprus.
Insider tips
- Book a residence with a private pool for July and August privacy
- Take the boat to the Blue Lagoon early, before the day trippers
- Plan hikes for the morning in summer heat
- Ask about a private dinner on the beach for your anniversary night
