Keep things suite
LAURA NIGHTINGALE TAKES A RELAXING BREAK AT ASIMINA SUITES NEAR PAPHOS, CYPRUS
A LUXURIOUS VIBE
This five-star Cypriot hotel is made up of 111 luxurious suites, so there’s no danger of ending up with a cubbyhole and a depressing-looking bed. Everything at Asimina is generous.
From the warm welcome you receive the moment you step inside the marble lobby, to all the added extras you’ll discover in your splendid room, this adults-only hotel overlooking the sparkling Mediterranean Sea is rather special.
Guests also enjoy the full VIP treatment from the start – whisked to a private room to check in with a cool towel and glass of fizz.
RELAX IN STYLE
Holidaying at the award-winning hotel is oh so effortless. It’s just a 10-minute taxi ride from Paphos airport. And you only need to walk a few steps from your room to find two freshwater turquoise pools among the pristine lawn and palm trees.
If a sandy beach is more your thing, pick one of the exclusive cabanas dressed with white curtains blowing in the sea breeze.
FOOD AND DRINK
Of the three dining areas where you can eat your body weight in glorious mezze and moussaka, the hotel’s outdoor a la carte restaurant by the sea is a must-visit, especially if you’re after a romantic, candlelit dinner under the stars.
There are a further three bars for champagne cocktails and Cypriot wine as the sun goes down, and there is live music and evening entertainment should you prefer to stay in the comfort of the hotel rather than venturing down the road into town for a night out.
It will be tricky, but try to save some room for breakfast because the morning spread in the buffet restaurant is extraordinary, featuring traditional delicacies and familiar favourites. You can watch your eggs being made just how you like them at the made-toorder pancake and omelette station.
A SPECIAL SPA
All the wellness you could wish for is on tap at the sumptuous Elixir spa. There is a heated indoor pool, tennis court and gym where you can slip further into holiday mode by booking a relaxing massage or revitalising facial. There is also the option to enjoy a treatment in an open-air private massage area if you don’t want to miss a minute of that Cypriot sunshine.
Beach towels, fluffy robes and slippers are available in every suite, but if it’s too much effort to a carry a towel to the poolside, there are plenty by the sunbeds.
WHAT TO DO
It may be hard to tear yourself away from your plush suite and its ultracomfy king size bed, beautiful balcony, indulgent rain shower, espresso machine and mini bar, but you should make the most of everything on your doorstep.
The Asimina Suites Hotel is in one of the quietest parts of Kato Paphos, yet it’s only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre and very close to the historic monuments, castle and harbour.
All the wellness you could wish for is on tap at the Elixir spa
DAY OUT
Paphos is steeped in history and blessed with superb UNESCO world heritage sites and renowned historic, religious and cultural attractions.
The Tombs of the Kings, the medieval castle, the Roman Odeon and the House of Dionysos are nearby, while Aphrodite’s Rock and the Baths of Aphrodite are around 20 minutes and one hour by road respectively.
If you’re a bit of a foodie, a trip to the villages of the Troodos Mountains should be on your itinerary. Here you will easily find a genuine insight into a traditional taverna mezze experience – and I highly recommend the wine tasting at Ktima Gerolemo vineyard in the village of Omodus (ktimagerolemo.com).