There are few places in the world that blend myth and modernity quite like Cyprus. Here, ancient ruins lie in the shadow of infinity pools, and whispers of Aphrodite’s legend float through the salty Mediterranean air. Somewhere between the sun-drenched coastline of Limassol and the sacred echoes of Amathus, lies a retreat where time slows, senses awaken, and every detail tells a story: welcome to the AMARA.
A Mythical Setting Brought to Life
The AMARA doesn’t just sit pretty by the sea – it reigns. Perched above a 250-metre stretch of golden sand, the hotel gazes out over the horizon with the serene confidence of a place that knows its worth. Its name, drawn from the ancient Greek “Amarantos” (meaning everlasting), isn’t just poetic branding – it’s a promise.
Just beyond its boundaries lies the legendary Kingdom of Amathus, one of Cyprus’ most treasured archaeological sites. This was once a hub of worship for Aphrodite, and if mythology is to be believed, the spot where Theseus left Ariadne after slaying the Minotaur. It feels fitting, then, that the AMARA should bloom here, a place of timeless beauty and divine hospitality.
First Impressions: Love at First View
The moment you step inside the AMARA, the outside world politely fades. Every inch of this architectural gem – designed by SB Architects with interiors by David Rockwell Studio and Wilson & Associates – exudes the kind of quiet glamour that feels more Monaco than Med. But there’s warmth here too: Cypriot hospitality wrapped in sleek, modern lines and sun-drenched marble.
Each of the hotel’s 207 rooms and suites at AMARA face the sea. Not some. Not most. All. The design is cool, contemporary and impossibly calming. Rooms are dressed in sandy hues, soft whites and Aegean blues, and the detailing is where the magic happens: woven benches, natural wood vanity stations, shuttered walls, watercolour-style art and marble finishes that whisper of elegance.
The Deluxe Bedrooms are anything but standard. They feel airy and private, with king-sized beds you won’t want to leave and deep soaking tubs that redefine “unwinding.” For families or groups, there’s the option to connect adjoining rooms and stretch out across a spacious footprint. If you’re travelling with a soundtrack in mind, ask for one of the soundproofed rooms and let your playlists sing.
Couples will swoon over the Junior and Deluxe Suites – bigger, bolder, with expansive terraces, generous living areas, and views so beautiful you’ll debate cancelling dinner plans just to stay in.
But the crown jewel? The Two-Bedroom AMARA Suite. At a palatial 230m², it’s less of a room and more of a lifestyle statement. Think: marble bathrooms, dressing areas, private bar, and a 100m² terrace with your own private pool, where the only decision you need to make is whether to swim before or after that glass of chilled rosé. It’s indulgent, yes, but it never crosses into opulent overload. Everything here whispers luxury without shouting.
Even the smallest details are considered: twice-daily housekeeping, pillow menus, fluffy robes, and slippers that feel more like clouds than cloth. There’s 24-hour room service, should you fancy Nobu sushi in bed at midnight, and a multilingual concierge who somehow always knows just what you need before you do.
Culinary Greats and Global Plates
Food is a cornerstone of Cypriot culture, and the AMARA honours this with a roll-call of culinary heavyweights that rivals even the most spoiled corner of London or Paris.
At Matsuhisa Limassol, Nobu’s globally adored Japanese-Peruvian fusion takes centre stage. I’d return just for the black cod miso and whisper-light sashimi, ideally paired with a lychee martini at the Whiskey Bar. Meanwhile, Ristorante Locatelli brings a little slice of Michelin-starred Italy to the Med, with Giorgio Locatelli’s silky risottos and hand-rolled pastas set against the backdrop of a blood-orange sunset.
Beefbar is as much a vibe as it is a menu: think Japanese wagyu sliders, truffle mash, and cocktails that strut. And for barefoot, toes-in-the-sand kind of evenings, NEREA offers just-caught seafood and beachside breeze. If oysters and a bottle of something cold and local isn’t your definition of bliss, we need to talk.
The Pools: Liquid Gold
If you’re the type who mentally judges a hotel by the quality of its pool, prepare to be seduced. The AMARA’s infinity-edge pool gleams like a secret, edged with elegant loungers and soft breezes from the sea. There’s also an indoor pool for cooler days, and a separate children’s pool that thoughtfully balances family fun with grown-up serenity.
The spa seawater pool, however, is a sanctuary unto itself. Reserved for spa guests, this adults-only haven seems to merge seamlessly with the horizon – a perfect visual metaphor for AMARA’s ethos of seamless luxury.
Spa Days and Starry Nights
The Signature Spa is reason enough to book a stay. Treatments blend ancient Mediterranean rituals with high-performance skincare from Cosmedix and The Organic Pharmacy. Whether you’re after a detoxifying body wrap or a skin-glowing facial, the therapists here don’t just pamper – they restore.
Add in a full-service gym with group classes, a juice bar, a salon, and a barber (should your partner finally cave to a mid-holiday beard tidy), and you’ve got everything you need to return home looking – and feeling – your best self.
Events with Elegance
Whether you’re here for a wedding, board meeting, or just celebrating the joys of being alive in a place this stunning, the AMARA makes it effortless. The grand ballroom, complete with a dramatic spiral staircase and garden views, hosts everything from intimate gatherings to glittering galas. And with conference spaces and a business centre tailored to the modern nomad, you’ll never have to choose between work and beauty.
A City That Surprises
It would be criminal not to venture beyond the hotel, even briefly. Limassol is one of those cities that wears its history and modernity with equal pride. Stroll along the old port, explore Byzantine castles, or sip espresso in one of the shaded squares. The Troodos Mountains aren’t far, offering hiking trails and snow-dusted peaks in winter. And for wine lovers? This is Cyprus. Vineyards are practically an Olympic sport.
Final Thoughts
The AMARA isn’t just another five-star hotel – it’s a destination, an experience, a love letter to Cyprus itself. It manages that rare feat of being both luxurious and grounded, indulgent and deeply soulful. Whether you’re curled up in a poolside cabana with a book, lingering over dinner with views of the sea, or surrendering to the soothing hands of a spa therapist, you feel something stir. A connection to the land, the stories, and the eternal rhythm of island life.
And that, perhaps, is the AMARA’s greatest gift: not just a place to stay, but a place to remember.
95 Amathus Avenue, Agios Tychon 4533, Cyprus
