Take the path less trodden – Discover Cyprus, Discover Amara

Derived from the ancient Greek word Amarantos, meaning everlasting, the AMARA experience is built to offer a living panoramic vision that owns the horizon. From the lobby to the bar, to their Michelin-star featured restaurants, Nobu Matsuhisa and Giorgio Locatelli, to your personal cascading plunge-pool – here every room offers a 180° view of the sea – the resort truly offers a vision of the horizon!

Opened in June 2019 – on the Northeast coast of Limassol – this chic, coastal abode remains a largely undiscovered luxury haunt to UK travellers. Designed by SB Architects, David Rockwell Studio and WA Interiors, and boasting a cohort of top chefs, infinity pools overlooking volcanic beaches, and 207 artfully designed, all sea-view bedrooms, the AMARA is an exciting fusion of opulence and impeccable class.

The AMARA’s lush gardens are filled with olive trees and palms, while ornate ponds frame this majestic marble palace. Inside, the hotel’s interiors are inspired by the rich heritage of Cyprus, with cultural influences and architectural details expressive of the island’s Mediterranean landscape. When excavating and clearing the area for construction, remnants including a 50-foot section of an ancient wall and a spring well, were uncovered. To protect and preserve these elements of history, the relics were preserved as a unique design feature in the property.

To leverage locally sourced materials as much as possible, such as Cypriot limestone – indigenous to the area and reflective of the history of stonemasonry on the island - SB Architects not only referenced regional architecture but also embraced a sustainable design approach. In addition, resort landscaping features age-old olive trees, which have been protected and represent the importance of the agricultural history of the island.

Each and every room at the AMARA offers a beautiful view of the Mediterranean Sea, so there’s no deliberating on that front. Couples will love the secluded Rooftop Duplex Suites, which have a private pool, sun loungers and dining area up on the roof. For families, there are multi-roomed options, such as the Seafront Bungalows, which offer chic yet cosy two-bedroom cabanas with private pools.

Dining options are equally as decadent, reflective of the hotel’s two celebrity chefs: NOBU Matsuhisa (the man behind the eponymous Nobu brand), and Giorgio LOCATELLI (founder and chef behind Michelin-starred London restaurant Locanda Locatelli).

At the AMARA, Nobu Matsuhisa has opened his Nikkei spin-off – Matsuhisa Limassol - complete with all its noteworthy staples that combine Japanese cuisine with Peruvian flavours, including legendary signature dishes such as: Salmon karashi su miso, Black Cod with miso, White fish with dry miso, Rock shrimp tempura, New style sashimi and NOBU sushi and sashimi. All the dishes are complemented by a sophisticated menu of sake and exotic cocktails designed to perfectly blend with NOBU’s culinary journey.

Meanwhile, Giorgio Locatelli's Italian restaurant – Ristorante LOCATELLI - does not disappoint with its innovative menu of authentic Italian dishes including: pan-fried scallops with saffron vinaigrette, roast monk fish, Bagna càuda and homemade tagliatelle with kid goat ragù and chilli; and to satisfy the sweet tooth, crispy homemade “Cannoli“, ricotta mousse, and pistachio ice cream.

Seafood lovers will also delight in the al fresco, seafood tavern ‘Armyra by PAPAIOANNOU’ - the brainchild of chef George Papaioannou- with beautifully presented dishes including grilled tuna fillet with aubergine puree, seaweed cracker, ginger-basil sauce and wild fish fillet with sautéed wild greens, Salicornia, and spicy sea urchin sauce.

Those looking for the ultimate pamper experience should check into the AMARA’s Spa and indulge in its wide array of holistic treatments (including the new brand CosMedix), therapies and infinity-edge pools. The 3,000 sqm Spa comprises of 9 treatment rooms, thermal experience, heated pool, sauna, steam room, hammam, ice room, hairdressing salon, barbershop and nail bar.

Signature treatments include the Amara Aroma Journey (a delicate honey, and crushed rose petals body scrub infused with the aromas of Ylang Ylang), Collagen Boosting Hydra- Rose Diamond Facial (a deep exfoliation using diamond dust and an enzymatic peel to immediately brighten the skin, allowing for deeper penetration of collagen, followed by an intensely lifting facial massage), and Cyprus Ancient Ritual (uses ingredients native to Cyprus such as organic olive oil, crushed carob seeds, and warmed grapefruit halves to gently exfoliate and brighten the skin, followed by a full body massage).

Parents with young children are warmly welcomed to the hotel, where they can enjoy some R&R by making use of AMARA’s kids club, which is open 10am to 7pm daily and free of charge for children aged 3 and over.

Undiscovered Cyprus:

• Aside from Cyprus being a very popular flop ‘n’ drop destination, much less is known about the rich cultural and outdoorsy experiences visitors can enjoy. These include: Ski and snowboarding on Mount Olympus –Mount Olympus reaches a summit of 6,400ft above sea level, with its snowy peak admired from miles away, and offers snow worshipers 4km of slopes between December to March. The mountain is approx. 1 hour drive from Paphos (Elysium) and Limassol (Amara )

• Scenic hiking trails, which loop through woodlands, charming hillside villages, coastal paths, waterfalls and snowy mountains. Keen walkers will enjoy the European Long Distance Path, which crosses the island from Paphos in the west to Cape Greco in the east, the Kalidonia Trail (passing through woodland and a beautiful waterfall), and the Atlantic Trail around Mount Olympus

• Abundant wine tasting opportunities - Cyprus has traded in wine from as early as 2300BC and throughout the years Sherry became the preferred tipple of the British, with Cyprus in the 1960’s supplying the UK with over 13.6 million litres of Cypriot wines. Joining the EU forced Cypriot winemakers to raise their game, as they're no longer able to call their fortified wines 'sherry'. They rose to the challenge by planting imported vines like Cabernet and Shiraz, and then blending them with heritage varieties such as xynisteri and maratheftiko to create new red, white and rosé wines that are unique to Cyprus.

• UNESCO ‘Tombs of the Kings’ –located in Paphos, and part of the Aphrodite Culture Route, this is one of the most important archaeological sites in Cyprus, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980. The underground tombs are carved out of solid rock and date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Rather than kings, it is actually high-ranking officials and aristocracy that were buried here, but the size and splendour of the tombs – some decorated with Doric pillars - gave the locality its grand name.

Rooms at the AMARA start from 280 EUR* per night and from 144 EUR* per night at Elysium (off peak rates during winter)

www.amarahotel.com

www.visitcyprus.com

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