One of the chief joys in life is discovering a place that you want to return to year after year. Anassa in Paphos, Cyprus is such a place.
Located near a protected nature reserve overlooking the Mediterranean, Anassa has been family-owned and operated for over 55 years, cultivating a loyal client base who come back every summer.
It’s easy to see where the appeal lies: refined decor, intuitive service and a peaceful, discreet location make it a no-brainer for anybody looking to completely switch off and relax.
What’s more, for 2026, the hotel is welcoming a new chapter, with a significant upgrade to key areas of the resort, from the main terrace to the accommodation, and new guest experiences including a holistic wellness offering at the Thalassa Spa and a new grill-led dining concept at its Amphora restaurant.
Here, we chart our ultimate four-day itinerary – the perfect long weekend.
Day 1: Arrive and reset
Anassa is just an hour’s drive from Paphos airport, which is around four and a half hours in the air from the UK. Take an early flight and you'll be settled in your suite or villa by the afternoon.
Once you’ve unpacked, it’s time to head for a light lunch at the poolside restaurant and bar, Pelagos, an open-air taverna that serves Cypriot mezze including fresh seafood, salads and pastas.
Next on the agenda is a visit to the Thalassa Spa. After utilising the huge indoor pool, saunas, steam baths and seawater exercise-jet pool, book in for a massage, a holistic treatment, or enjoy a facial using Augustinus Bader or the Australian brand Subtle Energies.
Day 2: Sun and relaxation
After waking up fully refreshed, hit the breakfast buffet at open-air restaurant Amphora, and then take your pick of the resort’s ample swimming pools.
Once you’ve had your fill of sunbathing and swimming, you could pick up a racquet at the tennis and padel courts, or wander down to the beach for a few hours on the sand. If you’ve got children, don’t forget the playground too, or the Mythos kids club.
Day 3: Quiet exploration
Now you’ve oriented yourself in the resort, it’s time to explore the local area. The Akamas National Forest Park is just a short drive away, where you can enjoy hiking trails such as the scenic Aphrodite Trail.
Another option is to venture out on horseback – Anassa offers an equestrian experience which takes you on a breathtaking trail through the countryside (there is a riding school to get beginners up to speed).
After a day of tourism, head back to the hotel and reserve a table at Helios, the hotel’s French-Mediterranean fine dining restaurant, or Basiliko, Asian-Mediterranean fusion cuisine. Both are equally as romantic, with the former soundtracked by live music, and the latter candlelit and intimate.
Day 4: An adventurous ending
Why not charter a luxury yacht for your last day in paradise? Or try your hand at waterskiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing or parasailing? All of these activities are available to book at the beachfront, with sunset cruises and fishing trips also on offer too. You can also try yoga or up your fitness with a PT. Before heading to the airport, be sure to stock up on gifts at Kult, the on- site boutique that sells luxury fashion brands including Gucci and Prada, as well as Agora by Kult, which has artisan goods by local sellers. Think of it as the start of a collection – one you can build on which each return visit.
Click here to read the article in Harper's Bazaar.