Get Wed in the Med

 Almyra Hotel

Located in the coastal city of Cyprus, Almyra Hotel offers the perfect blend of tranquillity and playfulness. Just a few steps away from the bustling streets of Paphos, this conveniently situated gem provides the best of both worlds. From the moment we arrived at the hotel, we were welcomed by the fresh scent of sea breeze and a delicious, iced hibiscus tea to refresh us after a four-hour flight.

As we checked into our Superior Sea View Room, we were greeted with the orange glow of the sun setting right before our eyes. The perfect timing of our check-in provided a glimpse of the natural beauty we were about to discover. The seaside hotel has 187 rooms and suites, all following the sleek look of the lobby’s modern interior, blended with Mediterranean accents. This continues throughout the entire hotel, including the exterior. The rooms have various modern amenities, including soft bathrobes and slippers, Acqua di Parma toiletries, an espresso machine and a smart TV, ensuring a comfortable stay. The standout feature is the panoramic view from the floor-to- ceiling windows, allowing guests to admire the beautiful coastline from the comfort of their room.

When you’re not relaxing in your luxurious room, there is plenty to do around the hotel, such as taking a dip in one of the five freshwater swimming pools or indulging in a pre-wedding pamper at the spa. For an adults-only break, the infinity pool overlooking the breathtaking sea view is the ideal base for an afternoon of rest and repeat. The hotel also boasts efficient technology, with a button next to each sunbed to call over the bar staff for drink orders, you won’t need to lift a finger. When you’re not sunbathing by the pool, the sleek Almyraspa is a haven for adults, offering a mix of wellness, health, and beauty services, guests leave feeling rejuvenated from head to toe.

Whether you’re craving halloumi, moussaka or olives, dining at Almyra Hotel ensures you indulge in an array of Cypriot delights. With five eateries dotted around the complex, each serving a variety of cuisines, there’s something to suit everyone’s taste buds. From Japanese flavours to Cypriot specialities or sea view light bites, you’ll enjoy the very best of local produce. During our stay, we dined at Ouzeri, a seafront taverna serving authentic Cypriot dishes. Upon arrival, I was already captivated by the surroundings. The gentle touch of the ocean breeze, paired with the soft voice of the guitarist serenading our ears was the ideal setting for a romantic evening. The act of sharing is the focus at Ouzeri and that’s exactly what we did. We ordered a selection of plates, including baked feta, moussaka and fried calamari which were all cooked to perfection. And for dessert in Cyprus, what else would you have besides Baklava? The serene sea view backdrop, accompanied by friendly service and authentic dishes, made for a delightful dining experience.

Dreaming of a seaside soirée in the gleaming sunshine? Well, the design-led Almyra Hotel has you covered. The various event spaces offer different auras and aesthetics, accommodating anywhere from 15 to 150 guests. During our stay, we had the opportunity to witness a real- life wedding at the Almyraspa Roof Terrace, an elegant venue for a boho-beachside ceremony.

The hotel’s minimalist design, combined with the natural beauty of the scenery, creates the ideal canvas to make your own. Picture a dreamy palette of cool tones, a relaxed atmosphere and whimsical florals – this Insta-worthy harbour backdrop is a stunning spot for your special day.
For a pre-wedding dinner party, Notios Restaurant provides an al fresco setting, serving up Japanese dishes infused with Mediterranean flavours. Furnished with lounging chairs and illuminated hanging lanterns, this is the place to be as the sun begins to set. With a selection of five contemporary function spaces, the talented events team will take the reins to plan and create your dream day.

Rates at Almyra start from €216 (approx. £185) per room per night including breakfast. www.almyra.com

Anassa Hotel

Next up on our Cypriot retreat, we embarked on a one-hour road trip to Anassa Hotel, a sister property to Almyra Hotel. Nestled on a secluded hillside overlooking the sweeping sea views across Chrysochou Bay and just a few minutes’ drive from Latchi, a small fishing harbour, Anassa is perfect for an idyllic honeymoon or picturesque destination wedding.

Dotted around the majestic complex are 166 rooms, suites, and residences that invite you to indulge in a luxurious retreat. Inspired by the charming, white-washed Greek villages, the bright buildings with pale blue shutters offer a private haven for two. We checked into the Studio Suite With Sea View in the main building, which offered easy access to all the facilities whilst remaining our own private sanctuary. The light, airy suite radiates a beach-chic style with a blend of Mediterranean characteristics. The cherry on top was the private balcony with views of the glistening Mediterranean Sea and immaculate gardens. The comfy seating, luxurious bed, and spacious layout adorned with artistic touches provided the ideal base to relax after a sun-soaked day. The hotel offers a wide range of room options for various occasions. For an ultra-luxe stay, the Adonis & Aphrodite Suites with an outdoor whirlpool, four poster bed with draping fabric and a sea view bathroom is the ultimate nest for honeymooners.

Anassa Hotel has created a destination rather than just accommodation, allowing guests to indulge in watersports, culinary experiences, fitness classes, and beach days. For adventurers, renting a car to explore the area or visiting the facilities around the complex is my recommendation. For families, the Mythos Kids’ club offers various activities such as pottery lessons, baking, and swimming, keeping little ones entertained in a safe environment. For the parents, The Romanesque-style spa is quite something. Set beneath Roman columns, Thalassa Spa is in a league of its own. Award-winning for a reason, it ticks all the boxes for a tranquil spa day. With 18 treatment rooms, a large indoor pool, saunas, steam baths, and a seawater jet pool (my favourite,) I left feeling like a new woman. You can’t overlook the details, with healthy treats, fruit-infused water and a sunlit courtyard, you can relax on the spa lounger while diving into a good book.

Dining at Anassa is an experience to remember. They offer four restaurants around the complex, all serving authentic flavours and seasonal local produce. After sampling Cypriot-inspired dinners, we chose Basiliko for our final night. We found this hidden gem down a winding staircase in a stone cavern, a wonderful spot for pre-wedding celebrations. The candlelit setting offers an intimate dining experience where you can enjoy Asian cuisine infused with Mediterranean flavours. The beautifully presented dishes, unique surroundings and atmospheric lighting created the most romantic evening I will cherish for years to come.

Weddings are a thing of beauty at Anassa Hotel, thanks to the breathtaking sea view, immaculate gardens, and picturesque venues. The setting that immediately caught my eye is the main outdoor venue: the Village Square. The focal feature is the hotel’s chapel, ‘Ayia Athanasia,’ with a capacity from 60 up to 300 guests, it is the ideal venue for an authentic yet elegant occasion. There’s something to suit everyone’s style at Anassa. Outdoor spaces like Helios Restaurant and the Roman Garden provide natural beauty and Cypriot charm, whereas the indoor Zephyros Ballroom provides a lavish backdrop you can put your own spin on. The Sunset Terrace offers exclusivity on a private balcony, where you can raise a toast while admiring the sunset over the Akamas Peninsula. After a day of elegance, you can head to the Galaxias for an after-party. The indoor nightclub can be used for a boogie and drinks until 3am.

When booking your wedding with Anassa, you can count on their dedicated team to support you at every step. This may include arranging the best local performers, organising guest transport, picking vibrant florals, and capturing your special day with their photography packages. While the talented team takes care of every detail, you can relax in your wedding suite or enjoy pre-wedding pampering at the spa.

Almyra and Anassa Hotel each have their own unique personalities, but they share a commitment to five-star service, effortlessly chic style, and charming coastal settings. Whether you’re planning a twin-centre honeymoon trip in lively Paphos or peaceful Latchi, this is the ideal holiday for indulging in luxury with your loved one. For couples seeking an enchanting wedding venue, both properties offer a variety of sea view venues with natural beauty for a lifetime of picture-perfect memories.

Rates at Anassa start from €367 (currently £326) based on two sharing a Garden View Room on a B&B basis. For weddings, Anassa tailor a personalised proposal to each request according to the number of guests with the relevant venues. A wedding for approximately 120 guests is roughly €40,000. This includes food, beverages, cake & venue hire fees. www.anassa.com