When it comes to indulgent, no holds-barred family escapes Cypriot retreat Anassa has more than earned its stripes. With a comprehensive programme of kids’ activities, helpful smiling staff (there’s a 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio) and a feast of dining options, families will easily find a combination that fits them perfectly. As an extra bonus, all of this choice is within walking distance of one of the island’s most sheltered and secluded beaches.
Despite the resort being rather sizeable, you’re pleasantly away from the island hubbub; lush flowering gardens leap up around you while every whitewashed balcony is draped in bougainvillea, creating a peaceful, bucolic atmosphere. It’s the perfect destination for a family who like to keep busy, but don’t want to stray too far from the indulgent relaxation of the poolside (and there’s plenty of poolside to go around, too).
Rooms: One of the blessings of a resort of this size is the abundance of different room types. From simple Garden View Rooms to spacious 2-bedroom family-sized Suites with living rooms and private plunge pools, there’s something for every varied demand. At the top of the scale stands the ma magnificent 2-storey villa (Residence) packed with original art and antiques and best suited to a large family with nanny. The westward rooms are the closest to the pools and beach which perhaps make them more suited to families. Take a look at Anassa’s rates page for more information on each roomtype (and we’re always more than happy to help match your budget and needs to the best option, too).
Once you’ve picked your room, you can be sure of elegant Med-meets-colonial interiors with parquet or marble floors, cream timbered ceilings and carefully picked wooden furniture. Some rooms even have majestic marble fireplaces and vast mirrors. The interiors may not be the sleekest, but the generosity of space (in the marble-lined bathrooms, too) ensures opulent comfort in every room.
Food: One thing’s for certain: you won’t be going hungry at Anassa. From beach BBQs and Cypriot mezzes to swim-up cocktail bars there are a number of delectable offerings for rumbling tummies of all ages. Of the 3 restaurants, Amphora is the family-friendly option. It’s also where you’ll find the heavily laden breakfast tables offering fresh fruit, breads and pastries of all sizes, cheeses and cold cuts of meats, plus there’s a sprawling list of cooked options including pancakes with maple syrup and scrambled eggs with smoked salmon. It’s a laid-back start to the day – guests casually turn up with prams and children to sit at the marble tables and bask in the morning sun on the sea-facing patios.
In the evening Amphora offers early sittings as well as a well-stocked kids’ menu featuring mini hot dogs, peanut butter and jelly soldiers, and fruit smileys (you’ll find this at Meltemi Bar, too). If you’ve opted to stay at the resort for lunch, grab a poolside a table at Pelagos for fresh fish straight from the lava-stone grill alongside delicious salads and mezze.
Kids’ activities: The resort is beside a peaceful and sheltered beach making a whole host of watersports accessible and safe. Enjoy banana boat rides and sailing lessons or diving and water-skiing. When activity isn’t focused on the sea there’s always a host of dedicated, always-warm kid-friendly pools. Anassa’s superlative service also extends to the Kids’ Club which, beside an abundance of toys and games, hosts beach walks, tennis lessons, stone painting, water polo and much more. Kids are entertained according to age group (with ages 4 months to 17 years divided in 5 ‘sub-clubs’) and there’s an excellent staff-to-child ratio (the team are highly qualified) so it’s the perfect option for high-energy youngsters – just make sure you book ahead! If your interests lie beyond the numerous activities at the resort, the staff are only too happy to arrange excursions for you, from guided archaeological tours to helicopter rides.
Baby equipment: High chairs and baby cots are available, plus (with advance booking) potties, buggies, car seats, bottles/teats, sterilisers, baby walkers, baby bathtubs, nappies/swimming nappies, swimming aids, wipes, crayons, colouring books and DVDs in various languages.
Customer reviews: “The Anassa is a magnificent hotel, whitewash and marble opulence in amongst the Cyprus trees and banks of scented flowers. Everything about it is luxurious. The abundant staff were charming and friendly, nothing was too much trouble.”
Hannah, United Kingdom (30.05.14)