Anassa, a glamorous thalassotherapy spa
decorated with Roman mosaics and Venetian frescoes, nestles on one Cyprus’ fitnest
beaches.
It’s
good for families, couples and singles wanting to escape to peace and nature.
The hotel
The five-star spa has a Byzantine theme,
reflected in its fountains, archways and cobbled courtyard; it even has a tiny
chapel. The resort feels like a village, with Grecian-style villas, suites and
rooms. Steps lead higgledy-piggledy to doorways, and the winding paths are
lined with bougainvillea. Our garden suite had cream marble and earthenware
tones, with a spacious terrace, plunge pool and ocean view.
Anassa, Latchi, Cyprus
The spa
At the vast spa’s centre is a huge Romanesque
indoor pool, a courtyard and a jacuzzi. The gym was small but well-equipped,
overlooking a smaller courtyard and kidney-shaped thalassopool. We lolled for
hours against the latter’s medi-looking underwater jets; almost replacing the
need for a traditional massage.
The treatments
I liked the spa’s indigenous offering, from
organic facials to body treatments such as the Anassa Cypriot Body Scrub (using
locally sourced organic Cypriot virgin olive oil, sea salt and oregano). It
also uses Osea-branded treatments, with mineral-rich organic seaweed, holistic
reiki and t’ai chi.
Must-try
The Harmonise & Revitalise package.
This mind and body ritual started with a 30-minute t’ai chi warm-up of deep
breathing and visualization. When I explained I was more of a chi kung and yoga
fan, my male therapist happily obliged (a bespoke service is the norm here).
This was followed by 60 minutes of reiki energy healing and a 30-minute
aromatherapy massage, $395 for two hours.
Get active
The sandy beach and sea are easy to reach,
but a brisk walk up on the cliff was a little more challenging. Going in the
winter season meant the two infinity pools were too cold to swim in, but there
were tennis and squash courts on-site. You can also mountain-bike, hill-trek,
paraglide, sail, snorkel, scuba dive and windsuft nearby.
Who should go
Squillionaire Sir Philip Green took over
the whole hotel to celebrate his 50th birthday. Otherwise, it’s good
for families, couples and singles wanting to escape to peace and nature. The
five-star Anassa’s remote beachside location was a relaxing escape in low
season when we stayed. It’s expensive, but money well spent, given the quality
of its spa, accommodation, restaurants and sports facilities.
For more information about Anassa, see
anassa.com.cy. Elegant Resorts offers seven nights from $1782pp in low season,
in a garden view room, including breakfast, return flights and transfers;
elegantresorts.co.uk
Relaxing bath time
Do you find it hard to switch off after a
long day in the office? HoMedics MySpa Vibrating Bath Pillow could be your
savior! It’s waterproof, yet supper soft, and has been designed to cradle your
head while your relax in the bath. The best part is the massaging action which,
when paired with the warm water of your bath, gives you’re a neck and shoulders
a massage and heavenly spa treatment in the comfort of your own home, $46;
homedics.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Anassa, Latchi, Cyprus
