Introducing: Limassol

Once a market town on the southern coast of Cyprus, Limassol is now known for its creative local community feeling and the growing port town has become a must-see destination of the island. Home to a charming harbour front and centre, visitors can meander among tinkering sail masts, watch yachts dock or cycle along the oceanfront promenade.

Cyprus attracts visitors who are in pursuit of quieter horizons, ideal for a long weekend as we move into September and October, 72 hours in Limassol promises uninterrupted luxury.

Day 1 – Under the sun and next to the water, a day at the pool.

Stripped from disturbance, on the first day on the Island where Aphrodite was born, romance is in the relaxation that beckons.

Spend the day at AMARA's oceanfront pool, flanked by sunbeds and sat on the shores of the Mediterranean. Soak in the year-round sun and watch the ripples of the ocean dance on the horizon as the sun arches from east to west.

Sip on crated cocktails at the poolside bar with an extensive list of drinks created exclusively by the in-house mixologists and a menu of light, international cuisine perfect for poolside dining.

A journey of remarkable gastronomy, dine at dusk at Beefbar.

The hotels new gastronomic offering, Beefbar, opened in June of this year and takes centre stage at the hotel. The glamorous restaurant first debuted in Monte Carlo in 2005 and has since become a global sensation, opening in key locations around the world.

The Beefbar menu offers a selection of simple yet delicious dishes that combine sexy street food concepts with premium cuts of meat and caters for both meat lovers and vegetarians with a variety of unique dishes. Overseen by Executive Chef, Oreste Mancini of Italy, draw the day to a close in one of the island's most desirable dining destinations, indulging in the excellence of Mancini's creations as the sun goes down. 

Day 2 – From west to east and back again, explore the island on foot.

On the second day, explore the scenic hiking trails that begin at the doorstep of the hotel, looping through woodlands, charming hillside villages, coastal paths and waterfalls.

Keen walkers can enjoy the European Long-Distance Path, which crosses the island from Paphos in the west to Cape Greco in the east, the Kalidonia Trail, and the Atlantic Trail around Mount Olympus.

Painted horizons, watch the sun set at AMARA's rooftop bar.

Bask in hues of orange, pink and purple as they are painted across the sky and enjoy the jewel of the hotels crown, it's rooftop bar. Dine on tapas and toast to true island escapism, feet up and hair down.

Day 3 – The essence of Cypriot rituals, a spa day in paradise.

The award winning, AMARA Spa is perfect for those looking for the ultimate pamper experience – guests can indulge in its wide array of holistic treatments and therapies.

Signature treatments include the AMARA Aroma Journey (a delicate honey and crushed rose petals body scrub infused with the aromas of Ylang Ylang) and 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). In addition, the AMARA Elite Facial and the AMARA Scrub Bar pay homage to the island's local ingredients – perfect for any bespoke wellness experience.

A guest of Nobu, dine at Matsuhisa.

The world of Nobu Matsuhisa comes to life at Matsuhisa Limassol, where one can experience the flavours, of the trailblazing Japanese Peruvian haute cuisine in an intimate and sophisticated setting, where the design on the restaurant has been created to reflect Chef Nobu's roots.

The menu features all the staples of Nobu's restaurants including legendary signature dishes such as 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.

Where to Stay

Sat along the coast with a 360 degress view of the Mediterranean, is AMARA. Named after the Greek work Amarantos, meaning everlasting, the hotel embodies endless luxury.

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 Medi-terranean landscape.

Each 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.  

Link:  http://www.amarahotel.com

Rates: Doubles start from 382 EUR per night on a B&B basis

Images: See here for AMARA imagery