It's a familiar story: You've been to Israel countless times, you love the country and all of its wonderful attractions, but sometimes you want a little something different for flying halfway across the globe. Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. Unfortunately, due to regional politics and security concerns, finding a luxurious stopover either to or from Israel often entails a schlep to Europe or beyond. This prospect becomes even more daunting with children in tow.
Yet the answer – as is often the case – is hiding in plain sight, and in less time than it takes to drive from Tel Aviv to the Dead Sea or even Jerusalem, Cyprus is waiting with open arms to give guests from Israel a proper, friendly and much-needed pampering.
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Tucked away in the quaint little town of Paphos on the island's southwestern coast, the Almyra Hotel, a member of Thanos Hotels and Resorts, offers practical and understated comfort, style and convenience. Just a 90-minute drive from Larnaca International Airport, this "chilled-chic" design hotel offers a choice of garden or breathtaking sea-view, and either a private terrace, balcony or floor-to-ceiling sliding windows.
Set on eight acres of landscaped gardens with uninterrupted views across the bay toward the harbor and a medieval castle, Almyra is within walking distance of the town's shops and cafes and archaeological sites of the old town.
Yet perhaps most importantly, beyond the obvious first-rate amenities, top-notch service, and multiple fine dining options, the hotel has invested special care in enhancing the family holiday experience with stimulating day-care and facilities for infants, small children, and teens. So while you're unwinding in the luxury "Eauzone" spa, cooling down in the infinity pool or learning how to make sushi, Almyra has you covered.
The hotel's "Baby go Lightly" service, offers parents the opportunity to order a bevy of baby items online in advance of traveling, and all ordered items are provided in-room on arrival.
If you're inclined to take your luxury vacation to the next level, a one-hour ride to the north along pristine beaches and turquoise coves, perched above the clear blue waters of Chrysochou Bay, sits Anassa – one of Europe's most renowned luxury spa resorts.
The "Queen of the Mediterranean," the flagship of Thanos Hotels and Resorts, offers classical low-rise rooms, beach-chic suites and majestic villas, each overlooking the sea. Some of the rooms come with private pools.
Much like Almyra, Anassa also makes traveling with kids a no-fuss affair.
What sets this hotel apart from its counterpart to the south, however, is Thalassa Spa, voted number 15 in "the world's top 100" for 2018 in Condé Nast Traveller readers' travel awards.
You can choose from a broad assortment of holistic treatments, facials, massage therapies, couple's delights, and unique cleansing "rituals."
The "Osea Organic Ocean Journey," for example, consists of a purifying organic bio-scrub blend of seaweed, pumice, acai, and guarana, which polishes the skin and purifies pores. It is followed by detoxifying Undaria algae wrap which feeds and hydrates the skin.
For couple's traveling alone, the spa offers the "Ila Feminine Flow and Fertility" treatment and the "Ila Masculine Vigour and Vitality Treatment."
Throughout your visit, whether to Almyra or Anassa, one thing will be pleasantly clear: Hotel staff and locals share an affinity for Israel and Israelis – a very welcome bonus in a customarily hostile region. Due to the close proximity between the countries, and the fact that both peoples are similar in terms of temperament and their love of life, you are sure to encounter Cypriots who have already been or are planning to visit Israel.
The writer was recently a guest of Almyra and Anassa hotels in Paphos, Cyprus.
