Cyprus: Island of the gods

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23 SEPTEMBER 2004
Past glories
Cyprus is steeped in history, and reminders of its ancient past are everywhere. The Paphos region, which was designated a United Nations World Heritage site in 1980, includes the mysterious Tombs of the Kings, the House of Dionysus with its vivid mosaics, and a pillar where, according to legend, St Paul was flogged. Nearby Kourion boasts the Sanctuary of Apollo. One of the island's most significant historic sites with ruins dating back to the eighth century BC it features a holy precinct and bathing complex as well as the Temple of Apollo.

A cooler and more traditional Cyprus can be found in the mountains which are dotted with little monasteries dating from the 12th century. Nine of these 'painted churches', including St Nikolaos at Kakopetria and the lovely Assinou Church at Nikitari, have also been granted Heritage status by the UN. Kykko, the island's richest monastery, boasts a jaw-dropping interior.

Where to stay: Leonardo DiCaprio and the Beckhams are fans of The Anassa, a five-star luxury hotel and spa in the green hills of the undeveloped northwest. Overlooking one of the island's finest beaches, set in beautiful gardens and modelled on an ancient Greek village, the hotel offers a wide range of accommodation, including suites featuring their own small plunge pool, with cool marble and Egyptian cotton throughout.

The Thalassa spa is the hotel's piece de resistance. It features a stunning indoor pool and 18 treatment rooms offering an extensive range of revitalising body and beauty treatments based on thalassotherapy, the use of seawater and its derivatives. Its sister hotel in Paphos, the newly renovated Almyra, is more affordable and perhaps more hip than the Anassa with its pale blues, greys and whites, and custom designed furniture. Its pride and joy are the Kyma suites overlooking the sea with private verandahs where you can dine alfresco.