With breath-taking sea views from every room, interiors by leading designers and restaurants run by Michelin chefs the luxury Amara Hotel Cyprus is a contemporary classic…

Photo: Amara Hotel

Wherever you are in the Amara Hotel – be it your bedroom, the dining room, the lobby, the bar or the spa, you get a 180 degree view of the twinkling blue Mediterranean. Designers US Rockwell Group brought together elements of classical Cypriot architecture with contemporary floor to ceiling windows that flood the building with light so that the sea is visible from every point.

Age old olive trees in courtyards, infinity pools and furnishings make this a unique and luxurious property. It opened in 2019 on the north east coast of Limassol and so the chic hotel is still relatively undiscovered by British visitors.

With infinity pools overlooking volcanic beaches and lush gardens Amara has a timeless quality, – the name itself means ‘everlasting,’ which is sure to leave a memorable impression.

Stepping into my room at the Amara I am struck not just by the view and the light, but the sophisticated style of the neutral decor and the unusual artwork on the wall. The bathroom is a white marble sanctuary with fragrant toiletries and understated facilities which include a great shower and deep luxurious bath.

There are 207 fabulous rooms here. Couples can choose secluded Rooftop Duplex Suites, which have a private pool, sun loungers and dining area up on the roof. For families, there are a number of options, including Seafront Bungalows, chic yet cosy two-bedroom cabanas with private pools.

Eating at The Amara is a gourmet’s delight. Celebrated Michelin-starred Italian chef Giorgio Locatelli has opened his Ristorante Lovcatelli in the Amara, with a menu of authentic Italian dishes including: pan-fried scallops with saffron vinaigrette, roast monk fish, Bagna càuda and homemade tagliatelle with kid goat ragù and chilli.

On my first night in the hotel I chose to dine at the Matsuhisa Limassol. Nobu Matsuhisa of NOBU fame has opened his Nikkei spin-off complete with signature dishes that combine Japanese cuisine with Peruvian flavours including salmon karashi su miso, black cod with miso, white fish with dry miso, rock shrimp tempura, new style sashimi and NOBU sushi and sashimi. Equally memorable are the delicious sake and exotic cocktails designed to blend with NOBU’s culinary experience.

The Amara’s open-air fish restaurant is a charming space, sound-tracked by the sound of the sea. Brainchild of Chef George Papaioannou’ s brainchild, Armyra Restaurant first opened in Greece with the freshest fish, seafood prepared with the region’s purest ingredients.

The Dining Room which is open for breakfast and lunch makes the most of the stunning views. But guests can also eat lunch on the beach, by the pool or in one of the picturesque courtyard gardens.

At The Amara Spa I found a serene quiet space which features a 3,000-year-old wall which was discovered when excavations took place nearby. Tranquillity from that ancient civilisation seems to permeate the walls of the spa and I am walking on air after a relaxing massage.

Energetic folk can also work up a sweat in the fitness room while the rest of us enjoy the sauna, plunge pool, health bar and a number of indulgent beauty treatments using Cosmedix and Organic Pharmacy products.

Amara is only 11 kilometres from lively Limassol with its restaurants, bars and children’s attractions including water parks. But the hotel is also a stone’s throw from rural villages which give a glimpse of local life in the region.

The hotel can arrange a trip to Omoros village with pretty cafes and artisan shops selling glass, jewellery and local lace. Pause at the lovely monastery with relics and colourful icons and enjoy a relaxed authentic Cypriot lunch in the charming Maures Xines restaurant.

Although not famous for its wines, Cyprus is quickly becoming a major player on the wine world stage with an increasingly sophisticated range of wines produced in the vineyards here. The Oenouyi winery offers tours and wine tasting and a wine festival takes place in September.

Rates: Doubles start from 382EUR per night (inc breakfast)Website: amarahotel.com