For charters in the Eastern Mediterranean, there are few places to match Cyprus for history, culture and scenery. The island is the largest in the Eastern Med and has for centuries been an important military and commercial stopping-off point between the middle-east and western Europe.
Asima Suites Hotel, Paphos
Situated right on the beach on the outskirts of Pahos, in the south-west corner of the island, the Assima Suites Hotel is part of the Constantinou Brothers hotel empire and offers 119 lavish suites, including a dozen Executive suites, each with its own private swimming pool.
The style is sleek and modern, the staff are efficient and friendly, and public spaces are immaculately presented. There are several restaurants offering sumptuous five-star cuisine, and sports facilities include two freshwater swimming pools and a floodlit tennis court. Moorings for your charter yacht are nearby at Paphos harbour, and the hotel is perfectly situated for visits to the fabulous archeological site of Kato Paphos and the Tombs of the Kings.
Paphos itself is a short walk and is a lively and bustling harbour town. Prices start at around 270 and go up to 800 for an executive suite with sea view in high season.
St Raphael Hotel, Limassol
Located on the beach, just to the east of Limassol town centre, the St Rapahel Hotel has recently been completely reburbished to exacting standards and offers the visitor a modern and sophisticated base from which to explore the many and varied delights of Limassol.
Boasting several swimming pools, landscaped gardens, and access to one of the island's many blue-flag beaches, the St Raphael also has the benefit of a good marina two minutes walk from the hotel. The Sailor's Rest restaurant, adjascent to the marina, offers fine dining, with the emphasis on fresh seafood. The hotel also offers excellent spa facilities for those that want to unwind at the end of an arduous charter. Prices start at around €150 a night in high season.
Almyra Hotel, Paphos
Slick, stylish and contemprory in feel, the Almyra is a luxurious five-star family beach hotel set in eight acres of landscaped gardens on the Mediterranean coast near Paphos.
The Almyra boasts 189 rooms and suites, many with sea views. The beautiful gardens and beachfront vistas are complemented by four restaurants and four freshwater swimming pools. The hotel boasts numerous restaurants catering for all tastes, from Japanese to Mediterranean cuisine. There is free wi-fi throughout the hotel, as well as a crèche, children's menus, a kids club, and 'Baby Concierge'.
Nearby Paphos town has moorings for yachts, and is home to some of the most interesting archeological sites in the Med. Room prices in high season start from around €192 and go up to €785 for a two-bedroom suite.
Spas
Thalasso Spa, Anassa Hotel, Latchi
Designed in the style of a palatial Roman villa, the Thalasso Spa (from the Greek word thalasso, meaning sea) offers the full spectrum of wellbeing: from an hour long treatment to a gentle detoxifying or holistic programme with life-long benefits. The huge spa complex includes a sky-lit, columned indoor pool, 18 treatment rooms, saunas, steam baths, a seawater exercise pool, squash court, fitness room and hair salon for those finishing touches.
The Double Indulgence Massage is a favourite with couples, and you can enjoy a healthy eating plan devised by The Organic Pharmacy in conjunction with the spa and resort restaurants. The spa also offers skincare treatments and make-up lessons for teens.
Le Meridien Limassol Spa & Resort
The main attraction at Le Meridien Spa is the Thalassotherapy, which uses the sea, marine algae, seaweed and mud for the restorative healing benefits it has on the body.
The spa has four outdoor pools (one is actually a magnesium pool), and for the full thallassotherapy you should aim to stay in each pool for a full 15 minutes. Magnesium is absorbed through the skin while at the same time, using a form of osmosis, draws toxins from the body, sedate the nervous system, reduce swelling and relax muscles. In the next two pools water jets gently massage every part of the body helping to kick-start your circulation. Finally you go indoors to the hammam for a steam bath.
The Elysium Hotel Opium Spa, Paphos
Located near the ancient Tombs of the Kings outside Paphos, this spa hotel provides a charming blend of luxury, tranquility and seclusion while adorned with Greek colonnades, mosaics, waterfalls and shimmering pools.
The Opium Health Spa's effervescent waters, soothing sounds and hypnotic aromas create a luxurious haven for you to unwind and escape. The ESPA range of products and treatments has been carefully selected and the range has been formulated to combine the therapeutic benefits of professional products, ancient and modern techniques, including aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, marine therapy and skin care.