"Δεεν είναι οι πολυτέλειες που κάνουν ένα ταξίδι αξέχαστο, αλλά οι στιγμές που δεν μπορούν να επαναληφθούν."
(“It’s not the luxuries that make a journey unforgettable, but the moments that can’t be repeated.”)
How I discovered this hotel
To be honest, I never really had Cyprus on my radar. My husband and I met a very nice couple in the Maldives - Domenica and her husband Roberto. Domenica organises with One Luxury exclusive trips, and when I spontaneously asked her shortly before Easter if she had any ideas for a destination with warmer temperatures but without a long flight time, she immediately had a few suggestions ready.
One of the suggestions was the Amara Hotel near Limassol. The description sounded promising, and since we trusted Domenica, we went for it. Looking back, I’m really glad we did. What we experienced on site matched our expectations – and in many ways, even exceeded them. For me, this hotel is the perfect mix of relaxed, stylish, and well thought-out – with everything I personally appreciate in a place to stay.
Arrival & First Impressions
We flew just under four hours from Düsseldorf to Larnaca. The Amara is located on the Greek side of Cyprus, near Limassol, right on the southern coast. The drive from the airport took about 40 minutes – smooth and comfortable, with a well-organized shuttle service. When we arrived at the hotel, my first thought was: Wow, this place is big! I was curious to see what was inside.
We were warmly welcomed right away. Maya, the Guest Relations Manager, personally accompanied us to our suite and handled the check-in privately – right in our two-story penthouse corner suite. And that suite was simply breathtaking. What we appreciated especially: on the day of departure, Maya also made it possible for us to stay in the suite until 6 p.m. – which made our farewell noticeably more relaxed.
Our Penthouse Suite: A private retreat with space and serenity
The room? Just right for us. Spacious, tastefully decorated, with a stylish blend of comfort and design. A private pool with sea view, outdoor shower, cozy loungers, and a small table for snacks – all beautifully thought out.
We could lie there in peace, enjoy the togetherness and cool off in the pool at any time - all with a view of the sunset slowly disappearing behind a small hill. This atmosphere was always a quiet highlight of the day for us.
Only one small downside: there isn’t much shade by the loungers. But honestly, it didn’t affect our experience. I can only speak for our suite category – but for us, it felt truly unique.
The suite spans two floors and offers plenty of space – including three bathrooms, a steam room, a bright living area, and a peaceful bedroom. Both the living room and the bedroom open onto a balcony with wide panoramic views – especially magical in the evening.
Culinary Highlights at the Amara: My Restaurant Experiences
Amara offers a total of three signature restaurants, each with its own speciality and atmosphere: MATSUHISA Limassol, Locatelli and Beefbar. Each of them has its very own style - and yet everything fits together wonderfully.
In-Room Dining
After workouts, I often ordered an omelette – and I mean it when I say: I’ve never had such a delicious one before.
MATSUHISA Limassol
The restaurant MATSUHISA is known worldwide - and here at Amara, the line is continued in a stylish and consistent manner. Anyone familiar with the cuisine knows what to expect: high-quality ingredients, well thought-out combinations and a modern ambience.
Locatelli (separate article to follow shortly)
This is the hotel’s Italian restaurant. The atmosphere is calm and elegant, the dishes well prepared, and the staff – especially the female servers – were consistently friendly and attentive.
Beefbar (separate article to follow shortly)
A refined setting for meat lovers. The ambiance in the evening is particularly atmospheric – quiet, international, and stylish. A good place to enjoy a heartier meal.
NEREA - Fish & Seafood (separate article to follow shortly)
Just a stone’s throw from the sea, NEREA is modern, light, and calm. Ideal for a relaxed lunch in the sun with a view of the water – one of the most peaceful spots in the entire resort.
All restaurants offer both indoor and outdoor seating.
The Hotel Bar: Calm evenings with live music
The hotel bar is connected to the Italian restaurant and is the perfect spot to wind down after dinner. It feels cozy, genuine, and pleasantly understated.
On weekends, live music adds a warm, relaxed atmosphere. A quiet drink, some soft music – the ideal way to end the day. It fits seamlessly into the overall feel of the hotel: stylish, calm, and quietly elegant.
Looking for a Change of Scene? Try PlusSea Next Door
If you're looking for a change of scenery from the hotel dining options, PlusSea is located right next door – a modern restaurant right by the water, with relaxed music, comfortable loungers, and a stylish atmosphere.
The setting is casual yet refined – perfect for a relaxing afternoon by the sea, a glass of wine, or simply enjoying the music and the atmosphere.
For those looking to mix things up during their stay, PlusSea is a great complement to the Amara’s culinary offerings.
Pools, Beach & Wellness
Fitness Area: Everything I hoped for – and more
For me, the gym was a personal highlight. Fitness is part of my daily life, even on vacation – and rarely have I seen a hotel take its gym so seriously.
The space is modern, bright, and very well equipped – with large windows and a full range of cardio, weight, and functional training equipment.
I especially appreciated the three separate rooms in addition to the main area, ideal for stretching or focused workouts. Clean, quiet, and never crowded – and clearly more than just a token “wellness corner.”
For me, it was exactly the balance I was looking for during a relaxing getaway.
Pools & Beach: Plenty of space, well organized, and truly relaxing
The Amara has several pool areas, each with its own atmosphere.
The main pool has a calm, open vibe – and the pool bar is a great spot for a snack or drink without leaving your lounger.
What stood out to me: all pools offer high-quality loungers, thoughtful details like towel service, and a sense of calm. The guests spread out naturally, so it never felt crowded.
One pool is filled with saltwater, there's an indoor pool for quiet moments, and the private beach area is a lovely alternative for those who prefer the sea. I personally enjoyed the quiet beach section the most – gentle breeze included.
If I had one note: the loungers can feel a bit tightly placed in some areas. But I also understand that this helps ensure there’s enough space for everyone. All in all, if you enjoy poolside relaxation, you’ll definitely find your spot here.
Spa, Shops & Overall Concept
Spa & Extras: Everything you need to unwind
Although I didn’t use the spa much myself, it was clear that the offerings are varied – from massages to facials to more specialized wellness treatments.
There’s a small spa café that’s open even without appointments – a quiet little corner to relax and reset.
The spa area also includes a sauna. As we had our own sauna in the suite, I didn't use this area myself, but the facilities seem well thought out and pleasantly understated.
In the hotel itself, you’ll also find a hair salon and a few shops – separate from the spa area. I didn’t use them, but they round out the experience nicely.
Service & Areas for Improvement
One thing that really stood out: the consistently warm and helpful staff. Whether at the front desk, at the restaurants, or by the beach – everyone was friendly, attentive, and welcoming.
If I had to mention one minor downside: the housekeeping wasn’t always consistent. Sometimes things weren’t refilled or cleaned quite as expected. It didn’t bother me personally, but I could imagine that others might find it more noticeable.
My Conclusion: A place we’d love to return to
The Amara doesn’t try to impress – and that’s exactly what I liked about it. It’s stylish, calm, and pleasantly understated. Everything feels well-organized and thoughtfully designed, but never over the top. Whether by the pool, in the gym, or at dinner – everything simply feels right.
There are offerings for families, but also peaceful corners for couples or solo travelers. The architecture is modern, with clean lines – yet the hotel remains warm and inviting. Throughout the property, there are cozy seating areas perfect for a quick break, a book, or a quiet coffee.
Discovering this hotel through Domenica from One Luxury was a real stroke of luck.
To be honest, I wouldn’t have considered Cyprus otherwise. That’s why it felt even more special that this spontaneous recommendation turned out to be exactly right. I’d go back anytime.
"Κάθε ταξίδι αφήνει κάτι πίσω - όχι στις αποσκευές, αλλά στην καρδιά."
("Every journey leaves something behind - not in your luggage, but in your heart.")
Thank you for your great tip. It all looks very good!
Thank you very much 🙂