The Cyprus I’d actually recommend - from the hotels and tavernas I return to, to the beach clubs, local experiences and event venues worth knowing about.

People are often surprised when I tell them how much of my heart is in Cyprus. With Cypriot roots, the island has always felt personal to me, but over the years, I’ve come to know it in a way that goes far beyond family connection. I’ve stayed in its hotels, eaten in its tavernas, explored its coastlines, discovered its quieter corners and, through Serenity, looked at it through the lens of weddings, events and hospitality.

It isn’t always the obvious choice on a glossy destination-wedding list, and that is precisely why I love recommending it. There is a depth to Cyprus that you only really appreciate when you spend time here: the contrast between luxury resorts and village tavernas, the beach clubs and mountain villages, the food, wine, wellness and the genuinely warm hospitality.

This is that guide.

Not a generic tourist round-up, but the Cyprus I’d actually put in front of a couple planning their wedding or a company flying a leadership team in from the US, UK, UAE and beyond. Where to stay, where to eat, where to explore, what to experience and where to host.

Think of it as the map I’d hand to a client or a friend, who wants to experience Cyprus properly and appreciate the difference between somewhere that simply looks good on paper and somewhere that genuinely delivers.

Why Cyprus?

There are destinations that are beautiful on arrival and destinations that become more interesting the longer you spend there.

For me, Cyprus is both but especially the latter.

Yes, there is the Mediterranean coastline, the long season and the sunshine. But what makes the island particularly compelling is the variety packed into a relatively small destination.

You can spend the morning by the sea, have lunch in a village taverna, visit a winery in the afternoon and be back at a beautiful hotel for dinner.

You can have a sophisticated beach club experience one day and something completely traditional the next.

And for events, that variety is incredibly useful.

A destination wedding doesn't have to mean one hotel and a series of meals within it. A corporate retreat doesn't have to mean conference rooms and team-building exercises.

Cyprus gives you the opportunity to create something that feels like a real experience of the destination.

Where I'd Stay: My Top 5 Hotels in Cyprus

I've stayed in and explored a number of hotels across Cyprus, but these are the five that currently sit at the top of my personal list.

What matters to me isn't simply whether a hotel photographs beautifully. I'm looking at the whole experience — the setting, hospitality, design, facilities and, from a Serenity perspective, whether I could see it working for a couple, a group or an event.

1. AMARA, Limassol

AMARA is one of my favourite hotels on the island.

It has the luxury, design and service you'd expect from a high-end Mediterranean resort, but it still feels connected to its setting.

For a couple looking for a special stay, it works beautifully. For Serenity, it's also the sort of property I would consider when sourcing a luxury event or group experience.

2. Parklane, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Limassol

Parklane is another of my favourites.

Its scale and facilities make it particularly versatile, which is important when you're looking at hotels not just for leisure but for groups, retreats and events.

It has the infrastructure to support a larger programme while still giving guests the feeling that they've escaped somewhere special.

3. Cap St Georges Hotel & Resort, Paphos

My favourite hotel in Paphos.

Cap St Georges gives you another side of Cyprus entirely, and it's a property I'd consider for clients looking for a luxury resort experience in the west of the island.

4. The Icon, Limassol

A completely different proposition again.

The Icon brings a more contemporary feel to the Limassol hotel scene and is particularly interesting if you're looking for something less traditional than a resort.

5. The Agora Hotel, Pano Lefkara

The Agora brings something completely different to my top five.

It's an intimate, adults-only hotel in the heart of Lefkara and a lovely choice for clients looking for something more characterful and rooted in the culture of Cyprus, rather than a traditional coastal resort. It would be particularly suited to a more intimate escape, celebration, retreat or experience-led stay.

Wellness in Cyprus

I've also discovered that Cyprus works surprisingly well as a wellness destination.

Eleven Pilates at RIVA

I recently attended an Eleven Pilates class at RIVA with Maria.

It was harder than expected, which I actually loved.

Maria was lovely, and the €30 class also included a smoothie or coffee afterwards.

It's a great example of the sort of experience I think works particularly well in Cyprus: start with something active, then spend the rest of the day by the sea.

I'm looking forward to trying more Eleven classes around the island.

Follow: @elev.enpilates — and tell them Xenia sent you.

7Ceas Massage, Oroklini

I also tried a combination of deep tissue massage and Thai stretching at 7Ceas Massage in Oroklini.

The staff were lovely and I'd give it 4/5.

The only reason it wasn't a five for me was the pressure. I personally like a very strong massage, and most therapists don't quite believe how much pressure I actually want!

So I'm giving it a fair chance and would like to return more than once before making a final judgement.

Where I'd Eat

One of my favourite things about Cyprus is that you can eat incredibly differently from one day to the next.

There are sophisticated Mediterranean restaurants, beach clubs, seafood restaurants and then the traditional tavernas where the food is the reason to go.

I don't think you should choose between the two.

Experience both.

Theta, Larnaca

Theta is one of my favourite restaurants in Larnaca.

On my most recent visit, we ordered almost entirely fish and pasta dishes, and my favourites were the crab salad, tuna carpaccio and whole sea bass.

The service was prompt, and the atmosphere struck exactly the right balance. The music was loud enough to create a vibe without becoming so loud that you had to shout across the table.

We were a group of seven and the table next to us had around twenty people, which tells you something about its versatility.

I'd happily recommend it for a couple, a girls' dinner or a larger group.

One thing I would note is that the experience changes depending on when you go. At night, the view is essentially pitch black. I'd be interested to return for lunch, when you can actually see the ocean and sand.

My Top 5 Traditional Taverns in Cyprus

If you want to experience the Cyprus I think people should actually eat in a traditional taverna.

My current top five are:

1. Mousikos — Sotira

Mousikos has firmly put itself in my top three tavernas on the island.

The standout for me was the goat souvla. I'd never had goat souvla anywhere else, and it was delicious.

The warm whole halloumi was divine and the moussaka was equally memorable.

This is exactly the sort of meal I mean when I talk about experiencing the island properly.

2. To Kazani — Aradippou

Another of my favourite traditional spots and one I'll happily return to.

3. Katatello — Limassol Old Town

A great option when you want traditional food with the character of Limassol's old town around you.

4. Forsos Tavern — Limassol

Another favourite that makes my personal list.

5. Vlachos — Larnaca

My fifth pick and another taverna I'd recommend adding to your Cyprus food itinerary.

My Top 5 Beach Clubs in Cyprus

Cyprus does beach clubs very well.

And after spending time at several of them, I've developed a definite personal shortlist.

1. RIVA Beach House

RIVA is firmly in my top five.

I recently spent an entire day here after attending an Eleven Pilates class in the morning. We stayed for lunch and then made a day of the beach.

The lunch is consistently delicious, but there is one dish that deserves its own mention:

The Caribbean Poke is my favourite poke bowl on the island.

RIVA is also particularly interesting from a Serenity perspective because the beach house can be hired for private events.

So it's somewhere I'd recommend both for a day out and for clients looking for a more relaxed, coastal event setting.

2. Columbia Sun

Columbia Sun is another firm favourite.

I've also visited Columbia Beach and, for me, there is no comparison. Columbia Sun wins on service, menu and interior.

That is exactly the sort of distinction I want to make when recommending places. Not everything that looks good online necessarily delivers in person.

3. Serena Bay

Another one of my favourite beach clubs and a great option for a day by the sea. On the weekends its a true celebration of island life.

4. Nammos Limassol

A more elevated beach club experience and one that deserves a place in my top five, the service is always incredible.

5. Captain's Cabin

Another personal favourite and one I'd happily recommend for a Cyprus beach day.

And there's an events angle...

One of the things I particularly like about Cyprus's beach clubs is that they don't necessarily have to remain beach clubs.

All five of my favourites can potentially be hired privately outside peak tourism season or after standard operating hours during peak season, subject to availability and arrangements with each venue.

For private celebrations, dinners, brand events or corporate experiences, that opens up some really interesting possibilities.

The Experiences I'd Actually Make Time For

If you're coming to Cyprus, don't spend the entire trip moving between your hotel and the beach.

Some of my favourite discoveries have been the experiences that give you a sense of the island itself.

Visit a winery

Domes Winery is somewhere I'd recommend adding to your itinerary if you're interested in Cypriot wine.

You can visit, taste wine and buy wine to take home.

It also has an events element, hosting private events, which makes it interesting from a Serenity perspective too.

For a group, a winery isn't simply a place to drink wine. It can become part of the story of the destination — an afternoon experience, a private dinner or an event setting.

Spend an afternoon in Lefkara

Lefkara is another place I'd make time for.

Go for an olive oil tasting and take the time to explore the village and its famous traditional lace.

This is the side of Cyprus that can easily be missed if you only stay on the coast.

And that's a shame.

The villages, food, crafts and traditions are a huge part of what makes the island feel like Cyprus rather than simply another Mediterranean resort destination.

The Little Cyprus Finds I'd Tell a Friend About

Some of my best discoveries have been the places that aren't necessarily going to appear at the top of every luxury travel list.

They're the places I'd actually text to a friend.

Keto Cafe, Limassol

I discovered Keto Cafe in Limassol and thought it was the perfect place for a light breakfast or snack.

There are gluten-free, sugar-free and high-protein options, including snack shakes and pastries.

I had a vegan protein shake and a chicken pie, which was delicious.

It's a particularly useful find if you're trying to be a little more conscious about what you're eating while travelling but still want something enjoyable.

Nastea Glow, Larnaca

I also had my brows done at @nastea.glow in Larnaca.

I had a tint and tidy for €25.

She was incredibly gentle and, most importantly, did them exactly how I like them.

My personal verdict?

I'd trust Nastea Glow with my brows & lashes.

Brides, Bridal Parties, Wedding Guests you can use code SERENITY for 15% off any brows, lashes and facials services.

Contact Anastasia Z on +357 97731225.

Could Cyprus Be Your Second or Third Home?

This is an area of Cyprus that has increasingly interested me.

I recently met with HomeHaus, a real estate concierge platform, and looked at some hotel residences with the team and one of our corporate clients.

For anyone considering Cyprus as a potential second home or as a new head-office location where having a home as part of the investment is important, I think this is an area worth exploring properly.

HomeHaus is currently pre-launch, but you can join their waitlist at Homehaus.eu.

It's also another example of why I think local knowledge matters.

The right property isn't simply about what looks beautiful in a brochure. It's about understanding the location, the lifestyle, the practicalities and what you actually want the property to do for you.

Cyprus for Destination Weddings

This is where my personal connection to Cyprus and Serenity naturally meet.

Cyprus isn't necessarily the first destination that comes to mind when an British, European or American couple starts looking at a European Destination wedding.

But perhaps it should be.

For the right couple, the island offers:

A long Mediterranean season
Luxury hotels and resorts
Beautiful coastline
Private event spaces
Excellent food and wine experiences
Traditional villages
Wellness experiences
A range of guest activities
The ability to create a multi-day celebration rather than simply a wedding day

And perhaps most importantly, there is room to make the experience feel personal.

A wedding in Cyprus doesn't have to be a generic resort wedding.

Imagine welcoming guests with a traditional Cypriot dinner, spending the following day at a private beach club, hosting a beautiful ceremony and reception at a luxury hotel, and finishing the weekend with a local wine or cultural experience.

That's the kind of destination celebration I find exciting.

Cyprus for Corporate Retreats & Executive Offsites

The same applies to companies.

If you're flying a leadership team from the UK, ASIA & US to Europe, I think the trip needs to be worth the journey.

Cyprus gives you the opportunity to create something that feels less like a corporate conference and more like a genuine experience.

A luxury hotel can be your base.

A beach club can become a private downtime event venue.

A winery can become an afternoon experience.

A traditional taverna can host dinner.

A Pilates class or wellness treatment can become part of the programme.

And the island's size means you can create variety without spending your entire retreat sitting in transfers.

For an executive team, that's valuable.

The destination becomes part of the experience rather than simply the backdrop.

Which Part of Cyprus Should You Choose?

One of the things I've noticed most while spending time here is how differently the island feels depending on where you are.

Limassol

For me, Limassol is the obvious choice if you're looking for luxury hotels, beach clubs, restaurants and a more cosmopolitan atmosphere.

It's particularly interesting for corporate retreats and high-end events.

Larnaca

Larnaca has a more relaxed feel and has become a favourite for discovering traditional restaurants and local businesses.

Theta is one of my favourite restaurants here, and I've also found some of my favourite smaller wellness and beauty businesses in the area.

Paphos

Paphos gives you a different side of Cyprus altogether.

Cap St Georges is currently my favourite hotel here, and the area works beautifully if you're looking for a more resort-led experience. Perfect for weddings or corporate experiences.

The Villages

Then there is the Cyprus beyond the coast.

Sotira, Aradippou and Lefkara are reminders that the island is much more than its beaches.

This is where you'll find the tavernas, traditions, food and experiences that make Cyprus feel genuinely Cypriot.

So rather than asking:

“Where is the best place in Cyprus?”

I'd ask:

“What do I want my Cyprus experience to feel like?”

The answer to that will tell you where to stay.

What I've Learned About Cyprus

The more time I spend here, the more convinced I am that Cyprus shouldn't be treated as a single type of destination.

It can be a luxury beach holiday.

It can be a destination wedding.

It can be a corporate retreat.

It can be a second home.

It can be a food trip.

It can be a wellness escape.

It can be a village-and-wine weekend.

Or it can be all of those things in one trip.

I've eaten goat souvla in Sotira, found my favourite poke bowl at RIVA, discovered a Pilates class overlooking the sea, explored luxury hotels, tried local wine, wandered through Lefkara and found small businesses I'd happily recommend to friends.

And that's what I want this guide to capture.

Not simply where Cyprus looks good.

But where it actually delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cyprus a good destination for a luxury wedding?

Yes. Cyprus offers a long Mediterranean season, luxury hotels, beautiful coastline, private venues and a strong range of experiences for guests. The key is choosing the right location, property and suppliers for the couple and their guest list.

Is Cyprus good for a corporate retreat?

Absolutely. The combination of luxury hotels, beaches, wellness, food, history, wine and cultural experiences makes Cyprus particularly versatile for executive retreats, incentives and company offsites. Nicosia is incredible for conferences as well, but we will leave that for another blog.

Which are the best hotels in Cyprus?

My personal top five are AMARA Limassol, Parklane Limassol, Cap St Georges, The Icon Limassol and Agora.

Is Cyprus good for American travellers?

Yes. Cyprus offers a distinctly Mediterranean experience while providing the luxury hospitality, resorts and infrastructure that make it comfortable for international travellers. English is widely spoken and for weddings and corporate programmes, having Serenity manage the European logistics can make the experience significantly easier.

Your Next Step

Planning a destination wedding in Cyprus?

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Planning a European offsite or retreat?

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