The big six: Rural retreats in Cyprus
From a hidden hideaway in the peaceful village of Lofou to a cluster of 19th-century traditional stone houses in the refreshing mountain setting of the Eastern Troodos range
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The name Apokryfo – Greek for "hidden away" – sums up the feeling at this boutique guesthouse in the peaceful village of Lofou. The hotel is made up of a cluster of stone houses transformed by local architect Vakis Hadjikyriacou and his wife into seven luxury suites and a pair of stylish houses sleeping four to eight people. Grouped around a turquoise pool, each apartment is fitted with classically Cypriot interiors. Elsewhere, luxury spa treatments and a rooftop bar collide to make this a very relaxing stay.
Apokryfo, Lofou (00 357 2581 3777; www.apokryfo.com). Doubles from €150, including breakfast.
Casale Panayiotis, Kalapanayiotis
This luxurious retreat is set amid the stunning scenery of the Marathasa Valley. The Unesco-listed Monastery of St John Lampadistis and the Byzantine churches of Kalopanayiotis are all within reach, with the sound of the River Setrahos setting the soundtrack for relaxing evenings outside. As well as 26 suites, the hotel offers a traditional breakfast in the Kafenino café, authentic Cypriot dishes at the Byzantino Restaurant and beauty treatments at the Lavrentino spa.
Casale Panayiotis, Kalopanayiotis (00 357 2295 2444; casalepanayiotis.com). Doubles from €90, including breakfast.
Library Hotel, Kalavassos
A stay in this decadent 19th-century mansion will rejuvenate both mind and body. Offering 11 suites named after renowned thinkers and writers, from Oscar Wilde to Arthur Rimbaud, the hotel also has a lounge stocked with history, philosophy and cultural books, where guests can take afternoon tea beside an open fire. After nurturing your intellect, the wellness baths, spa treatments and healthy Mediterranean food provide the tools for physical wellbeing.
Library Hotel, Kalavassos (00 357 2481 7071; libraryhotelcyprus.com). Doubles from€70, including breakfast.
Ayii Anargyri, Miliou
This boutique hotel opened in 2009 with a series of garden suites, bungalows or classic rooms. It offers spa treatments, including spring-pools and mud baths, that use the area's natural mineral waters to soothe and restore. As well as two restaurants and a pool, the retreat is also perfectly placed for trips to the Troodos Mountains and the Akamas peninsula, a natural wilderness that's home to sandy coves, unspoilt scenery and flocks of rare birdlife.
Ayii Anargyri, Miliou (00 357 2681 4000; aasparesort.com). Doubles from €150, including breakfast.
Little Lodge, Maroni
Once a dilapidated old stone house, Little Lodge has now been lovingly renovated by its British owners into a beautiful B&B. The whitewashed cottage overlooks olive groves and enjoys stunning views of the sea to the south. Guests can swim under the stars at night in an enchanting candlelit garden or venture out to the towns of Nicosia, Limassol and Larnaca for dinner. With only two rooms available, you are guaranteed an intimate, relaxing stay with homely personal touches.
Little Lodge, Maroni (00 357 2433 3053; littlelodgeguesthouse.com). Doubles from €115, including breakfast.
Ambelikos, Potamitissa
A cluster of 19th-century traditional stone houses was renovated in 2008 to form the heart of this hotel. The houses are set 820 metres above sea-level in the refreshing mountain setting of the Eastern Troodos range, among pine-clad rocky peaks and unspoilt rural scenery. Guests can take part in food and wine-tasting nights in the hotel's courtyard taverna or relax in the health club's outdoor Jacuzzi which has fantastic panoramic views.
Ambelikos, Potamitissa (00 357 2552 2211; ambelikos.com). Doubles from €90, including breakfast.
Click here to view Cyprus tours and holidays, with Independent Holidays.
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