Brilliant for families, as well as having plenty of appeal for couples too, the hotel is set next to the ancient UNESCO World Heritage Listed Tombs of the Kings in Paphos. There’s a coastal broad walk running in front of the hotel ideal for ambling and jogging. Or it’s only a ten minute drive to the city’s famous harbour.
Children can splash about at the shaded pool just for them, while teens head to the courts for a game of tennis. ESPA treatments at the spa include Balinese massage with hot volcanic stones and an Ayurvedic ritual focussing on deep therapeutic pressure points.
Start the day with a cup of coffee on your private balcony and a view of the sea. Wander the lavender paths to the Tombs of the Kings. Chill by the pool with a daiquiri. Dine on grilled lobster steps from the Med. End the day under the pergola at Astria bar... the choice is yours at this five-star Paphos resort.
Gallery
Stay
The Family Cyprian Maisonettes make the hotel a favourite for families seeking spacious accommodation in Cyprus. With extra room for the kids, guests can make choices (such as bunkbeds and enclosed gardens) based on the ages of their children.
Twelve Royal Studios are set away from the main building and overlook the Tombs of the Kings from one side and the village square from the other. Some of these and the Royal Garden Villas have their own private pools. Or for oodles of added luxuries there are the suites, with some designed as romantic spaces for two, others with additional bedrooms for families.
Eat
All have a focus on local, farm-to-table dining, but vary in their cuisine.
Ristorante Bacco features Tuscan favourites with homemade pastas and Italian wines. The open-air Mediterraneo Restaurant serves fresh fish and salads by the sea. Live cooking stations and a buffet of international dishes are on the menu at Epicurean. At Lemonia Piazza there’s dedicated children’s menu and a terrace to sit on, but the highlight is the breakfast which is one of the best on the island. Asian plates – sushi, sashimi and maki – are served at the elegant O’Shin Restaurant.
Grab a pastry and a paper at Cafe Occidental in the morning, or a cocktail and charcuterie platter in the evening. Mare Nostrum is the resort’s pool bar open May to October, while Bar Astria is the perfect spot for stargazing with a drink and the sound of live music.
Explore
Elysium is set in a superb spot for exploring the ancient city, being just a 10 minute drive from its harbour which guests can also walk to from the beach. In fact, the pedestrian path from the beach is not just good for exploring the local area, but also used for jogging, running and by families with pushchairs.
The landscaped grounds of the hotel have direct access to the Tombs of the Kings, one of the island’s most significant archaeological sites. Part of the location’s worth was down to its view of the sunset – which visitors can still enjoy from this part of Cyprus today.
Why here?
Chill out – ESPA treatments are delivered at the Opium Health Spa which also boasts a beauty salon.
Work up a sweat – there’s a high-tech gym, Pilates and aerobics studio with private instructors. Two floodlit tennis courts are on hand, guest services can arrange golf offsite and scuba for all abilities is on offer at the PADI dive centre.
Greatest show – the Orpheus amphitheatre has live performances on stage and a giant chess set.
Little VIPs – activities for children at this family-friendly Cyprus hotel include the kids club; amusement centre; shaded outdoor kids pool with waterslide; playground; babysitting on request; and high chairs and children’s menus at Lemonia and Mediterraneo.
Holiday shop – boutiques include a souvenir shop, jewellery shop, a flower shop, boutique and a new perfumery.
Our take
Did you know there are more than 2.5 million olive trees in Cyprus? The chefs at Elysium use olives from the hotel’s grounds in their cooking.
