CYPRUS
How to spend a weekend in the iconic Annabelle hotel
low travel is all about ditching packed itineraries and focusing on the quality of the experience instead. It’s a travel philosophy that encourages a more authentic, relaxed, and meaningful way of exploring a destination. If I had to describe my three-day stay at Annabelle in just two words, “slow travel” would be the perfect fit.
At Annabelle, every detail invites you to slow down, switch off, and simply enjoy the moment.
Annabelle hardly needs an introduction. For decades, it has remained one of Cyprus’s most iconic hotels, recognised in 2025 by Condé Nast as one of the best resorts in Europe. After spending a weekend there, it’s easy to see why.
I arrived on a Friday afternoon and was immediately welcomed by views of the sea stretching beyond the hotel’s towering palm trees. From my balcony, I could watch visitors strolling along the waterfront promenade while a gentle breeze drifted through the air.
Our first culinary experience took place at Ouranos Lounge, the beautiful rooftop restaurant on the fourth floor overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s the perfect setting for dinner at sunset, when the sky glows in shades of gold. We enjoyed a carefully curated tasting menu that began with tomato carpaccio topped with almond flakes and a delicious coconut and lemongrass-marinated chicken satay.
The courses that followed included duck, anchovy fillet, and grilled octopus, each elevated by thoughtful ingredients and creative presentation. Dining here feels less like a meal and more like an appreciation of culinary craftsmanship. The evening ended with a beautifully balanced Baked Alaska featuring red berries, white chocolate mousse, and meringue, accompanied throughout by cocktails prepared right before our eyes.
The next day, lunch awaited at Mediterraneo, the hotel’s seaside restaurant located alongside the coastal promenade. Saturday began with an extensive breakfast spread that offered everything you could possibly want and more. The morning was spent unwinding by the pool, soaking up the sun from a comfortable lounger while enjoying a refreshing smoothie or milkshake in hand.
At lunchtime, the menu perfectly matched the relaxed mood of the day and the fresh sea breeze surrounding the restaurant. Highlights among the starters included the Melanzana (eggplant) alla Parmigiana and an outstanding porchetta, followed by mains such as tagliatelle al tartufo and prawn risotto.
The day concluded at Amorosa, where an exceptional fine dining experience showcased expertly paired wines selected by renowned sommelier George Kassianos. We were fortunate enough to have him join our table, guiding us through the thinking behind each pairing while sharing stories from his remarkable career—one that included far more encounters with international music legends than you might expect.
“First a bite of food, then a sip of wine” he advised. Even if you’re not particularly passionate about wine, it quickly becomes clear how each pairing enhances the flavours on the plate and brings every ingredient to life. The selection featured wines from both Cyprus and abroad, with my personal favourite being the 2024 Portuguese Loureiro Vinho Verde, served alongside scallops, cauliflower, and caviar.
The harmony between food and wine was equally impressive with dishes such as beef fillet paired with Makarounas Cabernet en Archi, sweet potato steak accompanied by Giuseppe Campagnola, and an unforgettable mille-feuille with carrot, nectarine, and almond served with Kyperounda Commandaria. It was a fascinating tasting experience, made even more memorable by George Kassianos’ passion for wine and the stories he shared along the way.
The weekend perfectly captured everything that slow travel stands for. At Annabelle, every detail invites you to slow down, switch off, and simply enjoy the moment. Whether it’s a sunset cocktail, a rejuvenating spa treatment, or a room so inviting that you’ll struggle to leave it, relaxation comes naturally here.
The true highlight, however, was the exceptional dishes created by Executive Chef Samuel Moreno Martinez. From our first dinner at Ouranos to the unforgettable fine dining experience at Amorosa, every meal felt special.
And just like that, the weekend ended the same way it started: on the balcony overlooking the sea – this time on a Sunday afternoon. Sitting back in an armchair, listening to the breeze and watching the water shimmer in the distance, it felt like the perfect way to welcome summer in Cyprus.