Review from a wellness guest: Isa Hoes in Almyra op Cyprus

Hotel Almyra in Cyprus

Isa had a clear vision when she reached out to Puurenkuur. She wanted a hotel that combined luxury and tranquility while still being enjoyable for children—a balance that wasn’t easy to find. "If I were choosing just for myself, I’d go for a place that kids would find boring. But family-friendly resorts often don’t appeal to me," she says. That’s why she was relieved to have Puurenkuur handle the search. "With my busy schedule, it was a real lifesaver. They understood exactly what I was looking for and even came up with suggestions I hadn’t considered." In the end, they chose Hotel Almyra in Cyprus.

Paphos, a charming beach front town

It turned out to be a perfect match—exactly what Isa had been looking for. Almyra, which means "taste of the sea," offers stunning views of the Mediterranean from its location just a short walk from the beach and harbor.  

Isa recalls, 'It was truly the ideal place for us. My friend Katinka and her daughter Mare stayed in a hotel room, while Vlinder and I had a house with a lovely garden. Even though the hotel was quite full, it never felt crowded. There were several swimming areas, including the pool at the neighboring hotel, which gave the kids plenty of variety. We kept discovering new spots all week! A few days in, we suddenly stumbled upon a big playground where the four of us jumped on the trampoline together—such a treat!'

Beyond the hotel, Paphos, where Almyra is located, is filled with charming boutiques perfect for browsing. As a member of Design Hotels, every room and suite at Almyra is sleek, modern, and furnished with designer pieces. Isa adds, 'And the beds… Wow, they were absolutely incredible!'

A taste of food

Although Paphos offers plenty of dining options, Isa never got around to exploring them—simply because the hotel had everything she needed. With four on-site restaurants, there was no reason to go elsewhere. The main restaurant, Mosaics, served an extensive buffet, while Notius specialized in Japanese cuisine. Zen Meze offered small plates to share, and Ouzeri, located right on the beach, provided a relaxed seaside dining experience. *"We ate at the hotel all week, and the food was amazing,' Isa says. 'The main restaurant had so much variety. I love healthy food, and there was plenty of fresh fruit, nuts, and yogurt. There were also all kinds of egg dishes and, of course, delicious sweets, which made the kids especially happy.' The hotel was also well-prepared for dietary needs. 'Mare has a gluten allergy, and they had everything she needed, all gluten-free.' But what stood out most for Isa was the exceptional service. 'The staff was incredibly attentive - they really made us feel like special guests. The moment we sat down, they would bring white wine without us even asking, and they were so kind to the girls. The manager would check in to see if we needed anything, but before we knew it, we were having a warm, personal conversation'. On their last evening, the chef surprised them with a specially prepared dessert. 'Such a sweet and thoughtful touch,' Isa recalls.

Guaranteed relaxation

It was Isa’s first time in Cyprus, and although she initially planned to rent a car to explore the island, she ultimately decided against it. 'I was exhausted. I had been working so hard, and I just didn’t want to do anything. If I had a car, I’d feel obligated to go out. Looking back, I have no regrets. It was so nice to wake up, read, lounge by the pool, and swim with the girls. I really needed that complete relaxation.'  

Regret

What she does regret? Not booking more treatments at the spa. Almyra’s spa, named Cyprus’s favorite by Spa Finder in 2012, offers a wide range of treatments. Beyond traditional beauty therapies, it specializes in holistic treatments such as kundalini and prana massages, as well as reflexology. Couples can opt for a side-by-side massage, enjoying a treatment at the same time. And the setting? Almost every treatment room has a view of the sea. The spa uses organic ILA products, OSEA products enriched with marine ingredients, and QMS cosmeceuticals. Plus, it’s strictly adults-only, ensuring a peaceful and quiet atmosphere. 'I love massages and wellness treatments,' Isa says. 'The spa was stunning—just as sleek and modern as the rest of the hotel, with an incredible infinity pool. Yes… I really should have booked more treatments.'

A small present

Isa, Katinka, and the children spent plenty of time at the beach as well. 'There was so much to do. The kids could go on a boat ride and even be pulled over the water on an inflatable tube. And once again, I noticed how incredibly friendly the people were. There was a small jetty where Katinka and I were allowed to relax while Vlinder and Mare went on a boat trip. "You can always lie down here, no problem!" they told us. It was such a welcoming atmosphere.' They also went snorkeling a few times. 'The water around Cyprus is so clear—it was amazing.' In Paphos, they strolled around, picking up a few souvenirs. 'Of course, there are tourist shops, but we also found a lovely store selling fresh nuts and all kinds of healthy treats. Very pure, which I love.' Before she knew it, the holiday was over. 'When you're exhausted, a week like this feels like a gift. We had such a great time and left with a bit of a heavy heart. But I think we’ll be back. Because no, spending a holiday here is definitely not a hardship.'

Eye for detail

Almyra hotel: for relaxation, sport, fitness and spa

Where: Almyra Hotel is located in Cyprus, in the heart of the town of Paphos and within walking distance of the beach and harbour.

Specialty: The special thing about this hotel lies in the combination. Here you will find peace, luxury, comfort, stylishly furnished designer suites, delicious food, a beautiful spa, a wide choice of activities and all kinds of opportunities to get to know Cyprus better.

Not to be missed: A jeep safari and an excursion to the impressive ruins from Roman times are fun outings.

Good to know: The spa is adults only. Do you still want to go on holiday with your children? No problem, the babysitting service is happy to take care of them if you are undergoing treatment.

About Isa Hoes

Isa Hoes became known with the role of Myriam van der Pol in Good Times Bad Times. After that she played in various TV series such as Medisch Centrum West, Vrouwenvleugel and Rozengeur & Vodka Lime and she starred in numerous theater productions. In addition, she is a writer. Two years ago, the book Toen ik je zag about her life with Antonie Kamerling was published, last summer she published the children's book Engel, which she wrote together with her daughter Vlinder. Te lijf, de kunst van het mooi ouder worden, a co-production with Medina Schuurman appeared in the autumn. Currently, Isa stars as Suus Kramer in the fourth season of the TV drama Celblok H.