The first night is always trial and error as you figure out where your favourite spots are, and there are many to choose from here. To remove all indecision, we opted for “Dining Under The Stars”, one of the carefully curated experience meals. With an interesting barbeque-style set menu that included inspired dishes like seafood Souvlaki, grilled Kung Po prawns, Japanese smoked beef and char-grilled pineapple flambé. We were hoping for an exquisite Mediterranean feast with an equally special star-lit setting, and that’s exactly what we got.
We thought the meal experience might be more sociable, but in fact, the tables were very private, spacious, peacefully lit, and extremely romantic. As with everything at Anassa, the food and service were impeccable. There are different experiences to choose from every night, so don’t leave without trying at least one. Apparently, a guest favourite is the village square, with a traditional Cypriot feast, folk music, and dancing set to the backdrop of the classic dome chapel, a location for weddings that happen most weekends.
Our personal highlight meal was in the less traditional Basilika, which had an unexpected Mediterranean-Asian-inspired menu. The menu included sushi perfection and the most tender sashimi, a nice change from the rich but wholesome Mediterranean flavours we’d become so accustomed to at Anassa.
With floor to ceiling creams and whites it has a chic subterranean feel, it’s definitely one for the adults. We didn’t get the chance to try beautiful Helios. Still, the menu is refined French-Mediterranean (as always, there’s a twist!), and the setting is beyond Instagram-worthy, with carefully laid tables scattered amongst ancient olive trees under pretty festoon lighting. Hot tip: make sure you book your dining well ahead of your stay; these unique spots get booked up fast.
For shady daytime lunches in the shade, there is Pelagos, a casual poolside restaurant with tasty mezze and a daily fresh fish counter, with lots of healthy options for a lighter dining experience if you fancy it. Succulent lamb koftas and tangy Greek salads are a must have and they will be the best you’ve ever had. Or for those who don’t want to venture far, the lounger service is excellent. We were really impressed with the quality of the menu by the pool and on what feels like a completely private beach. Perfect Caesar salads and shoreline chilled rosé were ordered on repeat.