AMYTH OF NICOSIA, CYPRUS
Cyprus is known for its golden Mediterranean beaches, rural mountain villages, and ancient archaeological sites—but travelers now have a new reason to add Nicosia, the fascinating capital, to their itineraries. Amyth of Nicosia, the latest property from family-owned Cypriot hospitality group Thanos Hotels and Resorts, occupies a circa-1900 traditional mansion on a quiet corner in the southern half of the Old City, now painstakingly restored with many original elements left intact. The 10 rooms and suites have stylishly sparse furnishings, Acqua di Parma amenities, soaring ceilings, and large, blue-shuttered windows that let the clear Cypriot sunlight pour in; a few also include generous terraces, from which you can hear the bells of the 17th-century St. John’s Cathedral and the call to prayer from the 14th-century Omeriye Mosque, both nearby. In fact, many of Nicosia’s most important and intriguing sites are in walking distance: Amyth is located within the so-called Venetian Walls, the 16th-century fortifications built by the island’s onetime rulers in an attempt to defend against the eventual takeover by the Ottoman Empire. The hotel team can set up ways to get a deeper sense of this diverse and layered city, including archaeologist-led walking tours and textile workshops. After a day of exploring, join the local crowd at Amyth Kouzina, the ground-floor restaurant, where you can order both pan-Mediterranean and Cypriot-inspired dishes—brie-and-tomato baklava, arancini with lountza (cured pork loin). For a nightcap, order a brandy sour: the unofficial national cocktail, made with local brandy and the island’s juicy, aromatic Cypriot lemons.
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