High quality craftsmanship and an aversion to last minute trendiness guide the clean, terraced architecture of Cyprus’s Almyra Hotel. Following a major renovation by Thanos Michaelides, the hotel has undergone an ultra-chic metamorphosis and now features sleek interior elegance inspired by the island’s patron goddess of love and beauty, Aphrodite. Banquette sofas and low irokko and oak wood tables face windows that afford the first glimpse of the breathtaking ocean views available throughout Almyra.

Sleek modern furniture and black and white interiors have been selected by Tristan Auer and Joelle Pleot, who designed one of Karl Lagerfeld’s houses, vamped up by hand-assembled Byzantine chandeliers that hang in both the lobby and the Mosaics restaurant. Splashes of 1970s boldness – such as white leather sofas and ottomans – are enhanced by a combination of natural and artificial lighting. Seeing as the hotel places as much emphasis on a successful family experience as on good design, the concept also focuses on practicality.

All of Almyra’s guestrooms and suites are generous in size, so as to provide ample space for families – who will most certainly also appreciate the Almyra’s two freshwater pools, both built with Italian slate. Auer and Pleot have selected lots of natural materials in addition to glass and Carrara marble to create a calming effect in the rooms. Charming small details such as room numbers engraved on the floors are enhanced further by the freedom of guest’s being encouraged to move around the artworks on display at whim.

Wide terraces, covered with glowing white trellises surround the pool area and afford sweeping views of Paphos harbour. The landscaped gardens with lavender walkways surrounding the design hotel complete the picture perfect setting. Given the stunning results of the makeover, it is indeed surprising that this is Pleot’s first ever hotel project – but one for which her collaborator Tristan Auer and her have already earned oodles of industry praise. Rest assured, your praise is bound to follow.

http://www.contemporist.com/2012/07/04/the-almyra-hotel-in-cyprus/