Where to stay in Cyprus

Londa Hotel, Limassol

What's sospecial

One of a new batch of trendy, designer boutique hotels to hit the Mediterranean island, the Londa is for chic couples and business travellers leave the children at home.

How they rate it

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Limassol's "first couture getaway... thoroughly smacks of class", says MrandMrsSmith.com. The highlight is the "beautiful infinity pool" overlooking the sea. The Londa is "trendy on steroids", says The Daily Telegraph. The interior is full of whites and beiges contrasted against dark wood. It has "an intimate feel lacking in most Limassol coastal-strip places". The bedrooms are a little small, but are furnished like suites. The actual suites themselves are much larger, have two bathrooms, and in some cases two balconies. Unfortunately, there isn't much of a beach but "there's a lovely terrace with deep pool, a large gym and spa".

The menu

The on-site Caprice restaurant serves a global fusion menu, with dishes including mahi mahi with lime or beef tenderloin. The Sunday afternoon barbecue is very popular with residents and passers-by.

The cost

A double room costs from £230. Visit www.londahotel.com, or call 00 35 72 586 5555.

Almyra Hotel, Paphos

What's so special

For a family-friendly, designer hotel in Cyprus, try the Almyra. It is well known for its fantastic baby facilities, children's clubs and cleverly designed children's pool, which is shaded by awnings on hot days and heated in winter.

How they rate it

"The interiors are cool and minimalist, but the staff are warm and friendly," says Cond Nast Traveller. The comfortable bedrooms are furnished with burnt-orange chairs and "huge, white-linen-draped beds". If you opt for one of the Kyma Suites, you'll also have a rooftop terrace "offering breathtaking views of the sea and the harbour". As well as the fantastic children's pool, there is a large freshwater pool for adults. If you want to escape the children, there is an adult-only spa with a "sublime infinity pool" with a sea view, says Harriet Long in The Times.

The menu

The hotel has several restaurants with cuisine ranging from standard international food to Japanese to Cypriot. For a gastronomic blowout try the Notios Restaurant's seven-course Omakase Japanese-Mediterranean tasting menu; or arrange to have a private barbecue on the beach.

The cost

Prices start from €110 for a standard double room. Find out more at www.almyra.com, or call 00 35 72 688 8700.

What the travel writers are saying

Looking for a room with a view? Rufus Purdy in The Times rounds up the best Britain has to offer.

Holkham Beach in Norfolk is "one of the country's most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of golden sand". Guests at the Victoria get to "overlook it all". The hotel itself is lavish. "Strangely, for a place that lies on this most British of coastlines, [it] seems to have taken its style inspiration from India." Yet it works, with each of the rooms filled with Raj-era antiques and artworks. A double room costs from £125 (Holkham.co.uk/victoria).

Holm House in Penarth is an "Arts and Crafts-style mansion", which overlooks the Bristol Channel and "the English shores beyond". The hotel "couldn't be more redolent of the 1920s jazz age if moustache-twiddling aristos and bowl-cropped flappers guzzled gin in the... downstairs bar." Doubles from £110 (Holmhouse.co.uk).

The Balmoral in Edinburgh (above) is "one of Scotland's finest hotels". Its "well-heeled clientele" can enjoy the serene spa, Michelin-starred Number One restaurant, and (in some rooms) views of Edinburgh Castle and the Old Town. Doubles from £360 (Thebalmoralhotel.com).

Pool House in Poolewe "occupies one of the most romantic locations in Britain", with views of the Isle of Harris and the Highlands from its post on the west coast of Scotland. Settle in the restaurant to enjoy John Moir's "innovative Highland cuisine" and you may get to enjoy the sight of otters and seals playing on the shoreline. Double rooms start at £125 (Pool-house.co.uk).