What They Say
Imagine days that begin with breakfast beneath cloudless skies, afternoons spent beside shimmering pools with a perfectly mixed cocktail in hand, and evenings lingering over exceptional food as the Mediterranean glows beneath another spectacular sunset. Imperial Island Resort, Paphos, promises exactly that. Fresh from an extensive transformation, the contemporary five-star resort blends stylish accommodation, beautifully considered dining and a premium all-inclusive experience with a spectacular seafront setting, creating an escape that’s equally suited to couples looking to unwind as it is to families seeking a little extra comfort beneath the Cypriot sun.
The Hotel
Fresh from an impressive refurbishment, Imperial Island Resort enjoys a privileged position on the shores of Paphos, where beautifully landscaped gardens meet the sparkling sea beyond. The moment you arrive, there is an unmistakable sense of calm. Nothing feels rushed. Instead, everything quietly encourages you to settle into the slower rhythm that makes holidays in Cyprus feel so wonderfully restorative.
The newly refurbished rooms continue that same understated sophistication. Soft natural tones, elegant stone finishes and crisp white linens create a calming sanctuary after long days spent in the sunshine, while thoughtful touches, from a complimentary stocked minibar to indulgent toiletries and beautifully appointed walk-in showers, add a welcome sense of luxury without ever feeling overdone.
My private balcony quickly became one of my favourite places to retreat. Mornings began here with coffee as the island slowly came to life beneath cloudless skies, while evenings ended watching the sun melt into the horizon with a glass of wine in hand. It was one of those simple holiday pleasures that somehow became part of my daily ritual.
For families, the cleverly designed suites deserve particular praise. Sliding partitions create separate sleeping areas, allowing parents and children to enjoy their own space while remaining comfortably close. It’s an elegant, well-considered design that feels every bit as sophisticated as the rest of the resort.
Although the resort offers excellent facilities for families, it never feels defined by them. Instead, what stayed with me most was the effortless pace of life. Whether enjoying a leisurely breakfast, settling onto one of the luxurious loungers beside the quiet pool or lingering over dinner long after sunset, every day seemed to unfold exactly as a Mediterranean holiday should.
The Style
It’s impossible not to notice the light.
It dances across the water, catches the tops of the palm trees and spills through the airy reception before leading you towards beautifully landscaped gardens and the sea beyond. Following its recent refurbishment, the resort feels bright, fresh and unmistakably coastal, favouring understated elegance over unnecessary grandeur.
Outside, two inviting pools offer very different moods. While one provides plenty of energy for families, I found myself repeatedly returning to the wonderfully peaceful, quiet pool. Here, afternoons slipped by between leisurely swims, another chapter of my book and the occasional expertly mixed cocktail.
The generously proportioned poolside loungers deserve a mention all of their own. Wonderfully comfortable and thoughtfully spaced, they’re the sort of indulgence that encourages you to abandon any plans for the afternoon, surrendering instead to warm sunshine, the gentle rustle of palms overhead and the simple pleasure of doing very little.
Imperial Island Resort embraces the easy-going spirit of Mediterranean resort life, where everything you need is within easy reach and every day unfolds at exactly the pace you choose.
The Service
Cypriot hospitality has long been one of the island’s greatest charms, and the team at Imperial Island Resort continues that tradition beautifully.
From the moment we arrived, everyone we encountered was warm, welcoming and genuinely eager to help. Service throughout the restaurants felt polished yet relaxed, while housekeeping ensured our room remained an inviting retreat after long days exploring the island.
It’s exactly the sort of easy, unforced hospitality that quietly elevates an already relaxing stay.
Dine
Dining quickly became one of the highlights of my stay. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are beautifully executed, making it wonderfully easy to slip into the relaxed rhythm of island life.
Breakfast soon became my favourite ritual of the day. Beneath cloudless skies, mornings began with everything from buttery pastries and tropical fruit to freshly prepared eggs, local delicacies and excellent coffee. Whether you were craving something wholesome or something wonderfully indulgent, the choice felt almost endless, yet carefully presented rather than overwhelming. There was something rather lovely about lingering over breakfast with nowhere else to be, watching the resort slowly wake for another sun-drenched day.
That same sense of abundance continued throughout the day. Whether you were looking for a leisurely lunch overlooking the gardens, something lighter between swims or freshly prepared snacks to enjoy throughout the afternoon, every craving was quietly taken care of with effortless ease. It’s the sort of premium all-inclusive experience that allows you to completely switch off, never having to think about where your next meal might be.
As evening arrived, the atmosphere shifted once again. The extensive buffet became a showcase of Mediterranean flavours, beautifully fresh seafood, grilled fish, vibrant salads, international favourites and tempting desserts, all thoughtfully prepared and constantly replenished. Live cooking stations added another layer of theatre, creating an experience that feels far removed from the clichés so often associated with buffet dining.
One of the resort’s greatest strengths, however, is that some of its finest dining experiences are included as part of your stay. While many resorts reserve their speciality restaurants for guests willing to pay a supplement, Imperial Island Resort takes a refreshingly different approach.
The standout was undoubtedly Fiki Japanese Fusion. Elegant, contemporary and beautifully presented, it delivers sophisticated Asian-inspired cuisine that feels genuinely special and refreshingly unexpected. It’s the sort of restaurant you would happily seek out in its own right, making the fact that it’s included within the resort’s premium all-inclusive offering all the more impressive.
For something altogether more relaxed, Pygmalion Handmade Burger Restaurant provides a welcome contrast. Freshly prepared gourmet burgers served in a laid-back setting make it the perfect choice for a leisurely lunch, adding another enjoyable dimension to the resort’s already impressive culinary offering.
The inclusion of both speciality restaurants transforms the dining experience. Rather than feeling tied to one restaurant throughout your stay, each evening can offer something completely different, elevating the culinary offering well beyond what many travellers have come to expect from an all-inclusive holiday.
Perhaps the greatest luxury isn’t simply the quality of the food, but the freedom that comes with it. Another expertly mixed cocktail beside the pool, a light bite between swims or an unhurried dinner beneath the stars all become part of the gentle rhythm of each day, leaving you free to simply savour the moment.
Sleep
If the room is your sanctuary, then this one delivers exactly what a holiday in Cyprus calls for: somewhere to exhale.
The newly refurbished rooms have been thoughtfully designed with a calming palette of soft neutrals, elegant stone finishes and luxurious bedding that almost tempt you to linger a little longer each morning. The bathrooms feel equally indulgent, with spacious walk-in showers, contemporary finishes and plush toiletries that elevate even the simplest moments.
Little touches, including the complimentary stocked minibar, add to the feeling that everything has been quietly considered before you even arrive.
For me, however, the real luxury was the balcony.
Each morning began with coffee overlooking the sea as the island slowly came to life, while evenings ended watching the sky melt into shades of amber and rose as the sun disappeared beyond the horizon. It became my favourite place to pause, reflect on the day and quietly appreciate the slower pace of life that Cyprus does so effortlessly.
The Spa
For those seeking complete relaxation, the resort’s spa provides a welcome sanctuary away from the Mediterranean sunshine. Before you even reach the treatment rooms, you’ll discover a beautifully tranquil indoor pool where the outside world suddenly feels a million miles away. Cocooned from the warmth outside, it’s the perfect place to begin or end a morning of relaxation.
The spa itself offers an extensive menu of treatments, alongside a sauna and Jacuzzi, creating a wonderfully restorative wellness experience.
I treated myself to a full-body massage, and it proved to be one of the highlights of my stay. Expertly delivered, it seemed to melt away the stresses I had arrived with, replacing the pace and pressures of London life with a welcome sense of calm. By the time I left the treatment room, I felt lighter, more relaxed and completely immersed in the slower rhythm of Cyprus.
Whether you’re looking for a restorative facial, a deeply relaxing massage or simply an hour to yourself after a morning exploring Paphos, the spa offers a peaceful retreat that complements the resort beautifully.
Combined with long afternoons beside the quiet pool, it creates exactly the sort of restorative escape many of us quietly crave. There is no pressure to fill every hour here. Instead, the days unfold naturally between leisurely swims, peaceful moments with a book and another expertly mixed cocktail enjoyed without ever looking at the time.
Out & About
As tempting as it is to spend every day beside the pool, western Cyprus has far too much to offer to remain within the resort.
One of the highlights of our stay was setting sail aboard a private yacht with Captain Beroo from Blue Lagoon Charters. Cruising along the spectacular coastline, passing hidden coves and dramatic cliffs before arriving at the legendary Blue Lagoon felt like stepping into a postcard. I’d seen countless photographs of the Blue Lagoon over the years, but nothing quite prepares you for that first glimpse. The water shifts between impossible shades of sapphire and turquoise, so brilliantly clear that it was impossible to resist diving straight in.
Continuing along the coastline, we paused at the legendary Aphrodite’s Rock where, according to Greek mythology, the goddess of love emerged from the sea. Whether or not you believe the legend, there’s something undeniably magical about seeing the dramatic limestone formations rising from the sparkling Mediterranean. It’s one of those iconic sights that feels every bit as special in person as you’ve always imagined.
Back on land, the charming harbour town of Latchi makes the perfect stop for lunch. If you’re looking for a recommendation, make it Y&P Fish Tavern, where some of the freshest seafood in the region is served overlooking the water. Long lunches seem to come naturally here, accompanied by chilled local wine and the gentle soundtrack of fishing boats drifting in and out of the harbour.
History lovers are equally spoilt. The UNESCO-listed Tombs of the Kings and the remarkable Roman mosaics offer a fascinating glimpse into Cyprus’ rich past, while wandering through the beautifully restored Paphos Old Town became one of my unexpected highlights. Full of independent cafés, artisan boutiques and inviting squares, it’s the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon soaking up a different side of the island.
Wine enthusiasts should also make time for a visit to Sterna Winery, where local wines and warm Cypriot hospitality provide a wonderful introduction to one of the island’s oldest traditions.
After a day spent exploring the coastline, there was something rather lovely about returning to the resort in time for sunset. One last cocktail beside the sea, the warm evening air and another leisurely dinner became a ritual I looked forward to every single day, watching the Mediterranean turn from brilliant blue to molten gold as evening settled over Paphos.
The Best thing
The overwhelming sense of ease.
From coffee on the balcony as the island slowly wakes to afternoons sailing across impossibly blue water and evenings lingering over exceptional food, every day seemed to unfold effortlessly. It left me free to simply enjoy the moment, without ever having to think about what came next.
The Worst Thing
Checking out.
The Details
EasyJet Holidays offers seven nights at the five-star Imperial Island Resort on an all-inclusive basis in a Superior Sea View Room from £1,353 per person, including flights from London Gatwick, transfers and 23kg of luggage per person.
For an even more relaxing start to your holiday, consider pre-booking airport lounge access through Holiday Extras, allowing your Mediterranean escape to begin long before take-off.
