St Raphael Resort

Despite its aging decor, the St Raphael Resort is class act from the front door to the masts swaying on the waterfront outside. The lobby is draped with greenery and makes a grand impression, rising to a six-story atrium ceiling that has a massive conical chandelier. Glass elevators with wood exteriors from a bygone era let guests have a little thrill just getting to their rooms, looking down on the colorful hexagonal planters and palm trees below. A bright lounge filled with comfortable wicker furnishings spans one side of the wide interior, and outside the manicured gardens are decorated with sculptures, ancient trees, and loungers all the way to the beach. 

The resort is mostly geared toward families, and offers more in the way of entertainment and activities than some competing resorts. In the evening, the Captain's Bar offers some respite for adults, as children under 12 are not allowed. This is also one of the only resorts on this stretch of coast with an all-inclusive package that covers alcohol, and the resort prides itself on its generous policies; all meals, snacks, and most drinks are covered, including some with premium-brand liquor (make sure to check when you order your drink). The Royal Apollonia also has all-inclusive rates available, but its beach is tiny. 

The resort is far out from attractions in downtown Limassol -- one of the farthest beachfront resorts from the town center -- but the tradeoff is that it sits on one of the largest stretches of beach in the area (probably the largest). It also has its own private marina. There are some bars, restaurants, and shops within walking distance from the hotel, either down the road or clustered around the marina and beachfront. It's a five-minute drive to the archaeological sites around the Amathus Ruins, and just under a 25-minute drive to the Old Port, Limassol Marina, and Limassol Castle (there's a bus stop right outside the hotel). Larnaca International Airport is a 36-minute drive to the east along the coast, while Paphos International Airport is closer to an hour drive to the west.

Most of the resort's 272 rooms wouldn't be out of place at a mid-range hotel, but feel underwhelming at this advertised five-pearl property. The decor is from a mix of decades (probably the '80s and '90s), and color palettes vary depending on room type; many have touches of blue or yellow that contribute to a beachy feel. Retro sound system controls still have switches for "Tape 1," and 26-inch flat-screen TVs are smaller than what is found at most other nearby resorts. Other furnishings include small desks and sitting areas with color coordinated chairs. Electric kettles (but no coffeemakers) and minibars come standard, but minibar items are not included even for those on the all-inclusive package (not having free bottled water is a particular nuisance). The tiled bathrooms have shower/tub combos. Executive rooms add two bunk beds, while suites incorporate separate living rooms and dining tables. Some rooms have furnished balconies, and either views of the marina ("sea views" are from the side of the building) or less attractive inland views. 

The St Raphael Resort has both its own marina and a wide Blue Flag beach with water sports, including sailing, windsurfing, and parasailing. One of the outdoor pools has a waterslide at one end that's thoughtfully segregated from where the sun loungers are, and an adjacent kiddy pool; the other has a swim-up bar (a relatively rare feature in the area, though the Royal Apollonia has one as well). The second pool was under construction during our visit, so we were unable to photograph it. There's also a small indoor pool with a hot tub. The spa has eight treatment rooms with the typical range of services, along with a hair salon. An adjacent fitness center has free weights, cardio and weight training machines, along with a steam room and sauna. There are also two outdoor tennis courts. For kids, there's an outdoor playground with slides and swings, daily activities, and a supervised kids' club. 

St Raphael prides itself on its "ultra" all-inclusive program, and it is indeed generous for the area, where all-inclusive rates are not especially common to begin with. The package covers all meals, snacks, and until midnight, most alcoholic drinks (select domestic and imported brands). Non-motorized water sport equipment such as windsurfing boards, snorkel gear, and canoes are covered, as is an introductory scuba lesson in the pool; motorized water sports cost extra. Food and drinks at Sailor's Rest are not included.