Thanos Michaelides
The Family Man

Words Ken Baronimages Steve Herud

The words “boutique hotel” and “family resort” conjure up two very different properties. But not to Thanos Michaelides, who created a high-minded design hotel that is accessible to both romantics and those with kids in tow: Almyra.

Thanos Michaelides and his two sisters have been running the family business, Thanos Hotels, with their father since the 1980s. Almyra is now one of five hotels in the group, and the only hotel catering to design aficionados and families. Following a two-year revamp in 2003, the slick 187-room resort has emerged as something of a European star, thanks largely to Thanos Michaelides’ vision.

Capitalizing on a dearth of family oriented boutique resorts, not only in Cyprus but across the continent, Michaelides set out to combine high-end design aesthetics with family friendly features. The result is a resounding—and unexpected—success. Four swimming pools, a tennis court, an ultramodern spa, and five restaurants are cross-pollinated with the fresh, sophisticated looks of French designer Joelle Pleot.

Despite the demands of overseeing numerous hotels, the father of two still finds time to indulge his passions. A fixation on classic cars has led to an impressive collection, ranging from an Aston Martin DB6 to a Bristol, which he races a few times a year. For Michaelides “it’s about being challenged. I’ve never tried to find the easiest thing to do, but the best thing to do. The next thing, the challenging thing. And that’s what Almyra is about. It’s the only design hotel in Cyprus. We created something here that didn’t exist.”