Flying into Paphos, you can’t help but feel a flicker of excitement as you first glimpse a land of Greek mythology, flecked with churches, castles and monasteries, and surrounded by the bluest seas. Stepping off the plane, you’ll be embraced by a warm breeze – even in March – and in no time, your sun-drenched odyssey can begin. In my case: three days of wining, dining and soaking up the sights, courtesy of Indulgent Escapes by Jet2holidays (where the five-star hotels are hand-picked, and packages include return flights, 25kg baggage and private transfers.
* They also give you a priority lane pass for your UK airport, plus a complimentary drink on the plane, each way.**) Found in the far west of Cyprus, Paphos is a picturesque harbour and mythical birthplace of Aphrodite, the goddess of love; there are ancient sites everywhere you look. On my first night, I check into the Annabelle , a gorgeous hotel set in six acres of tropical gardens and located right on the seafront.
Mixing serenity with a quiet gravitas, the 244-room hotel is replete with gleaming marble floors, art deco furnishings and stone pillars. A beautiful piano – played every evening – sits majestically in a glass-clad atrium overlooking the ocean. Our gastronomic adventure begins at Amorosa, the hotel’s signature restaurant where gourmet dining comes as standard.
Waited on by friendly, knowledgeable staff, I plump for the seared scallops to start, and the black angus beef in red wine sauce for main. .
