ELTIPS AV R T

Just along the coast, people were skinny- dipping around the rocky birthplace of Aphrodite in the hope of being granted eternal beauty.

And inland, in the lap of Mount Olympus, a taverna owner with a striking moustache and 98 hats was playing his guitar for diners enjoying an amazing meat mezze.

But for now, fresh from the airport, I was happy to savour this first view from the balcony of the Louis Ivi Mare in Paphos, Cyprus.

Next morning, after a giant buffet breakfast, I met our guide.

“Calamari,” I said to her and assembled colleagues.

“Bit early for seafood,” she said. “I think you meant ‘Kaliméra’, Greek for ‘good morning’. But we’ll be having squid later.”

My attempt to learn Greek in 40 minutes with a book from Audible had been a waste of time.

Not only was I useless, everyone from the hotel front desk to the omelette chef spoke good English.

A half-hour’s drive away and we were at the 4BC Tombs of the Kings. The Unesco World Heritage Site is impressive but I just kept thinking

TAKE time to unwind with a massage at the hotel’s luxury spa, which also has another pool for a spot of indoor lounging and both are open all year.

GRAB a cocktail at the hotel’s excellent terrace bar before your evening meal. Staff spoil you rotten.

BEFORE you fly, relax at My Lounge in Gatwick’s South Terminal, with the airport’s only outdoor terrace. It’s £24 in advance, but drinks and nibbles are included.

no1lounges.com