A secret retreat for goddesses and royalty

This recently refurbished five-star and all-suite resort, surrounded by mountains and white cliffs overlooking the secluded bay of Pissouri, feels like a resort fit for royalty. In fact, it is.

Prince Harry is said to have visited while Zara and Mike Tindall honeymooned here in 2011.

The resort, largely made up of two-storey suites with traditional shutters on the windows, restored roof tiles and elegant arches, also has a spa, a kids’ club and a creche as well as several eating and drinking options set around a garden of tropical trees with the heady scent of jasmine.

Beyond the fragrant foliage, on the eastern side of the resort facing the coast, was my executive suite with its interior of white wood panels, floor-to-ceiling patio doors, dark wooden beams and handcrafted furniture. Colour came in the form of splashes of blue while the sofa and armchairs gave the place a homely touch.

The tiled bathroom, stocked with luxurious Molten Brown toiletries, was no less lavish with a bathtub you could almost do laps in, alongside a walk-in shower big enough to hold a party in.

Meanwhile the award-winning Hébe Spa offers an array of treatments using Elemis products. After a couple of lengths in the pool, I headed to the gym for a bit of downtime in the Jacuzzi before heading for my treatment.

I opted for a Swedish back massage which was therapeutic and relaxing. I did promise myself to attend one of the many fitness classes, then go for a steam and sauna throughout my stay but the relaxation room proved more tempting. They also have squash and tennis courts and a hair and nail salon for more pampering.

All that relaxing works up an appetite, so it’s good to know there’s plenty of delicious food on offer. Running the culinary show is Michelin-star executive chef, Ioannis Giakoumidis, who ensures that taste buds are tickled with Greek and Cypriot dishes combined with world influences.

Options range from a la carte to buffet with the opportunity to dine al fresco. My favourite dish was the spicy grilled shrimp tacos served with red cabbage salad, red onion, coriander and avocado, alongside a spicy mayo dressing at the Cape Aspro seafood restaurant which has recently introduced a sharing concept.

You can taste a variety of the region’s best fish dishes while enjoying views of the sea and white cliffs that are no less delicious. The Apollo Taverna restaurant, more typically Cyrpiot in its appearance, was another hit.

Try the juicy lamb chops served with sautéed asparagus, kefalotiri flakes and garlic oil. If you want to know how to recreate Ioannis’ tasty grilled halloumi or warm Greek salad, you can join one of his surprisingly simple cooking classes running over the summer.

Beyond the resort there is much to lure you to this part of the Med. Explore pretty Pissouri Bay by cycling with Thomas Wegmüller, a Swiss cycling champion, who leads exciting – and gentle – bike tours (bikecyprus.ch).

It’s a great way to discover the region’s natural beauty and interesting architecture as he identified local plants and their uses, taught us a bit of history and shared some of his favourite viewpoints.

Golfers as well as cyclists are also well catered for. Play a round at the prestigious Eléa Estate Golf Club.

Designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo, this 18-hole course has a tropical feel thanks to its planting.

Arguably the most famous sight, though, is Aphrodite’s Rock, a rugged formation out at sea that is believed to be the birthplace of the Greek goddess of love, beauty, pleasure and procreation.

History lovers will also love the Mosaics Archaeological Park.

The site dates back to prehistoric times and magnificent mosaics depict elements of the inhabitants’ lives such as births and hunting rituals.

From there, take a trip to Pissouri, a small and traditional village that’s big on personality, the kind of place where everyone knows everyone.

It has cosy bars, tavernas and quaint shops along its narrow cobbled roads and square and just a short downhill stroll back to the luxurious confines of the Columbia Resort.