Your Hampshire & Dorset Wedding - May/June 2019 (Issue 74)

I arrived in Paphos after a four-and-a-half hour flight, where I was whisked away to the luxurious five-star Annabelle Hotel. As soon as I saw the impressive reception I fell in love with the décor; its grand chandeliers, stunning views and marble furnishings made me feel like royalty. Upon my arrival I was greeted by the oh-so-friendly staff who took my bags and escorted me to my room. The space went beyond my expectations, with a king-sized bed, TV, complimentary bottle of wine and a patio overlooking the sea. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better, I saw the en suite bathroom, boasting fancy toiletries, a heated towel rail and walk-in shower. After a few hours of lounging around in my fluffy white robe on the unbelievably comfortable bed, it was a struggle dragging myself out of the room for dinner, even though I couldn’t wait to taste the food. I’m a fussy eater and usually struggle to find dishes that I enjoy but to my surprise I loved everything. I started with the Vitello tonnato followed by leek soup. For the main, I had the steamed sea bass fillet. It was delicious, and the ideal size to fill me up but leave enough room for what I considered to be the main event – dessert! I finished with a chocolate moist cake – having a really sweet tooth, this was the perfect choice for me. AN ANCIENT CIVILISATION I awoke after the best night’s sleep I’d had in a long time feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Venturing to the main restaurant for breakfast I found that there was something for everyone, from pastries and fruit to cooked options. Following my morning feast I headed down to the lobby where I was greeted by my lovely tour guide, Antonia, who took me to see the Roman mosaics located just a 10-minute walk away. I’ve always had a strong interest in history, so I was really excited to see the sights and learn more about the island’s rich heritage. The artwork depicts the stories of the gods and goddesses throughout Greek mythology. Discovered by archaeologists in the 1960s, it was fascinating to see. Later in the day, the wedding manager, Christiana, gave me an in-depth tour of the venue’s facilities before departing for lunch at Yiannis Tavern. Expecting a small brunch, I was shocked when they served at least 15 different dishes. Make sure you visit on an empty stomach! PURE RELAXATION That afternoon I was lucky enough to visit Vasilikon Winery. The staff took me on a tour of the establishment and explained how they make and store the wine. While I’m not much of a drinker, I couldn’t turn down the opportunity to taste the offerings – every flavour was truly delicious. I love being pampered so I was really excited to try the facilities at the Almyra Spa. PURE BLISS Melissa Barker discovers what the island of Cyprus has to offer 122