Cyprus: the island that cares about Israel

Cyprus feels warmer than most countries at the moment. Not because of the balmy temperature in the hazy morning sun, but because of the hostage posters lining the road that takes you towards Limassol. That was the scene back in December and it provided a sense of comfort that is diminishing at home in the UK.

Located north of the Sinai peninsula, Israelis have long been coming to the island and the Secret Forest in the hills above Paphos currently harbours those in need of peace. As an escapist retreat it offers all one needs to wind down. A spa, sulphur pools, massage, yoga and luxury mattresses in generous suites set among the trees.

Don’t be surprised to see a peacock looking through your window. Erica is a resident and she’s staring at her reflection. Israeli owner Yoni Kahana implemented the kosher menu and added an extra perk by serving brunch from 10am-1pm so you don’t have to force yourself out of bed for breakfast which is so civilised.

In the summer there’s entertainment in the square and every night there are musicians strumming in the bar where you can help yourself to tea and dried fruit and nuts. If endearing and chilled sums up the Secret Forest, then dynamic, luxurious and perfumed is the vibe at the Parklane in Limassol.

This hotel sits within the Marriott’s luxury collection and the fragrant lobby sends a whiff of opulence to arriving guests below a shower of hanging glass petals – a unique art piece – and the property is full of them.
Hotel staff are usually nice, but at Parklane you run out of superlatives to describe them. If they are as attentive to the guests in all 222 rooms then full compliments to the manager. Great service extends to the restaurants too of which there are six, but I can only vouch for the informal Lanes for all-day dining (the breakfast leaves no food unserved) and then rave about LPM which is French, but not precious . Try as many dishes as you can and I guarantee salivating over such memorable munches as Saumon Finement Tranche (salmon carpaccio, guacamole and shimeji mushrooms ).

Of all the many edible delights at Parklane, it is the cakes that take the biscuit. I wrote down the name of the pâtissier, but can’t recall where I put the paper, but I will never forget his Alice in Wonderland hearts, keys and apples cream and sponge combos which should be on plinths not plates. Three outdoor pools, yes three which are all sea facing and an indoor which is by the gym and the Kalloni Spa for aspiring Aphrodites.

The property has an additional 34 suites, 18 villas designed by Harrods Interiors and all of this is the available for your whole family in the summer. Anytime in fact as they will spoil your children and even welcome dogs. The resident three cats are shameless about their love for the sofas on the terraces and it is a testament to their good taste that they never leave. Guests offer to take them, but no one would leave  Parklane in a hurry. If they are interested in having me back I can be packed in minutes and I treasure the takeaway from our blissful stay which was a flask of the lobby scent. If only I could have taken the pâtissier. Visit https://www.marriott.com and https//secretfo.rest/en/