A place in the sun, a dip in the sea; perhaps a cocktail, novelty umbrella optional.

After a London winter, this is the brief. Cyprus beckons; the birthplace of Aphrodite, far enough south for warmth and with a promised 320 days of sunshine per year, moussaka, mezze, aniseed spirits in small clear glasses. Turquoise water and – for the Australians among us, this bit is important – sand.

Capo Bay is a smartly modern resort complex on Fig Tree Bay in Protaras. It’s an hour’s drive in the dark over a dual carriageway heading east from Lanarca Airport and 10km away from the pit of partying known as Ayia Napa. I’d like …