I went to island four hours from UK with 300 days of sunshine - I nearly didn't come home

With an abundance of natural beauty, around 300 days of sunshine and a wealth of history, it's hard to see what's not to like about Paphos.

Nestled on Cyprus' sun-kissed south-west coast, there is glistening clear-blue sea, ancient sites, thriving local businesses and delicious food and wine to be enjoyed. Sipping on a glass of prosecco, I've only been inside the new Cali Resort & Spa for a matter of minutes and I feel like I'm in paradise.

After being immediately hit with the evening heat coming off of a four-and-a-half-hour flight, a welcome drink in the cool Sonata Bar was the perfect way to start the holiday. It's my first experience of a five-star adult hotel and as I headed through the spacious lobby, up the lift and down the corridor to my room, I already suspected nothing would top my first impressions of the Cali Resort.

The five-star hotel

Each of the beautiful 201 airy and light-filled rooms and suites have been newly refurbished and boast tropical, emerald green-coloured décor.

Inside, guests can enjoy the modern walk-in shower with luxurious amenities, relax wearing the comfy Cali bathrobes and slippers or have a drink from the minibar or hot drink facilities.

On arrival in my room was a fresh fruit platter which was replaced daily. Sliding open the balcony door, I take in the spectacular view of the illuminated swimming pool before collapsing onto my dreamy mattress, excited to see more of Paphos when the sun rises.

One of two restaurants inside the Cali Resort & Spa is the Aria Restaurant and a fresh omelette of your choice from the designated cooking station is an excellent way to start the day. From morning to night, its lavish buffet includes international dishes and authentic Mediterranean and Cypriot cuisine.

Eating inside or al fresco, there is a different culinary theme each evening, so there's always something new to try. You can spend all day at the resort soaking up the glorious sunshine and relaxing by the pool - but it's also fairly central if there's more of Paphos you wish to see.

The island of Paphos

In Paphos, the locals are extremely friendly, English is spoken by all and they also drive on the left. A short drive away is Latchi Harbour, where you can take a boat trip and sail alongside the Akamas peninsula to the charming Blue Lagoon.

Taking a dip in the sapphire-blue Mediterranean Sea, the lagoon is stunning and serene.

If you've got an appetite, the Yiangos and Peter Fish Tavern, a popular harbourside restaurant, serves an impeccable seafood meze. Paired with a crisp, Cypriot white wine, the tender calamari, juicy prawns, large sea bream and accompanying feta salad is superb. But a stand out for me was the Marida - a small fish local to the area - which you have to try.

A late afternoon by the pool is always a good idea after a busy day and it didn't take long to get back to the hotel and have an Aperol Spritz in hand. Around the perimeter of the impressive Cali Resort pool are a number of paired sunbeds immersed in the shallow water, making it easy to stay cool and giving you your own personal space.

It was a different dining experience on our second evening at the hotel's Fiki Japanese Fusion Restaurant. Serving a menu of Japanese inspired delicacies, including freshly prepared sushi and a hot taste of the Orient, my senses were serenaded as I enjoyed new flavours.

Paphos' fascinating history

The next day, there was still more of Paphos and Cypriot culture that I wished to explore. Mary Patroklou from the local tourist board is an excellent host and has taken tours for more than 30 years. Mary told our group much of what the island has to offer - but for her, "Paphos is quality". We visited the Tombs of the Kings, a large necropolis which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list since 1980.

High-ranking officials and aristocracy were buried in the tombs, which date back to the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Under the scorching sun, we took shade by exploring the fascinating tombs, which looked straight out of a film set.

But for me, a personal highlight was touring a villa renowned for its remarkable floor mosaics - the Grand House of Dionysus, named after the Greek god of wine. The captivating artworks remained hidden from view until the 1960s when a local farmer stumbled upon them and each intricately crafted mosaic depicts scenes of history, hunting and mythology.

Since performing in a play of Theseus and the Minotaur in primary school, I have been obsessed with Greek mythology - so it was special to see some of the tales I had read as a child presented in such a spectacular way.

While in Paphos, you can also take a trip to the birthplace of Aphrodite, a beach where locals enjoy a swim in the refreshing water near an enormous rock where legend states the goddess of love was born. A destination for tourists, you can also download an app, called Aphrodite's Birthplace, to see a digital version of the goddess in your own photographs. Paphos Old Town is thriving with businesses and it's here where you can taste local products and get your hands on some handmade arts and crafts. The area has undergone a regeneration in recent years and vibrant artwork decorates the walls of the historic town.

If you want a great view of Paphos, head up to Muse restaurant which overlooks the town. As I devoured their lountza halloumi in Greek pita, I spotted the M/V Demetrios II shipwreck in the distance which has become somewhat of a must photo opportunity while visiting Paphos.

Before I knew it, it was our last day and after a quick visit to the nearby Coral Bay Beach I headed to my spa treatment. Cali Resort & Spa has a fitness room, indoor pool, steam room and sauna free of charge for hotel guests, but I wanted to make the most of my final hours in paradise with a relaxing massage.

As every knot was pushed out of my back and the smell of calming, natural products fragranced the air, I knew I could have easily stayed there all day and not left for my flight. But as I headed home after a wonderful few days, I knew it wouldn't be my last visit to Paphos.

Book the holiday

• easyJet holidays offers seven nights on all-inclusive+ at the Cali Resort & Spa in Paphos, Cyprus, from £985pp with 23kg baggage, transfers and flights from Gatwick on November 19.
• Holiday Extras offers a room for night at the Sofitel at Gatwick North on November 18 from £169; entry to the Plaza Premium Lounge at Gatwick North on November 19 from £40pp.
• MORE INFO at