It’s mid-March, we arrive at Larnaca airport after a smooth four and a half hour Cyprus Airways flight from Heathrow with cooing not crying babies, Cypriot men and women in a melange of Armani and M & S, plus UK repeaters; hotel jargon for satisfied customers who come back for more.

A Mercedes taxi speeds us to the lively 5 star Londa, a very stylish boutique hotel right on the beach which swings both ways – business and pleasure. Corporate meetings in the sun and often called an escape hotel for the locals – a fun place for parents to steal a romantic weekend away from the house and the dishwasher.

It’s Saturday night and the lobby bar is buzzing. Full of International all sorts from slinky Russian babes cooing while their partners are billing, to young Cypriot couples and a smattering of cine and tv celebs who’ve arrived for the woman of the year awards in Nicosia.

Morning – our 6th floor suite is all glass and light with a George Clooneyesque espresso machine. Two balconies project out to sea like the bow of a boat. It’s uber, uber stylish.

Pure white everywhere with large orange cups and saucers like dots on a painting greet you at breakfast.

The scrambled eggs are the best we’ve ever tasted in a hotel. For us, this is important, having suffered all manner of watery, yellow milch, even in some of the best establishments. An auspicious start to the day.

Sitting round the pool business deals are mooted, while at this time of year none but the brave take the plunge.

The Londa’s award-winning Caprice restaurant is wonderful. Fabulous, innovative salads and pastas, elegant mains, seabass, tender steaks and delectable desserts.

Executive Chef Patric, a sunny Swede and Cypriot Chef Vassos, who’s been a Londa staple since it’s opening, run the very appetizing menu. Expect the full Monty at the Caprice. Cypriot and Middle Eastern guests don’t do tiny portions on big white plates.

However, for a Bacchanilian Feast nothing compares to the traditional mammoth Meze. For this, head up to Forsos Taverna in the Limassol hills and join the local families to enjoy the riotous weekend ritual of tucking into up to 35 dishes of home cooked Greek fayre.

At the Londa’s Spa I’m in safe hands as Harriet gives me a delicious facial with water free, Dr Alkaitis organic skin care products. The brand motto, ‘So pure you can eat them’. Philip’s massage must have been successful because he said many knots were untied and gradually he was sailing toward a pale blue horizon.

Jochen Niemann, the dapper manager of the privately owned Londa, says it’s all about personal communication and relationship building with guests. They don’t want to be known just as a room number.

This sexy little boutique hotel really works.

68 rooms including suites. Room Rates from €172.00 for a superior double room including breakfast. For bookings and special offers (without flights) visit the Londa Hotel website.

For travellers wishing to book scheduled flights, we recommend Cyprus Airways who offer very good service, comfort and convenient flying times.

Economy flights from £216 return from Heathrow, including tax.
Cyprus Airways, Apollo Business Class from £589.

Packages to the Londa including scheduled Cyprus Airways flights can be found online at Travelmania from £895.00 per person for a weeks stay, including breakfast and return private taxi transfers.

Olympic Holidays offer a one week stay with charter flights from Gatwick starting from £758 Per Person inc Bed & Breakfast (based on 2 people sharing).