I consider myself to be fairly well travelled and on top of that, fairly well pampered. This could have something to do with the fact that I have spent the last ten years making the decision between what makes a spa good or not into my profession and life’s mission.

When I arrived at the spa at the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills in Cyprus on a hot day at the end of September; I knew I was in for a treat (my wallet sadly was not!) the smell of a beautifully fragranced candle, soft melodic tunes playing discreetly in the background and exceptionally friendly staff are the first welcome you receive and you are made to feel instantly relaxed. My choice of treatments was more limited given I was pregnant but I still needed expert guidance in helping me choose which would be best for me. expert guidance received, I decided upon the Marma Kodo Massage and the Plantomyr Facial (for starters), the rest I would choose if I felt I needed more. After a tour of the spa and a meeting with the exceptionally experienced and talented George, the Spa Director, I learnt that most of their therapists had been at the spa at least four years and were very well trained. They use organic products to clean the toweling and robes you will use and I even had the pleasure of visiting the laundry room by way of proof. It is clear from George’s physique that he understands about nutrition and fitness and makes it is life mission to educate guests seeking healthy enlightenment. There was so much to take in, I was almost lost in it all but totally sold on the concept and more importantly, their execution of what is a fantastic spa set up.

So now for my treatment…..the warm foot ritual at the start, the warm towels and the soft body pillow I was told to hug as I lay on my side and the most relaxing massage I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing was exactly the tonic I needed. My therapist instantly recognized where I collected all my tension and although it was not standard for the massage to entail a deep tissue style of approach, with my approval, she set about working on dissolving my knots and what a job she did! I felt totally comforted by the fact that she seemed to know exactly what she was doing and those expert hands almost made me make her an offer there and then to be employed as my full time personal therapist…if only. The end of the massage was a scalp treatment and a hair mask application, all of which I was told would leave my hair with a renewed gloss and shine. There was no rushing at the end, I was told to stay as long as I liked in my post massage zombie like state and there was lemon water with my name on it when I did emerge from the room. The spa could have won an extra gold star if they had found a way to instantaneously transport me back to my room but I settled for the comfy sofas in the relaxation area. Good products in the shower (always worth noting) large spacious changing rooms and very powerful hairdryers, all things I think are part of the whole experience after the treatment. My facial was equally as good. The products were pregnancy safe and diluted to make sure nothing was too strong for my overly sensitive skin, just one of the joys of my condition. I wasn’t allowed the normal steam and extraction that I would have opted for but it was very relaxing nonetheless and having commented about how nice the hair mask was I had the day before, I was without hesitation offered another one which I gratefully accepted. Again there was no clock watching at the end; if they had needed the room for the next treatment, I wouldn’t have known and I was told to relax as long as I needed and to take my time. I never do stay too long for fear of falling asleep and snoring but nonetheless it was nice to know I could lie there for a few minutes extra and savour the last of the lovely smells the room seemed to be filled with.
aphrodite hills spa

I didn’t opt for extra treatments as I did think the pedicures and manicures were a little on the pricey side, I also wanted to conserve some of my budget for the products, particularly the LI’ITYA oils and I was definitely getting one of their candles. I think the pregnancy menu is very good but the spa aficionado in me screamed for more things to choose from, only because I couldn’t get enough of the place. This is not the first time I have indulged in pregnancy treatments. In my previous two, I enjoyed some in the Maldives, Tenerife and Italy, but this is the first time I’ve felt it wasn’t just about the treatments being safe, it was about thinking what the mother to be really needs and adapting an experience to suit.

I’ve chosen to highlight the spa over the rest of the resort as it’s this sanctuary which makes the whole Aphrodite Hills such a pleasurable experience. The wonderful food, spacious rooms and delightful staff are just a bonus a top. This place will suit every type of traveler from the solo spa seeker to the honeymoon couple, to the stressed out mother who just needs a little bit of time in a capsule of pure peace and calm and a candle to take home as a memento of truly heavenly experience.

Best spa in Europe? – It gets my vote

Nurturing mum-to-be package at Aphrodite Hills, Cyprus >>