I reach the first viewing point, a third of the way down the road. I’m still quite high up, so from here I can see everything. Between where I am and the ocean, I can see the villas, the restaurants, the swimming pools and tennis courts. I can see the beach, which already looks alive with people.

As I near the main ‘town’ part of the resort I hear a strange noise. A sort of squeaking sound, coming from the bushes. I move towards it cautiously, but when I peer inside the bushes and see what was making the noise, I melt. Not even the hot summer sun could cause me to melt so effectively – not like kittens! Lying in a little pile on the floor are four tiny little kittens. Tabby cats, with adorable white noses and cute little white tummies. They can’t be very old, and I imagine they’re strays. Someone has placed a little brown saucer next to them. I imagine it had food for the mum on it when they placed it down, but it’s all gone now. It’s comforting to know that someone is looking after them, even if their mum isn’t around. They are sleeping now, so I don’t touch them. I leave them in peace and go on my way. I don’t think I’ll be able to resist coming back to see them when they’re awake though.

I notice a place called Sabatini, which must be one of the many Italian restaurants that the island boasts. The feeling of walking into an air-conditioned room, after being outside in the hot sun, is a real rush. The gentle sensation change, from your head to your toes, is a real wave of something inexplicably wonderful. I might start walking in and out of buildings, just to get that high.

The waiter who greets me seems a little taken aback that I’m here to eat breakfast on my own, but he shows me to a table. He asks if someone will be joining me, but I say no. He doesn’t ask any questions.

I love how leafy and green everything is here, inside and out. Inside the restaurant, a variety of plants line the walls and hang from the ceilings. I love the way they smell; it makes the air seem so clean.

I order a cornetto – an Italian pastry, a little bit like a croissant, but much softer, which is filled with a really thick, really yellow creamy custard. It is absolutely delicious, and complemented perfectly by the cappuccino I wash it down with.

I can feel my stress and tension melting away. I’m feeling lighter by the minute, but I’ll bet a massage would make me feel even better even quicker. I know that there is a spa inside the hotel building. I think a massage is just what I need, to usher me those final few steps into holiday mode. The right pair of hands will have no problem, working my worries out of my tight neck and shoulders.