admin, Author at Essential Cyprus

In HOTELS

Luxury & 5 Star Hotels in North Cyprus

February 6, 2012 6 Mins Read

We can safely say that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to the luxury hotel market here in North Cyprus. There are many beautiful, independent and unique hotels to choose from because the big chain hotels like Marriot, Sheraton, Holiday Inn and Hilton have not established themselves here. Independent minded hoteliers have therefore been left to create luxurious and totally individual resorts.

Having said that, there are some hotel chain groups which are involved in North Cyprus such as the Merit group, as well as Accor which is a huge hotel group that owns the Mercure Hotel for example. However, each of the major luxury hotels is still individual in design, character and décor, so it doesn’t feel as though you could be in any city in any part of the world when you visit one!

In HOTELS

Budget Accommodation in North Cyprus

February 6, 2012 5 Mins Read

If you’re looking for a holiday on a budget then there is plenty of choice for you and your family. You can take your pick from self catering to half board, as well as a choice of bed and breakfast accommodation and guesthouses. Unfortunately there is no such thing as the Youth Hostel Association here just yet, but there is plenty on offer for those watching their pennies.

There are a number of bonuses to choosing this type of accommodation, as most budget hotels are small family run establishments – perfect if you prefer peace and quiet. Some suit the more backpacker type of person with plenty of beach hut hostelries dotted around the Karpaz area for example, although there is plenty of slightly higher quality accommodation in this area which suits a smaller budget too.

In HOTELS

North Cyprus Boutique Hotels

February 6, 2012 5 Mins Read

If you are a couple in search of a romantic destination hotel or perhaps you’re retirees seeking some well deserved relaxation and peace, then there are some wonderful boutique hotels to try here in North Cyprus.

Often smaller and family run, they are more than likely to be very individual in style and therefore more likely to appeal to those who seek accommodation that feels more personal and sophisticated.

In HOTELS

Spa Hotels in North Cyprus

February 6, 2012 5 Mins Read

If total relaxation of mind, body and spirit is what you are looking for when booking a hotel for your holiday, then North Cyprus has a lot to offer for the earnest spa lover. You can choose a complete spa getaway or a weekend full of the best treatments that the world has to offer, at one of the many 5 star hotel resorts.

Facilities are of the best quality, packed full of tasteful furnishings and mood calming music and lighting, so that you really do feel as if you are in a secluded and private retreat. On researching this article, we were pleasantly surprised at how seriously the spa world takes itself here, with a wide range of treatments and pampering options to really go to town on!

In HOTELS

North Cyprus Hotels for Business

February 6, 2012 4 Mins Read

Many people travel to North Cyprus for business purposes, and there are obviously some firm favourites in terms of preferred hotels with business travellers. However, if you venture off the beaten track and away from the main population centres of Lefkoşa, Kyrenia or Famagusta, facilities for business travellers are sometimes limited. What is offered at the main business friendly hotels is however at least adequate, and indeed at times impressive too.

Most of the main hotels now offer wi-fi internet access in either their foyers or guest rooms, so if you do still need to work after an onsite meeting perhaps, you can send that all important email or document to your office.

In Flights

Flights to North Cyprus

May 26, 2012 4 Mins Read

There is only one passenger airport in North Cyprus, it’s called Ercan Airport and in recent years it has seen massive refurbishment and now serves people wishing to travel to and from North Cyprus. It’s located a 40-minute car journey from the harbour town of Kyrenia and 15 minutes from Lefkoşa.

Direct flights are not officially available to North Cyprus from anywhere other than Turkey. If you’re flying to and from the island from any other destination you have an hour’s stop-over on the Turkish mainland. On the way to Cyprus, passengers can alight in Turkey for onward destinations whilst other passengers remain on-board and new ones embark for the one-hour continuation flight to Northern Cyprus. Plans for the future include challenging the UK government on their ban of direct travel to North Cyprus, so watch this space!

In Flights

Flight Options into North Cyprus

February 5, 2012 6 Mins Read

When travelling to and from North Cyprus these days passengers can find themselves spoilt for choice in terms of the airline they choose and the airport they fly into! It wasn’t so long ago that you had to fly into the old and unfashionable Geçitkale airport whilst Ercan, the current passenger airport, was undergoing a major refurbishment. With the border opening to the south, the choice is even broader too.

Several airlines now offer flights to Ercan airport via Turkey, and it’s worth checking them all out before committing to purchase your tickets. All of them have the facility to purchase tickets online, with many now changing over to an e-ticket solution meaning no good old fashioned triplicate slips! However, for some it’s still more preferable to have a travel agent do the searching for you, and to pay in cash at their offices or via credit card on the phone.

In Flights

Flight Options into South Cyprus

February 5, 2012 2 Mins Read

Since the borders opened between the north and south of the island, the option of travelling into either of the two airports in the south, Larnaca and Paphos, has steadily gained popularity.

The main reasons are sometimes cheaper flights, as most major airlines can be very competitive with their pricing, and the fact that there is no obligatory stop-over in Turkey. From most European destinations it is only a 4 or 5 hour journey time to the south, whereas it would be a 5 or 6 hour journey time to the north because of the stop over in Turkey.