Spa & Wellbeing Breaks in North Cyprus (Part I)
THE TRANQUILITY of Northern Cyprus is, for many, the true hallmark of its charm. With a serene way of life that lets you soak up its fascinating culture, spectacular scenery and enviable climate, the North is the ideal location for relaxation, rejuvenation and rest. Add into this holiday snapshot a rather large splash of luxury pampering and you are looking at one of the Mediterranean’s top destinations for spa and wellbeing breaks.
That said, with such a healthy selection of five-star spa resorts in and around Kyrenia, the decision of where to stay in the North isn’t easy. So rather than expending unnecessary energy on worrying about which one, in Part I of our blog on “Spa and Wellbeing Breaks” we have reviewed three of the absolute best on your behalf.
Rocks Hotel and Casino
Located in the heart of the idyllic harbour town and tourist hub of Kyrenia, the five-star Rocks Hotel boasts “superior touches, luxurious experience and fabulous location” and with a stunning freshwater swimming pool and vast decked terrace, both with superb sea views; no less than six choices of dining; live entertainment; and its own plush casino for some optional excitement, the Rocks definitely lives up to these claims.
Its Spa, Health & Beauty Centre offers a Turkish bath, sauna and fitness equipment, together with an enticing selection of massages, wraps, scrubs and peels, as well as beauty and hair treatments. And whilst admittedly there are more extensive spa facilities available elsewhere (it is missing an indoor pool, jacuzzi and steam room), the fabulous central location and high standard of hotel accommodation make for a pucker and pampering stay all round. What’s more, the Rocks is rated a glowing 4.5 out of 5 from Trip Advisor, an “outstanding” 4.5 out of 5 from Travel Pod and an “excellent” 8.5 out of 10 from Travel Republic – not to mention the Travellers Luxury Choice Award for 2013. (Visit: www.rockshotel.com).
The Colony Hotel
This elegant five-star hotel in downtown Kyrenia, a stone’s throw of the historic harbour, describes itself as a “haven of tranquility and opulence”. With a rooftop swimming pool set against the magnificent backdrop of the Beshparmak mountains and a panoramic vista rooftop terrace for al fresco dining, the Colony is a popular getaway. The Spa & Wellness Centre includes an exercise room, reflexology lounge, jacuzzi, solarium, steam room and sauna, plus a range of massage treatments. Whilst the hotel doesn’t offer a complete pamper package including skincare and beauty treatments, what it lacks in pampering extravagance it makes up for in excellent customer service – the real key to a relaxing stay. And it is the great customer care reviews that earned the Colony the Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence 2012 and Travellers Luxury Choice Award for 2013. The Colony is also rated a very respectable 4 out of 5 from Trip Advisor and 8.5 out of 10 by Holiday Watchdog. ( Visit: www.thecolonycyprus.com).
The Malpas Hotel & Casino
Situated a little further out albeit still within a short distance of Kyrenia, the five-star Malpas has extensive spa facilities that will not disappoint even the most discerning spa guest. The Spa, Wellness & Beauty Centre has “everything you need to help you unwind and fully relax during your stay” (See: www.malpashotel.com).
Guests are offered complimentary use of the sauna, jacuzzi, Turkish bath, steam room, indoor pool, impressive outdoor pool and well-equipped gymnasium. The beauty program includes all manner of massage treatments from relaxation to deep tissue, plus facials, hand, foot and manicure treatments. The hotel also boasts a private beach club and to entertain the more lively guests, it’s very own nightclub plus casino. What it lacks in central location it definitely makes up for in-house. The Malpas receives a very respectable rating of 4 out of 5 on both Trip Advisor and Travel Pod, and an 8 out of 10 from Holiday Watchdog.
So there you have it, three of the best five-star spa resorts in and around Kyrenia where you can wash away your worries and enjoy a splash of luxury.
In Part II of our “Spa & Wellbeing” blog we will be looking at a four-star option to indulge in without the five-star price tag; a fabulous place to be pampered in Famagusta; and for those seeking something completely different, we have even thrown in an eco-retreat wild card!