Small Hotels Rule
Maybe we are unusual, maybe we are not! But when it comes to holidays, we have had our fill of the big. Five-star style hotels and resorts that litter the globe. For years we have endured, and I mean that word, the supposed pampering provided by these so-called ultimate luxury establishments, but increasingly we have found them to be shallow and empty of the intimacy and quality of service that can only be found in some of the smaller hotels. Of late, and after quite a few visits, we have become more and more enchanted with Northern Cyprus. Still known as ‘the hidden jewel in the Mediterranean crown’, the country remained outside of the mainstream of tourism for years, due in most to its relative political isolation. After the ‘war’ that divided the island of Cyprus in 1974, the south (the Republic of Cyprus) took centre-stage in word-wide recognition, whilst its neighbour (The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus) became all but a pariah state, officially recognised only by Turkey. However, this tells only part of the story. The north was tacitly supported both by the UK and by the USA and both countries maintained contacts and a political presence there. The UK has an active consular presence in Northern Cyprus. Moreover, there is a substantial, and very active, English ex-pat community in Northern Cyprus. So whilst the island might at first seem almost a ‘no-go’ area, in fact the opposite is the truth. In recent months, the situation has changed quite substantially. The EC has originally proposed allowing entry to Cyprus on the basis only that the island resolved its political differences and formed an overall and inclusive government. However, both parts of the island held referenda and whilst the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus voted overwhelmingly in favour of a settlement agreement, the Greek part of the island voted against re-unification. Notwithstanding this, the Republic of Cyprus was granted EC membership virtually without conditions. Subsequently, there has been not insignificant pressure both within the EC and from outside and a degree of aid has been provided to the north, together with concessions on trade. The main result of the political situation is that tourism has grown far less rapidly in Northern Cyprus than in other parts of the Mediterranean and significantly, far less rapidly than in the Republic of Cyprus. There is certainly increasing tourism and a substantial number of people are taking advantage of the disparity in prices and holidaying in north Cyprus. Not to mention that the equally disparate land values have made the north an ideal spot for property investment, or an overseas home. Northern Cyprus also remains an excellent spot to find the sort of small, boutique hotels that are rapidly vanishing from the rest of the area. Bellapais village is one of the most important historical sites in the whole of the Mediterranean. Its 12th Century abbey is a remarkable monument, and the entire village is steeped in the past. Here you will find two of the most perfect small hotels imaginable. The Abbey Inn at Bellapaix is a boutique hotel in the heart of the village and The Residence at Bellapaix is equally small and only a few yards away. Named after the ancient title of the village of Bellapais, both are boutique hotels of the highest order, each with only a few rooms, but neither are lacking in modern amenities. Of more importance to us, is that we have found both offer the sort of personal service that we usually struggle to find anywhere. These hotels have provided our holiday pleasure for a number of years now. We have found equivalents, but only much further away in the world and at so much more cost. We can highly recommend them. But please don’t book until we have! Happy holidays!
About the Author: Richard is a website designer and internet marketing specialist. He has been visiting the island of Cyprus for over 15 years.
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Print Article | Download PDF | 56 views | May 15 2008
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