Three generations of the Onuray family were present during our August 2011 stay of eight nights. The elder members of the family have worked hard to turn an arid piece of coastline into a lush and green haven that provides ample shade even near the water's edge -- a great boon for fair skinned among us. The plantings of trees and shrubs and regional flora create wonderful small private areas just feet from the lapping of the waves and beautiful, warm, clear blue and blue-green water. Ocassionally one of the resdient cats (who all looked happy and healthy) would join us as we relaxed on comfy loungers. There is both a small beach and a number of landscaped terraced areas near rockier parts. I very much enjoyed the fact that the coast line was a bit rocky, as underwater this provided a great deal to look at: underwater archways and schools of fish and so forth. No matter where you are in the hotel you can hear the sound of the waves.
The beachside accomodation was simple, very clean and comfortable and on two levels, which was nice, as were the inclusion of a good size refrigerator and close proximity to a supermarket. The air-conditioner was quiet and worked well. We also has a patio overlooking the gardens and the sea. I felt very, very safe and I believe single women would have absolutely no problems if they opted to stay at the Riviera. Our transfers to and from Larnaca airport all went according to plan and the Onurays helped to sort a rental car that was delivered and picked up from the hotel. Easy-peesy. And, frankly, cheap compared to rental cares in Turkey.
Breakfast was ample and similar to the sort of breakfast one is served in mainland Turkey -- tomatoes, cucumbers, cheeses, bread, eggs. There were a number of really good homemade jams on offer as well, of which fig was my favourite.
What I loved most about this hotel was its peacefulness. Everything is so wonderfully low key that you can truly just plain relax (and be 'left alone' if you wish). As the accomodation is spread over a reasonably large area it didn't feel at all crowded and often my partner and I felt blissfully isolated on our little hidden stretch of terraced seaside. There are loads of books available in many languages in the reception area just in case you forget to bring your own. And, overall I'd say it is the perfect place to read, write, episodically swim, snooze, enjoy a few beers, survey the plants, coo over the cats, giggle with your partner, make day trips to the many interesting historical and archaeological sites in northern Cyprus and chat with members of the lovely Onuray family.
- Riviera Beach Hotel
