North Cyprus is one of those parts of Europe that goes under most travellers’ radars. Following its creation as a de facto state in 1983, it remains one of the more remote and unexplored regions of the continent. So it’s an interesting choice of location for a €120 million development, on the island’s Karpaz peninsula, incorporating the first international standard marina in that half of the island, and a remarkable 52-room boutique hotel.
Over the course of three days in early summer, I spent some quality time exploring both, as well as everything else this exclusive secluded resort has to offer.
Hotel
As you step through the revolving door of the resort hotel, which opened only in 2021, the first thing that strikes you is the impressiveness of the inner atrium and reception area. Its sleek, nautical-themed design is particularly noteworthy, with giant sail shapes adorning the ceiling, and a large compass floor design in the check-in and bar area.
It is all the brainchild of Israeli managing director Liza Singer, whose vision was to recreate the experience of being onboard a lavish supersized sailing yacht, and this vision has very much been realised.
Immediately opposite the hotel is the promenade and a 300-berth marina full of boats and yachts – it is the first marina in Cyprus to achieve a five Gold Anchor Platinum accreditation from the Yacht Harbour Association (TYHA), embracing it into an elite group of trusted high-level marinas around the globe.
“We are very much a boutique marina,” explained Liza over dinner on my first night there. “And we are extremely proud to have been awarded the five Gold Anchor status, which we’ve upheld since 2013.
“This part of the world was ripe and ready for a development like Karpaz Gate Marina. It’s a truly unique area. We wanted that geographical uniqueness, to stand out, and not just blend in with a lot of hotels on the coast, one after the other after the other.
“Here we can create our own ‘microcosmos’.”
Room
The maritime aesthetic of the entrance hall extends into all of the hotel’s 52 rooms, 44 of which are standard cabins of 32sqm, then four family corner cabins each with two ensuite bedrooms, and finally four larger suite cabins of 58sqm which have a separate living-room with additional sofa bed and guest bathroom. All offer a view of either the marina, sea or garden, from the terrace (ground floor) or balconies (upper floor).
The cabins are beautifully decorated, awash with blue and white and sailing visuals, with teak deck floors, and whitewashed wood ceilings. It does indeed feel like you’re ensconced in a yacht, and the sea or marina view from the balcony completes the scene.
At night, the seclusion of the resort truly comes into its own, as it is truly quiet, with no neighbouring hotels or passing foot traffic, making for a peaceful and unbroken night’s sleep. Paradise!
Food and drink
Hemingway’s Resto-Bar, sited on the attractive promenade, is a welcoming all-day restaurant and bar serving international and traditional Cypriot cuisine.
It’s a fantastic morning location for a Turkish meze breakfast, and by night transforms into a chic dining spot, whose menu pinnacle is the ‘Chef’s Table’ culinary experience showcasing highlights of modern and traditional Turkish dishes, including stuffed quail, paper kebab and root vegetable salad, all washed down with an amazing house wine, exclusively sold at the resort.
Fruit, vegetables and herbs for the menu are grown in a dedicated onsite nursery next to the beach club, so much of the food here can’t get any fresher. And on the entertainment front, there are live music and jazz nights to enjoy, mainly at weekends.
Spa and facilities
The self-contained resort is a destination within itself, with an array of features and facilities to fulfil most holiday needs.
The impressive palm tree-lined Beach Club offers a serene private beach area with a 33m infinity pool; a selection of beachfront cabanas; a water sports centre with snorkelling gear, kayaks and stand-up paddleboards; and a restaurant serving lunch and refreshments. It also hosts periodic DJ parties for guests wanting to let their hair down.
Facing the promenade and marina is The Gallery, whose indoor facilities include a 19.6m x 3.6m pool, Jacuzzi and fully-equipped gym. The Gallery is an exclusive area for hotel and marina guests, and new corporate meeting rooms have also been added, complete with audio-visual equipment, perfect for meetings or events in the most scenic of locations.
Finally, there’s a luxurious hammam, offering a traditional bathhouse, saunas, and treatment rooms for massages and Turkish spa body rituals for those relaxing days. It might be difficult to find time or motivation to leave and explore the local region with all that’s on offer here.
To do
If you’re after a secluded and picturesque holiday destination away from the tourist hordes of more popular Mediterranean destinations, then this part of the island of Cyprus really is for you.
Visitors are spoilt for choice of quiet, unspoilt beaches – Karpasia features almost 50 of them, including Golden Beach, the most remote in Cyprus. Nearby, the tip of the peninsula is a protected natural heritage area, where you will find friendly wild donkeys roaming the roads, who are only too happy to stop for a photo.
Everywhere are verdant hills, perfect for hiking, and rugged mountainous peaks. The famous ‘Five Finger Mountains’ are a striking physical landmark to behold. Historical sites of the region include Kantara and Buffavento Castles, Apostolos Andreas Monastery and the ruins of Agios Philon.
If you fancy more in the way of city action, the main hubs of Famagusta (Gazimağusa), Nicosia (Lefkoşa) and Girne (Kyrenia) are all within easy driving distance. Casinos are a particularly popular leisure option here, if you’re feeling lucky.
In a nutshell
Karpaz Gate Marina is a truly unique location in the Eastern Mediterranean, with its immaculate new hotel, high-end marina, exemplary restaurant, unspoilt beach and variety of facilities, making it genuinely a destination in itself.
Not only does it contribute significantly to the local economy, employing and training mainly local staff members, there’s a notable sustainability drive here too, in growing its own fruit and veg, and with over half the resort’s total electricity usage supplied by its own solar plant. The personable service from the staff is also of the highest standard at all times, from check-in to departure.
It all makes for a satisfying stay in this special hidden alcove of Europe, whether you’re parked in the marina or at the hotel, and pretty much guarantees a repeat future visit, for this writer and his companion at least.
Getting there
Fly in to Larnaca airport, from where it’s a one-hour and 40-minute transfer by mostly clear roads to Karpaz Gate Marina. Transfers can be arranged via the resort’s concierge service, who can also assist with car rental, general transportation around the island, and tours and activities. Meanwhile a complimentary shuttle bus service is available to convey guests to Yeni Erenkoy village, or with pre-booking to the cities of Famagusta, Nicosia and Kyrenia, and other sites of interest on the peninsula.
Factbox
Cabins at the Karpaz Gate Marina hotel are priced from €155 on weekdays and €175 at weekends. Packaged experiences (including golf, gourmet, sailing and wellness) are priced €600-700 per person.
Address: 12 Yeni Erenkoy, 99850 Ayia Trias, North Cyprus
Phone: +90 533 833 7878
Website: karpazbay.com
Hotel photography courtesy of Karpaz Gate Marina.
