We hired this wonderful accommodation for a small intimate wedding arranged at the nearby Bellapais Abbey.
Owned by a lovely German Family, the property consists of a maisonette and 2 seperate apartments – each all very self contained, with separate patios/terraces and own entrances. Each accommodation as its own electricty meter, kitchen, lounge, bathroom, etc.
The main "maisonette" is a very large accommodation set over 3 floors, and can easily sleep at least 11 people. The owners have provided absolutely everthing you could possibly need (or not!) and sensibly leave kitchen essentials so you don't have to buy silly stuff like salt and pepper, etc. The maisonette comprises full length terraces overlooking distant sea views and mountains to the rear. This is reached via a sweeping wide white staircase, surrounded by jasmine and mature bougainvillas. There is an exceptionally large kitchen/diner with a central cooking island and huge fridge freezer. No shortage of kitchen utensils, pans, crockery, dishwasher, and cold water machine. The welcome pack conained lovely local wines, fruit etc.
The whole house is marble floored, and is decorated in a modern contemporary feel. On the entrance level, there is also a lounge, games room (with pool table) TV DVD player, sound system, plus a double bedroom off – again with terraces. There is a gym, a loo, and a sauna room!
Upstairs, there are 2 huge bedrooms with double beds (and single if reqd) plus cots. There is no shortage of fitted wardrobes, more bath and shower rooms and a further corridor reveals 2 more very large triple rooms with cot plus 2 further bathrooms/shower rooms (all with baby mat/changing) and large corner bath and shower over. There is also a utilty room and a washing machine.
There are books, childrens games, maps, guides, jigsaw etc. absolutely everything you can think of has been thoughtfully provided.
We stayed in apartment number 1 downstairs. This was rustic, charming and we loved it! Entrance at the rear, front double patio and terrace. 3 double bedrooms, 2 twin and 1 double bedded, with a hallway plus sofabed. Family bathroom and a good sized kitchen/diner, which was well fitted out. Again, everything was provided.
Also downstairs was apartment 2 – this was decorated in a very modernistic style, bar stools, chrome, breakfast bar, with 3 good sized bedrooms, also very well equipped.
There's a gated driveway, parking for 2/3 cars, and a wonderful pool, bar and sunbathing area, with a jacuzzi! This was the most amazing space – bar stools, bar, settes, chairs and sofa in the shade. All perfect for the evening barbecue, and chill out times. The pool is a really good size, is cleaned and serviced almost daily, and is enclosed to keep small people safe. The pool is surrounded by decking and has lots of sun loungers, etc. fabulous!
The property is centrally located, and is within 50 mtrs of the lovely Blue Door Restaurant, serving traditional Cypriot mezes and other delicious food. Literally next door to the restaurant is the local superb supermarket. Ridiculously cheap, fresh bread baked daily, and open from 6am til 10 at night, the staff all speak English and are very very welcoming and hepful.
Nearby are numerous bars, cafes, chemist, garden centres and all easy to walk to. 5 mins drive away on the main drag there are dozens of other bars, eateries, and shops – look out for Noreens the new Indian Cuisine – we paid less than £10.00 each including drinks fo the best Indian banquet I've ever had! Charming staff, and well used.
Northern Cyprus although still tourist orientated has lots of history to see and feel. The other side of the story is told at the nearby Turkish museum of the Invasion.
There are numerous sandy beaches within 5-10 minutes of Villa Amarilla, with crystal clear waters and loads of water sports activities.
The family wedding was at Bellapais Abbey – stunning 14C Abbey and ruins set in mountainous terrain with stunning views out over the bays.
Kyrenia is about 15-20 minutes away with its shops and harbour night life.
Make sure you visit St Hilarion Castle – breathtaking drive up, very cheap admission, stunning views and history.
Famagusta is about 45 minutes away – again the history is unbelievable, pop in and see the Salamis Ruins on your way back.
Ercan flights are readily available but have to stop at either Istanbul or Izmir, both inbound and outbound. Transfers to Alcansac is around 40 – 45 minutes.
There is a local car hire to pre book, they will collect you from the airport and deliver your car(s) to the villa.
Overall, being frequent visitors to the south side of the island, we had the most fabulous time at Villa Amarilla, enjoying it so much that we hope to return to celebrate a wedding anniversary next year.
So very many thoughtful touches have been provided by the lovely owners – stunning property, fabulous location amongst some of the most stunning scenery I've ever seen.
Well worth the visit and very affordable.
