Almond Holiday Village, Kyrenia, Cyprus
Hotel Information
Hotel Description:
Almond Holiday Village, Alsancak-Kyrenia is a friendly, relaxed family run complex surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens and filled with almond, walnut, orange, mandarin, lemon, banana and passion fruit trees. It is located near a beautiful little village called Alsancak which is situated on the slopes of the Kyrenia Mountains and is only 8 miles west of the glorious historical town of Kyrenia. loading...
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Almond Holiday Village Reviews
" Try it! "
Submitted By: shebaeileen
Rather than repeat what others have written, suffice to say I agree with all that has gone before! My friend and I stayed half board - I am vegetarian and my friend is known to be a 'fussy' eater - neither of us was disappointed at any time during our 14 night stay. There is always a choice if you don't like what's on offer for the fixed menu. Only downside, really, is the amount of rubbish to be found around the island, especially on the, so called, turtle beach. Almond Village, in contract, is spotlessly clean, Will definitely return for another visit. I am glad we decided to travel via Turkey, too, as you do not have to disembark in Turkey and the journey from the airport is much shorter. Erjan is also much less crowded than Larnaca.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Cyprus Premier
" Ignore everywhere else, go here! "
Submitted By: Sykes mob
My daughter (26) and I (58) have just returned from our 4th visit to AHV, the last one being 5yrs ago. Ali and his family consistently score 10/10 for everything. If you want a relaxing holiday, excellent food and beautiful surroundings, then this is the place for you. Nothing is too much trouble be it a three course meal after a late arrival or emergency hospital visits (last time we visited)! My father (89), husband (59) and son (30) are going out in September for the AHV experience. If you think this praise is over the top then try it for yourself!
Advice: There is a lovely shop selling handcrafted wooden 'magic boxes' in one of the side streets.
Activities: The 'Blue House' is well worth a visit. An evening meal at Bellapais is a must for romantics.
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2009
- Board Basis:Half Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" A warm welcome in winter "
Submitted By: Rory Allen
We had originally planned to go to the Greek part of Cyprus for a week over Christmas, but I found so many negative comments on Holiday Watchdog about noisy, smelly or dirty hotels there that we decided to look at the North as an option instead. Almond Holiday Villas seemed to have received good reviews, so that's where we went.
I have to say that the Almond Villa reviews were accurate. The hotel was, as reported, a family-run outfit with the most welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The hackneyed phrase "nothing was too much trouble" has already been used in these reviews, but I can find no better way to describe it. Just to give one example of many, when we happened to need a bandage for something, we had no sooner mentioned it than the owner (Ali) had gone out to the shops and bought one for us. When we decided to go to a nearby restaurant, Ali gave us a lift there, unsolicited. From his ultra-efficient daughter Gulten we were given detailed and accurate advice about other good local eateries, and how to find them (not always easy, once you get off the main road). Plus the standard of cleanliness and general hygiene in the bungalow was second to none. They were spotless. Incidentally, people don't seem to smoke in the restaurants in Northern Cyprus, so the meals aren’t spoilt by an atmosphere of fug either.
There was such a difference between this family run business and any hotel managed by a commercial chain that I have ever stayed in. It really helped to make the holiday special. On the face of it, December is not a good time to visit Cyprus; and we did have one day of torrential rain which was a bit miserable. But the rest of the time the sun shone, and there were enough sights to visit to more than fill a week. The area to the West, towards the coast, has a beauty and ruggedness that is spectacular. The "Blue House" in that direction is worth a visit, as an interesting relic of the Island’s more recent, and painful, history. There are classical ruins at Soli, Vouni and particularly Salamis (near Famagusta) that are impressive but sadly under-excavated (I gather due to lack of funds, partly because Northern Cyprus is still not internationally recognised 34 years after its birth). The old town in Famagusta is well worth a visit: there are some lovely gothic churches there, largely in ruins. The crusader castle at St Hilarion is probably one of the best still standing (though Craque de Chevalier is somewhat better preserved, that is if you can make it to the Syria/Lebanon border).
But the main thing we went for, and found, was a quietness and lack of rush that was immediately relaxing. The family had all been stressed out and a bit insomniac, but after 24 hours there we were sleeping 9 hours a night and having siestas on top of that. There was an absence of pressure and hassle everywhere, and the local people on the whole were quietly welcoming without being in your face (in fact the only rudeness we encountered in the entire trip was on the flights out and back by Cyprus Turkish Airlines: their air hostesses must be the most unhelpful, surly and discourteous in the world. Who on earth trained them: the North Koreans?)
I would recommend renting a car during a visit to Northern Cyprus. We hired one from the hotel at a very reasonable rate. They drive on the left, and very very safely: there are speed restrictions in all built up areas, enforced by multiple speed cameras. When you get used to it, the slow pace helps to reinforce the general air of not hurrying. After all this is a holiday; why rush? You get there eventually: it is a small island.
To sum up: an excellent holiday, good value, and superb service from Ali and his family. Strongly recommended.
I have to say that the Almond Villa reviews were accurate. The hotel was, as reported, a family-run outfit with the most welcoming and friendly atmosphere. The hackneyed phrase "nothing was too much trouble" has already been used in these reviews, but I can find no better way to describe it. Just to give one example of many, when we happened to need a bandage for something, we had no sooner mentioned it than the owner (Ali) had gone out to the shops and bought one for us. When we decided to go to a nearby restaurant, Ali gave us a lift there, unsolicited. From his ultra-efficient daughter Gulten we were given detailed and accurate advice about other good local eateries, and how to find them (not always easy, once you get off the main road). Plus the standard of cleanliness and general hygiene in the bungalow was second to none. They were spotless. Incidentally, people don't seem to smoke in the restaurants in Northern Cyprus, so the meals aren’t spoilt by an atmosphere of fug either.
There was such a difference between this family run business and any hotel managed by a commercial chain that I have ever stayed in. It really helped to make the holiday special. On the face of it, December is not a good time to visit Cyprus; and we did have one day of torrential rain which was a bit miserable. But the rest of the time the sun shone, and there were enough sights to visit to more than fill a week. The area to the West, towards the coast, has a beauty and ruggedness that is spectacular. The "Blue House" in that direction is worth a visit, as an interesting relic of the Island’s more recent, and painful, history. There are classical ruins at Soli, Vouni and particularly Salamis (near Famagusta) that are impressive but sadly under-excavated (I gather due to lack of funds, partly because Northern Cyprus is still not internationally recognised 34 years after its birth). The old town in Famagusta is well worth a visit: there are some lovely gothic churches there, largely in ruins. The crusader castle at St Hilarion is probably one of the best still standing (though Craque de Chevalier is somewhat better preserved, that is if you can make it to the Syria/Lebanon border).
But the main thing we went for, and found, was a quietness and lack of rush that was immediately relaxing. The family had all been stressed out and a bit insomniac, but after 24 hours there we were sleeping 9 hours a night and having siestas on top of that. There was an absence of pressure and hassle everywhere, and the local people on the whole were quietly welcoming without being in your face (in fact the only rudeness we encountered in the entire trip was on the flights out and back by Cyprus Turkish Airlines: their air hostesses must be the most unhelpful, surly and discourteous in the world. Who on earth trained them: the North Koreans?)
I would recommend renting a car during a visit to Northern Cyprus. We hired one from the hotel at a very reasonable rate. They drive on the left, and very very safely: there are speed restrictions in all built up areas, enforced by multiple speed cameras. When you get used to it, the slow pace helps to reinforce the general air of not hurrying. After all this is a holiday; why rush? You get there eventually: it is a small island.
To sum up: an excellent holiday, good value, and superb service from Ali and his family. Strongly recommended.
Advice: Kyrenia Castle worth a visit.
Activities: Amazing mezze at the Cenap Restaurant near the hotel.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Fantastic management and staff with... "
Submitted By: Mr H.J. VEECKMAN
Fantastic management and staff with an eagle eye for everything that is not perfect.
Everyone does her/his job on a very good way.
Everyone does her/his job on a very good way.
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We stayed at Almond in May 2007 for... "
Submitted By: Miss C
We stayed at Almond in May 2007 for two weeks, our party had 1 two bedroom villa and 1 one bedroom villa. The hotel is very much family run with both parents and children helping out whenever needed. The food was fantastic and we didnt feel the need to go out to any other restaurant, you could also request something for dinner that was not on the menue and it would be cooked without a fuss. You can either try traditional turkish-cypriot cuisine or international cuisine is also on offer ( think scampi&chips! ). All the staff are very friendly; the waiter pulling out your chair for you, placing napkin on lap etc, the gardener letting you try out the fruit such as lemons grown in the very highly kept garden and all the family of course!
During our stay we visited Kyrenia and its harbour, St Hilarion- where a helpful guide offered to show us round the whole site, Bellapais Abbey, Salamis and the Karpas Peninuslar where we found many gorgeous, deserted beaches with crystal clear blue waters.
I have been wanting to return to N.Cyprus and Almond since we left! The hospitality of it is simply great and I would recommend it to anyone.
During our stay we visited Kyrenia and its harbour, St Hilarion- where a helpful guide offered to show us round the whole site, Bellapais Abbey, Salamis and the Karpas Peninuslar where we found many gorgeous, deserted beaches with crystal clear blue waters.
I have been wanting to return to N.Cyprus and Almond since we left! The hospitality of it is simply great and I would recommend it to anyone.
- Date of Holiday:May 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Direct HolidaysDirect Traveller
" This family run holiday village is... "
Submitted By: Mrs D Prichard
This family run holiday village is just perfect for people of all ages. Immaculately kept and run by a family.
The restaurant is well run with a menu designed to serve all tastes. A very well maintained and sizeable pool with smaller pool for the "tiddlywinks."
Many restaurants and amenities, including lovely beaches, close by, and a local bus service to take you into Kyrenia at a nominal cost.
The only drawback was that there are no cooking facilities in the villa, but these can be hired at an extra cost. The kitchen area only contained the minimum of appliances i.e. a kettle, 2 plates, 2 glasses, and 2 sets of cutlery. I think this could be upgraded to include at least a small cooking ring as standard, toaster and maybe a few cooking utensils, including a bottle opener.
However, having said all this it did not detract from the other high standards of cleanliness and helpfulness. We would certainly consider recommending this holiday location.
The restaurant is well run with a menu designed to serve all tastes. A very well maintained and sizeable pool with smaller pool for the "tiddlywinks."
Many restaurants and amenities, including lovely beaches, close by, and a local bus service to take you into Kyrenia at a nominal cost.
The only drawback was that there are no cooking facilities in the villa, but these can be hired at an extra cost. The kitchen area only contained the minimum of appliances i.e. a kettle, 2 plates, 2 glasses, and 2 sets of cutlery. I think this could be upgraded to include at least a small cooking ring as standard, toaster and maybe a few cooking utensils, including a bottle opener.
However, having said all this it did not detract from the other high standards of cleanliness and helpfulness. We would certainly consider recommending this holiday location.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" This was our seventh year in Northern... "
Submitted By: Mr DCA Steel
This was our seventh year in Northern Cyprus, but our first time at The Almond Village. It was with a little trepidation that I departed from our usual practice of booking an all inclusive holiday and dealt direct. Any concerns I had quickly evaporated when we were met by Ali at Ercan airport who quickly transferred us to his establishment.
It was late in the evening when we arrived but they even kept their chef on to ensure we had something to eat sitting by their lovely floodlit swimming pool taking in the lovely scents from the gardens.
I can't fault our two week stay there. The family, all of whom speak fluent English, go out of their way to make your holiday special. Some establishments claim to be "family run" but this family really are hands on. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
The complex is exceptionally clean and beautifully maintained with fabulous gardens and an above average size pool. Our villa was spacious, well equipped and serviced daily by an efficient team of maids.
A constant bugbear I have on holiday is necessity to rise early in order to "reserve" the sunbeds! Fortunately that is not a problem here as there is an adequate supply to satisfy demand.
As the food was so good, thanks to their excellent chef, we resisted the temptation to try out local restaurants but still didn't manage to try every meal on their extensive menu.
Two weeks is not long enough and when Ali drove us back to Ercan airport we assured him that we would be back.
It was late in the evening when we arrived but they even kept their chef on to ensure we had something to eat sitting by their lovely floodlit swimming pool taking in the lovely scents from the gardens.
I can't fault our two week stay there. The family, all of whom speak fluent English, go out of their way to make your holiday special. Some establishments claim to be "family run" but this family really are hands on. Nothing is too much trouble for them.
The complex is exceptionally clean and beautifully maintained with fabulous gardens and an above average size pool. Our villa was spacious, well equipped and serviced daily by an efficient team of maids.
A constant bugbear I have on holiday is necessity to rise early in order to "reserve" the sunbeds! Fortunately that is not a problem here as there is an adequate supply to satisfy demand.
As the food was so good, thanks to their excellent chef, we resisted the temptation to try out local restaurants but still didn't manage to try every meal on their extensive menu.
Two weeks is not long enough and when Ali drove us back to Ercan airport we assured him that we would be back.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Self Catering
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" We have just returned from a... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Boland
We have just returned from a wonderful holiday here. It was our second visit to the North but our first to the Almond. It’s got to be the best place to stay in the North.
You’re never going to be "just a number" here. The family are great and certainly do their best to help you to have a good time, but never push you to eat there or buy more drinks.
The food in the restaurant is excellent. It easily matched or beat everywhere else we ate. The pool is stunning and was constantly flown over by beautiful dragonflies. As already said the gardens are beautiful and the standard of cleanliness is excellent.
The bar was ideal to sit and chat or have a nightcap after a night out. We soon got to know most of the people who were staying there and we made some good friends.
Alsancak is the village which is very near to the Almond and there are quite a few restaurants and kebab places in the area, all within walking distance. There is a new beach club about 15 minutes walk with sunbeds and snack bar and a restaurant that opens in the evenings.
The dolmus run very frequently into Kyrenia and cost less than £1.From there you can take a daytrip on a boat, meze lunch provided and several stops for swimming for £15 to £20.Lots to explore in Kyrenia and if you hire a car plenty to see in the mountains and Salamis and Famagusta.
Go soon, there’s nowhere like it but there is more building going on. You can now fly in to Larnaca and transfer up to the North instead of coming in through Turkey. The Almond can arrange it all for you if you want. Great!
You’re never going to be "just a number" here. The family are great and certainly do their best to help you to have a good time, but never push you to eat there or buy more drinks.
The food in the restaurant is excellent. It easily matched or beat everywhere else we ate. The pool is stunning and was constantly flown over by beautiful dragonflies. As already said the gardens are beautiful and the standard of cleanliness is excellent.
The bar was ideal to sit and chat or have a nightcap after a night out. We soon got to know most of the people who were staying there and we made some good friends.
Alsancak is the village which is very near to the Almond and there are quite a few restaurants and kebab places in the area, all within walking distance. There is a new beach club about 15 minutes walk with sunbeds and snack bar and a restaurant that opens in the evenings.
The dolmus run very frequently into Kyrenia and cost less than £1.From there you can take a daytrip on a boat, meze lunch provided and several stops for swimming for £15 to £20.Lots to explore in Kyrenia and if you hire a car plenty to see in the mountains and Salamis and Famagusta.
Go soon, there’s nowhere like it but there is more building going on. You can now fly in to Larnaca and transfer up to the North instead of coming in through Turkey. The Almond can arrange it all for you if you want. Great!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" This was our 3rd visit to Almond... "
Submitted By: Mr D Carthy
This was our 3rd visit to Almond Village and it is the only holiday destination we have ever been back to.
Situated about 12km west of Kyrenia, the centre is a genuine family run business where all the family members are actively involved in the day to day running of the place.
They have built the village up over the last 9 or 10 years largely by word of mouth recommendation and many of their guests are well into double figures for number of visits. This in itself speaks volumes for the place.
The family have concentrated on making this a completely relaxing environment where nothing is too much trouble for them and guests are made to feel completely at home from the first moment. The place is kept spotlessly clean with a beautiful pool and gardens containing plants we've never seen before!
Whilst there are numerous good restaurants in the area, Almond has its own which is very good with an extensive menu and they are always happy to try to accommodate people with fussy diets... like us!
If you are looking for a really relaxing time, with good service, lovely setting and plenty of local attractions to visit then it will be well worth your while giving them a try.
Situated about 12km west of Kyrenia, the centre is a genuine family run business where all the family members are actively involved in the day to day running of the place.
They have built the village up over the last 9 or 10 years largely by word of mouth recommendation and many of their guests are well into double figures for number of visits. This in itself speaks volumes for the place.
The family have concentrated on making this a completely relaxing environment where nothing is too much trouble for them and guests are made to feel completely at home from the first moment. The place is kept spotlessly clean with a beautiful pool and gardens containing plants we've never seen before!
Whilst there are numerous good restaurants in the area, Almond has its own which is very good with an extensive menu and they are always happy to try to accommodate people with fussy diets... like us!
If you are looking for a really relaxing time, with good service, lovely setting and plenty of local attractions to visit then it will be well worth your while giving them a try.
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2007
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Almond holiday village is home from... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Fitch
Almond holiday village is home from home. From the moment you arrive to the moment you leave Ali and his family cannot do enough to make you feel more at home. This is a family run complex; the family are Cypriot Turkish however they all speak fluent English.
It is a small complex, with beautiful gardens surrounding the pool and villas.
The villas are very comfortable, with air-conditioning. All the villas have a front door and a terrace, which over look the beautiful gardens. The accommodation is kept very clean, as is the whole complex. Bath towels and bed linen are changed on a daily basis. There is a fridge and kettle and a necessary amount of cutlery in the villas.
Breakfast is fantastic! You can dine in an air-conditioned restaurant, with waitress service, with a good selection of English and Turkish dishes to chose from.
Once a week Ali and his chef cook you Donner kebab by the pool, which is heaven!
And you must try and catch their BBQ night, fantastic Turkish food, and everyone joins in to have the most fun you can!
The pool is of adequate size for the complex, with lots of sun beds, so no need to rush and put your towel out.
There is a pool table to amuse the little kids and big kids too. And if you like you can have a go at table tennis too.
There are too many facilities to mention!
Myself, my husband and two children have now stayed at Almond Holiday village for two years running and hope to go back soon.
If you require anything Ai and his family would do their up most to fulfil your request.
And finally, North Cyprus has to be most unspoilt Island that my family has had the pleasure to discover. It is not over commercialised, you can sample the real Cyprus and not see a typical English burger bar anywhere in sight. If you appreciate culture and are well educated in foreign lands, you too will love North Cyprus for its authenticity.
North Cyprus is a place on earth touch by heaven! Not to be missed!
It is a small complex, with beautiful gardens surrounding the pool and villas.
The villas are very comfortable, with air-conditioning. All the villas have a front door and a terrace, which over look the beautiful gardens. The accommodation is kept very clean, as is the whole complex. Bath towels and bed linen are changed on a daily basis. There is a fridge and kettle and a necessary amount of cutlery in the villas.
Breakfast is fantastic! You can dine in an air-conditioned restaurant, with waitress service, with a good selection of English and Turkish dishes to chose from.
Once a week Ali and his chef cook you Donner kebab by the pool, which is heaven!
And you must try and catch their BBQ night, fantastic Turkish food, and everyone joins in to have the most fun you can!
The pool is of adequate size for the complex, with lots of sun beds, so no need to rush and put your towel out.
There is a pool table to amuse the little kids and big kids too. And if you like you can have a go at table tennis too.
There are too many facilities to mention!
Myself, my husband and two children have now stayed at Almond Holiday village for two years running and hope to go back soon.
If you require anything Ai and his family would do their up most to fulfil your request.
And finally, North Cyprus has to be most unspoilt Island that my family has had the pleasure to discover. It is not over commercialised, you can sample the real Cyprus and not see a typical English burger bar anywhere in sight. If you appreciate culture and are well educated in foreign lands, you too will love North Cyprus for its authenticity.
North Cyprus is a place on earth touch by heaven! Not to be missed!
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2004
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
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