Uncover the Hidden Gem of Cyprus: Arkin Iskele Trikomo (Iskele)!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Cyprus: Arkin Iskele Trikomo (Iskele)!
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Cyprus: Arkin Iskele Trikomo (Iskele) - My Honest (and Slightly Chaotic) Review!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to give you the real lowdown on Arkin Iskele Trikomo, the "Hidden Gem" of Cyprus. And trust me, after a week of sun, sea, and questionable decisions (mostly involving too much Efes beer), I have opinions. This isn't your sanitized brochure version; this is the messy, beautiful truth.
First Impressions (and a Little Jet Lag Haze):
Getting there was a breeze – literally. The airport transfer they arranged was smooth, thank heavens, because after a red-eye flight, my brain was basically scrambled eggs. Airport transfer? Check! The exterior of the hotel is…well, it's modern. Clean lines, a bit anonymous, but hey, I wasn't expecting a medieval castle. CCTV in common areas and outside the property? Yep, felt safe.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But They're Trying!)
This is where it gets a little…uneven. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, which is promising. However, I didn’t personally experience the accessible aspects. The main lobby and restaurants were definitely accessible, and the elevators were a godsend after those late-night dips in the pool. Elevator? YES! However, the sheer size of the resort might make navigating some of the far-flung areas a challenge for someone with mobility issues. Worth confirming specific room accessibility needs before booking. I’d give them a solid B for effort, C+ for execution, but with HUGE potential to improve.
Rooms: My Little Oasis (When I Wasn't Lost):
The room itself… sigh. It was a haven. Seriously. Air conditioning? Absolutely essential! Even the basic room was spacious and incredibly well-equipped. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms? Ding ding ding! Fast, reliable, and crucial for my Instagram addiction. Plus, the bed! Heaven. Extra long bed? Yup! The bathroom was modern, with a satisfyingly powerful shower. Additional toilet? Nope. But two people in a room wouldn't mind having one! Blackout curtains? Bless them. Allowing a full night's sleep even with the sun beating on the window. Bathrobes and slippers? YES! The little touches, like the complimentary bottled water and the fresh towels, made all the difference. Mirror? Check! Hair dryer? Check! Mini bar? Check! I even had a balcony! Window that opens? Yup! Let's just say I spent a fair amount of time lounging there, sipping coffee (coffee/tea maker - YES!) and contemplating the meaning of life. There are non smoking rooms which is nice!
Cleanliness & Safety: They're Not Messing Around!
I'm a bit of a germaphobe, so this was HUGE for me. Forget "clean," this place was practically pristine. Anti-viral cleaning products? Check. Daily disinfection in common areas? Check. Room sanitization opt-out available? Check! They clearly take this seriously. And I felt safe. First aid kit? Probably, hopefully, somewhere… Staff were always washing their hands, and the hand sanitizer stations were everywhere. Hand sanitizer? Check! Physical distancing of at least 1 meter? Check! I even saw them sterilizing equipment. Honestly, if there was a zombie apocalypse, I'd want to be barricaded in Arkin Iskele.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious Food (and a Few Hiccups):
Okay, let's talk food. The breakfast [buffet] was… well, it was a buffet. But a good buffet, with a mix of Western breakfast and, thankfully, some more interesting options like Asian breakfast (apparently) The fresh fruit was divine, and the coffee (coffee/tea in restaurant - YES!) was surprisingly decent.
A la carte in restaurant? Yes! The a la carte options were pretty good! I would have loved to have more Vegetarian restaurant and more Asian cuisine in restaurant, but I saw the restaurant tried!
The Poolside bar was a life-saver in the afternoon, especially during Happy hour. The cocktails were…potent. I might have forgotten a few afternoons. Bottle of water? Available! I tried to stay away from the desserts in the restaurant…but occasionally I failed.
Restaurants? Yes, there are lots of them!
Room service [24-hour]? Sadly, yes. I tried it a couple of times (don't judge!), and the food was surprisingly good for something delivered at 2 am.
Services and Conveniences: They Thought of Everything (Except maybe the Weather):
This place is designed for comfort. They really thought of everything. Concierge? YES! They helped with everything from booking taxis to giving me directions when I inevitably got lost. Dry cleaning? Yup! Laundry service? Check! Currency exchange? Check! They even had a convenience store for those emergency chocolate cravings (guilty!). The Daily housekeeping was great, the staff were always friendly! Cashless payment service? Check!
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: A Lazy Person's Paradise (with Options!)
The Swimming pool [outdoor] is the main draw, and it's gorgeous. (Pool with view? Yup, and its beautiful) The sun loungers are plentiful, and the pool staff is attentive (and bring you drinks!). The Fitness center, Gym/fitness is well equipped. I did go to those facilities, it's good and clean, and has all the equipment! I didn't actually make my way to the Spa. I am so kicking myself for not utilizing the Sauna and Steamroom. Next time! Spa/sauna? Yes!
For the Kids: Family-Friendly, But Bring Your Own Fun:
Family/child friendly? Yes, but in a quiet, reserved way.
Babysitting service? It's available, good as it's a service!
For the Kids? They have facilities, but it is a little basic.
Internet stuff I have to say:
Internet? Check! Internet [LAN]? This doesn't exists in the lobby, but it does work in the rooms! Internet services? They had it! Wi-Fi in public areas? Yes!
Getting Around: Easy, But Don't Expect to Be Speedy:
The Car park [free of charge]? Yes!
Car park [on-site]? Yes!
Car power charging station? I did not see it, but the hotel has the option!
Taxi service? Yes!
Airport transfer? Yes!
Accessibility? Yes!
My Emotional Verdict (The Truth, Unfiltered!):
Look, Arkin Iskele isn't perfect. There are things that could be improved. But honestly? I had an amazing time. It's a place where you can truly unwind, recharge, and forget about the stresses of everyday life. Did I mention the Pool with view? It's gorgeous. Staff trained in safety protocol? Yes! Staff are always there to help? Yes, and they are friendly! It's not just a hotel, it's an experience.
Here's My Offer to You (and It's a Good One!):
Tired of the same old boring vacations? Craving sunshine, relaxation, and a little bit of Cypriot magic?
BOOK YOUR STAY AT ARKIN ISKELE TRIKOMO NOW!
I'm not kidding!
Here's why you need to do it:
- Unwind in luxurious, spotless rooms with free Wi-Fi. (So you can brag to your friends about your amazing vacation!)
- Indulge in delicious food and refreshing drinks, from poolside cocktails to gourmet dining. (Because you deserve it!)
- Soak up the sun by the stunning outdoor pool. (Seriously, it's Instagrammable!)
- Feel safe and secure with their top-notch cleanliness and safety protocols. (So you can actually relax!)
- Explore the beauty of Northern Cyprus with easy access to local attractions. (Get out there, adventurer!)
And for a limited time only, get a special discount on your booking! Don't miss out on this hidden gem!
Book Now and Let the Good Times Roll!
Disclaimer: My experience is based on my personal perspective, and your experience may vary. But trust me, you'll have a blast!
Hatfield's Hidden Gem: ANEW Hotel Pretoria - Unforgettable Stay!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because we’re diving headfirst into a week of sun, sand, and inevitable Cypriot chaos in the glorious (and slightly dusty) Arkin Iskele, Trikomo – or just Iskele, if you’re feeling efficient. Prepare for a messy, glorious, and potentially slightly sunburnt itinerary.
Day 1: Arrival & Immediate Regret (Just Kidding… Maybe)
Morning (10:00 AM): Touchdown at Ercan airport. The air already feels… different. Not necessarily better, but definitely different. That instant, dry heat hits you like a brick of sunshine. Finding the transfer I pre-booked. Praying the driver speaks some English (or at least gestures convincingly). They don't. He speaks only Turkish. The awkward mime routine begins. He's a good guy; I think.
Mid-day (12:00 PM): Arrive at the Arkin Iskele Hotel. First impressions? It's… big. Really big. Like, Lost in Translation-big. The lobby is all marble and chandeliers – a bit much for 1 PM. (Side note: why are hotel lobbies always freezing?) Check-in is a blur of names I mishear and paperwork I sign with a pen that’s clearly been through the wars. The room? Slightly less grand than the lobby, but with a balcony overlooking… well, something. I think it's the sea. Hard to tell behind a sea of scaffolding. Construction. Everywhere. It's like permanent spring break for cranes.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch at the hotel buffet. This is where the cracks in my composure begin to show. The food spread is… ambitious. A thrilling selection of every single thing you can imagine, from olives that look like they’ve been marinating since the Ottoman Empire to something that might be fish, but is aggressively grey. I opt for a plate of halloumi and salad, safety first. The bread, however, is fantastic. All bread is good.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Beach recon. The beach… is a beach. Sandy, sunny, and surprisingly empty. Finding a sun lounger, successfully navigating its complex reclining mechanisms (a small victory). Apply sunscreen (hopefully, correctly). Immediate thought: Wow, the salt air is amazing… and I'm thirsty.
Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset cocktail at the beach bar. The sunset is amazing. Seriously, the colours are unreal. Aperol spritz. Slightly overpriced. Suddenly, everything feels… better. The scaffolding fades, the grey fish is forgotten, and I feel a glimmer of hope. This might actually be a good trip.
Night (9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel restaurant. The menu (in both Turkish and English - bless them, it's a valiant effort) is a culinary adventure. Ordering something that sounds promising. Hoping for the best. It arrives. It's… edible. I eat it. Dessert? Baklava. The baklava is amazing. All baklava is good.
Day 2: The Turtle Tango & Unexpected Emotional Swings
Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up with the sun (and a slight crick in my neck from sleeping on a pillow that feels suspiciously lumpy). Coffee on the balcony. Attempt to decipher the construction noises. Fail. Embrace the chaos.
Mid-morning (10:30 AM): Day trip to the Karpaz Peninsula. Driving. On roads that… let’s just say they keep you on your toes. The scenery is stunning though – rolling hills, wild donkeys (more on them later), and the bluest sea you’ve ever seen. Panic that I left my sunglasses at the hotel. Decide that I don't care. (Sunglasses are optional. Happiness shouldn't be.)
Mid-day (12:00 PM): Arrived at Golden Beach. Golden Beach really is golden. But the sea feels cold. Maybe because I stood in the warm sand for far too long. The wind is whipping, but the sand is so soft. Seriously, like walking on powdered sugar. I spend an hour doing nothing but staring at the sea. It's therapeutic. Absolutely no regrets.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): The Turtle Beach. Where the magic really happens. This is the part I was most looking forward to. The entire reason I came here! It might be the highlight of this entire trip. We're getting to look for Turtles! And they were there! The rangers are awesome and very protective of the turtles and explain the process. We're shown the nests. We can even get to see the little hatchlings. It was one of the most amazing experiences I ever had.
Late Afternoon (5:00 PM): Drive back. Thinking about the turtles. Still. Feeling a strange mix of joy and sadness. Life is beautiful, but it's also fragile. Like, all this is so humbling. The vulnerability of the turtles. Seeing little ones. (emotional overload)
Evening (8:00 PM): Casual dinner at a local taverna in Iskele. Kleftiko (slow-cooked lamb). This is the real deal. So tender, so flavourful. The best meal yet. The local wine… well, let’s just say it’s robust. Great time with the locals. Definitely recommend!
Day 3: History, Halloumi, and the Dreaded Sunburn
Morning (9:00 AM): Breakfast at the hotel. Mastering the art of the perfect omelette (success!). Contemplating whether I should try the grey fish again. Decide against it.
Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Trip to Salamis ruins. Ancient city. Lots of rocks. Beautiful rocks. Hot. Really hot. Bring water. Definitely wear a hat. Wonder how anyone lived here without air conditioning. Feeling somewhat overwhelmed by history. Also, hungry.
Mid-day (12:00 PM): Lunch at a restaurant near the ruins. Halloumi sandwich. Halloumi heaven. This cheese is a gift from the gods. Or maybe the Cypriots. Either way, I'm grateful.
Afternoon (2:00 PM): Back to the beach. Mistake number one: assuming I’d tanned enough. Mistake number two: falling asleep in the sun. Realise I’m bright red. Panic. Apply aloe vera with the desperation of a drowning man. Regret everything.
Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Hiding in the shade, nursing my sunburn. Vowing to never underestimate the Cypriot sun again. Reading a book. Wishing I’d brought a bigger hat.
Evening (7:00 PM): Sunset swim. The water feels amazing on my sunburnt skin. Almost makes up for the pain. Almost.
Night (9:00 PM): Dinner at the hotel. Feeling too sunburnt to go out. Eating a light salad and drinking lots of water. Vowing to be a responsible tourist for the rest of the trip. (Probably won’t happen.)
Day 4: The Wild Donkeys, and My Sanity
- Morning (9:00 AM): Wake up feeling slightly less red. Victory! However, remembering the donkeys!
- Mid-morning (10:00 AM): Planning a drive. We are going to go look for the donkeys!
- Mid-day (12:00 PM): We found them! They are really awesome.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): So many donkeys. They are so cute and silly! Playing with the donkeys.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Head back to Iskele from the Karpaz Peninsula.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Nice dinner with the whole family. It was very delicious!
Day 5: Pampering Time
- Morning (10:00 AM): Spa day! Because after all this sun, I kinda deserve it. Feeling all relaxed and fluffy.
- Mid-day (12:00 PM): Getting a massage. Best massage ever!
- Afternoon (2:00 PM): Lunch.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM): Swimming.
- Evening (7:00 PM): Enjoying dinner with my family.
Day 6: Adventures
- **Morning (9:00 AM):
Uncover the Hidden Gem of Cyprus: Arkin Iskele Trikomo (Iskele)! ... or is it? Let's get REAL.
Okay, spill the tea: Is Iskele REALLY a hidden gem, or is it just another over-hyped travel blog lie?
What's actually *in* Iskele, besides the potential for a sun tan?
Let's talk beaches. Is Long Beach *actually* worth the hype? I’m a beach snob, be warned.
What's the food scene like? I'm a foodie, will I starve?
Tell me about the people. Are the locals friendly? What's the vibe?
Is it worth it for families? Are there things to do with kids?
Okay, the BIG question: Would YOU go back? And why? (Be honest!)
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