Luxury Apartment At The Grove Spa Resort, Cyprus

I recently hired a car through a car rental ‘broker’. It was actually Rhino but there are several others that this cautionary tale could equally apply to.

I received the car and they had added the cost of a full tank of petrol. I was told to return it empty as there would be no refund. The bottom line is that I was only visiting Cyprus for 4 days and so only used up a quarter of a tank. As a result the real cost of the car hire was about £30 to £40 more than the quoted price. The original price, paid for online, had been very competitive and had I been going out for 2 weeks I would have received great value for money.

The actual car rental was with Europcar and on their terms and conditions it did clearly state their ‘receive full, return empty’ clause. I hadn’t read it properly before purchase so it was my fault.

Rhino had not forewarned me because their online system had automatically sourced the cheapest deal without regard for the actual car hire company’s small print. Rhino informed me, when I raised the issue on my return,  that I had just been unlucky on this occasion.

I could feel a little aggrieved by Rhino’s attitude but instead I’ll just make sure, in future, that I read the small print first.

Incidentally, this is a clever tactic by Europcar. When I picked up the keys from their desk at Larnaca airport they informed me that if I had booked direct with them I would have avoided this ‘receive full, return empty’ game.

I suspect in the future that I will book direct with a car hire company like Europcar, for short visits, and then take advantage of the cheaper ‘bulk’ prices achievable from brokers (like Rhino) for longer trips (where I know I will be doing a fair bit of driving.

So……read the Terms and Conditions (message to self)!

This is the sixth in a series of posts sharing our guests reviews for our luxury apartment at the Grove Spa Resort in Mazotos (near Larnaca in Cyprus). All reviews are shown under the ‘Customer Reviews’ link to your right. We are so grateful to all guest who are willing to let us publish their reviews.

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28th April 2012:

Arrived back to the miserable UK weather – how depressing……….

Anyway, apart from the delayed flight home, all went smoothly and we enjoyed our time in your lovely apartment.  Joanne was was lovely – very welcoming and helpful.  Joanne is the resort manager.

It would be good to have a couple of hooks on the bathroom door as there is nowhere to hangs robes/clothes but otherwise, it is very well equipped.

We managed to get out and about quite a lot but didn’t venture too far. It was nice to be in a rural setting rather than a heavily built up area like Larnaca.

Thank you for all your helpful information prior to our departure and I look forward to receiving my deposit cheque once you have received a satisfactory report from Joanne. (This was sent within 3 days).

I then asked the following questions:-

Did you like the position of the apartment within the resort – in particular, were you able to enjoy the balcony and position overlooking the pool?

We spent a lot of time on the balcony and the position was perfect.  

Did we provide enough information? If not what would have helped?

The info was more than sufficient.  I found both you and the documentation very helpful and don’t think that you could have added anything else.

Could we have provided anything else that would have made your stay even better?

Nothing else was necessary to make the stay more enjoyable.  

We would happily rent from you again should we return to Cyprus.

All the best,

Beverley

Thanks to Beverley and her family for being such wonderful guests.

Larnaca has a variety of attractive sandy beaches that stretch for miles along the coast, with bars and restaurants and full facilities for swimmers and sunbathers plus water sports for the more energetic.

A 40 minute drive north of our Mazotos apartment will bring you to the best beaches on the Island, around Protaras and Ayia Napa. However, the tourist beaches described below are somewhat closer, all within 20 minutes. In addition, there are also numerous less commercial beaches within easy reach, including our own family favourite which is just10 minutes away.

Faros Beach

Faros beach, situated south of Larnaca just off Cape Kiti, is a 15 minute drive from the apartment. It is a relatively small beach with facilities for a relaxing day by the sea, such as a beach bar and sunbed and umbrella hire, as well as possibilities for a more active beach experience, with a beach volleyball court and jet skis (and more) available for hire from mid-April to the end of October.

Faros beach is also suitable for families with small children, as the beach has a sea barrier, which can remove the worry of the tide. All things considered, the smaller size of Faros and the mix of sand and shingle make it slightly less popular than McKenzie or Phinikoudes beaches but that has clear advantages for those preferring a quieter beach in more secluded surroundings.

McKenzie Beach

McKenzie Beach is a sandy beach on the outskirts of the Larnaca town, a few minutes’ drive from the airport and about 20 minutes’ drive from our apartment. Due to its number of facilities, it is great for a lengthier day visit. The large car park is a convenient distance away from the beach and fairly inexpensive.

There are bars and restaurants along the attractive promenade, which are well-known among locals for their fresh seafood and Cypriot cuisine.

Mckenzie beach, like Faros beach, is perfect for families with small children, as the beach is flat, shelving gently into the sea. Also like Faros, there are watersports available at the end of McKenzie beach, with opportunities to jet ski, water ski, windsurf, and to hire speed boats. There are also diving trips available to the Zenobia wreck which can include induction dive courses. Sun loungers and umbrellas are available for hire at approx €2.50 each for the day.

Phinikoudes Beach

Phinikoudes Beach (or Finikoudes beach) is the popular main sandy beach of Larnaca town. There is car parking near the Marina and the beach has all the facilities you will need.

Phinikoudes Beach, like Faros and Mackenzie beaches, is family friendly and boasts the full range of beach activities and entertainment. Possible activities include a small Fun Park for young children as well as arcades and water sports for more adventurous older children and adults. Sunbeds and umbrellas are also available to rent.

Stretching alongside the beach is an attractive tree lined promenade and opposite the beach is a lively promenade of shops, bars and restaurants. Larnaca Marina, north of the beach, offers various sea boat tours and diving experiences.

Governor’s Beach

Located between Larnaca and Limassol, Governor’s Beach is a sandy beach with shallow, clean waters, suitable for everyone, including families with small children. It is an organised beach, with the obligatory umbrellas and sunbeds available for hire. The spectacular white rock coast line at Governor’s beach is ideal for activities, such as boating, fishing, windsurfing and, in particular, snorkeling, due to the clearness of the water.

There are also the typical amenities expected of a smaller beach, in the form of a beach bar and car park. There are several good fish restaurants in the area, to allow you to combine a great meal with a relaxing, or more active, day on the beach.

More information about local beaches is made available to guests staying in our apartment in the village of Mazotos, near Larnaca.

Our self catering apartment in Mazotos village is available to rent all year round.

If you would like to make a Booking Enquiry then please either:-

Use the form on our Home page ……..or

Call us on +447872119738.

Our 2011 self catering holiday at my family’s cyprus luxury apartment, in Mazotos village, near Larnaca, was everything we had hoped for after a hectic year.

We enjoyed plenty of sun, fantastic pools for swimming and to sunbath around, the beautiful landscaped gardens, picturesque setting, relaxation, lots of reading, games plus some trips out to nearby beaches and restaurants………and, of course, our excellent apartment which is set up for guests looking for a superior Cyprus self catering holiday.

Now Available To Rent

I am delighted to say that our 2 bedroom, self catering, luxury apartment (sleeping up to 6) is now available to rent, throughout the year.

Guests have been giving very positive feedback (please see Guest Reviews) about what is currently available and the value they received. We would love to welcome you as guests and recommend that you secure the current cheaper prices by booking before the end of May.

Here are some of our latest Cyprus holiday photos:- …Continue Reading

We are delighted to have received this heartfelt and positive review, on Trip Advisor, from a family who recently stayed at our Mazotos apartment. Mazotos is near Larnaca in Cyprus.

(This review was submitted on the 20 February 2012):

“Home away from home!” 

“Over a month has passed since we left apartment F24 at the Grove Spa Resort and yet we can’t seem to forget our amazing experience. In fact, prior to our arrival, Adrian sent us a wonderful detailed email that included everything we were to expect. This included a turn by turn guide from the airport (Larnaca) to the resort. There were photos of road signs and landmarks. I saved these guides on my iPad. And you know what? I can’t seem to get myself to erase them. You know why? Because I am certain that we will return! I’m sure Adrian and Louise will prepare another email guide for us, still I just want to hold on to every tiny bit of memory. We dream about Cyprus and we look forward to staying at apartment F24 as soon as possible”.

5 Star rating was awarded for all categories, namely:-

1. Ease of Booking;
2. Directions to the property (Mazotos apartment);
3. Key pick up/access to the property;
4. Overall condition;
5. Quality of bedding/mattresses;
6. Kitchen/utensils quality;
7. Cleanliness of bathroom;
8. Quality of facilities/amenities

Liked best: The feeling that we were at home.

Liked least: We only had one complaint. We didn’t want it to end!

Travelling group: Family with Young Children

Would I recommend this holiday rental to my best friend?   Yes.

Recommended for:

Friends getaway; People with disabilities; Older travellers; Families with young children; Large groups.

The property was “as advertised”.

I recommend the location.

The property (Mazotos apartment) was good value for the price paid.

The property provided wifi/internet access.

My security deposit was returned on time.

My thanks goes to David and his family and all our other guests, who have stayed in our apartment in Mazotos, whose appreciative comments make all the hard work worthwhile. We look forward to welcoming you back.

Our self catering apartment in Mazotos Cyprus is available to rent all year round.

If you would like to make a Booking Enquiry then please either:-

Use the form on our ‘Cyprus Apartment’ Home page ……..or

Call us on +447872119738.

Larnaca Marina is right in the heart of the town. It is in front of Phinikoudes, a palm tree lined promenade with many restaurants, cafes, bars to choose from. It is about 20 minutes by car from our self catering apartment in the charming village of Mazotos.

This article includes:-

• Specific information about Larnaca Marina;
• A video of our boat trip into the marina
• Information and contact details to help you to book boat trips, fishing  trips, leisure cruises, diving or snorkelling trips, parties, wedding receptions, or even a trip on the submarine.

Larnaka Marina

Larnaca (Larnaka) Marina,  is an official Port of Entry into Cyprus. It has has a maximum capacity of 450 yacht, the minimum depth is approximately 1.5m and maximum depth of 4.0 . The ‘make up’ of the sea bed is mud and sand.

A development project, to cost in the region of €200 million is/was planned. If it goes ahead the capacity will increase to  between 800 and 1,000 vessels. Surrounding land will be developed to include hotels, flats, parks, bicycle lanes, shops, restaurants and cafes.

Please Note: You must reserve space in the Larnaka Marina well in advance.

Larnaca Marina, CY 6023 Larnaka

Telex: 4500 CYTMAR

Tel: +357 24 65 31 10 or +357 24 65 31 13

Fax: +357 24 62 41 10

Video of our  boat trip arriving back at Larnaca Marina (Cyprus)

Here is our video, recorded as we arrived back into the Marina at the end of a boat trip out to the Zenobia wreck

Diving around Larnaca Marina

Divers and snorkellers are drawn to this area due to the underwater wrecks that Larnaka has.

The wreck of the Zenobia had the same fate as the Titanic – it sunk on its maiden voyage!

The Zenobia was a Swedish roll-on-roll-off ferry that sunk off Larnaka’s fishing harbour in June 1980. Other wrecks accessible from the Marina include a British Helecopter that sunk in 1996 (lies at a depth of 16 metres) and HMS Cricket – a British Battleship that sank in 1947, due to bad weather. There is also the wreck of a British armoured car which is now a protected area with thriving marine life. Finally (as far as I know) there’s Fraggle – the wreck of a small Barge which now has an artificial reef.

Boat Trips From Larnaca Marina

Our boat (shown in the above video) was the ‘Naftilos 30′, glass bottom boat. The trip is available on request any time of the day but we phoned though in advance on 00357 99996090. It normally lasts 45 minutes but if you want to stay out longer so that you have time to snorkel then it’s best to ring in advance so they can plan that in. I believe the company we booked with is called A.C.S Cyprus Charters Ltd.

With that same company you can:-

- Take a fishing trip (7 hours) – breakfast + fish meze lunch included in the price.

- Take a Sunset Cruise

- Enjoy family day cruises

- Take a Luxury Safari Day cruise

- Have fun on one of their Pirate nights!

They also hire out boats for Events and Parties and have a Yacht Charter Event and Wedding Specialist amd can arrange an Executive transfer service.

Links to other providers:

http://www.atlantisseacruises.com

http://www.viking-divers.com

http://www.seacrestmarinecharter.com

http://www.zenobiadive.com

A Trip in SADKO, the Submarine

The fully airconditioned Submarine (SADKO) can be booked with Larnaca Napa Sea Cruises Ltd on 24 656949 or 24 656954 or email larnaca.napa.sea.cruises@cytanet.com.cy. There website is zenobiadive.com

This accommodates 40 passengers and the trip lasts about 1 hour. That includes the two way boat transfer, so the actual trip lasts abouit 40 minutes. It dives to a depth of between 17-40 metres.

Other Water Sports near to Larnaca Marina

Other activities in the immediate area include: windsurfing, kitesurfing, diving, boating and fishing, amongst many others. You get refreshing breezes on summer afternoons but the area seems to be free from strong currents and rocks, making conditions ideal.

This is the fifth in a series of posts sharing our guests reviews for our self catering holiday apartment, in Cyprus. All reviews are shown under the ‘Customer Reviews’ link to your right. We have had great reviews in the past but this just might be the best. We are so grateful to all guest who are willing to let us publish their reviews.

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5th February 2010

“My experience at Louise and Adrian’s apartment at The Grove Spa Resort can only be described in one word, “perfect”.

Mazotos, Cyprus is the Mediterranean’s best-kept secret. The best-kept secret in Mazotos is The Grove Spa Resort and the best-kept secret at The Grove Spa Resort is apartment F24.

For those who have never heard of Mazotos, Cyprus, I highly recommend you go online and see for yourself. If you are looking for a getaway that is peaceful, a place where the locals make you feel at home and if you are looking for …Continue Reading

This is the fourth in a series of posts sharing our guests reviews for our self catering apartment, in Cyprus. All reviews are shown under the ‘Customer Reviews’ link to your right.

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17th December 2011

“Hi Adrian

Many thanks for sorting this out so promptly (security deposit refund).

Overall we were very pleased with your flat and the services you offer. The “arrival” pack was greatly appreciated as well as your very prompt action regarding the water issue we had.

We will definitely be looking to book with you again in the future.

Best wishes and have a great Christmas

Kevin & Sue O….. “      (17-12-11)

This is the third in a series of posts sharing our guests reviews for our self catering apartment, in Cyprus. All reviews are shown under the ‘Customer Reviews’ link to your right.

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5th November 2011

“Hi Adrian

…..very impressed with Larnaca airport – definitely better than Pafos.

We had a great week and got to see a part of the island that was unfamiliar to us. Would definitely go again and recommend your apartment.

Everything in resort was great – found the apartment really easily even though it was the middle of the night and hard to see any landmarks, your directions got us straight there.

Your apartment is fab, everything we needed was there – including the cool bag and ice blocks for shopping or the …Continue Reading

This is a true story of a journey that took us from our Luxury Cyprus apartment to the ‘forbidden valley’! Our guests and other visitors to Larnaca, in Cyprus, please ‘listen’ carefully.

From Mazotos to Troodos?

I was with my parents and intending to follow a route, by car, from our luxury Cyprus apartment in the charming village of Mazotos, near Larnaca, up past Lefkara village (in the hills above) and then to cut through to the Troodos mountains, via Ora that way. It didn’t work!

I found out later that unless you are a local with an off road vehicle, or a goat, the chances of getting through that way are very slim indeed.

…Continue Reading