Paradise Found!
Last Monday (11th June 2012) Daniel, Phil and Myself (Saskya) jetted off from Stanstead after months of careful planning on a client mission. The destination - Hassan’s Turtle Beach situated in the nature reserve of Karpaz in Northern Cyprus. The mission - a 40th Birthday party for two of our twin clients, the theme was “Survivor” with a touch of luxury. But there was to be no 5* hotels, no pool side cocktails, no spa and at times no electricity or water!! Instead the theme was a rustic campsite on the beach, the Mediterranean sea and a few beach huts.
We landed late at night, hopped in the hire car and drove the 150km to the campsite that would be home for the next week. The owner of the campsite, Hassan, greeted us with a dinner of Fresh fish which was much needed after the long flight!
We set to work on Wednesday sourcing all the decorations and accessories for the campsite in the cities of Kyrenia and Lefkosia. Lanterns, candles, Frisbees, lights, balls, water pistols were just a few of the things we bought! After a long day of shopping we stopped at The Rocks Hotel for a lovely meal by the pool, after which we regrettably left the luxury behind and headed back to the campsite.
Thursday was spent working on the campsite, transforming it from a desolate site into a beautiful haven for the guests to arrive. Large marquees were set up over-looking the beach with big comfy mattresses and crisp white linens, sprinkled with rose petals. Molton Brown toiletries were placed on the bed to add a luxury touch (As well as some factor 50 sun cream!).
After the set up was complete, I left for the airport to greet the guests; I was met by 30 very excited guests all eager to find out where they were going, but not even a bribe of 200 euros could let them in on the secret . The whole thing, including the destination and the itinerary was a surprise and so they were all in the dark about what would be going on. They piled onto the luxury coach, the champagne started flowing and the dancing began! The coach pulled into the campsite at midnight and the guests were greeted by waiters from The Arkin Palm Beach Hotel serving canapés, cocktails and wine around the campfire. After a late night swim everyone fell into bed, wondering what the next day would bring.
A 7am wake-up call signalled the start to the day, all guests assembled on the beach for an aerobic warm up before the day ahead. One of the challenges of working on a beach is the weather; yes it was sunny, but also very windy. As guests were enjoying a breakfast when a large gust of wind lifted 4 of the tents off the ground and blew them into the distance! Daniel chased after the tents and we managed to gather all the guests’ belongings together and move them into the beach huts. After relocating their beds and having breakfast guests set off on a “20 mile hike” into the mountains, 1 mile in and everyone was starting to feel the heat. As they reached the end of the road they were met by a convoy of safari jeeps.
Relieved that the hike was all a ploy, and excited they all hopped into the back of the jeeps and set off for another unknown destination. This time it was to be the new marina in Karpaz. Guests boarded the large traditional boat and set sail around the island. We stopped off for swimming, snorkelling and diving off the boat into the crystal clear water, lunch was barbequed fresh fish and chicken with meze and plenty of rosé wine. After a long day on the water the boat docked in the marina and the jeeps transported guests back to the campsite where they settled into their new accommodation and then hit the beach for volleyball and games. A feast was served on the terrace, delicacies included Octopus Carpaccio with rocket leaves, Artichoke hearts with olive oil, Beetroot with goat cheese, Shrimps with avocado, Chargrilled king prawns and Seasoned Grilled Grouper... Delicious. The night ended with a film of the birthday twins’ life and releasing flying lanterns on the beach, a beautiful way to finish the evening.
Another early start for the guests on Saturday morning, they set of for another hike speculating that this was another phony hike and there would be more jeeps meeting them. But no, guests hiked through the mountains and along the beach for over 2 hours, taking in the stunning scenery. On return they were served a well-deserved breakfast and headed to the beach for a swim. On reaching the beach they found a speedboat waiting for them, with water-skis, wake boards, ringoes, banana boats and kayaks. Guests spent the day relaxing and out on the water taking part in varoius sports and trying not to fall off the banana boat! Late afternoon saw the arrival of 2 masseuses who set up massage beds in the shade on the beach, guests were able to relax and recover from their hike with full body massages and reflexology.
As the sun went down guests retired to their huts and got ready for the evening ahead, everyone was dressed in white for the evening. Daniel set up a full cocktail bar overlooking the sea and started off the night with champagne and cocktails, dinner was a feast of Smoked salmon with caviar, Octopus salad,Whole Lamb spits, meatballs, chicken şiş kebap, and Palm Steak. A giant birthday cake was presented covered in sparklers and candles. A Methuselah of champagne followed and guests enjoyed a night of champagne, cocktials, shots, late night swimming and dancing as well as a fire juggling show from Phil.
Another early start for the guests, this was a struggle for those who had not got to bed until 7am. Yoga mats were set up overlooking the beach and guests took part in a relaxed yoga session. A large brunch was served for guests before they all departed for the airport to head home.
A very successful week in Northern Cyprus, everyone left tired out but very happy. It was a perfect way to celebrate the birthdays of Olivier and David, with their best friends, good food, sunshine and plenty of wine.
Written by Saskya Liney, Lifestyle Enhancer, EMC3
