Riviera is tucked away from the main road a couple of miles out of Kyrenia with its own secluded beachfront location. Accommodation is simple but comfortable. A small restaurant with a veranda with lovely views to the sea and the mountains serves simple and rather dull food, yet is an idyllic place to sit and relax. There is a very large circular swimmming pool towards the back of the complex with a stone fronted waterfall. The private and secluded beachfront includes both a sandy area and several smaller terraces. Steps and stepping stones lead into the sea in which the rocky bottom provides excellent snorkelling with the fishes.

There are about forty 'units' and we stayed in one of the 22 air conditioned 'galleried bungalows' with very basic and limited self- catering facilites. This accommodation is arranged around a delightful wooded and flower filled garden. The studios are closer to the sandy beach. We disn't encounter the more modern 'superior' apartments; though they appear in the hotel's blurb to lack the natural wooden charm of the bungalows and studios.

Although at the height of the season the complex was remarkably quiet and tranquil: a real 'get away from it all' atmosphere. With so much space around the pool and beach and jetties it would be possible to stay here without meeting another soul whilst slowly reading ones way through the large airport bookstand collection provided in the small reception area. A car is recommended although it a short taxi hop into town and a few minutes walk brings you to a really good open air Indian restaurant (Jashan's) and, a little further, a large supermarket (and depressingly familiar burger joint).

Maybe it was the completely relaxed and tranquil atmosphere, but small matters like a hotplate that wouldn't heat and a missing TV aerial (hardly a sacrifice) mattered little in such a laid back retreat. Requests (for an electric kettle for instance) were met courteously and quickly. All the staff were warm and friendly and the hotel's elder stateman offered (unsuccessful) raiki for a swollen foot and (very successful) card tricks - the only 'entertainment' on offer!

The whole place feels a little 'faded'. There was clearly a great deal of thoughtful investment in establishing and designing the spacious complex, but it has gradually faded. The roadside sign is dilapidated; the poolside bar abandoned and installations by the jetty rather overgrown. Yet in such a relaxing and rustic setting these just added to the faded charm of the place.

If you are an 'everything has got to be perfect or I shall complain' sort of person or one who likes a lively setting and party nights, the Riviera is not a place to come to. But if you want to get away from it all, enjoy the tranquility of the beachside and the pool and the beautiful natural gardens within easy access to town, it proved to be an inexpensive and excellent choice.

The complex has a quirky website at (--) (with a jumping camel populated map at (--)).

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