Cyprus's Maroni: The Hidden Gem You NEED to See!

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Cyprus's Maroni: The Hidden Gem You NEED to See!

Maroni: The Hidden Gem? Okay, Let's See… My Honest Cyprus Review!

Alright, alright, buckle up buttercups! Because I just got back from a trip to Cyprus, and everyone and their grandma keeps saying, "You HAD to go to Maroni!" So, I did. And you know what? This review ain't gonna be some perfectly polished travel blog. It's gonna be real. So, let's dive into this 'hidden gem' and see if it actually sparkles, or just kinda… glitters.

Accessibility: Okay, Let's Start Here…

Look, I'm not using a wheelchair, folks, but I always check accessibility. It's 2024. Wheelchair accessible is a must for any place that wants to be taken seriously. The website claimed Maroni was, and the lobby seemed okay, but actually getting into some of the restaurants/lounges felt a bit… tricky. Think a few steps here, a narrow door there. It’s not terrible, but it could be way better. Accessibility is a process, people, not an instant fix. Getting around outside wasn't too bad as far as the access is concerned.

Internet… Oh, Internet, My Constant Companion:

Okay, this is a big one for me. I need to be connected, you know? Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! – YES! That’s what I like to hear. And honestly, the Wi-Fi was pretty solid. Internet [LAN] I didn’t use, who even does that anymore? But I appreciated the option. Internet services are probably all right but I prefer WiFi so I do not explore that part, I had no issues on that part. Did it work in the Wi-Fi in public areas? Yep, it was a lifesaver when I was chilling by the pool. So, thumbs up for the internet situation here.

Things to Do & Ways to Relax – The Good, the… Meh, and the Oh-My-God-Yes!

Let's be real, Cyprus is for relaxing. So, how did Maroni stack up?

  • Spa/Sauna, Steamroom, Pool with view, Swimming pool [outdoor]: These are all good! The spa was lovely, I'm not going to lie. The sauna was hot (as it should be). The steamroom was… steamy. The pool with view? Magical. You could actually see the sunset from the pool and that was magical. The swimming pool [outdoor] was clean and refreshing - exactly what you want on a hot day.

  • Body scrub, Body wrap, Foot bath: Yeah, I did them all. It was a relaxing experience, I do not know how to measure it, but I would like to add that it was definitely worth the price.

  • Fitness center, Gym/fitness: Okay, confession time: I looked at the fitness center. But I never actually went in. My vacation mantra: "I’ll work out… later.” Maybe next time.

  • Massage: You have to get a massage here. Seriously. I'm not usually a massage person, but holy guacamole, this was incredible. One of the best I've ever had. They kneaded out all the knots I didn’t even know I had after a flight, and I walked out feeling like a new person. This is the kind of experience that makes you feel like you've spent your money wisely.

  • Couple's room: I did not explore this, but it sounds like a great idea, to be fair.

Cleanliness and Safety – Gotta Keep it Real:

I'm not gonna lie, I'm a bit of a germophobe. So, how did Maroni do in the fight against the microscopic menace?

  • Anti-viral cleaning products: Yep, they said they used them. I'll take their word for it.

  • Breakfast takeaway service, Cashless payment service: Okay, it was safe to a great deal.

  • Daily disinfection in common areas: I saw staff doing this. So, good on them.

  • Doctor/nurse on call, First aid kit: Always a good thing to have.

  • Hand sanitizer: Everywhere! Seriously, you couldn't escape it. Which is comforting, I guess.

  • Hot water linen and laundry washing: Okay, I am happy with this one.

  • Hygiene certification: It had the stamp of approval.

  • Individually-wrapped food options: A nice touch to address some of the fears.

  • Physical distancing of at least 1 meter: They tried! But it’s always a bit… awkward to enforce.

  • Professional-grade sanitizing services, Room sanitization opt-out available, Rooms sanitized between stays: This is what I want to see! Especially with the way things are now.

  • Safe dining setup, Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: The kitchen was spotless, the dishes gleaming.

  • Shared stationery removed: Good. I am all about less touching anyway.

  • Staff trained in safety protocol: The staff seemed well-versed.

  • Sterilizing equipment: Okay, I am impressed so far.

  • Smoke alarms, Fire extinguisher: Basic, but essential.

  • CCTV in common areas, CCTV outside property: Always a good idea, I do not mind at all.

  • Security [24-hour]: Felt pretty secure.

Dining, Drinking and Snacking – Fueling the Adventure (and the Review):

Okay, let's talk food! This is important, people.

  • A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement: These are a staple and worth considering.

  • Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant: Yeah, I wasn't expecting this! But I did not try it tho, I'm not a big fan.

  • Bar, Bottle of water: Definitely had both. The bar was a nice place to chill.

  • Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: The breakfast buffet… chef’s kiss. Seriously amazing. Loads of fruit, pastries, coffee, the works. I might have overindulged.

  • Desserts in restaurant: Definitely had a few!

  • Happy hour: Always a good idea.

  • International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant: The food was good in all of those. I can not complain.

  • Essential condiments: Ok, this is also something, it is a good add.

Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter:

Okay, the extras.

  • Air conditioning in public area: Essential!

  • Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center: They had it all.

  • Food delivery: I did not use it, but they have it.

  • Gift/souvenir shop: Cute, but maybe a little overpriced.

For the Kids:

I don't have kids, so I didn't pay too much attention here, but they seemed to have their bases covered.

  • Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal: They had it all.

Rooms – The Nitty-Gritty:

Okay, the moment of truth. The rooms are where you truly live on vacation.

  • Available in all rooms: The facilities were ok.

  • Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens: They were good! The air conditioning was amazing! The blackout curtains were a lifesaver. The free Wi-Fi was, again, a godsend. My room had a balcony, and it was an absolute dream in the morning. Loved it.

**

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Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this trip to Esperando Maroni, Cyprus… well, let's just say it’s gonna be a ride. I'm not promising Michelin star planning, just… real life. And a whole lotta sunblock.

Esperando Maroni: A Cluster of Anticipation (and Possibly Sunburn)

Day 1: Arrival & The Great Lemon-Sipping Debacle (and a near-miss with a feral cat)

  • Morning (A.M.): Landed in Larnaca. Plane food? Let's just say cardboard and despair. Seriously, airline meals… what's the DEAL? Anyway, managed to navigate the airport (miraculously) and found my pre-booked taxi. Smelled suspiciously of air freshener and old cigarettes. Classic. The drive to Esperando Maroni? Breathtaking. The real Cyprus started to unfold around me. Olive trees, hillsides sprinkled with what looked like… rocks or tiny sheep. Hard to tell from the speeding taxi.
  • Mid-day: Checked into my little seaside… accommodation. "Quaint" is being kind. Let's go with "characterful". The view, though? Unbelievable. Turquoise water, the kind that makes you want to yeet yourself right in. I made a mental note to buy a swimsuit immediately.
  • Afternoon: Started my "research" - I mean, exploring. Walked to a little taverna, taverna being the Greek word for the kind of place where the food is fantastic and the owners treat you like family, even if you don't speak a lick of Greek (yet). Ordered a lemonade and a Cypriot coffee. The woman behind the counter… let's call her Eleni… she had a look I could only describe as "seen some things." The lemonade… it took me by surprise. Like a lemon had had a love affair with the sun and come back for revenge. It was intense. I think I puckered my face so hard I almost gave myself a permanent wrinkle. I felt her eyes as she watched me and quickly grabbed a coffee.
    • Side note: Attempted to pet a very suspicious-looking ginger cat on the way back. It hissed and ran. CYPRUS, I LOVE YOU.
  • Evening: Sunset on the beach. Staring at this beauty and feeling completely… stunned. Ate at a taverna with plastic chairs and a view to die for. The mezze platter? Oh. Em. Gee. Best. Food. Ever. Stuffed myself silly. Felt amazing.
  • Reflection: Note to self: Invest in a stronger SPF. Also, learn some basic Greek. And maybe try the lemonade one more time. Wish me luck on all counts.

Day 2: The Deep Dive (and the near-drowning experience)

  • Morning: Okay, I'm a beach person, maybe even more so than I thought - went back to the same beach as the day before. Found a beach chair and set up camp for the day. Went down to the turquoise water and was completely floored. The water was clear, stunning, and I could see a few tiny fish.
  • Mid-day: I had a wild idea, and a rash one – I decided to go snorkelling. I’m not the strongest swimmer in the world. I borrowed some gear from my accommodation. The water was cold at first, and the current quickly dragged me away from the shore, and I lost my bearings a little. I felt a bit of panic set in.
    • A Moment of Truth: Did I mentioned I'm not the greatest swimmer? Anyway, I panicked. I tried to swim back to the shore but the water was pulling me away. I saw a few familiar faces, but it took me a few seconds to realize it was Eleni! She was right at the point of the rocks, and immediately started calling for help. A few people ran from the beach. One of them had a life ring and pulled me to shore. And wow! I was mortified. I was shaking, and mortified. I’m now terrified of water.
  • Afternoon: Went back to the beach. This time in a chair! Didn't venture into the ocean. I was exhausted and a little shaken (who would have thought?). Spent the rest of the day just… staring at the water from a chair, and contemplating everything. The food helped.
    • Stream of Consciousness: Maybe I should have listened to my inner voice. Or maybe I should practice my swimming more. Or maybe I overthought the entire situation. I don’t know, but I feel it now.
  • Evening: Greek Salad and a beer, and a small, almost quiet walk.

Day 3: The Search for Serenity (and an unplanned trek)

  • Morning: I decided I would explore Esperando Maroni. It's not a big place, but it is a stunning place. I got a map and a bottle of water.
  • Mid-day: I set off on foot and decided to go to an abandoned church. Following the signs, I followed the path, and it turned into a dirt path and then into a mountain. I thought I was the only one there and took the trek. There I was and saw the church. It was beautiful.
  • Afternoon: I was completely exhausted. I walked off and the church and saw a goat farmer. I asked if he could give me a ride and he laughed. He didn't speak a word of English.
  • Evening: Finally came back to my accommodation. Took a long, deserved bath.
  • Reflection: Cyprus, you're a rollercoaster of emotions.

Day 4: Coastal Vibes & Farewell Feast (and a touch of melancholy)

  • Morning: Last day. I decided to spend the day at the beach. Relaxed, re-read a favorite book, and just let the sun soak in. Felt completely zen… until I remembered I had to leave.
  • Afternoon: Packing. Ugh. I am not a packer. Tossed everything in, hoping for the best. Wandered around a bit to buy souvenirs… ending up buying more postcards than actual gifts.
  • Evening: Farewell dinner! Back to the taverna with the amazing mezze. Ate until I could barely move. Eleni gave me a hug and said "See you next time". It made my eyes get a little misty.
  • Reflection: Cyprus, you weird, wonderful, sometimes-terrifying place. You've given me sunshine, food coma, the near-drowning experience, and moments of pure bliss. I'll be back. I’m not sure when. But I will be back. Oh, and I'll definitely learn to swim better.

Day 5: Departure (and Post Vacation Blues)

  • Morning: Taxi to the airport. Plane food.
  • Reflection: Already missing the sun, the sea, the food and the utter simplicity of Esperando Maroni. And I'm also missing Eleni and those mean lemonades. I'm already planning my return.

Important Considerations (aka My Slightly Haphazard Advice):

  • Sunscreen: PLEASE.
  • Learn Some Basic Greek: It makes a difference.
  • Don't Mess with the Beach Cats: They bite.
  • The Lemonade: Approach with caution.
  • Embrace the Unexpected: Cyprus is full of them.
  • Most importantly: Go. Just go.

And there you have it. My utterly imperfect, occasionally ridiculous, and oh-so-honest adventure in Esperando Maroni. Until next time, Cyprus!

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Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Maroni, Cyprus: Is This Place *Actually* a Hidden Gem? (Spoiler: Probably!)

Okay, spill the tea. What *is* Maroni, and why should I even care?

Alright, buckle up buttercup, because Maroni, Cyprus, is less "glitzy beach resort" and more "secret handshake you're lucky enough to be in on." Imagine, if you will, a tiny village swallowed by the sun, smelling perpetually of the sea and something delicious grilling (likely halloumi). It's on the southeast coast, between Larnaca and Limassol, and frankly, it's NOT on most people's radar. And that? That's part of the magic. Forget the crowds. Forget the selfie sticks. Maroni is about slowing down. About... *breathing*. Okay, I'm getting carried away. But seriously, it's charming. And yes, you should care. You should *definitely* care. Especially if you're tired of the usual tourist traps.

Is it... boring? Because I need *stuff* to do.

Boring? That depends on your definition of "stuff." If "stuff" means chasing crowds and screaming bars, then yes, probably. Go elsewhere. But if "stuff" means... wait for it... *exploring*... then hold onto your hat. There's a really interesting pottery workshop where I almost walked out with a wonky clay pot (I *really* wanted it). There's a charming, rustic taverna that serves the *best* souvlaki I have ever had. (Seriously, still dreaming about it). The beach? It's pebble-y (bring water shoes!), but the water is crystal clear. And the sunsets... oh, the sunsets. I once saw a sunset there that literally made me cry. Don't judge. I'm sensitive. And yes, there's also the obligatory (and lovely) church. You can go for a walk... a lot of walking, and just see the ruins of a roman villa. It's not Disneyland, okay? It's real life, with sun, sea, and seriously good food.

Okay, food is important. What's the eating situation like? Are there, like, *restaurants*?

Phew, someone speaks my language! Maroni isn't exactly a culinary Mecca, but the food... oh, the food. As I mentioned, the tavernas are *gold*. They're family-run, and the portions are ludicrous. Get the meze! It's a feast! Beware though, you might need to loosen your belt. I gained approximately one kilo for every meal. They also have surprisingly good gelato (for a tiny village!). You'll also find a small supermarket for stocking up on essentials (like feta, olives, and wine - essential, people!). Don't expect Michelin stars, but do expect fresh, delicious, and ridiculously affordable food. Plus, I once saw a cat try to steal a piece of grilled octopus right off a plate. That's entertainment, people, right there.

The beach! Tell me about the beach! Is it sandy? Can I sunbathe?

Okay, look, let's be honest. Maroni's beach is... rustic. It's not the pristine white sand of, say, Ayia Napa. It's pebbly. Like, *really* pebbly. Sandals are your friend. Water shoes are your *best* friend. But the water! The water is so clear it's ridiculous. You can see straight to the bottom. And it's wonderfully warm (especially in summer). There are sunbeds and umbrellas available, but it's not overly crowded. I personally spent a good few hours just floating around, getting totally blissed out. And you know what? I kind of *loved* the pebbles. They gave the whole experience a raw, unpolished vibe. Seriously, I'm smiling just thinking about it.

Accommodation? What kind of places can I stay?

Don't expect high-rise hotels. Maroni is all about the charm. Think quaint apartments, villas, or small, family-run B&Bs. They're cozy, and typically affordable. I stayed in a place that had a balcony overlooking the sea. Every morning, I'd sit out there with a coffee and just... *be*. It was heavenly. Book in advance, because the good places get snapped up quickly, especially during peak season. I'd strongly recommend a place with a kitchen, for those nights when you just want to cook your own dinner and watch the world go by. And trust me, you *will* want to do that.

How do I get there? Is it easy to get around?

Okay, this is where things get a little... "charming". You can fly into Larnaca International Airport (LCA), which is the closest. From there, you'll likely need to rent a car. Public transport isn't exactly abundant in Maroni. Driving is relatively easy, though. The roads are well-maintained, and navigation isn't too tricky. The little village is very walkable (you probably won't need to drive once you're there), and there are parking spots around the beach. Be sure to factor that if you're renting a car and need a parking spot.

What's the *vibe*? Is it suitable for families/couples/solo travelers?

The "vibe" is... relaxed. Chill. Unpretentious. It's great for families who want a break from the resort scene, couples looking for romance without the razzle-dazzle, and solo travelers seeking a peaceful escape. It's safe, friendly, and welcoming. You'll probably end up chatting with the locals, learning a few basic Greek phrases (e.g 'efharisto' - thank you, which I'm pretty sure I butchered the whole time). The only people who might not love it are those who need constant entertainment and manufactured excitement. Otherwise, it's pretty darn perfect.

Okay, you've convinced me. What's the absolute *best* thing about Maroni?

Hands down, the *best* thing? The *lack* of crowds. The feeling of stepping back in time. The genuine sense of peace and quiet. I'm not even exaggerating. I remember sitting on the beach one evening, watching the sunset, with the only sound the gentle lapping of the waves. And a cat begging for scraps of grilled octopus (yes, that cat again!). It's a place to disconnect, recharge, and remember what life is *actually* about. It's not flashy. It's not perfect. But it's real. And it's wonderful. Trust me, find this place. You won't regret it. (But don't tell too many people, okay? We don't want it to get ruined!).
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Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus

Esperando Maroni Cyprus