Gillham Vineyard North Cyprus

When it comes to travelling there’s so much to see in this world. But one place I find myself travelling back to year after year (sometimes twice a year) is North Cyprus. It’s my home away from home. My family were born there and a lot of them are still out there so there’s always something pulling me back to this small island I call home.

This June, I headed out to North Cyprus for a family engagement. While out there I had the opportunity to visit Gillham Vineyard in Ilgaz Kyrenia. The first of it’s kind in North Cyprus and only open for just over a month; the hotel stands out compared to the rest on the island.

Gillham Vineyard is in itself a vineyard that offers to bring a new lease of wine tasting to the island. With wine tours including tasting sessions the hotel looks at offering more than just another bottle of wine. They’re looking to bring more wine culture to the island and to educate those interested in wine further.

Alongside this over the next few months they are working to finish building the spa area that will offer a range of different wine treatments. Something I am intrigued about and will definitely be heading back to check out once it’s open.

The Hotel

Gillham Vineyard also hosts 60 people in their boutique hotel. The hotel is an adult’s only facility up in the mountains offering you the most peaceful of breaks you can imagine.

If you’re looking for an escape from everyday Gillham Vineyard is the perfect spot for you. You’re up in the mountains with a view of the Vineyard, the mountains and the sea.

Even if you’re not a huge drinker, there’s still a lot to do in Gillham Vineyard. There’s an outdoor pool with the most incredible view overlooking North Cyprus. There’s a chef restaurant that offers some of the most delicious local ingredients found in North Cyprus with a twist. This is fine dining at it’s finest in North Cyprus.

If you’re travelling to North Cyprus this year I recommend spending a few nights here for utter relaxation. If you’re not looking to stay here then make sure you take a wine tour and learn more about the wine they make and serve at Gillham Vineyard.

I’d never been wine tasting before and the staff at Gillham are so knowledgeable that they have shown me what to look for and how to truly taste wine for the best experience.

Have you ever been wine tasting before? Have you visited North Cyprus before?

Five Reasons To Visit North Cyprus

Ever since I can remember, I've been going to North Cyprus once a year if not more. It's where I call my second home and I may be biased but this article is sure to make you want to come and visit this beautiful Island myself and my family are from.

Cyprus is such a small island (9,251 km²),  yet there's so much history and culture. I've grown to love the island for many different reasons. The fact that half of my family lives there makes it a place that I love to visit often. But for those with no emotional attachments to the island, trust me, you will still want to visit. Here are five reasons why you must visit The Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The History

Cyprus is an island that has been split into two different nations. The North side of the island is occupied by Turkish Cypriots, whereas the South side is occupied by Greek Cypriots. In 1974, there was a war between the two nations which led to this divide. Families from both sides had to migrate and both suffered a lot of loss from family, friends and land. But if you look even further back, the island seems to have been occupied by every nation from the beginning of time. The island has ruins from 10,000 BC and occupies a strong influence of Greek Mythology as Cyprus was the birth place of Aphrodite and Adonis.

Segments from each era can be found across the island. Some of the must visit historic sites in North Cyprus are Saint Hillarion Castle, Bellapais Abbey, Pentadaktylos (Bes Parmak Dallari), Mavi Kosk, Salamis, Kantara Castle. And if none of that takes your fancy, make your way to any of the villages and start walking around trying to get lost. These small villages have so much history and fascinating stories you're bound to fall in love with the island.

The Weather

North Cyprus has a typical Mediterranean climate. In peak summer season, temperatures rise to over 40 degrees celcius. This year temperatures are set to reach as high at 50 degrees! Summer lasts for around eight months, with a few cool months during the winter. If sun sea and cocktails are your thing, head there in July/August. For those wanting to explore the island a little more, I'd suggest heading out April/May or September/October as it's a little cooler. As it's a Mediterranean island, the sea tends to be warmer than the seas in the UK and Europe.

The Hospitality

From the streets to the hotels, everyone is so friendly. On this visit I spent a few nights at Lord's Palace. The hotel has been open for under a year but it's reputation for luxury is already what all the locals are talking about. The staff are so friendly and so helpful that they make each and every guest feel at home from the minute they arrive. Read my hotel review here.

Apart from this, if you ever go with someone who has family out there you will be treated like a King or a Queen. Whenever you arrive at someones house whether they know you or not, their home suddenly becomes your haven and a feast is prepared for you. Before you know it you are rushed into the dinning room for a full on meal with desert, fruit and coffee.

The Food

I may be extremely biased but the food in North Cyprus has got to be one of my favourite cuisines. Turkish food is so delicious and there is something for everyone. When you arrive at a restaurant, the majority of them bring mezzes or the very least, bread and olive oil for you to enjoy while waiting for your food to be prepared. Typically, restaurants serve BBQ so that's anything from meat, chicken fish to vegetables. There's something for everyone. If you're not after a main meal, the soups, lahmacuns (Turkish style pizza) and pide's are to die for! The island is known for it's Oranges, Watermelons and Olive Oil as well as hellim (helumi).

The beaches

I have always called the beaches of North Cyprus the Turkish Maldives. The clear waters, pure yellow sand and light waves are what holidays are made for. If you don't believe me take a look yourself, you won't be disappointed. As mentioned before, the sea water is warmer so it's not a shock to the system when you jump in. Cyprus is a small island, so you're never too far from the coast or a beach. If you prefer pools, there are many hotel complexes that accommodate both a beach and a pool

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Beach Vibes

One of my last nights on holiday I felt like I wanted to capture the glow that the sunset in North Cyprus gives you. I ended up going to a public beach near our house and it was the ultimate setting. 

Cyprus is one of those beautiful islands that has the wonderful mountains on one side and the beach on the other. The views are so breath takingly beautiful that I feel so blessed to come from somewhere so beautiful. 

Denim shorts are a summer essential for me, they can be worn for so many different occasions and can be style in a million and one different ways to create an effortlessly cool look. Here I have styled this Zara top which I have in two colours (see here). You could easily wear this outfit for a night out or for a nice meal.

I hope you guys have enjoyed all of my summer looks in Cyprus. Next stop Santorini! 

SHOP MY LOOK HERE:

Top: Zara (similar here)

Shorts: Missguided

Sunglasses: Quay Australia 

Shoes: Linzi (similar here)

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How To Style Playsuits

We all know how much of a sucker I am for playsuits just see here , well yep, I wasn't lying. This beautiful berry coloured playsuit is something that just looks amazing (especially with a tan).

As you have probably noticed, I don't really wear my hair up. I never really have but this was a super hot day and long hair and hot weather really do not mix! I also felt like the choker detailing was so beautiful that I didn't want my hair covering it.

I've teamed my playsuit with a pair of black suede sandals but it can easily be switched for a pair of amazing flat sandals in either black or a taupey grey. What do you think? 

SHOP MY LOOK HERE

Playsuit: Missguided

Shoes: Carvella (*)

Sunglasses: Quay Australia

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Day 9- 100 Days In Clothes

A day full of errands means a nice comfy outfit, (you will notice that most of my outfits are consciously based around comfort). 

I love a simple dress with an oversized cardigan or jumper. This dress has a low cut back which is one of my favourite things. Using simple jewellery, hardly there make up and wavy hair I managed to pull the entire outfit together for a comfortable but still stylish day look.

Cardigan- Zara

Dress- Miss Selfrige

Boots- Russell&Bromley

Bag- Miu Miu

Necklace (Evil Eye)- Cyprus

Socks- Borrowed from dad

OOTD- At the beach

Hello my darlings, today I am spending my day with family and friends relaxing at the beach. It's pretty windy but I like when it's windy, you don't get really hot yet you still get an amazing tan. 

When it comes to sun protection I have never been cautious until recently. Especially one face. I use a factor 30 or more on my face and use an oil based factor six on my body. If I hadn't caught a tan in London I would have started with the same cream on my body. 

My bikini is from Victorias Secret and I absolutely love it. I bought two from there and am planning on mix and matching them. 

Here's my outfit at the beach today. 

Holiday Catchup

Hello my darlings. How are you all? How is London? I'm in sunny Cyprus enjoying the beautiful weather.

At the moment it is 3.05pm Saturday 10th August (my brothers 25th birthday) god knows when I will be able to post this. Never mind. Just wanted to update you all with what I'm up to and see how you all are. Sunday is my nieces 1st birthday and everything is so wonderful.

I'm loving life. I'm seeing all my family. Spending time with my loved ones, getting a tan, going out there's nothing more I could really ask for. 

I've got some exciting things coming up for you guys I can't wait to show you.

Lots of Love

Tee 

xXX