Retreats · North Cyprus

A Christian retreat between the mountains and the sea

The Old Monastery is a place of rest, refreshment and inspiration — a 120-year-old former monastery in the village of Lapta, North Cyprus, with a candlelight prayer chapel at its heart. Take the whole property for your church group, retreat or quiet time away.

A place set apart

For over a century this has been a place of prayer — first a monastery for the monks who tended St Luke's church across the lane. Today an atmosphere of peace and of God's presence is felt by all who visit: whitewashed walls, a cloister garden, a hand-dug pool and hundred-year-old cypress trees, set between the Kyrenia mountains and the Mediterranean.

The whole property, just for your group

Hire The Old Monastery exclusively — eight self-contained homes sleeping up to 30, gathered around the old courtyard and the pool. Bedrooms, kitchens and lounges for your people, and a covered courtyard and dining area for meals and evenings together.

Space to gather and to worship

The Candlelight Prayer Chapel is a wonderful place for worship, prayer or simply to be still. A conference room seats up to 24 with a projector for sessions and teaching, a light-filled art studio is on hand for creative retreats, and quiet corners across the cloister garden give everyone room to rest, read, write and pray.

Rest, and explore

North Cyprus is beautiful and still unhurried, with 330 sunny days a year. Between sessions there are crusader castles, Bellapais Abbey and St Barnabas Monastery to visit, coastal walks and boat trips — and the village of Lapta, with its restaurants and markets, a short walk away.

Tell us your dates and group size — we'll reply personally, usually within a day.

Retreat questions

Can we hire the whole property for a retreat?

Yes. The Old Monastery is taken exclusively for retreats and groups — the eight homes, courtyard, pool and chapel are yours for the stay.

How many people can you sleep?

Up to 30 guests across eight self-contained homes — 8 double, 6 twin and 2 single bedrooms, with cots and extra beds available on request.

Is there a chapel or space for worship?

Yes — the Candlelight Prayer Chapel, plus a conference room seating up to 24 with a projector, and quiet corners throughout the cloister garden.

Do you provide meals or catering?

Every home has its own kitchen for self-catering, and there is a covered dining area and a BBQ for eating together. Outside catering can be arranged on request.

When is the best time for a retreat?

Spring and autumn are especially lovely, but with 330 sunny days a year the Mediterranean climate suits retreats through much of the year.

How do we book a retreat?

Send us your dates and group size and we'll reply personally, usually within a day — use the enquiry button, or reach us on WhatsApp or by email.