Boutique Hotels & Resorts
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SUMMER / FALL 2015
119
beds, Turkish rugs, stone archways, ornate velvet
chairs and objects d’art. The bathrooms are finished
in marble or stone with heated floors, Jacuzzis,
soaking tubs and rain showers. All suites have wireless
Internet, complimentary water, filter coffee maker,
TV, bathrobes and slippers. Standard and Superior
Suites have Molton Brown bath products, while the
three Superior Loft Suites feature Bvlgari products.
The suites range from 377 to 700 square feet plus
an outdoor terrace. Some suites have views of the
garden or terrace, while others have full panoramic
views of the valley. Some have original working
fireplaces like the Roller Nest Suite, also featuring
typical Cappadocia arches and timber ceilings, and
windows showcasing 180-degree views of the massive
rock citadel in the center of town and the valley.
Out and About
Mornings here start with birdsong, and stays include
a hearty breakfast. Guests can stroll through the
narrow streets of Ortahisar Village passing locals
tending flocks of sheep or moving goods by donkey
cart en-route to an overlook offering one of the most
stunning views in Cappadocia. Many visitors take
a hot air balloon ride to see the formations from
another perspective, and there is horseback riding,
cycling and trekking to hidden valleys.
The most famous site in Cappadocia is nearby
Goreme Rock Church Outdoor Museum.
Since the region was on the Crusade and pilgrim
routes, it became a monastic center from 300 to
1,200 A.D. The Goreme museum complex contains
more than 30 chapels and churches carved from the
rock, many with superb, colorful frescoes inside
dating from the 9th to 11th century. UNESCO says
the area has Outstanding Universal Value as one of
the world’s largest cave-dwelling complexes, as well as
one of the leading examples of post-iconoclastic
Byzantine art.
There are also more than 30 underground cave
cities in Cappadocia, and some like Derinkuyu and
Kaymakli offer tours.
After a day of exploring, the concierge will
organize an in-suite massage. Late afternoon guests
are invited to the Hookah Terrace to experience
smoking from a hookah, with a selection of tea. After
dinner, vintage telescopes are featured on the Galileo
Terrace for stargazing. The more adventurous can
take in a Turkish folk dancing show at a caravanseri
(a historic camel stop on the ancient silk route) or a
Whirling Dervish ceremony.
Wining and Dining
Turkey is the world’s fourth-leading producer of
grapes, and Cappadocia is the country’s biggest
wine-making region with a growing international
reputation, although area wine has been exported
since 1,800 B.C. Many wineries are open for
tastings, and local restaurants have a wide variety on
offer. Turkish cuisine has a host of specialties, and a
good way to sample it is by ordering meze, a parade
of small dishes to share. Kebabs, flat breads, lentil
soup, eggplant, dried fruit, fresh lemonade, halva
confections and Turkish coffee are all mainstays.
HIGHLIGHTS:
Opened at the end of 2012
in ancient cave homes
transformed into an
elegant boutique hotel
13 volcanic-stone suites with
arched ceilings, marble floors,
Jacuzzis, gorgeous interior design
Extraordinary way to experience
the landscape and culture of a
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Activities include hot air
ballooning, horseback riding,
cycling and trekking
Near Goreme Rock Church
Outdoor Museum with world-
renowned Byzantine frescoes
adorning 30 rock-hewn churches
Wine tasting, Whirling
Dervish ceremonies, folk
dancing shows, hookah pipes,
and Turkish coffee and cuisine
add memorable moments
