In a country as vast and diverse as Turkey, you can take your pick of bustling cities, magical landscapes, historic sites and mile upon mile of picturesque coastline.
In Cappadocia – a region that looks more lunar than earthly – your accommodation options each hold historic significance, from a restored monastery complex to a suite of cave rooms carved into the rock. These properties not only provide comfort, but also preserve the authenticity of these ancient spaces for travellers to enjoy.
The Bodrum Peninsula has long been Turkey’s answer to the French Riviera, a playground for those seeking both culture and coastline. Here, each hotel offers its own take on the most spectacular views and secluded bays.
Stretching from the north of the country, near Istanbul, down to the district of Marmaris is the Aegean Coast. You can find some of the best places to stay in Turkey dotted amongst its cobblestone streets and attractive fishing villages.
Cappadocia
Argos in Cappadocia
Perched high in the village of Uçhisar, the Argos in Cappadocia began as a painstaking restoration of a 2,000-year-old monastery complex. Underground tunnels that once sheltered early Christians now house one of Turkey’s most impressive wine cellars, with former monk’s quarters transformed into cave suites. If you’re wondering where to stay in Turkey, this property should be top of your list. It sprawls across the hillside in a series of connected buildings, many rooms with their own private gardens or terraces for guests.
Insider’s tip: book one of the Splendid Suites with its own private pool, as there’s nothing quite like an early morning dip surrounded by antique pottery discovered during the monastery’s restoration
Museum Hotel
True to its name, this property doubles as both luxury accommodation and a living museum of Cappadocian culture. The world’s first museum concept hotel, each room houses precious artefacts and antiques from the Hittite, Roman, Seljuk and Ottoman periods, all registered with the Nevşehir Museum. The Museum Hotel is also home to the award-winning Lil’a restaurant, serving traditional recipes unique to Cappadocia and wider Anatolia.
Insider’s tip: ask for Deluxe Suite 13 for the best views, and a sunrise breakfast on your terrace to watch the hot air balloons rise from the valley each morning
Yunak Evleri
In the heart of Cappadocia, Yunak Evleri transforms a complex of 5th and 6th-century dwellings into an extraordinary hotel. Spread across six cave houses connected by winding stone pathways, this property offers 39 different rooms, each with its own private patio or balcony. All 39 also have their own distinct style, the decor a mixture of antique Ottoman furniture, traditional rugs and hand-made embroidery pieces.
Insider’s tip: an upper-level room will provide the best views of the morning balloon display, but the vertical layout of the property means these will require quite a climb – request a room nearer the main building if stairs are a concern
Aegean Coast
Alavya
Hidden in the cobblestone streets of Alaçatı, Alavya is the perfect hotel for those looking to indulge in a relaxing holiday with a touch of culture. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ephesus is in easy reach of Alaçatı, a pretty village which captures the essence of Aegean living: time slows down here, life revolving around sun-dappled courtyards and bougainvillaea-draped terraces. The hotel is home to a relaxed restaurant, as well as a gymnasium, spa, outdoor freshwater pool and Jacuzzi.
Insider’s tip: head to the nearest beach, a short five-minute drive or 40-minute stroll away, where you can hire Alavya’s private yacht for the day (or even overnight)
Six Senses Kaplankaya
Along the rugged South Aegean coastline, Six Senses Kaplankaya is cut into the cliffs overlooking the Mediterranean. A hotel with a strong focus on sustainability, it offers guests an unrivalled back-to-nature wellness experience. Experts in movement, mindfulness, nutrition and sleep are at your disposal, with facilities such as a spa, hammam and watsu pool making this the perfect choice for relaxing and recharging.
Insider’s tip: don’t miss the monthly market hosted by the Six Senses Kaplankaya, where local women gather to sell their handmade crafts
Bodrum Peninsula
Amanruya
A scenic 30-minute drive from the lively port town of Bodrum, Amanruya sits overlooking a private bay on 60 acres of forested hillside. There are 36 pavilions to choose from, each with its own garden and pool, making the resort an intimate and secluded retreat for guests. Spilling over multiple courtyards and terraces down the hillside, the pavilions at Amanruya were constructed with local building methods, inspired by Mediterranean and Ottoman architecture.
Insider’s tip: end your day with incredible views over the Aegean at dusk in the three-storey, glass-topped library tower
D Maris Bay
High on a cliff on the rugged Datca Peninsula, D Maris Bay commands some of the most dramatic views in all of Turkey. Clear blue waters stretch out in front of the hotel, which has exclusive use of five sandy beaches that can be accessed by funicular or water taxi. The in-house activity centre offers water skiing, wakeboarding, windsurfing and catamaran sailing, as well as scuba diving.
Insider’s tip: take advantage of the hotel’s funicular for beach access, and make sure to book beach cabanas in advance during peak season
From Cappadocia’s ancient cave suites to the serene bays of the Aegean, our curated list of accommodation options will have the best place to stay in Turkey for you. If you’re planning to extend your trip, read our recent blog on where to stay in Istanbul to discover historic royal residences, restored merchant’s mansions and more.
Get in touch with one of our experts, and we can begin designing a tailor made itinerary for you to visit this spectacular country.
