Gamirasu Cave Hotel :: Turkey

August 8, 2009 by Destination Guide
Category: Hotels

In the heart of Cappadocia, Turkey is not only one of the most romantic hotels but also one of the most distinctive hotels that you can stay at with an extensive history to boot. Gamirasu Cave Hotel was made out of a restored one thousand year old Byzantine monastic retreat that is located within a pre-historic valley called the Ayvali Village. The landscaping is one-of-a-kind and the nature which surrounds you will bring a feeling of tranquility that is sure to take away any and all stresses of your routine life. The hotel is located away from the majorly toured parts of Central Turkey, in fact less than one thousand people live in the village and there are no tourist shops or peddlers that will be around to spoil the peace and spirtuality that this village has maintained for over five thousand years.

There are many activities for you to participate in while staying at Gamirasu Cave Hotel. Horse riding is free for any of the hotel guests; you start the ride out at the hotel itself and then continue riding through the Ayvali Village to observe Turkey’s cave dwellings, rock houses, natural sparkling springs, and all that nature has to offer. You may also join in on the village’s cooking and agricultural activities such as drying apricots, making home-style wine, baking bread, making grape jam, and harvesting the fruits of the land such as: apples, tomatoes, and mulberries. The hotel also offers Yoga and Massage Therapy, Body Care Massages with special oils that have many uses, courses on making traditional Turkish meals, and you can also arrange sightseeing tours, mountain biking and much more to keep you busy on your stay.

During the off-season (Nov 16th – Mar 15th) you can stay for as cheap as $116 USD and on-season for about $135 USD if you choose to stay in the double room cave. If you want more luxurious sleeping quarters you may choose the Eagle Nest Suite which will run you about $498 USD year-round. Gamirasu is made up of seven cave houses which combined, have a total of twenty-five rooms some of which were actually Christian monk cells. All rooms have private showers and bathrooms as well as telephones and central heating. Some of the pricier units include wireless internet connection, music players, mini bars, bathrobe and towel sets, fireplaces, LCD TVs, and other fine amenities.

Rick Steves' Istanbul