Gamirasu Cave Hotel

Together with one beautifully integrated monastery and seven restored cave houses, the Gamirasu Cave Hotel creates a deeply intimate and relaxed experience. Ancient frescos from the once Byzantine monastery still decorate the walls, the original volcanic rock carvings and rooms remain intact, and the spaces are decorated in traditional Turkish style -- the owner’s intention was to restore the property to much of its original form while creating a comfortable space for guests. There are modern amenities including the outdoor heated pool and the on-site restaurant and bar. Outside, beautiful stone walkways are surrounded by troves of greenery, and stairways are outlined by wrought-iron railings. Overall, the atmosphere is quiet, inviting, and romantic.

Cappadocia is a popular tourist destination known for its complex cave tunnels, underground cities, and overall cultural landscape. Immediately at the hotel’s front steps is a seven-kilometer-long hiking trail that leads down to a stunning valley and river. Goreme National Park, a World Heritage site, is where many travelers choose to hike, and the national park is a 30-minute drive away. Derinkuyu underground city is a 40-minute drive out and is considered the most impressive of underground cities with eight levels of complex tunnels and rooms. A closer underground city is Kaymakli, with only four floors open to the public.

The hotel is located outside the main town of Urgup, and there are a few small hotels and occupied village houses nearby. Not much activity happens here. There is a free shuttle bus that takes visitors to and from Urgup. Nevsehir is 45 kilometers away, and is the closest airport -- the hotel offers free transfers. Kayseri airport is an alternative but is 75 kilometers from the hotel. 

There are 35 rooms in total: Standard Double, Deluxe Rooms, Cave Suites, Family Suites, and Superior Suites. Each is decorated differently with elegant antique chests, traditional sheets, writing desks, and Cappadocian rugs. They are equipped with flat-screen TVs, free Wi-Fi, mini-fridges, and coffee-making facilities. The Standard rooms and a few Deluxe rooms have clean but comparatively smaller bathrooms than upgraded rooms. Higher-tier rooms have bathtubs, whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, scenic balconies, and even saunas.

In keeping with the spiritual history of the space, the hotel offers various on-site activities that are both relaxing and educational. For example, depending on the season, the hotel offers a tour around ground’s garden, which is fully organic and used in the hotel’s restaurant. There are yoga and meditation sessions, and classes in traditional Turkish cookery. There is also a heated 74-meter square pool with plenty of lounge chairs.

In the morning, a breakfast buffet is served in the restaurant, but can be enjoyed al fresco on the terrace overlooking the village. There are home-made jams, locally sourced cream and honeys, breads, and eggs. The bikes are perfect for after breakfast rides to neighboring parks and trails, while the shuttle is a nice perk to traveling into town without calling a car.