HOMES in Cappadocia are mostly cave-like, carved right out of the rocky formations and they locals have been living in this type of dwelling for centuries.
Interestingly, tourists too can actually experience living in a cave, just like the locals.
Thanks to its unique terrain and rugged landscape, many hotels in the region are partially built in the rocks, or made to look like it.
While these hotels have very beautiful architectural facades, the cave rooms are even amazing! One of such hotels that offer both cave living experience with simple-luxuries is the Exedra Hotel Cappadocia located in the rustic town of Ortahisar, 44 km from Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport, the newest airport in the region.
STAY
Derived from a Greek word, 'Exedra' means room where the ancient Greek philosophers used to make decisions and speeches. Well, basically a space to socialise and Exedra Hotel Cappadocia is all about that, bringing people together.
Established in 2014, the boutique hotel which used to be a single mansion started its journey with just 26 rooms. Today, it has grown to six acres of land and boasts over 80 rooms.
Arriving at the hotel's tastefully antique lobby, I am welcomed by a good-looking Turkish gentleman behind the reception desk who speaks good English.
I wasn't expecting for the room to be ready, considering that I'm here earlier than the check-in time, but it's just my luck that the Deluxe King Room is ready.
My room is located on the ground floor, but there's a problem - there's no elevator that can take my big-sized luggage down.
"No worry ma'am, we will handle that for you," he says, ushering me to my room. We go through beautiful gated arches and stone stairs, and oh, the view at the upper floor is just breathtaking.
However, my room is overlooking the courtyard, surrounded by colourful flowers and greenery. The scent of lavender and fresh air gives me a relaxing aura on my first day!
Opening the huge wooden-carved door to my room, the first thing I see is a cosy living area with a sofa, an old-style wooden cupboard and a small cabinet at the corner which is probably the minibar.
The walls are made of big square bricks of all sizes, and the ceiling looks like a cave-rock texture with irregular surfaces. No doubt, this is definitely a cave that has been built into a comfortable lodging.
The room has absolutely no windows, but I don't feel airless at all. In fact, the temperature is nice and cool.
There's an arch leading to the bedroom and bathroom - and the further I go in, it gets chiller.
The bedroom is very intimate with luxurious antique furniture - dark wood wardrobe drawers, black-framed queen-sized bed with comfortable plush beddings and luxurious Turkish-rugs that compliment the whole interior.
The bathroom is very spacious and modernly equipped with a rainshower compartment and a huge vanity hand basin.
However, all rooms are different from each other and if you have the budget to upgrade, Exedra also offers suites with a private pool or jacuzzi.
EAT
The hotel boasts four restaurants offering local Turkish cuisines. For breakfast, guests will be enjoying it al-fresco style in the courtyard at the Chapel.
Used to be an old church back in the days, the underground Chapel has been restored into a restaurant with unique interior and cave-feel walls. This is also where the breakfast buffet is served daily.
Every morning, Links - the adorable house-cat 'meows' hello and accompanies guests for breakfast.
For lunch and dinner, I highly recommend the Fresco Restaurant and Terrace which is a stunning dining place which offers terrace seating overlooking the scenic landscape of the surrounding.
Fresco offers grilled-dishes, a Turkish specialty I must say, and the Kuzu Kaburga (lamb ribs) is definitely a must-try.
But, if you want something more local, the Pottery Kebab is one of the chef-recommendations.
The hotel also has two other stunning dining spaces called Winery and also the Fresco Ocakbasi.
DO
When you're in Turkiye, you must try out its traditional bath-spa, hammam! Here at Exedra, the hammam at the spa-centre can be used by guests at no charge.
Wanting to try it out, I head to the spa on my first day and a lovely therapist welcomes me with a smile.
She doesn't speak English at all but despite the language barrier, she helps me set up the hammam for my personal use for an hour.
The hammam is white and grey marble walls and very fresh looking but still has a traditional feel as it uses stunning old taps.
The therapist gives me with a bucket, towels, soap and shampoo, as well as body-scrubber to cleanse my body. It's a self-relaxing therapy, indeed.
Opens from 2pm until 10pm, the 350 square metre rock-carved spa centre offers a hammam, sauna, steam room, jacuzzi and three massage areas.
While self-bath hammam is free, you can also opt for a therapist to pamper you (with extra cost) as there are some luxurious spa options in the menu.
Besides the spa, the hotel also boasts a swimming pool with a nice view, a gym and yoga room.
GO
From the hotel you can see the view of Mount Erciyes as well as the Balkan Creek Valley that lies nearby.
On top of that, just a few minutes walk from the hotel is the unique castle of Ortahisar which is one of the largest fairy chimneys in Cappadocia, aside from the famous castle of Uchisar.
You can actually hike up to the top of the towering volcanic formation fortress for just TL10 (RM2.50) but I have to advise you to be extremely careful as the stairs are really steep.
However, panoramic views of the village awaits you from the top viewpoint of the castle stretching all the way to Uchisar and Goreme.
VERDICTS
HIGH The surrounding area of Ortahisar is not as busy as the touristy places such as Urgup or Gerome. Located in a small village, the area is more serene and not too busy with traffic. However, if you are driving, parking is a little limited.
LOW The spa allows both ladies and gentlemen to use it at any time, and I don't get the privacy that I need. However, the therapist ensures me that the hammam is restricted for men to enter while I am using it.
FAST FACTS
Exedra Hotel Cappadocia
Eski Mahallesi, Hac Telgraf Cd. 3/1, 50650 Ortahisar/Urgup/Nevsehir, Turkey
TEL +90 (384) 343 24 25 / 343 22 25 or +90 (538) 041 86 97 (Whatsapp)
EMAIL reservation@exedracappadocia.com / info@exedracappadocia.com
WEBSITE www.exedracappadocia.com/exedra-hotel-contact
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