Rustic Meets Luxury in Cappadocia's Cave Hotel

Dubbed as the country's most stunning natural wonder, Cappadocia is sculpted by spectacular canyons, dramatic rock formations and mystical caves and sprinkled with a rare old-world charm. Amidst the whimsical fairy chimneys and rock caves, there was silence except for the sounds of eagles circling the skies.

Secretly tucked within its labyrinth of millennium-old caves is one of the world's most unique hotels, Yunak Eveleri, a lavish abode intricately carved out of a cliff face. Not only is it one of the pioneering cave hotels in the region, it is also the finest. With quality furnishing, sophisticated design and an exclusive ambiance fit for honeymooners, the boutique hotel promised an experience like no other, and I had a feeling it might just deliver.



My voyage began as I left Kayseri Airport behind, heading south into the deserts of a different galaxy. The twisting road to Yunak Evleri revealed outrageous views at every bend: rose-red valleys stood in contrast to a backdrop of snow-peaked volcanoes while craggy sandstone rock towers poked out into the skyline. I drank in the unworldly sights and sat transfixed by the awe-inspiring panorama. Snaking pass plenitudes of gorges and valleys, the evening sun bathed the expansive landscape in a blanket of gold.

Just as we glided by the emblematic Üç Güzeller - three sisters fairy chimneys – a subtle sign guided us into a narrow driveway before the regal Yunak Evleri caves unfurled before us. Cobblestoned paths led to the hotel's main building while a labyrinth of stairways wound its way into the cave rooms. Housed within an imposing mountain, the soaring rock face towered above me as I stood at its gate. "Merhaba! Welcome." A friendly hotel staff lightened up the atmosphere and whisked me into the hotel lobby. The marble-walled chamber, decked out in Arabic lights and elegant upholstery, proved to be a pleasant respite.



Rustic Elegance

Blending exquisite Ottoman-style décor and traditional furnishing, Yunak Evleri is designed to give guests a taste of nature with an added hint of luxury. A privately owned hotel since 1998, the hotel caves date back to the 5th and 6th century. Since then, they have been tastefully converted into plush abodes for those with an eye for extravagance.

What sets the hotel apart from the rest is its au naturale setting: All of its chambers are set in genuine caves, kept in pristine conditions, just as how they were found centuries ago. Its lobby is a classic example: polished teak wood flooring and traditional Kilim carpets throughout, with soothing bossa nova music playing in the background. I sipped on my glass of steamy Arabic tea and soaked in the million-dollar view of the interweaving cliffs outside the window. Abdullah Inal, the hotel's general manager, greeted me with a warm welcome and led me on a tour around the property.

The hotel's main building where we were standing in was once a Greek mansion, built out of stone from the nearby cliffs in the 19th century. Poised at the foot cliffs, the stone mansion is a gathering point and lounge area for guests and staff alike. We ascended to the second floor to explore the music lounge and recreation room. Each of them is generously fitted with state-of-the-art home theater sound systems and high windows that open up to a gorgeous view of the surrounding cliffs. On the highest level, smart leather armchairs and extravagant chandeliers give the meeting room a touch of glamour.

On our way to my room, we passed by the hotel's restaurant: a Victorian-style dining area that serves up a fusion of Turkish and International modern cuisine every evening. The menu is changed daily, enticing clients with unique gourmet flavors. On its rooftop terrace, fellow guests were indulging in an intimate candlelit dining experience, warming themselves next to the outdoor fireplace. Plush cushions and Turkish water pipes were placed out on the terrace, serving as a seductive lounge area.



A Personal Touch

Yunak Evleri's dedication to customer service is evident from the close interaction between staff and guests: Abdullah and his crew know each of their guests by their first names, "We treat all of our guests like our own friends and we want you to feel completely comfortable and at home here." Indeed, it didn't take time before I eased into the comfort of the welcoming surroundings.

With only 30 private cave rooms under its wing, Yunak Eveleri is small enough to be intimate and yet sizable for a world-class hotel. The hotel caters specifically to independent travelers and small groups of tourists, so expect to revel in privacy. Yunak Evleri may not be equipped with swimming pool, spa or any sports facilities; but it makes up for what it lacks with heartwarming personalized service and attention to details.

Apart from the immaculate service, Yunak Evleri is also committed to ensuring 100% relaxation. For guests to thoroughly kick back and recharge, television sets are replaced by quality CD players and a selection of jazz and chill-out beats. Its 30 rooms range from luxurious double rooms to multi-chambered deluxe suites – all decked out in the most extravagant upholstery, handcrafted wooden furniture and an evocative ambiance. Outdoor deck chairs are lined in front of each room, offering a view of the Mesa cliffs that lie ahead.

My sprawling deluxe suite is split into three rooms: an intimate dimly lit sleeping chamber, a massive living lounge and a grand marble bathroom fitted with a Jacuzzi. A tinge of vintage design is reflected in the furnishing – the polished teak desk, lit up by a classic bronze lamp, smells of knowledge, while the gentle rocking chair in the corner of the sleeping chamber evokes thoughts of yesteryears. As I unpacked my belongings into the hefty wooden chest, I found myself relaxing and swaying to the calming music. Outside the window, the starry sky was on display. I threw on my thick bathrobe, ready for a dip in my private Jacuzzi. The multitude of scented oil and bathing lotion proved too effective in soothing my soul, as I dozed off to sleep on my cushy divan.



Delectable Restaurant

The next morning, sunshine poured through my windows, warmly greeting me to a day of adventure. Breakfast was a serious affair here: sparkling porcelain ware spread over linen-covered tables set the scene for a sumptuous start to my day. The ambiance was further enhanced by lavish velvet curtains, antique ornaments and classical music playing in the background. A fresh pot of tea and thick orange juice were served as I proceeded to the generous spread of buffet at the end of the restaurant. From an outrageous selection of ham and cheese to freshly-made traditional Turkish pancakes, the selection was beyond expectations.

After the delectable breakfast experience, the surrounding fairy chimneys and rock cliffs beckoned. At the reception, the enthusiastic hotel staff provided tons of useful information on areas of interest and even threw in some itinerary suggestions for my stay there. Before I knew it, she had booked me on a hot-air balloon trip for the next day and an adventurous hiking tour the day after. With not a wink of worry, I headed out to explore the inviting landscapes, already looking forward to my evening at this home away from home.



How to Get There:

• The nearest airport is Kayseri International Airport, a 1.5-hour flight from Istanbul on Turkish Airlines. The hotel can arrange transfer to Yunak Evleri, 1 hour by car.

Where to Eat:

• Yunak Evleri hotel restaurant: Set dinner for US$25, menu changed daily.
• Ziggy's Shoppe and Café: Fine dining with a twist, recommended by several publications.
• Teras Restaurant and Café: Popular restaurant in downtown Ürgup, a 10-minute downhill walk from Yunak Evleri.

What to Do:

• Hot-air ballooning: Experience flying above Cappadocia's unworldly landscapes at daybreak.
• Hiking and Trekking: Explore Pigeon Valley or Rose Valley on your own, or book yourself on a guided hiking tour. Difficulty level ranges for different sites.
• Cycling: Multi-day biking tours cater to the adventurous travelers' needs.
• Horse-riding: Tour operators organize these trips to explore the area on horse.
• Visiting Open-Air Museums: Wander through colossal fairy chimneys and hermit caves on display at Goreme Open-Air Museum.
• Explore Underground Cities: Nearby Kaymakli underground city provides an interesting glimpse into how hermits used to live.
• Wine-tasting: Visit nearby wineries and vineyards for a taste of the famous local products.

Nellie Huang is a full-time travel writer whose work has been published in CNN Go, National Geographic Intelligent Traveler, Wend, International Business Times and International Lifestyle . Hailing from Singapore, she now calls Spain home and spends her time traipsing around the region. Read about her travels on www.wildjunket.com.