GAMIRASU CAVE

The Gamirasu Cave hotel is located in the village of Ayvali, near Urgup, in the heart of Cappadocia. Cappadocia is famed for its rock-cut temples and monasteries, often decorated with marvellous Byzantine frescos some of these can be visited in the Goreme Open Air Museum. The local landscape also boasts many spectacular rock formations, perhaps the most famous being the pillars known as the fairy chimneys'. For a thousand years this Byzantine monastic retreat was a place of seclusion and contemplation. Now guests can experience its remarkable spiritual atmosphere for themselves. Founded sometime between the 9th and 11th centuries, this is a place with a remarkable history that witnessed the glory of the Byzantine Empire and its eventual downfall at the hands of the Ottomans. However, although it was until recently a functioning monastery, guests' stay here will be far from ascetic indeed, the recent refurbishment gave this unique hotel more than a touch of luxury, while in the restaurant guests can enjoy delicious six-course meals. Colourful and luxurious kilim (carpets), floating veils, antique wooden furniture and bare rock walls together with modern-day conveniences such as flat-screen televisions and internet access give the rooms a cosy and comfortable atmosphere. This is a genuinely unique experience. The standard rooms are well lit and generally spacious, many of which are cut directly into the rock, which keeps them cool in the summer and warm in the winter. All of the rooms have internet connection, and some have Wi-Fi coverage. The rooms also have music systems and central heating, as well as en-suite bathrooms with a shower. The restaurant serves delicious, freshly prepared meals using organically produced ingredients. It also offers a buffet-style breakfast, with home-made jams, locally dried apricots, pure village honey, and cream straight from the owner's cow The hotel arranges a variety of activities, including yoga, horse-riding, Turkish cookery classes and massage.