We could not have picked a more perfect place for our honeymoon. Turkey is an amazing country that has it all… great food, wonderful people, an amazing history, picturesque landscapes, ancient ruins, loads of hiking trails and water activites…the options are endless. One of our favorite places along our journey was the area of Olimpos and Cirali. We were fortunate enough to enjoy it at the beginning and the end of our trip, giving us the opportunity to stay at two different pensions…one on the beach, Olympos Lodge, and one in the forest, Daphne House. Both places understand the importance of landscaping, not only as a functional purpose of protecting their guests from the intense heat of the summer months but also to create a marvelous retreat full of serenity and peacefulness.
View of Olimpos and Cirali beach from the castle ruins
OLYMPOS LODGE
The straw umbrellas and huts are an integral part of the hotel to protect the guests from the hot summer sun. During the hottest part of the day we were either in the water or in the shade of the hut drinking mint lemonade. You could also find hammocks and comfortable lounging areas throughout the property to retreat to.
Their restaurant is set in the shade of palm trees and Mimosa trees.
Peacocks (even and albino one!), chickens, cats, and a dog roam their property enhancing the beautiful atmosphere.
rOh how I love outdoor showers. I think I have found the coolest one yet, surrounded by bamboo, Mimosa trees, Melisa plants, and set over a pond on a rock slab. Perfection!
White rocks, deep purple plants, angel trumpets, and mimosa trees were incorporated into their landscaping. This lodge was a perfect match to my wedding day decor!
The restaurant/lobby interior…exceptionally crafted building with a floor pattern mirroring its shape.
Gorgeous landscaped paths leading to each of the bungalows.
The material choice for the rooms and bathrooms were simple elegance using natural materials and a natural palette. Loved it!
As we wandered through the extensive paths and gardens we came upon an awesome greenhouse.
Not only is it beautiful during the day, the night-time is just as magical. The ambient lighting and the night-time fragrance from the Melisa plants and the Angel Trumpets are just out of this world!
DAPHNE HOUSE
Daphne House is a home away from home. Bulent and Refi are the warmest hosts I have ever encountered. They welcome you into their house with open arms and the most outstanding food we had in Turkey. Their stone house was built by their own hands through hard work, dedication, and love. And you can feel that love as soon as you enter their space. The backyard is a magical place set amongst tall pine trees and beautifully landscaped.
An image of their backyard taken by one of their guests.
The hammocks and “tent” are great places to relax under the shade of the tall pines
To get to the beach from the Daphne House you walk through ruins dating back 1,000’s of years
Every evening together, joined by Bulent and Refi, the guests enjoy a delicious meal by candlelight on the beautiful wood table in their backyard garden.
Bulent and Refi enjoying the serene atmosphere they have created
Every evening a fire is lit to enjoy the peacefulness of the backyard and good conversation
Olympos Lodge and Daphne House were great sources of inspiration!