Turkey's Hidden Gem: Uncover the Mystical Sakli Cave House!
Turkey's Hidden Gem: Sakli Cave House - My Chaotic, Glorious Descent into Cappadocia Perfection! (A Review/Rant)
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I'm about to spill the steaming Turkish tea on Sakli Cave House, the alleged "Hidden Gem" in Cappadocia, Turkey. And believe me, after surviving a week of dusty hikes, questionable kebabs, and the sheer, mind-boggling beauty of the landscape, I'm ready to unveil the truth. This is not just a review, it's a confession. A messy, glorious, and occasionally swear-word-laden confession of a love affair with a hotel carved into freaking rock!
First, Let's Talk Access and (My) Accessibility… or Lack Thereof!
Getting to Cappadocia is an adventure in itself. Flights, shuttles, winding roads… it's a commitment. But honestly? Once you're there, getting to Sakli Cave House is relatively painless. They’ve got Airport transfer - which is a godsend after a long flight. However, and this is a big "however" for those with mobility issues, the "cave" aspect means… well, stairs. Lots and lots of stairs. They claim to have facilities for disabled guests, but realistically, this place is not exactly a cruise ship in terms of accessibility.
I did see an elevator, which is impressive in a cave hotel, but navigating the winding corridors and uneven pathways might be a challenge for some. So, if you need flat, smooth surfaces, maybe look elsewhere. But if you're up for a bit of a climb, the reward is… well, read on…
Safety? They've Got You (and Me!) Covered… Hopefully!
Look, post-pandemic, safety is everything. And Sakli Cave House tries. They've got CCTV in common areas and outside property, and Security [24-hour]. Plus, the usual suspects: Fire extinguisher, Smoke alarms, and the presence of a Doctor/nurse on call. They're also practicing Physical distancing of at least 1 meter, and the staff is supposedly trained in safety protocols. They even provide Hand sanitizer. These are all good things! Honestly, the Staff is very very nice. I mean, they're just constantly smiling, trying to help, even when you're a sweaty, confused tourist, which was pretty much me the entire time.
But, let's be real, the real safety feature is the sheer beauty of the place. It's so stunning, you temporarily forget all your anxieties.
Cleanliness: Did I See Actual Dust Bunnies? Maybe! But… Meh.
Okay, I'm going to be brutally honest. Cleanliness is… well, it's a work in progress. They use Anti-viral cleaning products, and there’s Daily disinfection in common areas. They've even got Rooms sanitized between stays. But let's just say the "cave" environment isn't exactly a sterile operating room. There were moments where a rogue dust bunny looked me in the eye and dared to judge my life choices. And the Daily housekeeping sometimes felt a bit… light. BUT! Considering they are working in a 1,000 year old cave, I'm willing to cut them some slack. It's not spotless, but it's definitely not a pigsty.
The Rooms: My Cave, My Castle… My (Mostly) Comfortable Prison!
My room? Utterly charming. I'm talking about a Non-smoking Room with Air conditioning – a godsend in the Cappadocia summer. They have Blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off those early morning hot air balloon rides), a Desk to fake work, and a Mini bar to plunder. Every room has Free Wi-Fi (important as hell, btw!). Plus, tons of cool features;
- Air conditioning
- Alarm clock
- Bathrobes
- Bathroom phone
- Bathtub
- Blackout curtains
- Carpeting
- Closet
- Coffee/tea maker
- Complimentary tea
- Daily housekeeping
- Desk
- Extra long bed
- Free bottled water
- Hair dryer
- High floor
- In-room safe box
- Internet access – wireless
- Ironing facilities
- Laptop workspace
- Linens
- Mini bar
- Mirror
- Non-smoking
- Private bathroom
- Reading light
- Refrigerator
- Satellite/cable channels
- Seating area
- Separate shower/bathtub
- Shower
- Slippers
- Smoke detector
- Soundproofing
- Telephone
- Toiletries
- Towels
- Umbrella
- Visual alarm
- Wake-up service
- Wi-Fi [free]
- Window that opens
But the best part? The Soundproofing. Seriously. You're in a cave. It's like living in a blissful, silent bubble. Bliss.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Carb-Loading in Paradise!
Okay, food. Let's dive in. Sakli Cave House features a Restaurant, and trust me, you'll be spending a lot of time there. They offer Breakfast [buffet] - a glorious spread of Turkish pastries, cheeses, fruits, and every kind of bread imaginable. You can also get Western breakfast and Asian breakfast. There's Coffee/tea in restaurant and, most importantly, a Bar. Their Poolside bar is a total winner when you're parched after a day of exploring.
Seriously, I may have gained five pounds. The Desserts in restaurant were irresistible. The prices were reasonable, the views were spectacular. I’m not even going to lie, I snuck a few pastries from the Breakfast takeaway service for later. Judge me. I don't care.
The Spa/Relaxation Zone: Because Caves Deserve Pampering!
This is where things get REALLY good. Sakli Cave House boasts a Spa, a Sauna, and a Steamroom. Sadly, while I was there, the pool was closed, but I am sure it is beautiful. I indulged in a Massage… which was heavenly. I have never felt more relaxed in my entire life. Forget the dusty hikes, forget the crowded tourist traps, this place is all about the chill.
Things to Do (Besides Staring at the Walls):
- Things to do
- Pool with view
- Spa/sauna
- Swimming pool
- Swimming pool [outdoor]
- Fitness center
- Gym/fitness
- Body scrub
- Body wrap
- Foot bath
The Service Stuff: Conveniences Galore (and Occasional Confusion)
They offer a ton of Services and conveniences. Concierge, Laundry service, Dry cleaning… The Front desk [24-hour] staff are lovely – always willing to help, even when I was losing my mind trying to figure out the local bus routes. The Internet access is pretty good; Wi-Fi [free] gets you connected in your room and the Wi-Fi in public areas is good, too.
- Air conditioning in public area
- Audio-visual equipment for special events
- Business facilities
- Cash withdrawal
- Concierge
- Contactless check-in/out
- Convenience store
- Currency exchange
- Daily housekeeping
- Doorman
- Dry cleaning
- Elevator
- Essential condiments
- Facilities for disabled guests
- Food delivery
- Gift/souvenir shop
- Indoor venue for special events
- Invoice provided
- Ironing service
- Laundry service
- Luggage storage
- Meeting/banquet facilities
- Meetings
- Meeting stationery
- On-site event hosting
- Outdoor venue for special events
- Projector/LED display
- Safety deposit boxes
- Seminars
- Shrine
- Smoking area
- Terrace
- Wi-Fi for special events
- Xerox/fax in business center
But here's the messy part: the language barrier can sometimes lead to confusion. Ordering food? Asking for directions? Be prepared for some comical miscommunications. But honestly, that's
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Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your average, sterile, "perfectly planned" itinerary. We're going to Sakli Cave House in Turkey, and it's going to be a glorious, messy, and likely slightly chaotic adventure. Prepare for a few tangents, a whole lotta "OMG!" moments, and probably a healthy dose of "Why did I DO that?"
Day 1: Arrival - Hello, Caves and Sleep Deprivation (and Panic!)
Morning (7:00 AM - Technically, I'd like to be awake): Ugh. Flight. I swear, the only reason I can survive these red-eye flights is the pure, unadulterated hope of what awaits on the other side. This time, it's Sakli Cave House. The pictures? Stunning. The reality? Well, let's see. Land in Cappadocia, collect bags (praying my checked luggage, aka, my entire personality, hasn't gone missing), and shuffle through the airport looking like a zombie. First impression: Okay, the air smells…different. Earthy? Dusty? Definitely not like my sterile apartment back home.
Mid-morning (10:00 AM - Assuming the airport chaos is over): The transfer! The little shuttle driver who looked like he'd seen a gazillion tourists before – probably had. He pointed out the fairy chimneys (the actual formations around Cappadocia). They're…trippy. Like, nature took a psychedelic trip. Arrive at Sakli Cave House. The woman at the reception was super nice, thank god. Check-in. The real test begins.
Late Morning (11:30 AM): Okay. Room reveal! It was… perfect. I was a goner right then and there. It was like I was in a dream. My cave room was gorgeous! Seriously, like, gorgeous. Stone walls, a comfy bed, and a teeny tiny balcony to breathe it all in. Sigh. Success!
Afternoon (1:00 PM - Trying to remember how to human): Lunch! Found a cute little restaurant nearby called something like "The Clay Pot Kitchen" (okay, maybe the name wasn't that original, but the food was amazing!). I ate a test kebab or two. My mouth was on pure vacation mode.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - Panic Attack Alert): Realized I hadn't actually planned anything. Just…showed up. Cue the existential dread. Had to fix it. So I found my phone and ordered a hot air balloon ride for the next morning.
Evening (7:00 PM - Dinner Time and the Night Sky): Restaurant - the famous "Testi Kebab" (clay pot kebab). Okay, I'm already in love with Turkish food. Went back to my room, and sat on the balcony. The night sky was UNREAL. It's like all the stars decided to throw a party. I felt utterly, completely, and undeniably… small. In a good way.
Day 2: Balloons! (and a Near-Death Experience with Turkish Delight)
Sunrise (4:30 AM - The actual reason I booked this trip): Hot air balloon ride! This was everything. Truly. The silence of the balloons ascending, the sunrise painting the fairy chimneys in shades of pink and orange… It was breathtaking. I'm tearing up even thinking about it. The sheer scale of it all! Truly.
Late Morning (9:00 AM – Post-Balloon Glory): Breakfast back at the cave house. It was a Turkish breakfast feast. Olives, cheese, bread, honey, jams. My taste buds were doing the tango. Ate so much I almost couldn't move.
Morning/Afternoon (11:00 AM - The Turkish Delight Incident): Exploring the open air museum. Incredible! It was like stepping back in time. But the BEST part? The Turkish Delight! Oh, the Turkish Delight. I purchased a whole box. The sugar rush. The brain freeze. The near-comatose state. I’m pretty sure I saw a few unicorns. Maybe.
Afternoon (2:00 PM - Hiking Adventure): Hiked through Rose Valley. The colors… the views… It was another "OMG, this is unbelievable!" moment. Got slightly lost. Almost fell into a ravine. Added to the adventure, right?
Evening (7:00 PM - Evening: Re-Fuel): Dinner. Tried a different restaurant. Turkish food continues to win. Went back to my room. Journaled. This is where I finally got over the jet lag and just existed.
Day 3: Underground Cities, and the Art of the "Lost Tourist"
Morning (9:00 AM - Exploring the depths): Visited Derinkuyu Underground City. Okay, claustrophobia is a thing, and I definitely felt it as I descended into the rabbit hole. But wow! This is more incredible than I could even imagine! I spent an hour or so staring down, realizing this existed.
Mid-Morning (11:30 AM): Wandering through the streets. The shopkeepers were charming. Found some souvenirs. Haggled badly. (I’m terrible at it, but hey, I tried!)
Afternoon (1:00 PM - Delicious food): Lunch at a local cafe. The food was delicious. I’m starting to believe Turkish cafes do not disappoint. More kebabs. Less shame.
Afternoon (3:00 PM - The Lost Tourist Episode): Okay, I got lost. Badly. Wandered for literally hours, through tiny alleyways, asking for help. But it was also…fantastic. I stumbled upon a hidden gem of a shop, an artisan pottery place, and picked up an authentic Turkish rug that I am not sure I can afford. This made me glad I had gotten lost.
Evening (7:00 PM - Farewell Dinner): One last, glorious Turkish meal. The restaurant was a cozy place with live music. Felt a little teary. (Okay, maybe a lot teary.)
Day 4: Departure - Saying Goodbye (and Planning a Return)
Morning (9:00 AM - One last look): One last breakfast at Sakli Cave House, soaked in the views, savored the last bits of the Turkish breakfast, and hugged the staff. Took a deep breath. Felt so grateful.
Late Morning (11:00 AM): Transfer to the airport. Reflecting on the trip. It wasn't perfect (thank goodness!). There were stressful moments, near-misses, and moments of pure, unadulterated bliss.
Afternoon (1:00 PM): Flight back home.
Evening: Planning my return trip. Because, let's be honest, I'm already plotting my comeback.
Overall Thoughts:
This trip was an absolute whirlwind. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. It was messy, emotional, and unforgettable. Cappadocia, and especially Sakli Cave House, burrowed their way into my soul. I will be back. I already can’t wait. Bring on the next adventure!
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So, You Wanna Know About Sakli Cave House, Huh? Buckle Up! (It's a Wild Ride!)
Alright, alright, what *is* this Sakli Cave House thing anyway? Is it, like, a real *cave*?
Okay, *deep breath*. Sakli Cave House. It's in Cappadocia, Turkey. Think fairytale landscape, those whimsical "fairy chimneys," and... yes, they built rooms *inside* the rocks! Not all of it's actual cave, mind you – some is carved, some is built on, some is just pure, glorious, sun-drenched terrace. It's more a "cave-ish" house. Imagine a hobbit hole, but in a Turkish coffee shop! Seriously, it's breathtaking the first time you see it. I nearly tripped over my own feet. (And that's BEFORE the Turkish coffee!)
How do you even *get* there? Is it hard to find? Are there, like, dragons guarding it?
Getting there... Hmm. It's in a town called Uçhisar, which is in the heart of Cappadocia. Relatively easy to find, actually... if you have a decent map (which I, ahem, did *not*). My first time, I was relying solely on Google Maps, and let me tell you, the signal in Cappadocia is… let's just say it has its own personality. We got lost! Twice! Wandered around a bit, asked a friendly shepherd (who only spoke Turkish, naturally) for directions, and finally, emerged, triumphant, sweaty, and slightly sunburnt, on the right road. No dragons, thankfully. Just some very curious goats. Pro-tip: download offline maps! Seriously.
Is it expensive to stay there? Because I'm on a budget, you know?
Okay, budget travelers, listen up! This is the golden question. Let me be honest: it's not *cheap*. Think of it as an investment in your sanity and your Instagram feed. But it's also not ridiculously, "sell-your-kidney-to-stay-one-night" expensive. Depends on the room, the season, and your haggling skills (which, admittedly, mine are atrocious!). Shop around! Look for deals! The experience, though? Priceless.
What's the inside like? Is it all damp and creepy? Or is it all... cave-y cool?
Damp and creepy? *HELL NO!* Cave-y cool is the *perfect* description! It’s like stepping into a movie set. Think ancient meets modern. Rustic meets luxurious. Think smooth stone walls, hand-carved details, beautiful textiles, and fireplaces that actually *work*. The rooms are stunning! My jaw hit the floor when I saw my first room. We booked a suite. Huge! And they have views that make you want to cry with happiness. Seriously, the morning light bouncing off those rock formations? Forget about it. I almost considered never leaving the room. I may have spent an hour just staring out the window. Don't be surprised if you find yourself wanting to redecorate your entire life after visiting.
Okay, so... the food? Is it as good as the photos make it look? Because I'm a foodie.
Foodie alert! Okay, YES. The food. Prepare to have your taste buds do the happy dance. They serve a delicious Turkish breakfast (endless platters of fresh bread, cheeses, olives, eggs, jams... I could go on for days). They also have a restaurant with dinners, which I didn't get to experience. But believe me, a Turkish breakfast is a VERY big deal and the one at Sakli? It was spectacular! Now, the key is: go hungry. Really, really hungry. And don't be afraid to try everything. Even the stuff you're not sure about. You may discover your new favorite dish!
Is it kid-friendly? I'm traveling with tiny humans, and cave houses... seem like a lot of stairs.
Kid-friendly? Hmm...it depends. Lots of stairs, yes. Maybe not the best if you have a toddler who loves to bolt. If you're used to it, and have a good baby-carrier, you'll be fine. I can see how stairs could be a hassle with kids, you need to think of safety, and it may not be a playground for them. The terrain around the house is fun though, so, I think that will be a really fun experience for the kids.
What's the best time to visit? I don't want to be freezing or roasted alive!
Ah, the weather. Cappadocia is all about extremes! Summer (July/August) can be scorching hot, and winter (December/January) can be brutally cold. The sweet spot? Spring (April/May) and Autumn (September/October). Perfect temperatures for exploring, hiking , and, you know, generally enjoying life. Plus, off-season is usually cheaper! My advice? Check the weather reports *before* you go and pack accordingly. Layers! And a hat! And sunscreen! (I learned the hard way.)
Okay, you've talked me into it. What's the best thing about staying at Sakli Cave House?
Best thing? Honestly? The *feeling*. The magic. Waking up in a cave, looking out at that otherworldly landscape, sipping Turkish coffee on your balcony... it's an experience that stays with you. It's a place to disconnect, to relax, to let your worries melt away. It's a place where you can breathe. And that, my friends, is worth every single penny. I miss it. I *really* miss it. I may or may not be looking at flights right now... don't judge!
Is there anything you *didn't* like? Anything to watch out for?
Okay, full disclosure. A few minor gripes. The WiFi, bless its heart, wasn't always the most reliable. It’s a cave, after all! (But honestly, that's a feature, not a bug, right?) There are also a few steep steps, so if you have mobility issues, bear that in mind. And, oh yeah...the pillows. Bit too fluffy for my taste, but everyone has different preferences. Overall? Minor quibbles in paradise.
