This Incredible Luxury Retreat In The Turkish Desert Is Hidden Inside 2,000-Year-Old Caves
Find out why Argos in Cappadocia is one of the world’s most unique boutique hotels.
Cappadocia, in Central Anatolia, Turkey is on almost everyone’s travel bucket list—and for good reason. One of the most astonishingly scenic, and Instagrammable, places on Earth, it encompasses a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is famed for the hundreds of hot air balloons floating above its otherworldly desert landscape every morning.
Along with the incredible rock formations known as “fairy chimneys”, many of which have been hollowed out into caves and dwellings, there are hundred of historic churches and monasteries, as well as whole underground cities. The appeal of all this would be limited however, in our view, if Cappadocia wasn’t also home to one of the world’s coolest hotels.
We’re talking about Argos in Cappadocia, one of the most unique, beautiful, and stylish boutique luxury hotels on the planet. Centered on an ancient monastery that’s over 1,000 years old, and a series of “mansions” and even older caves connected by underground tunnels, no two of the five-star property’s 51 rooms and suites are exactly alike.
It’s also home to the largest naturally-formed wine cellar in Europe, housed in caves dating back almost 3,000 years, which hold some 70,000 bottles. No less than 45 of the rooms have wood-burning fireplaces, while some of the top cave suites have their own swimming pools inside the room.
“Argos in Cappadocia is a destination that offers guests a variety of beauty throughout the seasons,” the hotel’s Manager Deniz Karkın tells us. “In winter, it boasts snow-covered landscapes, while in spring and summer, guests are treated to picturesque views adorned with shades of green. Our aim is to provide them with an unforgettable accommodation experience that will last a lifetime.”
The property is constantly evolving. Most recently they added a new, world-class dining concept, Nahita, focused on local and sustainable foods; and created a new swimming pool with eye-popping views—”Luxuriant gardens and sun-soaked terraces reveal panoramic views extending from the foothills of Uçhisar Fortress to Pigeon Valley and majestic Mount Erciyes,” as the hotel puts it.
The overall concept is to feature “the utmost luxury within a cave… Argos represents the ideal mix of renowned Turkish hospitality, lavishness and exclusive personalized services.” Rooms are furnished with antique rugs and distinctive antiques and decorative pieces from the local region.
Argos’ signature Seki Restaurant offers indoor and outdoor dining overlooking the valley. “Serving outstanding regional and Turkish dishes as well as international cuisines prepared by professional chefs, we use only fresh, local ingredients,” including organic produce grown on property.
Located in one of the oldest (former) monasteries in the world, Seki’s name means “terraces on the slopes.” “When the unique valley landscape, which has been home to ancient civilizations for centuries, is combined with flavors from the hands of master chefs, an unforgettable experience emerges,” the hotel says.
Argos notes that Seki is “the most awarded and most popular restaurant in the Cappadocia region.” Argos guests can also relax at the Seki Lounge, where majestic valley views unfold for miles. A small plates menu is on offer here including items like mini veal skewers flavored with spicy apricot sauce, and a goat cheese and marinated-strawberry salad.
“We preserve and sustain the culinary heritage of Cappadocia by using organic products grown in our own Argos gardens,” Karkin says. “Garden tours are organized seasonally for those who wish to hear about the characteristics and the story of the gardens. Guests can also taste the fresh crops during the garden tour and turn them into delicious recipes in the cooking workshop led by our chefs.”
Pairing with all the delicious food is award-winning, locally produced Cappadocia wine. The hotel has its own vineyards located nearby. The cavernous cellars feature variety of producers from across Turkey along with including varieties made from the hotel’s own Emir, Kalecik Karasi, Syrah, Boğazkere and Chardonnay grapes.
Guests can arrange tastings in the wine cellar or the adjacent historic cave chapel, including informative presentations on Anatolian winemaking and Turkish winemakers. “Moreover, guests will be able to sense the aura of the mystical atmosphere of the cellar that has been the resting place of Anatolian wines that date back thousands of years,” Argos notes.
Nahita is the property’s newest dining concept, and has its own rooftop lounge. “Inspired and nourished by its Anatolian roots, respectful of its geography, history, and cultural continuity,” Nahita aims to be the “new star of Anatolian cuisine.” The restaurant’s “good sense and approach is reflected throughout its philosophy, narrative, service, and dishes… promising guests a journey where they can reconnect with nature and culture to experience the regional heritage.”
Argos in Cappadocia is part of D-Hotels, the luxury hospitality holding of Istanbul-based Doğuş Group, one of the largest private-sector conglomerates in Turkey, with a portfolio of 250 companies in several industries, including luxury car dealerships, luxury fashion and watches boutiques, restaurants, cafés, construction companies, radio stations, media, marinas and more.