Koza Cave Hotel | Cappadocia — lostwithlina.com

Whether you're wooed to Cappadocia by its otherworldly beauty, the hot air ballooning, or for bragging rights of becoming a modern troglodyte for a night, it’s the epic lunarscape panoramas from Koza Cave Hotel that you'll remember.

Koza Cave Hotel was, without a doubt, one of the most unique stays we’ve ever experienced. Situated in a historic cave house overlooking Pigeon Valley, this luxury eco-inspired family owned retreat has just 10 beautifully carved authentic cave rooms, and features the highest rooftop in Göreme.

Koza Cave Hotel was restored by the locals using reclaimed stone, wood and iron, and once you step foot inside its walls, you will quickly come to appreciate its magnificence. Besides from Koza’s charming ambience, one of the highlights of our stay was getting to know the family that owned it. They are the most kind and genuine people and provided us with such a wonderful and intimate stay. It didn’t feel as though we were staying in a hotel, it felt like a home away from home.

THE KOZA ROOFTOP

Most locals in the region will tell you that the best way to immerse yourself in Cappadocia’s stunning scenery is from the air. Throughout the year, visitors will spot hot air balloons over the region's many breathtaking valleys and tours can be easily arranged through Koza. Hundreds of balloons go up almost every morning, and if you’re not taking in the sunrise from the air, then the best place to watch the balloons rise is from Koza’s rooftop terrace.

Koza’s rooftop certainly provides the best seat in the house for watching the balloons at sunrise, and the set up of beautiful handmade carpets and pillows that are laid out provide an authentic Turkish feel. Due to the size of Koza, the rooftop space was never crowded. In fact, during our stay we only shared the rooftop with the other guests that were there, which happened to be Raquel & Miguel from @explorerssaurus_.

The terrace also turns into a bar, “Dusk by Koza” at sunset during the summer season. Below the rooftop is a quaint dining room and terrace where the family serves its guests a delicious Turkish breakfast each morning. From Koza’s three terraces, you could not be better placed for marvelling at Pigeon Valley and its magnificent fairy chimneys - fascinating rock formations which rise in peaks from the buildings below.

LOCATION & HOW TO GET HERE

Koza Cave Hotel is nestled within the moonscaped region of Cappadocia in southern Turkey, renowned for its mythical geological features called fairy chimneys. These large, cone-like volcanic ash formations can be spotted from Koza’s three terraces. Koza is located very close to downtown Göreme, close to all the shops, restaurants and other attractions in town and it was easy and convenient being able to wander everywhere on foot.

To check out the nearby sites and attractions around Cappadocia like Uchisar, the Rose & Red Valley, Pasabagi, and the Zelve Open Air Museum, you may want to rent a car. We flew from Istanbul to Kayseri Airport and rented a car from there, which was extremely helpful in getting around Cappadocia. It meant we could plan our time well, and could explore the region at our own pace. The drive from Kayseri to Cappadocia takes just under an hour.

LUXURY SUITES & ACCOMMODATION

A stay at Koza Cave Hotel gives you the opportunity to live life inside the region's stunning caves, hand-hewn from the rock itself to offer a cool retreat from the hot Turkish sun. All of Koza’s guest rooms are centred around a courtyard that has spectacular views from the three terraces spread across different levels.

Each suite is decorated in traditional Turkish style – homey bedspreads, tribal carpets on the floors and walls, wrought-iron bed frames, and local handcrafted furniture with an eco-sensitive twist. Many of the unique lamps and furniture pieces in the rooms have been created by up-cycling salvaged materials.

The King Suite is the most coveted space in Koza and features a private terrace with spectacular views of the beautiful Rose Valley. The other suites feature spa baths, fireplaces and private seating areas.