Argos in Cappadocia – Turkey
Argos in Cappadocia is an architectural wonder. Part of the mountainside, and once a monastery, with caves tunneling deep within, its transformation into a boutique retreat has been a labour of love over several years. Looking out over the moonscape valley, with its fairy chimneys, ancient cave dwellings and up to the conical volcano of Mount Erciyes, it’s one of the most dramatic places to stay in the entire region. And an extraordinary fusion of ancient history, mysticism and modern luxury. A stay here is to experience wonderful Turkish hospitality, and to immerse yourself in thousands of years of history.
At A Glance
Luxury Hotel
Why We Love It:
For its lofty location in the highest village in Cappadocia, with otherworldly views over Pigeon Valley and Mount Erciyes.Style:
Troglodyte chic.Location:
High above the village of Uçhisar, overlooking Pigeon Valley.Rooms:
Entirely individual and characterful rooms and suites, built into the rock, some with Turkish baths and pools, all with extraordinary views.Swimming:
An infinity pool with view out over the valley.Children:
This is a fantasy land for children.Accessibility:
There are no facilities for guests with limited mobility.Open From:
All year round.rooms
Spread across the mountainside, connected by tunnels, each of the rooms and suites is unique in design and layout. Furnished with Turkish rugs and local artefacts, they all share panoramic views of the valley. Standard Rooms have been kneaded from the rock, or are built from stone, with some featuring an open fireplace, and others a balcony. The larger Deluxe Rooms can accommodate an extra bed for a child, with a choice of cave or stone.
Each of the spacious Junior Suites come with a cosy fireplace, and a living area, with space for an extra bed for a child. The vaulted ceilings and stone arches of the Suites, make them atmospheric. Sleeping up to four, they feature a large balcony or private courtyard. Troglodyte living is made fun and very romantic in the Jacuzzi Suite, with its own whirlpool, and glorious views out over the valley. But for a really memorable stay, opt for the Cave Splendid Suite, which comes with a plunge pool in the room, or the vast Splendid Suite, with its vaulted mezzanine layout, private indoor pool and garden.
food
With much of the produce grown in their own organic kitchen gardens, or sourced locally, the food here is a celebration of traditional Anatolian dishes and recipes handed down over generations. Both Seki and Nahita restaurants have some of the finest views over Pigeon Valley, where you can feast on delicious sharing platters inside by a cosy fire, or out on the terrace. Argos has its own vineyard growing a variety of native grapes, and its cellar is stocked with over 70,000 bottles of local and international wines. Make sure you sign up for a tour and tasting.
activities
Everyone has an image of a multitude of coloured hot air balloons floating serenely above the valley. This is most definitely a bucket list activity, and there’s no better way to see this landscape – eroded by the elements over thousands of years – the cave dwellings and fairy chimneys. Take off before sunrise for the most memorable ride. Walking, biking or on horseback are the next best ways to explore, allowing you to places that vehicles can’t reach. The concierge team can organise this all for you.
Argos also holds a series of musical evenings in its chapel or under the stars, and guests who have an interest in gastronomy can take cookery classes or join a culinary tour.
family
A stay here will fuel your children’s imaginations – from the extraordinary landscapes to the caves and tunnels of the hotel itself.
Due to the cobbled streets and hotel stairs, access can be difficult for younger children in pushchairs.
sustainability
The restoration project alone demonstrates the sensitivity to the region, its culture and its heritage. The hotel uses drip irrigation systems in its gardens and vineyards; natural fertilizer is used and there’s a rigorous recycling programme in place.
Location
Cappadocia, Turkey
High above the village of Uçhisar, overlooking Pigeon Valley – Kayseri Erkilet Airport is 80km away and Nevsehir Kapadokya Airport is 37km away.
