The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020 - Issue 27

bite travel W ith holidays that are tried and tested being thrown out of the window, how about going somewhere else for a different view and experience? For example, in- stead of visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza in Egypt, consider discovering the gorgeous ancient Anatolia in Turkey instead. Ar- gos in Cappadocia, a hotel set in the heart of the peninsula on the hilltop village of Uçhisar captivates visitors with its mystical landscape shaped by Mother Nature and marked by the traces of past civilisations. This unique five-star property is part archeological area and part charming rural retreat that pays homage to local traditions with its distinctive architecture and interior design as well as its delicious culinary offerings. From Argos in Cappadocia hotel’s terraces and courtyards, guests will be able to admire the spec- tacular panoramas of Pigeon Valley with its meringue-like rock deposits and the magnetic peak of Mount Erciyes in the distance. Many will be amazed by the surroundings of this fantastic area which includes a chromatic topography study in pink, red, yel- low, and white hues drawn from the layers of soft tufa rock made from volcanic ash that was moulded into fantastical shapes by the passage of time. These rocks slowly erode to form fairy chim- neys used as dwellings for centuries which dot the landscape to create a remarkable display of organic architecture. While you are here, you can visit stunning cultural treasures such as the open-air museum at Göreme, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring several churches, including Karanlik Kilise (the Church with Sandals) which dates back a millennium and contains a highly valued selection of hand-painted frescoes. You can catch panoramic views of the hot air balloons that drift across the sky each morning at sunrise as well as ancient ruins, caves, and underground tunnels. The hotel boasts 51 guest rooms set on cascading terraces with commanding views of the areas and formed from unearthed caves that have been restored and transformed into one-of- a-kind lodgings. Each guest room is an archeological treasure providing a window into the past. Rustic niches and nooks are shaped out of volcanic rock from distinctive interiors, with the living spaces combining traditional Turkish artefacts with mod- ern furnishings. Guests can relish in the culinary delights of Anatolia by dining at the beautifully pared-down SEKI restaurant. Characterised by its serene wood-and-stone décor and furnished with age- old artefacts that serve as striking artwork, this is the ideal place to have a meal. For ingredients, the chefs look to the well-tended hotel garden of Rasim Özkiliç that supplies a seasonal bounty of herbs and vegetables from fresh thyme, rosemary, and mint to arugula (garden rocket), tomatoes, and pumpkin. SEKI Lounge is where guests can enjoy an afternoon glass of Turkish tea or an evening aperitif. Here, you can so- cialise or stretch out on a sofa in a relaxed and dressed- down setting while taking in the views of Pigeon Valley. In winter, the space with its rustic hardwood floors and tra- ditional Turkish design is an ideal après-ski venue where guests huddle around the hearth to enjoy the warmth of a slow-burning fire. In the summer, you can unwind with a cocktail on the terrace and enjoy the local scenery as the sun sets. For wine enthusiasts, they can sample local vintages at the SEKI Wine Cellar. The property boasts its own vineyards and has over 22,000 bottles of dinner and dessert wine from national and in- ternational vintners which have earned accolades from leading trade publications such as Wine Spectator. The wine cellar carved out of rock and houses a labyrinth of rooms and tunnels that were once a Byzantine monastery, hosts many red and white wines including local varietals like the Kalecik Karasi, Emir, and Syrah grapes. www.argosincappadocia.com/en Argos in Cappadocia - The Alternative Bucket List