The Luxury Travel Magazine
The Luxury Travel Magazine
Alacati is rapidly becoming a special escape for native Turks from big cities like Istanbul as well as jetsetters in the know. Its spirited street life and stylish boutique hotels have caught the attention of the top tier. Here, they can let their hair down, relax and/or imbibe in the colorful café life on the Cesme Peninsula on the western coast of Turkey.
An accomplished entrepreneur did just that and went even one step further to create her own mini oasis that is open for outside visitors. KestelINN is the realization of a dream that the Turkish Kestelli family had. The family grand dame, Ms. Isinsu Kestelli spearheaded the creation of KestellINN. It proudly sits on the main pedestrian-only shopping street in a converted traditional old stone house. Today, it houses seven distinct personally designed guest rooms by Turkish talent, Hakan Ezer.
It is filled with antiques, artisanal craftsmanship and original artwork. Dark woods are contrasted with clean, crisp white bedding and beautiful bathroom parquet floors. The uniqueness is in the finer details. Every little thing is thought of like even a little wall holder for the TV remotes and special dimmer light switches.
Upon entering this charming hotel, you can’t help but notice the big stainless-steel tubs now serving as art pieces on the old stone walls. The inner courtyard is a focal point of the property with the rooms surrounding it. It’s almost like staying inside a mini castle peering from the guest rooms to the courtyard with a fireplace right in the center.
Chef Beste Baglayan is the master of the KestelINN kitchen serving up gourmet meals of carefully cultivated natural and locally sourced produce. There is a small spa offering custom treatments and therapies. This is a place to relax and dream in the inner courtyard or take a walk just outside the doorstep to the lively main thoroughfare. Here cafes, bars, and shops are endless along the pedestrian cobblestone street.For a nearby escape, KestelINN has their very own Ovacik Farm. It is a nature haven perfect for wine tastings, celebrations and special events with curated cuisine and creative table settings.
Staying at KestelINN really offers an authentic Alacati experience of a traditional stone house. But behind the façade is a hospitality philosophy that aligns with sustainable environmental policies. The KestelINN founders and employees are also volunteers of the Orange Association, which promotes gender equality and fights gender-based violence. It is these intangible traits that are perhaps some of the most honorable, making this property truly beautiful on both the inside and outside.
Alacati is a Turkish town that should be put on travelers’ “To Visit” List this year. Why not expand horizons to the roads less traveled? You will be glad you did.
