The House Hotel Cappadocia ★★★★

Though Cappadocia is a popular hotspot, Ortahisar, a small town in the region, basks in a charming history that has been relatively untouched by tourism. Its name means ‘middle fortress’, a reference to the iconic rock formation that characterises the town. Dotted with holes that once served as chambers, it offers a surreal backdrop for the horse-drawn carriages that still clatter down the cobblestone streets and the many mosques that carve an ornate scene against the skyline. Elsewhere, authentic coffee houses, cosy antique shops, and traditional barbers help the town retain its nostalgic vibe.

In the middle of it all, a central square sprawls out forming a hub of heritage and age-old lifestyle. It is just off this main square that I find The House Hotel Cappadocia. Overlooking the quirky rock formation and fairytale chimneys, the hotel covers a complex of ancient caves and historic stone houses. I arrive in phase one of the hotel opening, where the initial 29 rooms are primped and preened to perfection. Phase two will be carried out in January 2016, where the remaining 16 rooms will be opened in a flurry of charming Turkish flair.

Though Ortahisar itself harbours an ancient narrative, The House Hotel Cappadocia leans towards luxury and style. The selection of rooms are all unique and spacious, whilst the décor depends on the physical layout of each cave. Three moods play out amongst the rooms: Regal Classic, Raw Luxury, and Contemporary. Whilst each boasts its own distinct flavour and design, all rooms are robed in classic Turkish marble floors with natural stone walls, and personalised interiors created by Sekibe Aslan. A certain sumptuous charm is injected through the Goose down bedding, rain showers, and exclusive Lokum Istanbul bathroom products. To top it off, crown mouldings and intricate frescoes evoke Cappadocia’s heritage and make me feel like I have stepped foot inside an ancient palace.

To indulge this air of regal finesse, I make my way to the hotel’s spa facilities, which include a traditional Turkish hammam, a sauna, steam rooms, and four individual treatment rooms reserved for relaxing massages and local beauty regimes. In contrast to the spa and its relaxing properties, the setting boasts a wild landscape perfect for adventurous activities. Ortahisar is set near the Balkan Valley, with its surreal landscape of weird and wonderful rock formations. Here, I can wander through ancient scenes, bike next to soaring views, and even take a hot air balloon ride over the pock-marked land.

Back at The House Hotel Cappadocia, the Fresko Restaurant serves up an eclectic mix of contemporary Turkish cuisine. Sat out on the large, picturesque terrace, I tuck into local delicacies cooked in the traditional stone oven and look out over the central town square. The House Hotel Cappadocia promotes an immersive, authentic experience, encouraging guests to become a part of the ancient landscape and get stuck into the history and charm of the region. This, combined with the stunning scenery and the relaxing facilities, makes it the perfect place for a peaceful, adventurous break.