Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, Turkey

Location

Argos has been through several incarnations over the last 2,000 years: by turns a monastery, a lodging house for Silk Road caravans, a linseed oil factory and now a hip hotel. Set on the eastern slope of Uchisar - the highest and one of the oldest villages in Cappadocia, offering a panoramic view of the hot air balloons that drift every morning at sunrise across the valley from Goreme. While Goreme – a 12-minute drive away – is known for its fresco-filled, UNESCO-preserved cave churches, Uchisar is quieter, with the main sight being a landmark rock castle, riddled with passageways, a 10-minute walk from the hotel.

Nevsehir airport is half an hour away by car, and the busier Kayseri Airport is an hour’s drive away.

Accommodation

The guest rooms are spread between 6 different mansions, and caves that once sheltered holy men. A subtle mix of ancient and modern, with exposed walls, enormous beds and antique Turkish carpets, plus wardrobes with intricately carved wooden doors, and  traditional fireplaces or chimnea in some rooms. The all-stone bathrooms have a walk-in shower and soft Turkish cotton bathrobes. Some rooms have access to a communal terrace or corner from which to soak up the sun and the views.

The amazing Splendid Suites are all different, some are spread over 2 floors. Their private heated plunge pools weave in and out of pillars and archways like ancient Roman baths. You can wake up in the morning and jump right in.

The Private Pool Villa can sleep up to 7 guests. It's a three-bedroom rustic stone and wood house with dramatic views from a private terrace and pool.

Dining

Breakfast is served in the hotel’s light and airy restaurant, Seki, also open for lunch and dinner. The large windows provide opportunities to watch hot-air balloons drift over the valley whilst tucking into a selection of cold meats and cheeses, olives, freshly baked bread, sweet pastries, jams, and omelettes to order.

In the evening, dine under the stars or under stone arches, on a mixture of international and local dishes with a contemporary twist. Think mushroom lamb wrapped in cabbage leaves and chicken with molasses and baked pumpkin, or for a perfectly cooked steak washed down with Kalecik Karasi, a fruity red from the hotel’s own vineyard.