A unique hotel near Ephesus, Turkey

Nisanyan House is considered one of Turkey's finest hotels, yet it is a simple and friendly sort of place. It offers you beauty and peace, even a certain degree of elegance. The grounds are extensive, but they make you feel you own the place by yourself. Set in a remote rural village, it is only ten minutes from Ephesus, one of Turkey's top tourist destinations. It probably serves the best food within 100 miles, though you'd think it is mom and pop cooking. It has the most intricately detailed decor of any hotel in the country, yet it all feels perfectly spontaneous and casual.

Visitors often find themselves at a loss for words when describing the experience. They say things like "this is a place of spiritual awakening," or "please, please, can we stay here forever!"

The establishment grew over the years with no discernible plan or logic. There were three historic village houses to start with. To them were added two elegant inns, a half dozen rustic cottages, some simple guestrooms, a vast and complicated garden, a defense tower, an aviary, a library and much else besides. No two units are quite alike. Each reflects the inspiration of the moment and the whimsy of experimentation.

The host is Sevan Nişanyan, a writer of Armenian origin. He is known to the Turkish public as a lexicologist, a political commentator, a travel writer, a human rights activist and several other things besides. He lives on the premises and runs the show in hands-on fashion.

The hotel is open year round, although some units may be closed in winter. All reasonable comforts (central heating, some airconditioned rooms, internet, hairdryers, airport pickup, etc.) are of course taken care of.

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