Hotel Snapshot
Winding through serpentine roads at the foot of the Olympos Mountain in Türkiye’s Antalya province, the terrain has shifted from balmy beach to chilly mountain, as cedars, pines, and junipers begin to surround me. Just 30 minutes ago, I was walking the beaches of Olympos and Phaselis, gawking at ancient ruins from the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, who all ruled the country before it became a modern republic in the 1900s. Now, I need a jacket over my tank top as I arrive at Olympos Mountain Lodge, an 8-room mountain chalet in Beycik Village.
Upon arrival, I’m greeted by owner Mehmet Ali Börtücene’s two pups, Montar (mushroom in Turkish) and Luna, before unwinding in the cozy lobby and bar area. The crackling fireplace warms me as I sip a cocktail, and the turntable spins a Sinatra tune. Here, Olympos Mountain Lodge invites guests to slow down and unwind.
Design & Character
Built in 2005, Olympos Mountain Lodge was designed with the landscape in mind. Rock and timber were used in construction, creating a natural dwelling surrounded by foliage. The lodge sits on a 10-acre garden and olive grove, allowing guests to wander the mountainside. The country’s Lycian Way—the 330-plus-mile hiking trail linking ancient Lycian ruins from Antalya to Fethiye—surrounds the lodge, and views of the Mediterranean Sea below lure travelers for beach days.
The Rooms
At only eight rooms total, the lodge is intimate and quiet. There are five traditional lodge rooms, plus one chalet with a fireplace, one detached cabin, and one suite lodge room. All are built with wooden and stone walls, tall ceilings, and large windows that open onto private patios with views of the pool and beach below—the perfect spot to take in the sound of call to prayer every evening. The chalet has a private entrance, two bedrooms, and a terrace, and all accommodations are cozy, with Turkish rugs, natural lighting, and simple yet functional furnishings.
The Food and Drink Situation
Owner Mehmet is also a chef, so the on-site restaurant, The Rabbit Hole, is the star of the show. Local and seasonal products are the focus, so expect tasting menus at dinner to change daily. Think ras el-Hanout marinated grouper with miso, tahini, and aubergine puree, or a mushroom umami arancini with koji caramel and local cheese. Breakfasts are also always included, and the spread is impressive, with platters bursting with vibrant fruits and vegetables, fresh pastries, cheeses, and an array of local honeys and spreads. Lunch is served a la carte and includes traditional and modern items such as Turkish manti (meat-filled dumplings with garlic yogurt), bottarga with butter and bread, grilled seabass, and baked beans with bone marrow.
As part of the culinary offerings, guests can take cooking classes with chef or go foraging in the forest and garden. “We can make sauces from juniper berries that we forage together from centuries-old juniper trees, or harvest from our wheat field and make sourdough bread with the flour we pull from the mill,” says Börtücene. Throughout the year, workshops for pasta, pizza, and liqueur making are available as well.
Amenities
The beautiful pool is nestled below the lodge, surrounded by umbrellas and loungers and sweeping views of the Mediterranean Sea and beach down the mountain. Private chauffer transfers from the airport are also available, as are guided hikes, local wine tastings, and single-malt whiskey tastings. You can also book dinner in the mountains, where chef and his team take guests up the mountain to more than 5,000 feet, where a table is set under an old cedar tree with Mediterranean views. Here, a seven-course dinner unfolds before you.
Spa & Wellness Scoop
There is no spa, but in-room massages are available to book. Outdoor exploration is also encouraged here, and guided hikes to waterfalls and along the Lycian Way are available.
Location & Neighborhood Recs
Within the mountain village, explore hiking trails and enjoy nature’s solace. Drive about 30 minutes down the mountain, and you’ll find beaches and beach towns complete with ancient ruins nestled among the cliffsides and along beautiful bays. Discover stunning ancient arenas where gladiators and animals fought to the death, sprawling necropolises that now sit in the midst of modern life, large outdoor theaters for plays and concerts, and Roman-style baths. Plenty of cafes are found throughout these beachside locales.
Fast Facts
Location: Kemer, Antalya, Türkiye
Vibe: Mediterranean meets mountain
Rating: Five-star
Room Count: 8
Pricing: $283 per night
Our favorite thing about the hotel: The main lobby and dining area, where guests mingle around the fireplace with cocktails, easy listening plays from the record player, and impressive meals impress guests in the dining room.
Dining: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and curated meals for excursions are done by owner and chef Mehmet Ali Börtücene and his team.
Amenities: Pool, on-site restaurant and bar
Nearby Attractions: Olympos and Phaselis ancient sites and beaches
Airport: Approximately 1.5 hours from Antalya Airport (AYT)
Antalya, Turkey
