Tuvana Hotel

TUCKED INTO A LITTLE SIDE STREET near Antalya’s historic Kaleici district, the Tuvana is a beautifully appointed boutique hotel dating back to the grand days of the Ottoman Empire.

This lavish Ottoman villa once hosted royal visits and is still strewn with valuable antiques and trinkets. Owned by the same family for generations and set in lush gardens (guests are free to pick the plums, pomegranates and tangerines that grow there), it’s an elegantly cool and welcoming retreat from the big-town bustle.

Tuvana is without a doubt Antalya’s best place to stay. Plush and impeccable rooms with original beamed ceilings, exposed stonework, hand woven rugs, huge lamps and tasselled floor-length drapes are rich in classic comforts, while bathrooms are well stocked with luxury toiletries.

Palm shaded pool

Stay cool by the palm shaded swimming pool, where fruit trees and bougainvillea bloom, or pick up a book from Tuvana’s little library to enjoy in one of the hotel’s many quiet corners or roof terrace – or indeed beside a cosy fireplace in the cooler months.

There’s a choice of four restaurants here – three serving regional Turkish cuisine and the fourth an elegant fine dining affair headed by one of the region’s top chefs. There’s plenty of table seating in the gardens and pretty pool area.

Ideally located for the bars and restaurants of Antalya’s old town Kaleici and minutes  from the marina (perfect for watching the world go by) and beach, Tuvana is offers a taste of the real Turkey. Standout service from super-friendly staff for whom nothing’s too much trouble make a stay here extra special.

© Room for Romance