KOCA EV MANSION HOTEL IN DATCA: PRESS ROOM

A TWO HUNDRED YEAR HISTORICAL LEGACY NOW READY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

. "A magnificent jewel-like Ottoman mansion, shaded by almond, olive and lemon trees, is now ready to offer traditional Turkish hospitality with home comforts."

A two hundred year old cultural legacy in Datça has been restored in the traditional manner nd will open on the 1st of May 2009 as a “museum hotel” offering modern comfort and cultural centre. The “Basoda” (Main room) of the mansion that once hosted prestigious guests is a museum in its own right with its original woodwork and frescoes dating from 1831. Five other rooms in the mansion are also decorated in classical styles, whereas the thirteen rooms in the annexe are more modern; the hotel provides a holiday well beyond expectations.

. "Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and a Cultural Legacy"

Located in the peninsula where the undiscovered treasure of the ancient city of Knidos lies and nestling in unspoiled natural beauty, the Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion reflects the refinement of a bygone age with its two-hundred year history, fine architecture and decorations, cupboards displaying the elegance of old woodwork and frescoes and all other details.

. "Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and paradise on earth"

The Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion is set within the magnificent mountains, redolent pine forests and olive and lemon trees of the Datça peninsula, that is itself blessed with a richness of natural beauty and historical legacy. A variety of locations, from the garden resplendent with therapeutic plants and magical flowers of the Mediterranean to a number of terraces, offer glorious views, sounds and scents. The garden, in addition to being a restful venue, is capable of hosting 100 guests at parties, meetings, cultural events, and wedding and honeymoon receptions.

. "The Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and refined tastes"

The Elaki Restaurant, located in the attractive garden, offers memorable specialities created in house, using herbs from the garden and marrying the best of Ottoman, Mediterranean and Aegean tastes. The garden, enchanting in its own right, is cool and peaceful and provides rest and culinary adventures throughout the day. Taşfırın provides local delicacies in a rural atmosphere; Taşbar offers cooling cocktails throughout the day and Mahzen continues the centuries-old wine tradition that had started with Knidos.

. "Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and health through water"

The family bath inside the mansion, a fully equipped Turkish hamam, continues the strong bathing culture of the Ottoman era: marble, hot water and steam under a dome. The hamam ritual is followed by an aromatherapy massage for those who are seeking spiritual and corporal tranquillity. The Datça peninsula is a protected environment thanks to its high oxygen content (third in the world) and zero humidity. Its sandy beaches are rich in innumerable alternatives for water sports lovers: swimming, fishing, sailing, wind surfing and yacht trips, as well as, sunbathing.

."Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and success through nature"

The Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion inspires successful meetings as well as encourages local and foreign researchers with its rich library of historical, art and cultural books.

. "Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion and a cultural mosaic"

The Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion aims to become a noteworthy cultural centre, building cultural and artistic bridges across national frontiers. Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion’s 2009 activities and excursions aimed at special interest groups include almond cracking and olive gathering excursions, visits to archaeological excavations and sites, riding safaris and history of art, philosophy and poetry events. In addition, diving or boat trips and mountain and forest hikes can be organised on demand. The month of August will see special packages offered to guests designed around hamam rituals and health and beauty care treatments.