Sekiz Oda Arsuz

I came in my van, so unlike my friends I didn't stay overnight. The renovated family mansion, a traditional Antakya-style köşk, now has eight rooms, just as the name Sekiz Oda suggests. I recommend a visit, both to see the Arsuz coast at sunset and to support the regional development work of the good-hearted people I met. We had breakfast in the peaceful garden beneath olive trees. It was delicious, with excellent Antakya dishes that have earned the region its gastronomic reputation. I was there with friends from a nonprofit that has been working locally since the earthquake. We came to understand how needs in disaster areas are changing and to plan what comes next. Aylin Sayek, a partner in the small boutique hotel, has also been active in regional development with the family association Füsun Sayek Derneği, founded in memory of their mother. We talked about helping children and young people improve their lives and find work. As I sat in the garden, the immense suffering people endured after the quake came to mind in a different way. During the trip, I kept being struck by how powerfully life returns, slowly and steadily finding its way into people's hearts, persistent yet compassionate.

We really enjoyed our stay. The staff were kind and helpful, and breakfast by the pool in the small garden was excellent. It's a lovely new boutique hotel in downtown Arsuz, decorated with taste. Our room was spacious and well laid out. Restaurants and cafes along the lively riverside are an easy walk away.

We had our wedding there this weekend and it was amazing. Such a cute hotel, and the owners were incredible. They organized everything for us, everyone had a great time, and it was well worth visiting.

A short walk from town, so the shops and beaches are easy to reach. This hotel felt like an amazing little oasis, and the owner and staff were so helpful that nothing seemed too much trouble. Highly recommended. I hope to come back.