IRIS Hotel&Spa

The coastal air at dawn felt invigorating, and on a short walk I noticed other Thai groups in high-end Mercedes vans. There was also a small deer pen on the other side of the property. I wondered if the deer were there just to look at or for food, since venison is considered a delicacy in some parts of Europe, though lamb and beef are more popular locally. 🦌🌊 We had to be up at 6:00 AM for a 7:30 departure and the 5-6 hour drive ahead. My family aren't seasoned road travelers and were still recovering from the eleven-hour flight from Bangkok, but they handled the long trip patiently and stayed in good spirits. 😊🚐 The breakfast was a mix of continental and Turkish food, with lots of cheeses and breads. That wasn't quite what my Thai palate needed, but our tour leader had a Thai survival kit ready: rice porridge, pickled vegetables and crispy dried fish. Just what I needed to feel fueled for the day. 🍚🐟 In the morning light, the hotel's tucked-away entrance made sense. The secluded path comes with its seaside position. I also saw an elevator with negative floors for the first time, apparently designed for the steep Turkish coastal hills, where floors are marked by elevation relative to the sea. We ended the night at Hotel IRIS with a hearty Turkish buffet. Carrying our own luggage and getting around the hotel was a bit of a workout, but it reminded me that travel is easier when we're fit and strong. 💪🌍 🇹🇷 Türkiye Day 3: The Road to Hierapolis, A Study in Observation