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Like its waterfront sister property, Gaia By The Sea, Gaia Alaçati is a stylish sanctuary, a private refuge of supreme comfort and attentive service where the cares of the outside world seem far, far away from this little piece of paradise in a small Turkish town. Also like Gaia By The Sea, Gaia Alaçati follows a minimalist concept that helps guests declutter their minds and focus on their physical and mental well-being. An unpretentious lobby conveys a sense of home for those who have nothing to prove to strangers or anonymous followers; there is no need to impress anyone other than oneself by making such a smart accommodation choice in an attractive town where friendly locals are effusive in their hospitality. The lobby, more like a living room than a standard reception area, leads to a lovely courtyard that is the literal and figurative centre of the property, where breakfast is served in the morning, food and drinks in the evening, and relaxation in between. Ground-floor rooms are perfect for easy access and, like the upstairs rooms, are decorated in a contemporary style. Some rooms feature additional architectural elements, such as built-in windows and sofas, that convey a sense of comfort and luxury.

: Gaia Alacati courtyard

: A chic room at the stylish Gaia Alacati

The GAIA concept at all three of its properties is always guest well-being first and foremost. As the Gaia Hotels website says: “We believe that every human being has strong ties to the past, and we are named after the cosmic entity goddess GAIA, who symbolises earth, beginning and existence in Greek mythology. Just as GAIA creates the sky, mountains and seas, we also design vacation, relaxation and fun for you.” Never were truer words said. The entire concept of GAIA is guest satisfaction at the physical, mental, and spiritual levels in the belief that a restorative stay in a caring environment does wonders for personal well-being.

A huge range of seafood cooked to perfection at Sade

The town of Alaçati on Türkiye’s Çesme peninsula is one of the most atmospheric towns along the country’s Aegean coast. Almost completely free of automobile traffic, the pedestrianised town centre is a delightful place to promenade, see, eat, drink, and buy at boutiques, restaurants, bars, and more than a few places for excellent Turkish ice cream. A visit in the winter season will see many places around town close for the season, but that should not deter you from coming to Türkiye in the cooler months, when tourist crowds are nowhere to be found and places that do remain open welcome visitors with undivided attention. The nearby town of Çesme is also charming and worth a visit. A historical castle stands high above the waterfront promenade, where numerous shops and restaurants offer warm welcomes to visitors. One of the best restaurants is Sade—not the gifted British singer but a seafood eatery with tables right on the Çesme harbourfront. A dinner here is a meal to remember.

: Sade for the fresthest of seafood in Cesme

: View of Cesme port from Sade re4staurant

Especially if combining a visit to the Çesme peninsula with some time spent in Istanbul, winter can be an excellent time to enjoy the many cultural attractions of Türkiye’s biggest city. Although Pegasus Airlines has greatly expanded its nonstop flight network from cities across Europe and Asia to Turkish destinations beyond Istanbul, the airline’s multiple daily services from Izmir’s Adnan Menderes airport to its hub at Istanbul’s Sabiha Gökçen airport provide ample opportunity to take a short flight and enjoy the best of Türkiye in the big city as well as the small town. Travellers who have already been to Istanbul know it is a fascinating city with myriad cultural attractions, excellent restaurants, lively nightlife, and unique shopping opportunities.