Unbelievable Ambar Evleri: Your Turkish Paradise Awaits in Kas!
Unbelievable Ambar Evleri: My Turkish Paradise… Mostly! (A Kas Rant & Rave)
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because I just got back from a stay at Unbelievable Ambar Evleri in Kas, Turkey, and let me tell you, it's a whirlwind. I feel like I need a week at their spa just to recover from reviewing it! This isn't your dry, corporate-speak review, folks. This is real – the good, the bad, and the slightly-sticky-from-the-delicious-Turkish-delights-I-ate.
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- Meta Description: Dive into my honest review of Unbelievable Ambar Evleri in Kas, Turkey! Find out if this supposed paradise lives up to the hype. Spa, Pools, Restaurants and More!
(Accessibility - The First Hurdle)
Okay, let's get the practical stuff out of the way first. I wasn't personally using a wheelchair, but I’m always hyper-aware of accessibility. This matters! And here’s where things got… interesting. The website boasts about "Facilities for disabled guests". I saw an elevator, so that’s good! But some areas, like maybe the pool-side bar, had steps. Getting around in general seemed… a little ambitious in a wheelchair. Don't get me wrong, efforts are visible, but I'd REALLY dig in if accessibility is a major concern. (Accessibility rating: 3.5/5 - could be better!)
(The Internet and Beyond - Stay Connected, But Maybe Disconnect Too!)
Right, the internet! The modern traveler's lifeline. FREE WIFI in all rooms! Praise the gods! And yes, it worked, mostly. But occasionally I found myself squinting, willing the connection to magically speed up so I could actually upload the insta-worthy sunset photo. Internet [LAN] is also listed, which is a nice throwback (remember those?). So, the basics are covered here. I was more relieved the Wi-Fi extended to the public areas, so I could post that mandatory "I'm in paradise!" selfie poolside. (Internet rating: 4/5 - Needs more juice!)
(The Spa - My Saving Grace (Almost!)
Now, this is where Ambar Evleri really shines. Let's talk spa. Oh, the spa! I needed it. Desperately. Sauna, steamroom, pool with view… I swear, I could feel my stress melting away the second I walked in. And the massage? Heaven. I opted for the body scrub and a body wrap, and for two glorious hours, I was utterly, blissfully numb. The foot bath before the massage was a lovely touch. The spa staff were amazing – friendly, professional, and very, very good at their jobs. The gym/fitness center, looks pretty decent too, though I confess I only peeked in, then promptly went back to the pool bar. I wanted to relax, not run on a treadmill! (Spa rating: 5/5 - Heavenly!)
(Cleanliness and Safety - Post-COVID Concerns)
Let's be real, we're all a little paranoid after…well, you know. Ambar Evleri seemed to take things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products, daily disinfection in common areas, individually-wrapped food options, hand sanitizer everywhere… It felt reassuring, even though room sanitization opt-out wasn't a thing. I noticed staff following safety protocols, so at least they are trained. And yes, the rooms appeared to be sanitized between stays, which is good, so far, so good. (Cleanliness and Safety rating: 4.5/5 - They're trying!)
(Dining: A Turkish Food Odyssey (With Some Hiccups))
Oh, the food! This is where it gets complicated. Restaurants, a la carte in restaurant, buffet in restaurant, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Western cuisine in restaurant… They pack in a lot of options! Breakfast [buffet] was insane. A spread that would shame a Roman Emperor! The Turkish breakfast, with all the cheeses, olives, and fresh bread, made my heart sing—a perfect start. Lunch at the poolside bar? Delicious, if a little predictable (burgers, salads, that sort of thing). The Happy hour was a welcome bonus, although the cocktail menu was a bit…basic. One night, I chanced upon dinner at their restaurant, which was an Asian cuisine theme and the dishes brought me back to life. (Dining rating: 4/5 - Delicious, but explore Kas!)
(Services and Conveniences - The Little Extras That Matter)
They had everything: concierge, daily housekeeping, laundry service, luggage storage… the works. The staff were generally friendly and helpful (though communication could sometimes be a little challenging – learn a few Turkish phrases!). The gift/souvenir shop was tempting, but I ultimately held back from buying a Turkish rug. Getting around was a breeze with the availability of airport transfer and taxi service. (Services rating: 4.5/5 - They've thought of it all!)
(For the Kids - Family Friendly? Maybe, Maybe Not.)
While Ambar Evleri marketed itself as family-friendly, it struck me as potentially more suited as a couples’ retreat. I saw babysitting service listed and, that's nice. Plus, there were kids facilities, but beyond that, I couldn't gleam any specific, wow-factor amenities for kids. I'm sure kids would enjoy the pools, but this hotel is much more slanted towards the adults. (For the Kids rating: 2.5/5 - More for the adults than the kids!)
(The Rooms - My Private Sanctuary… Mostly)
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the rooms. Mine was listed as non-smoking (thank goodness!) and had a private bathroom, bathtub, bathrobes, slippers, hair dryer, mini bar, safety box, the whole shebang. Air conditioning was a bliss in the turkish heat! The bed was HUGE and comfortable. The balcony offered a stunning view. The soundproofing was good, which allowed me to block out the sounds of the world and just sleep! But the wake-up service didn't go off when it should have and I nearly missed a tour, which was a real problem! (Room rating: 4/5 - mostly great, but with a few hiccups!)
(Getting Around - Don't Get Lost in Translation!)
Okay, airport transfer? Easy peasy. Taxi service? Readily available. And Kas is generally walkable. But that Valet parking - it felt a bit unnecessary, given that I could park right outside the hotel. (Getting Around: 4/5 - Simple and easy!)
(The Quirks: The Unpolished Jewels)
Now, here's what you really want to know. The little things. The imperfections that make a place feel… real.
- The "Hotel Chain" label… They're not a chain, it's more like an extremely well-run boutique establishment. Don't let that fool you.
- The water pressure in the shower could be a bit… gentle at times. Fine for a quick rinse, but not ideal for a full-blown pre-dinner scrub-down.
- I accidentally left a pair of underwear in the room. They’re probably still there, bless them.
- The Coffee Shop. The coffee was pretty awful! I’m a coffee snob, and this coffee tasted like it had been brewed with sadness. I really felt they were trying to cater for everyone, but this was a miss.
(Overall Impression: Would I Go Back?
Honestly? Yes, with a few caveats. Unbelievable Ambar Evleri is truly beautiful, and the spa is worth the price of admission alone. I'd go back to that spa. The staff are wonderful, the rooms are lovely, and the location is ideal. It's not perfect, but it's got a real charm, a feeling of genuine hospitality that you don't always find in luxury hotels. Just be aware of the minor issues, and you'll have an amazing time.
Final Rating: 4.2/5 stars (Highly Recommended)
Jeju Murray Pension: Your Dream Island Getaway Awaits!
Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your perfectly coiffed travel brochure. This is real life in Kas, Turkey, and I'm pretty sure my life is about to be a delightful, sun-drenched mess. Here's the plan (ha!), as it stands…
The Unofficial Ambar Evleri Kas Odyssey (aka, My Last Chance to Relax Before I Probably Lose My Mind)
Day 1: Arrival and the Existential Dread of Unpacking (Probably)
- Morning (ish): Landed in Dalaman, which felt like a furnace blast after the mild UK. Instantly regretted wearing that cute scarf. Found the pre-booked transfer - a rickety little van that smelled faintly of Turkish coffee and hope. Driver was a charming, if slightly terrifying, man who drove like he was personally involved in a rally race.
- Afternoon: Arrived at Ambar Evleri. Honestly? Stunning. The pictures don't even do it justice. Stone walls, bougainvillea spilling everywhere, turquoise water gleaming in the distance. Briefly considered just curling up and living there forever. Then remembered I'd have to, you know, function.
- (Late) Afternoon/Early Evening: The Unpacking Debacle. This is where things went sideways. My suitcase exploded. Literally. Half my clothes ended up on the floor, mingling with sand (because clearly, I'd packed it on the beach). The tiny wardrobe in my room started to look like the Bermuda Triangle of shirts. This whole event made feel a sense of dread.
- Evening: Dinner at a recommended restaurant in Kas harbor. The fish was fresh, the mezes were divine, and the wine… well, let's just say I might have stumbled back to Ambar Evleri. Saw a lady in a gold dress on the way back, she seems to be just enjoying her time there.
- Quirky Observation: Kas is definitely a cat town. Cute little furballs everywhere, judging my every move. Think I made friends with one, but I could be mistaken. His name is apparently Mr. Whiskers, and he looks like he's seen it all.
Day 2: Sun, Sea, and the Search for the Perfect (and affordable) Turkish Coffee
- Morning: Woke up to the sound of… chickens? Yep. Apparently, the idyllic village comes with a soundtrack. Walked down to the little beach - Kaputas Beach. The water was unbelievably clear, and I mean, like, "Instagram filter isn't necessary" clear. Spent a blessed hour just bobbing around, feeling the sun on my face.
- Mid-Morning: Coffee quest! Decided to sample Turkish coffee at every cafe I could find. This is serious research, people. First place? Way too strong. Second place? Delicious, but the service left something to be desired. Third place? Nailed it. Perfect balance of bitterness, sweetness, and a tiny, satisfying cup. The "coffee culture" is definitely a thing here. I'm in love.
- Lunch: Another meze-fueled feast. This time, a random taverna I stumbled upon. The owner, a gruff but kind man with twinkling eyes, insisted on bringing me out a dish I didn't order. Said it was a "taste of the sea." It was. Delicious.
- Afternoon: Tried to learn to scuba dive. Found I am very bad at exhaling underwater. Ended up swallowing half the ocean. Decided snorkeling would be a better fit for my skill set.
- Evening: Dinner at a rooftop restaurant with a view of the sunset. The sunset was beautiful. The food was… fine. But the view? Absolutely breathtaking. Felt a genuine pang of contentment. Still missing my family, but the beauty of this place helps a lot.
Day 3: The Kayaköy Ghost Town and a Moment of Existential (Revisited) Contemplation
- Morning: Trip to Kayaköy, the abandoned Greek village. SO. CREEPY. But also fascinating. Walking through the empty stone houses, imagining all the lives lived there… it was powerful. Felt a deep sense of loss and a strange connection to a history I didn't know.
- Mid-Morning/Afternoon: Got a little lost, which is par for the course. Ended up wandering an hour away from Kayaköy, in a small village. The people I encountered were so overwhelmingly kind, I felt like I'd wandered onto the set of a movie. The best part: I learned that, in Turkish, tea is çay. They also taught me how to say "thank you".
- Afternoon: Back to Kas. This evening is a free evening. Decided to visit an open-air cinema. I got a good spot and ordered a drink. However, I was surprised at the movie selection. The movie was called "The Fast and the Furious: Kas Drift." Pretty strange.
- Evening: Had a dream! I've never been a heavy dreamer, but for this trip, I have started to dream heavily.
Day 4: Doubling Down on a Dive (and My Inability to Handle Altitude)
- Morning: Decided the scuba-diving failure had to be rectified. I booked another lesson. This time, I nearly drowned. Not even kidding. Panicked, flailed, swallowed more seawater, and generally made a spectacle of myself. My instructor, a very patient individual, basically had to drag me back to the surface.
- Mid-Morning: After my near-death dive experience, I thought I'd need to rest, but I was feeling pretty good, so I decided to explore more.
- Afternoon: Another visit to Kayaköy. Spent the afternoon lost in thoughts. This trip has been so strange.
- Evening: Ate some more food. Saw someone else.
Day 5: Free Day. No plans. Just… life.
- Morning: Finally finished the book I started.
- Afternoon: Got a massage.
- Evening: Tried to plan a cooking class, and it failed.
Day 6: Departure (and the bittersweet goodbyes)
- Morning: A final sunrise over Kas. Spent an extra hour lounging, savouring every last moment.
- Afternoon: A final Turkish breakfast and a tear on the drive away.
- Evening: Arrived back in the UK, utterly exhausted and slightly changed. It might just be what I needed.
Postscript:
This trip wasn't perfect. I got lost. I failed at diving. I cried a few times (don't judge!). But it was real. And it was beautiful. And I wouldn't trade it for anything. Kas, you magnificent, chaotic, cat-filled place, you've got a piece of my heart. And I'll be back. Eventually. Probably with a better suitcase. And maybe, just maybe, a slightly more successful attempt at scuba diving. Or not. Either way, I'll be ready for you.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I'm off to order some Turkish coffee and dream of sunsets and turquoise water. Wish me luck. I'm going to need it.
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Unbelievable Ambar Evleri: Your Turkish Paradise... Or Is It? Ask Away (We've Been There. Literally.)
Okay, let's just cut to the chase: Is it *really* as "unbelievable" as the website claims? I mean, come on...
Alright, fine. Look, the website? They have those photoshopped sunsets and perfect angles. It *is* beautiful, sure. The setting? Stunning. Perched on that cliffside, overlooking the turquoise... thing is, "unbelievable" is a high bar. I'd say... mostly believable. Like, "holy moly, this *is* gorgeous" believable. But there's this little guesthouse right next to it that overlooks the same vista, that's also 'unbelievable'. That's not the point, the point is, get ready for a view that will actually make you gasp. Especially first thing in the morning. Yeah, take that "unbelievable" and stick it where the sun don't shine. It's pretty damn good. Don't expect perfection, it isn't perfect, but it comes damn close to it.
What’s the *actual* vibe? Romantic getaway? Family-friendly? Backpacking adventure?
Okay, so the vibe... it's a mishmash, a delightful chaotic symphony of sun-kissed skin, and... okay, so I'm trying to be poetic, it's mostly romantic, with a little bit of "OMG I need a nap" thrown in. Families are there, but more the kind with older kids who can manage their own snacks and sunscreen. Definitely NOT a hostel-esque backpacking scene. Think... more quiet conversations over Turkish coffee. Cuddling on balconies (if the mosquitos don't get you first!). Basically, chill and pretty. Not 'spring break' chill. More 'I want a life-changing vacation with my partner' chill. I was with my wife, and we saw one couple had a serious fight in the middle of the night - ahem, that was something. Maybe those issues were waiting to explode anyway, but, you know, the views are magnificent.
Those infinity pools... real deal or Photoshop magic? Asking for a friend... who is me.
THE POOLS. Oh. My. God. They are REAL. And they are DIVINE. Look, I'm a pool snob. I've seen some dodgy pools in my time (ahem, that one in Bali with the questionable algae...). These are the real deal. Sparkling, clean, and dropping off into that endless blue. Yes, you *can* take that perfect Instagram shot. Just get there early-ish. They get packed later in the day. and the pool boy will tell you to get out by 7pm. Trust me, go early to avoid the crowds of sweaty tourists - and the sheer bliss is worth the early wake-up call. One morning, I swear, I almost cried looking out from the pool. And the bar, it's great!
Food! Tell me about the food! Is it just tourist-trap grub or actual, authentic Turkish deliciousness?
Alright, let's talk grub. The breakfast? AMAZING. Seriously, mountains of fresh fruit, cheeses, olives, and the best Turkish coffee I've ever had (and I drink a lot of coffee). Now, the dinners... that's where it gets a little more... inconsistent. Some nights, it's pure magic. Fish fresh off the boat, perfectly grilled lamb, and mezes that'll make you weep with joy. Other nights? It's fine. Edible, but not necessarily *memorable*. The restaurant has views, so that helps, but don't go expecting Michelin star, it's great, just don't expect it to change your life. But the breakfasts, seriously. Book those, you won't regret them. The other food, well, there's plenty of places in Kaş.
Kas itself... is it as charming as everyone says?
Kas? Oh, it's absolutely charming. Picture this: cobblestone streets, bougainvillea cascading everywhere, and little shops selling everything from hand-woven rugs to incredibly cheesy souvenirs, I’m just saying… But, the point is, the harbor is beautiful. You can find some of the best gelato I've ever tasted (seriously, that pistachio one...), and some amazing restaurants. Everyone seems to be going to Kas now, and it's a little touristy, not *as* bad as, say, Istanbul, but it’s getting there, you know? It's worth exploring, but be prepared to share it with the masses, especially during peak season, go early, be kind, and you'll have a great time!
What about the rooms? Are they clean? Comfortable? Because I'm a princess (or a prince... whatever).
The rooms... okay, I'll be honest, they're not the Ritz. They are clean and well-maintained, but the decor is... let's say, "rustic." Think whitewashed walls, simple furniture, and maybe a slightly wonky tile or two. But! They embrace the local style, with interesting textiles and a gorgeous view. The beds are comfortable. They have AC (thank GOD, it gets HOT). The balconies? Absolutely essential for enjoying the view, that’s the best part. Don't expect super-luxury, expect local charm and an incredible location. And the bathrooms don't leak. That's a plus!
Is it worth the price tag? Because, let's be real, it's not budget travel.
This is the big one, right? The price tag. It’s not cheap. It's a splurge. Is it worth it? Honestly... it depends. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a romantic getaway, and you can afford it, then yes. The location, the views, the pools... they are truly special. If you're on a tight budget and you're expecting perfection, you might be disappointed. Go in with realistic expectations and you’ll be happy. Is it worth every penny? Maybe not. But you'll still be happy!
Any hidden costs or things I should be aware of?
Ah, the little things. Okay, so... the mini-bar is *not* complimentary. And yeah, the restaurant prices are a little steep. They also have a deal with taxis. Basically, you can call the hotel and they call a Taxi, but that ride is usually triple the usual price. So go to the town yourself and flag one. The biggest thing is: mosquitos. I got BITTEN. They're hungry and relentless. Bring sprayComfort Zone Inn
