An In-Depth Review of the Kelebek Cave Hotel in Cappadocia!

We have just spent one spectacular week in the Cappadocia region of Türkiye, staying all 6 nights at the Kelebek Special Cave Hotel. And this is my review of everything we experienced during our stay!

Firstly, I’ll just point out that this was our second visit to Cappadocia Türkiye. Following our first visit just a couple of years ago, we really felt the magic of Cappadocia and fell in love – hook, line and sinker. So coming back felt kismet.

It meant we could re-experience all the things we loved the first time round, but also explore all the things that were still on our Cappadocia bucket list. At the same time, it meant we could experience the region from a more luxe perspective. You see, our first visit was during our full-time travels, and so this time we were able to indulge some more.

This review covers everything you can expect from a stay at Kelebek Cave Hotel. We explain what to expect from the restaurant, the breakfast, our suite, the hammam, pool and other amenities. As always I provide my thoughts on how Kelebek Cave Hotel measures up as a sustainable property.

Given that we are very familiar with Göreme and Cappadocia, and have tried most of the activities, I also share the best ones to book with Kelebek. Don’t forget to click through to our other content on the region, so that you can be fully prepared for a Cappadocia visit of a lifetime!

Our First Impression of Kelebek Cave Hotel

We arrived from the other side of the world, after cancelled flights and subsequent lost luggage. And I can tell you that when we turned up at 9am, the welcome faces we met at the Kelebek Cave Hotel were a god send. The helpful team immediately got to work to help us find our luggage, which was floating around somewhere in Istanbul!

We were welcomed into our beautiful cave room, amid fairy chimneys, and hidden cave corners. Our first feeling was, we’re at home, safe, comfortable and IN LOVE with our surroundings. Then breakfast in their Michelin recognised Happena restaurant gave us the final pick-me-up we desperately needed.

But below I’ll explain in more detail, how the rest of our Cappadocia stay with the Kelebek Cave Hotel unfolded, including the amenities, the Kelebek family story, our thoughts on sustainability and more.

Kelebek Cave Hotel Amenities

Before I go into more detail about the facilities and amenities at the Kelebek Cave Hotel, I have to commend the overall look and feel. There is a really magical atmosphere about the space they have created. Now don’t forget I’ve stayed in a Cappadocia Cave Hotel previously, and this is not necessarily the case in all cave hotels.

The thing I noticed at Kelebek is that every corner, every artifact on display, holds a little piece of history. It’s a reminder of the culture and custom of the people, and an intentional appreciation to place. These caves have been home to families, literally over centuries. That makes them very very special.

And I love how Kelebek have kept this authentic-ness, they’ve held on tight to everything that makes the caves and fairy chimneys special. Not overshadowing with design, but instead celebrating and complementing each space with love and careful consideration. Ultimately giving their guests a small glimpse into the beauty of this way of living.

The Room

We were immediately cosy, and right at home in our beautiful cave suite. I often hear feedback, or read reviews that cave hotels in Cappadocia can have a musty air about them. This is definitely not the case for the Kelebek Cave Hotel.

The little couch and connected room was the perfect spot to kick back at the end of the day. The bath was the best I’ve had in a very long time. Equally the bathroom was spotlessly clean, and very comfortable.

I have to add that I absolutely loved the fireplace in our room, and I believe that all rooms have one. There is nothing more special than curling up in bed at night, with a fire crackling in the background. It really was the icing on the cake!

The Restaurant

One of my absolute favourite things about the Kelebek Cave Hotel and sister hotels is the strength they bring in terms of restaurants. This group of hotels is perfectly suited to a foodie such as myself.

Four of the hotels have fine dining restaurants with incredibly delicious food. Two of which, have even been awarded Michelin recognition. The images speak for themselves, really. Needless to say, we ate at every single restaurant, and left Cappadocia a little rounder than when we arrived. But certainly the Cappadocia food scene is one that took my breath away, and an aspect that we missed on our first visit to the region.

More specifically Happena, is the Michelin recognised restaurant situated within the Kelebek Cave Hotel. They feature a menu that celebrates historical Hittite and Anatolian cuisine with some very unique dishes featuring on the menu. Such as the lamb intestines option or the grilled ram testicles.

If you prefer something less adventurous, never fear there are many delicious choices. We thoroughly recommend the grilled oyster mushrooms and braised lamb neck, and for desert the candied pumpkin dessert with Turkish cotton candy is an absolute must!

The Hammam & Spa

We had the pleasure of enjoying the full package couples hammam at the Kelebek Cave Hotel. It was my first experience ever of a Turkish hammam, and my friends, it did not disappoint!

You’ll immediately notice the change in temperature as you descend the steps into the spa, followed by the friendly smiles. We were shown exactly what to do, and expect, before being shown into the hammam room. A traditional large room with large heated marble table, surrounded by small marble basins.

I will admit, I was a little apprehensive at first. The stories I’ve heard from fellow travellers of hammam experiences sounded somewhat overwhelming. But this one left me feeling respected, relaxed and oh so clean!

So for those who are unfamiliar with what to expect from a hammam experience, let me briefly explain. The process starts with a warming up, a sauna if you like, then you lie on the marble slab. Next you lie face down, and the hammam therapist, wets you down and gives you the scrub of a lifetime! Followed by the most luxurious foaming soap experience… I honestly don’t know how to capture it in words. Best you just go and experience it for yourself.

Then if you’ve chosen the full package you’ll be washed, dried, lead to a relaxing cave room for a drink and face mask. Next comes the massage, where you choose your oil and an invigorating massage begins.

It’s so so good!! And the setting will be one of the most unique spas you’ve ever experienced. A definite 5 out of 5 activity to add to your list.

The Pool

The weather was a little too cool for me to go swimming as we visited in Spring. That said, the pool was set in a cosy space, with beautiful views over the valley, surrounded by loungers if you just want to cool off and catch some sun.

Also good to know, is that just down the road is the Heybe hotel with heated pool. And if you’re booked to stay in one of the Kelebek Group hotels, you are free to use the facilities in their other properties. This was a big positive for me, and after checking out the pool at Aza Cave, and Heybe, I definitely recommend visitors check them out. That’s if you’re not too busy hiking, touring or hot air ballooning of course 😉

The Breakfast

The beautiful Happena restaurant, is the very same setting for the breakfast spread. Choose the terrace, or indoor setting and get ready for a breakfast unlike you’ve ever experienced. We love a good Turkish breakfast and got straight down to business.

My plate was loaded up with olives, dips, pastes, spreads, fig jams and apricot conserves, cheeses of every kind, tahini pastries. I even nabbed a piece of baklava for breakfast one morning… naughty I know. The typical egg and tomato breakfast of Menemen is also a winner, or sujuk sausage.

The Turkish really do know how to breakfast, and Kelebek take it to the next level. The elevated setting overlooking Goreme, alongside the delicious breakfast spread was truly top notch.

View from the Kelebek Cave Hotel

Here we go… the big question. Can you see the hot air balloons flying from the terrace. In short yes you can… if the wind is flying in the direction of Goreme. Unfortunately for us, it was too windy during our visit and the hot air balloons didn’t fly. I know… all 6 days! So my best tip… don’t stay for less than 3 nights if you want a good chance to see or experience a hot air balloon ride.

But back to the question on hot balloon views from Kelebek. Actually the hotel is very elevated, with great views over all of Göreme. So yes you will likely see them, from the multiple mini terraces. On the morning the balloons fly the terraces are decorated with carpets and so if you do catch them on your visit, the photo opportunities are VERY good!

Booking an Activity or Tour

Kelebek Cave Hotel provides the full range of tours and experiences. I absolutely recommend you try a few of them for your visit.

Hot Air Balloon – The Kelebek group are connected to three hot air balloon companies. I highly recommend booking with them directly in advance to avoid disappointment.

The Red/Blue/Green +++ Tour – These private or group tours are among some of the most popular things to do in Cappadocia. Choose the best one that suits your style of travel, from the Open Air Museum, to hidden fairy chimney valleys and underground cities. There’s something for everyone.

Wine Tasting – Book a one-on-one with the in-house sommelier of Kelebek. He will introduce you the best grapes and wines of Cappadocia in their very own cave wine cellar.

Pottery Making in Avanos – I highly recommend this experience if you’re a ceramic lover and want a better hands-on understanding of the region’s connection to ceramics and art.

Hiking in the Valleys – Book a hiking guide and explore the stunning Red and Rose Valley, Pigeon and Love Valley or Ihlara Valley. We’ve done them all, and can recommend each one for a different reason. (Post coming soon.)

Beyond these experiences, Kelebek offers horse-riding, whirling dervish, photography shoots and so much more!! I recommend you get in touch with their team, and book ahead, particularly during the busy season.

Kings Valley

This is quite possibly my favourite aspect of the Kelebek Group and deserves its own heading. The Yavuz family, believe it or not, have their own valley. It’s privately owned and therefore available only to Kelebek guests.

Just outside Göreme town, and only open between the months of April through September is the exclusive Kings Valley. This is the perfect location for a private event, a wedding reception, a cooking class, or simply to visit the land and experience everything it offers.

This secluded spot is where Kelebek make and cook their handmade breads. The lovely team who work here, will welcome you and show you the food they produce in the valley, the farm animals they rear, and the cave rooms reserved for special occasions.

What’s more getting there is easy from the hotel because the team have thought of that too. Directly from the hotel, jump aboard the tractor and trailer, and they’ll transport you up through town and down into the heart of Kings Valley!

Who Are Kelebek – The Family Story

It was the family story that sold me on the Kelebek Hotel and Group. Their story is a local one. One connected to Göreme and Cappadocia over generations, a time when Kelebek Cave Hotel was once the family home.

First let me introduce, Ali Yavuz, the head of the family and visionary behind the Kelebek Group. Ali Bey grew up running around, from cave to cave, their beautiful and very unique family home. Later as the natural heir he inherited this gem – nestled right in the heart of a UNESCO world heritage site. Fortunately Ali Bey is a man who cares for history. And so he went about restoring and renovating Kelebek Cave Hotel with an eye for retaining authenticity and a keen attention to detail.

Ali Bey and his wife continued to live in Göreme, with a growing family of their own, their children experiencing a similar Cappadocian childhood. One full of adventure, caves, fairy chimneys, valleys, international travellers and more. Naturally the children have become an integral part of the Kelebek Group, including first son, Murat Bey and his young family.

The Yavuz family are extremely committed to protecting the region, the landscape, the culture and heritage. Over time they have become very involved in community projects and organisations. Just recently Murat Bey was elected a Board Director for the Türkiye Tourism and Promotion Development Agency (TGA). After meeting them multiple times during our visit, even sitting for a special lunch with Murat Bey and family, we discovered they are a very humble family. Quiet, caring, always observing.

They’re local, they’re genuine and they are just the kind of people that visitors to Cappadocia should support. I strongly urge you explore their beautiful range of hotels and book directly with them.

The Kelebek Group of Hotels

With Kelebek you actually have options. More recently the family expanded their collection and now have 6 hotels in total – The Kelebek Special Cave Hotel, Sultan Cave Suites, Aza Cave Hotel, Heybe Hotel, Cappadocia Cave Suites, and Seki Cave Cavusin. Each one suits a different type of visitor or traveller. With different budgets and different offerings. (Post coming soon).

What I like about this, is that you can essentially explore each of the facilities. For example make the most of the heated pool at Heybe Hotel, or book a spa at the Kelebek Cave Hotel, or enjoy the rooftop sundowners at the Sultan Cave Suites. In fact we insist that you do! Each hotel is uniquely intertwined in decor and atmosphere, yet unique and individual at the same time. We wandered through every hotel, admired every view and spoke to the team at each one.

In summary I wouldn’t stay anywhere else. The Kelebek Group are one that we will no doubt return to again and again.

👯‍♀️ On that note: In the coming months I will be putting together Turkey group tours – a women only tour, and a mixed group. Do get in touch if you want to find out more, or you want to join the mailing list for these updates!

Sustainability

Okay… so how does the Kelebek Cave Hotel measure up on sustainability? In the reception I discovered the above Sustainable Tourism Certification. So I did a little digging to see what this actually meant.

According to my sources, Türkiye was one of the first countries to sign with the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), on a government level. The GSTC have set a series of pillars and standards, which have been developed by consensus on a global scale. There are currently some 6000+ hotels across Türkiye, who have met these standards, Kelebek Cave Hotel being one of them.

In terms of ways we could see sustainability in practice? In the bathroom there was a gentle reminder to preserve water, and there were recycling bins in the room encouraging guests to seperate their waste. They also bake their own bread in the Kings Valley, while also collecting their own organic local produce that can be grown in the valley. In addition I saw their commitment to the local community through the education and support of local businesses.

And this is just my quick observation, I’ve no doubt, that their dedication to sustainability goes much deeper than this.

Our Final Impression!

We would like to extend our enormous gratitude to the Kelebek Group. More specifically, Ali Bey, Murat Bey and family, Linda and the incredible team at the Kelebek Cave Hotel. Our stay is quite simply, one of those holidays that you remember for life.

It has to be said that this trip was essentially a research trip for me. With plans to return with group trips to Türkiye in the coming years, I wanted to be sure that the Kelebek Group are people of their word, that the fit is right and that their hotels feel like a place I want to promote.

And they have exceeded my expectations in every single possible way. I feel that I have left Cappadocia, not with a hotel company to promote, but with new found friends, whom we will now be connected to for the rest of our days.

Ali Bey and the wider Kelebek family are truly good people, and they have my support every step of the way.

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