Ayasoluk Hotel in the Heart of Selcuk

I dragged my luggage from the bus station to the brick road up the hill, kept my fingers crossed that we're on the right path. We have studied the location map carefully, but since we opted not to subscribe to an international roaming service, our travel best friend - Google wasn't there to confirm if we got the directions correctly. 

An old man who assumed Ed and I were on a honeymoon trip (Hahah!) said we're probably confused as there are two Ayasoluk Hotels in Selcuk. Oh no! The other one is actually Ayasolok which is down the hill, across the main road. I was pretty sure that we're heading to the correct Ayasoluk Hotel as I could already see the landmarks stated in the hotel website - Ayasoluk Castle, Basilica of St. John, Isabey Mosque, but I just don't know which of the many left turns to take. 

After he wished us "Happy Honeymoon" (Gosh, I still couldn't help but laugh), we took his advice, turned left and finally saw a marker in the midst of a charming neighborhood. Few more confusions came, but we eventually arrived at the brick-clad facade of Ayasoluk Hotel. When we entered the courtyard, we were welcomed with open arms by Sarah, the lovely lady who never failed to promptly reply to my subsequent emails! Home, finally!     

Ayasoluk Hotel in Selcuk

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How to get to Selcuk from Pamukkale by Bus

Bus or Train? Ed and I were torn between two options when we inquired for tickets to Selcuk in a travel agency in Pamukkale. Train tickets are more affordable, but we had to go to the train station in Denizli which is almost 20 minutes by shuttle bus from Pamukkale. Taking the bus was the best way for us, but another question popped up... which bus?   

Pamukkale Turizm Bus

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Travel Video: Sweet Escapes in Pamukkale and Selcuk

It's been almost three months since our Turkey trip. Schedule was pretty tight after, hence we didn't get to share everything in this blog instantly. Sorry! But I'm really thankful to those who appreciate the snippets that we have shared in our social media handles. Huge huge THANKS for the private messages, especially the queries! It kept the memories alive and it inspired us to go on with our #SweetEscapesInTurkey blog series.

This may be a little late, but I'm soooo excited to finally share our travel video diaries in Pamukkale and Selcuk; mounted and made special by the husband!

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Turkey: Paragliding in Pamukkale

Based on the title alone, I guess you all know that this post was written by Ed. Heheh. Here are seven reasons why he thinks paragliding in Pamukkale is a must-do. He hopes this can somehow convince me to try it out if we get another opportunity in the future. Hmmm, we'll see! :)  - Lady  

After the 10-hour bus trip from Cappadocia to Pamukkale and a 3-hour rest at Melrose Viewpoint Hotel, I kicked off the second leg of our Turkey trip  with an extreme adventure. Paragliding! I really felt it was a great way to start our three days stay in Pamukkale town. It would have been better if Lady did it as well though. Hahah! 

I was excited to paraglide over the travertine terraces, but not as excited as I was when I was going for skydiving above Palm Jumeirah. I mean, paragliding is on my list, however I aim to do it first in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Dream on! Hahah! 

But then again, who could resist the urge of having a bird's-eye view of the magnificent white travertines of Pamukkale? I had the opportunity, I couldn't just stand there and let it pass. 

Paragliding in Pamukkale

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Turkey: 50 Hours in Pamukkale

In the southwest of Turkey lies a dramatic landscape of white travertine terraces overrunning with calcite-laden waters. It is called the Cotton Castle, or Pamukkale in Turkish. The surreal attraction, along with the ancient spa city of Hierapolis on top of the white mountain, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most visited tourist destination in Turkey. 

A day trip in Pamukkale is possible, but since I promised Ed that this trip would be a relaxed one, no full-packed itinerary and no rush, I booked a two nights stay in Pamukkale town. So, we had a total of 50 hours to spare and I felt it was just right.    

Sweet 50-hour Escape in Pamukkale

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