Discovering the Charm of Maçakızı: Everlasting Summer

Weaving's Concierge

For nearly five decades, Maçakızı has been more than just a hotel; it has become a defining symbol of summer along Turkey’s stunning Turquoise Coast. Founded in 1977 by the legendary Ayla Emiroğlu, known affectionately as Maça Kızı or the Queen of Spades, this enchanting retreat has welcomed artists, writers, and travelers seeking the perfect escape.

Initially a bohemian hideaway, Maçakızı evolved under the stewardship of Ayla’s son, Sahir Erozan, who relocated the hotel to Göltürkbükü, ensuring that the rustic charm and breathtaking Aegean landscape remained at its heart. The hotel’s design features whitewashed architecture that seamlessly integrates with the surrounding hillside, encapsulating the very essence of Mediterranean allure.

In Maçakızı: Everlasting Summer, readers will find a beautifully curated history of this beloved destination. Written by Melinda Stevens, former editor-in-chief of Condé Nast Traveller, the book offers stunning photography by Oliver Pilcher, along with personal snapshots from the archives of Sahir and Ayla. This visual narrative highlights the hotel’s transformation from a hidden gem to a pilgrimage site for those seeking a taste of Mediterranean hospitality.

With over seventy rooms and a private villa available for rent, Maçakızı also boasts several culinary options, including a Michelin-starred restaurant led by Chef Aret Sahakya. Sahir Erozan’s philosophy of hospitality shines through, inviting guests to not just visit, but to truly feel alive during their stay. As he poignantly notes, “That hasn’t changed since the day my mother opened the doors.”

MAÇAKIZI: EVERLASTING SUMMER

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