At Gökçe Gemile we have a very simple philosophy: to give our guests the most distinctive and memorable holiday experience imaginable.
It is a great honour for us to be able to offer our guests such a unique and secluded retreat in this extraordinarily beautiful part of Turkey, far from the hectic pace of modern life.
In terms of our concept, Gökçe Gemile is neither a hotel, nor a group of villas; rather, it is our home and for our guests, a home from home. Creating the perfect blend of Turkish hospitality together with a certain level of informality and discretion, is something in which we sincerely believe.
All the members of the Gökçe Gemile team, which is like one big family, work constantly to create the ideal atmosphere: one in which our guests are able to relax.
Gökçe Gemile has an inspirational mystical heritage and it is one we aim to continue. Close by are the ruins of Af Kule, a monastic retreat that was carved into the towering cliffs centuries ago and blessed with some of the most awe-inspiring views in the entire Mediterranean. Now, we too have been given a remarkable opportunity to add some unique architectural creations of our own.
Such an amazing privilege comes with many responsibilities and Gökçe Gemile has been accomplished with respect both for its natural surroundings and the area’s historical and spiritual legacy. Likewise, our philosophy also has deep roots in this part of the world; one of sharing this extraordinary natural retreat, far from the pressures of daily life, with our guests.
Like us, we are sure our guests will find the tranquillity and harmony of the surroundings are mystical, calming and at the same time energizing.
Turkey has a long and well-deserved reputation for hospitality. Having guests to stay is a great privilege, an honour, and this is a tradition we take very seriously at Gökçe Gemile.
We never see “customers”; here, everyone is a guest and the Gökçe Gemile team are their hosts. At the same time, we are well aware of the value attached to privacy and seclusion and for our guests both are provided at every level.
The setting itself is totally secluded – Gökçe Gemile is virtually invisible from the road – only the rooftops can be seen – and there is 24-hour gated security to ensure that access is carefully restricted. Inside the grounds, guests are ensured of complete privacy both in the communal areas, as well as in their gardens and houses.
The land at Gökçe Gemile was and still is home to many magnificent carob trees.
These trees have an ancient history in this part of the world and are so well-respected that when designing Gökçe Gemile we thought it was essential that none were removed from the land.
Every year there is an abundant harvest of chocolate flavoured pods, which grow in profusion among the leafy branches. We collect these pods and grind them to make a special flour, which also has a distinctive chocolatey flavour. We use this to make cakes and biscuits, which we are proud to share with you.
As you will see, our aim at Gökçe Gemile is to live in harmony with while being respectful of nature.
This means environmental responsibility is something we take very seriously. Following in the footsteps of local custom, we have reused the stones gathered from the site to build the walls surrounding the grounds. This philosophy also extends to the recycling of waste. For example, organic kitchen waste is given to the local chicken and goat owners, while non-degradable rubbish is disposed of responsibly.
At Gökçe Gemile we see ourselves as the guardians of the precious land, forests and eco-systems that surround us.
As in the rest of the Mediterranean, fire is an ever present risk, especially during the tinder-dry summer months. For this reason we need to have a very strict smoking policy. As with all rental properties, we too have a no smoking policy inside the houses. Guests may smoke in the gardens, should they wish, but we respectfully request that they always use an ashtray and dispose of their cigarette butts responsibly.
Guests may also smoke on the beach and in the private coves, always taking other guests, who may not smoke, into consideration. However, there is a very strict no smoking policy on the inclined lift and the surrounding area, leading to the beach. Here, we must insist that there is no smoking whatsoever due to the risk of fire and the fact that it is highly illegal!
For the safety of our guests and the environment there is always a member of the Gökçe Gemile team on watch, day and night.
Gökçe Gemile: the perfect name for a perfect paradise
Gökçe Gemile, the original name given to this beautiful secluded location, sums up our concept so perfectly, we decided to keep it.
In Turkish, Gökçe has several meanings – sky blue, celestial, heavenly – in other words, the azure, blue and turquoise of the sea below, the blue of the skies above and the heavenly beauty, peace and quiet of the location.
Gemile, on the other hand, is the name given to the protected coastline that stretches from the historic site of Af Kule, once a monastic retreat, past the dramatic and uninhabited wooded cape of İblis Burnu, all the way to the rocky inlets of Beş Taşlar and includes the mysterious island of Gemiler with its Byzantine ruins, which is also known as St Nicholas island.
