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A three kilometre curve of a pale and almost
empty beach, a mountain soaring upwards to 7,000 ft, and
the ruins of a once great city now half hidden between
banks of oleander and shady plane trees until it emerges
by the sea, provide the unbelievable setting of the
Olympos Lodge Hotel.
Small and exclusive, the Olympos Lodge stands right next
to the beach, yet its gardens are so abundant that its
low buildings are almost invisible, only revealed on
walking up the path and passing under the canopy of
trees and flowers which provide shade and tranquillity
in this lovely spot. Staying here indulges all the
senses: the eye delights in the lush vegetation, the
occasional modern sculpture, and the albino peacocks. In
the freshness of morning there is the sound of songbirds,
in the evening the smell of jasmine and rose.
Rooms are set within these lovely grounds, some facing
the sea. In high summer there is something almost
tropical about the clambering plants, the white
pavilions, the hammocks slung between trees, and the
uncluttered beach and sea beyond. In low season there is
the cosiness of the winter garden room, where
comfortable chairs and an open fire are welcome after a
day spent exploring an area known for its beauty. |
