Ranch Hotel, Turkey
Reviews
“The staff were very friendly and went out their way to make me feel welcome and to introduce me to other holiday makers. The riding trails are really beautiful, I've never experienced this kind of freedom in a Mediterranean environment, the mountains were wild and the beaches long for gallops. Our guide was highly entertaining and the conversation rich and fun, prepare for laughs! I felt safe at all times on my horse, she was very well trained and so responsive. The dining area is rustic and intimate with spectacular views and delicious authentic Turkish food, cooked and served with a smile. The rooms are simple but cosy. I really recommend the Ranch Hotel to all, whether travelling as a family or alone. I had a positively unique experience. ”
Horses
Type of horses:
Arabian, Thoroughbred, Haflinger and others.
Nature of horses:
Well trained, safe and gentle.
Height of horses:
14hh - 16hh
Weight limit:
100 kg/220 lbs
Tack type:
English and Trekking saddles
Weather
Current Conditions:
Partly Cloudy, 16 C
Forecast:
Sun - Sunny. High: 15 Low: 6
Mon - Mostly Cloudy. High: 16 Low: 9
Full Forecast at Yahoo! Weather
(provided by The Weather Channel)
Pricing
Trail Programme
2012 prices:
Double occupancy: £699 per person
Single occupancy: £832 per person
Price includes 7 nights of accommodation (4 nights at the hotel and 3 in village houses), breakfast everyday, lunches and dinners on the 3 days/nights away from the hotel and 6 days of horse riding as per itinerary.
Prices does NOT include flights, travel insurance, lunches and dinners on the 4 days/nights based at the hotel and extras not mentioned.
Stationary Programme
2012 Prices (based on B&B accommodation):
Fifteen hour weekly programme:
£550 Per person per double room.
Single: £693 per week
Twenty-eight hour programme:
£667 Per person per double room.
Single: £810 per week
Children:
0 - 6 years non-riders: Free stay in the accommodation if staying in the same room as parents (non riders only)
7 - 12 years non-riders: 50% discount in the accommodation if staying in the same room as parents (non riders only)
Price does not include flights or travel insurance.
Availability/Booking Form
Ride Description
This welcoming hotel is the perfect place to explore the beauty of the Mediterranean from horseback for an extremely reasonable price. Situated in the pine-covered foothills of Tahtali Peak, the second highest mountain in the Taurus range, and just 50km from Antalya and 2.5km from the sea, the hotel is surrounded by orange groves, pomegranate orchards and adventurous mountain trails. Guests can enjoy daily horse riding, trekking and mountain biking or relax by the pool or on the nearby pebble beaches. The nearby Twin Peaks (Ikiz Tepeler) are a volcanic natural wonder which have come to symbolise the area.
The hotel includes stables of around thirty well trained Arabs, Haflingers and European bred horses, which can be matched to both beginners and experienced riders. There is a 2000 square metre ménage, a free paddock area of around 10,000 square metres and a tack room. Instructors can give private riding lessons or tuition in jumping or dressage. For those who are more experienced there are plenty of beautiful and exciting forest and mountain tours - galloping up the mountain side is certainly a thrill. You can explore trails to the mythological Mt. Olympus and the ruins of ancient Phaselis with views from the Lycian Road. For capable riders, there is a trip to Alacasu which includes swimming with the horses in the sea and a tour of an ancient church.
The hotel not only offers excellent riding opportunities but also has all the facilities you could need for an enjoyable holiday - welcoming rooms, a restaurant, two snack bars, a pool, tennis courts, mountain bikes, car rental and even a free shuttle to the beach. There is also a small Western town which has been recreated on site and is great fun for all ages. The excellent price of visits to this destination are no reflection on the quality of service and it's one to be considered whether on a budget or not!
See Programmes.
Food & Accommodation
Hidden amongst pine trees, with orange and pomegranate gardens and facing the spectacular volcanic Twin peaks, the 72 bed hotel offers 26 standard rooms, 2 suites and a honeymoon suite. An extra bed can be added to the double rooms.
Accommodation is rustic and simply furnished. All standard ranch rooms are air conditioned with own bathroom (shower), hair dryer, safe-box (you can rent), refrigerator, telephone, and TV (Satellite). In addition, some rooms have a balcony, whilst the suite rooms have carpets, mini bar and verandah. The honeymoon suite also has a mini bar, balcony and bathroom with a bathtub. The standard garden rooms have doors which open directly onto the gardens.
The hotel has a front desk from where excursions, activities and services can be arranged. A free wireless internet connection is available. Laundry, dry cleaning, car rental and taxi services are available. There is even a Mini-Boutique providing opportunities for shoppers.
On the weekly trail guest will have the opportunity to stay in local village accommodation where they can enjoy the wonderful Turkish hospitality.
Hotel guests can enjoy the fabulous restaurant, which offers a gourmet experience that appeals to all five senses as it provides a spectacular view of the mountains. The extensive a la carte menu is prepared with fresh, local ingredients.
The chef’s creativity is reflected in the visual presentation providing an absolute feast for the senses while the Horse Bar offers a bistro menu with light appetizers and the opportunity to sip a cool, refreshing drink. This a la carte menu can be enjoyed either in the indoor restaurant (80 capacity) or on the outdoor terrace in the summer, both with spectacular views.
The "Horse Cafe - Bistro" provides snacks and drinks between 08.00 and 20.00. The hotel's bars and restaurant welcome guests in a cosy atmosphere for a unique Turkish experience. The reading lounge, next to the fireplace, is ideal for relaxing moments perhaps enjoying a sophisticated aperitif or a glass of classic Turkish tea. The "Horse Bar" is ideal for having a quick snack or sipping coffee whilst enjoying the views of the stunning Twin Peaks and Taurus Mountain, or cheering on novice riders taking their "first steps" on the menage where the hotel's professional horse riding team provide instruction.
Activities
Other activities available in the hotel itself include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis court, volleyball, basketball and mini football fields, an outdoor fitness centre and mountain bikes. A free daily shuttle service from the hotel to the local beach is available. Sunbeds, umbrellas and beach towels are provided for both the beach and the swimming pool.
Additional activities available at extra cost include jeep safari, rafting, scuba diving, boat trips, yacht tours, historical tours. Three different spa programmes are also available.
Further Details
Languages: English, Turkish
Health requirements: Fit and healthy
Age limit: Minimum age of 12 on trails
Tuition: Dependent on programme.
Included: Accommodation, breakfasts, horse riding as per chosen itinerary, activities available at the hotel, daily shuttle service to Kemer beach and wireless internet connection.
Not included: Flights, travel insurance, airport transfers, lunches (can be purchased at the restaurant or sandwich boxes can be provided at an additional cost), dinners (can be purchased in the hotel restaurant), drinks, laundry, telephone usage, spa programmes and some services, activities and excursions arranged locally.
Travel Information
Low cost flights to Antalya from Stansted, Gatwick, Birmingham, Bristol, East Midlands, Glasgow, Manchester and Newcastle are available.
Airport transfers can be arranged, but to be paid for locally.
Antalya - Hotel - Antalya (max 4 pax): 90 €
Antalya - Hotel - Antalya (max 10 pax): 130 €
Airport: Antalya
Programmes
Trail Programme
|
The trail programme takes place in the Taurus Mountains, at the base of Tahtali Mountain which is 2360m high. You ride to an altitude of 1000m so this programme can only take place in the summer, because temperatures can be 5-7 degrees lower than in Kemer. The programme includes 4 nights spent at the hotel and 3 nights at Turkish houses in the mountains. Saturday: Arrival day, check in and enjoy a welcome cocktail. You will be shown around the ranch and given information about the riding programme, activities and other excursions. Free time. Sunday: After breakfast, you will be introduced to the horses and your instructors and will then warm up in the menage so that your ability can be assessed. The groups will be arranged according to riders' abilities. You will ride in the pine forest for around 3 - 5 hours. Monday: Today you will start your trail programme with a ride to the village of Yayla Kuzdere. This is the nearest place to the Tahtali Mountains (2365m above sea level) and up until July its crest is covered with snow. During this ride guests will enjoy wonderful coast and mountain views. Riding is about 6 - 7 hours today. Tonight you will stay in the village. Tuesday: This is your second day in the mountains and today you will ride to the village of Cukurca which is in the Taurus mountains at 1500m high. During this ride you can again enjoy the beautiful views across the forests. Riding is around 5 - 6 hours today and you will spend the night in Cukurca. Wednesday: This third day in the mountains involves riding to the last village you will visit, Gedelma. Riding is around 7 - 8 hours today and you will enjoy your last night here in the beautiful Turkish countryside. Thursday: After breakfast you will ride back towards the hotel. During today's ride you will pass the road beside the mountain river Agva, will see ancient oak trees (2500 years old!) and other interesting sights. The path will lead beside the canyon of Kesme Bogazi. Riding is around 6 - 7 hours today and overnight will be back at the hotel. Friday: Today you will enjoy breakfast back at the ranch and can then enjoy some riding inside the forest with views of the coast. You will have some free time to relax by the pool or to try another activity. Saturday: After breakfast you will depart for your flight home (depending on departure time). |
|
| Accommodation: | Four nights at the hotel and three in village houses. |
| Minimum group size: | 2 |
| Maximum group size: | 8 |
| Ability description: | Intermediate and above. |
| Type of ride: | Trail (with technically only 3 nights away from the hotel). |
| Total riding time: | Approximately 35 hours across the week, with some days involving as much as 7 or 8 hours and some a lot less (see itinerary for rough times). |
| Departure dates: | Saturday to Saturday during the summer months only: 1st April - 30th November. |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |
Stationary Programme
|
On this based riding programme guests have the option of including either 15 or 28 hours of riding. Accommodation is on a bed and breakfast basis with lunches and dinners being bought either in the hotel restaurant or provided as lunch packets during the rides out at a small additional cost. Example Itinerary Day 1: You will arrive at the hotel for a welcome and information cocktail in the lounge. After checking into the hotel you will be introduced to the horses and equine team. Following this you will take part in an introductory ride to allow a suitable horse to be selected for you. The team will of course ensure that you are happy with the choice too. Day 2: You will begin your day in the saddle with a half hour ride to see the magnificent Mediterranean Sea view, this is a great opportunity to take photos! After such a pleasant start to the day your ride will take you towards the Tahtali Mountain to the house of Yoruk Halil Karakoyunlu where you will experience Turkish country life. You may be lucky enough for the family at the Yoruk Halil house to share with you many interesting stories about the life of the mountain people. Day 3: Today you will ride to Kusdere, one of the regions most interesting and picturesque villages. Here you will experience a taste of authentic Turkish village culture. After enjoying a drink of classic Turkish tea in the village you will visit the Kuzdere, the local mosque and school. On the return path you will see the wonderful orange gardens surrounding the volcanic Twin Peaks. This excursion is a real pleasure in April when the orange trees are blooming and spreading their perfume smell all around. After returning to the ranch you can enjoy the beauty of the day and the glorious weather while relaxing by the pool or taking a swim. Day 4: Today you will head off on a 12 km ride through the pine forest to Alaca Su, one of the most beautiful bays in the region. Those who wish to take a break from riding can go for a walk, swim in the crystal clear waters or simply relax on the beach before taking the exciting ride back to the ranch. Day 5: Today you will have the opportunity for exhilarating gallops along the beaches of the Mediterranean sea. You will spend four to five hours in the saddle, beginning with a ride to Kesme Bogazi, a ravine flanked by rugged mountain walls. There will then be time to refresh yourself in the ice-cold waters of the Agva River. Day 6: Today you will embark on a four hour trip towards an ancient temple on the Olympos Mountain. You will approach this magnificent place on horseback, riding through 8 km of pine forest, up a hill of 600 -700m. The horses will be tethered on the hill near to a fresh water spring whilst you will continue the remaining ten minute journey on foot. The mysterious temple offers fabulous scenery of the Mediterranean Sea towards the Kumulca Village. After such an amazing end to the trail you will return to the ranch where a very special night awaits you. Day 7: On this final day of riding you will again explore the beauty of the Taurus Mountains and their surroundings from horseback and admire the changing landscapes. After riding for an hour you will pass through a farm before ascending through the pine forest until reaching natural water pools where you can take a break from riding and stop for a swim. On the return path to the ranch you will enjoy the nature the region has to offer. Day 8: Breakfast and a farewell cocktail before transfer to the airport. |
|
| Minimum group size: | 1 |
| Maximum group size: | 12 |
| Ability description: | Novice to experienced |
| Type of ride: | Based |
| Total riding time: | 15 or 28 hours per week |
| Departure dates: | To suit all year round |
| Pricing: | See Pricing |