Independent Minds: the Kestelli family, KestelINN Alaçatı

In the sun-dappled village of Alaçatı, where time moves to the rhythm of cicadas and the scent of olive groves hangs in the air, KestelINN stands as a quiet testament to soul-led hospitality. This hotel is a heartfelt expression of a family’s vision, layered with history, heritage, and the warmth of lived-in beauty.

The Kestelli family are not just the owners of KestelINN — they are its architects, caretakers, and storytellers. At the helm is Isinsu Kestelli, whose intuitive leadership and deep roots in the Aegean give the property its grounding elegance. Her husband, Can Kestelli, helped shape the physical landscape — his hand planted the hotel’s first olive tree, now a symbol of its enduring spirit. Their son, Ugur Ege Kestelli, who takes his name from the Aegean Sea, is not only a namesake but an active presence — guests may find him sharing childhood stories over breakfast or helping curate the wholesome atmosphere of this Turkish farmstead.

You’ll feel the presence of the people and hands that shaped this space — from the artisans to the architect.

Do you have a vision for the future of the hotel?

We envision KestelINN not just as a place to stay, but as a place to feel, reflect, and connect. Our dream is for it to evolve into a haven where culture, sustainability, and emotion converge — a home for intimate art gatherings, slow food dinners at our Ovacık Farm, and wellness weekends rooted in local nature and rhythm. We are not aiming to grow in size, but in soul. With each season, each guest, and each story shared, we want our hotel to deepen — to carry more memory, more meaning. What we’re building is not just hospitality, but a quiet legacy of stillness, beauty, and connection. In the future, it won’t be the walls that expand — but the lived experiences held within them.

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