Independent Minds: the Kestelli family, KestelINN Alaçatı

For us, being independently minded means listening to the heart — and that voice is what brought KestelINN to life. It is about honouring the land we love and adding something lasting to Alaçatı, a village crafted with stones brought from nearby islands in the 19th century. We didn’t follow a formula. We followed a feeling — one you cannot see or touch, only sense.

Our hotel is not a blueprint; it’s a storybook made of homes we gradually brought together over time, each with its own soul. In one of those homes lived a local woman who reminded us of the spirit of Alaçatı. We promised not to touch the house while she lived. That promise — and her grace — is still part of what you feel when you walk into the property.

Being independently minded also means having the courage to follow intuition instead of instruction. It allows us to create a place with its own rhythm, deeply connected to our values, our heritage, and our sense of belonging. Unlike global hotel chains, we know each corner of our story — and our guests become part of that. Here, you meet not just a concierge, but a family. You may share a breakfast with our son Ege, whose name itself is a tribute to our love for this region. And you’ll feel the presence of the people and hands that shaped this space — from the artisans to the architect.

You can feel when a place has a soul. Guests experience not only the rooms, but a way of living — a warm welcome, a handwritten note, a breakfast with our homemade yoghurt and butter from our family farm. Every detail carries meaning. This isn’t just hospitality — it’s a philosophy. Here, you’re not just passing through — you’re remembered. KestelINN is a reflection of our passions — art, nature, and timeless simplicity. From the curated artworks selected from our personal collection to the peaceful energy of the courtyard, every corner of the hotel holds a story. Our first olive tree was planted by Can, our first large tree by our son Ege, and our cactus garden continues to grow — each plant with its own memory.

The inspiration behind KestelINN was rooted in a longing to preserve and celebrate the quiet soul of Alaçatı — its unhurried pace, and the stories held in its stone walls. Over time, the hotel came together as a collection of historic homes we lovingly restored. Architect Hakan Ezer, whose vision reflects both timeless elegance and local character, helped us transform these homes into a singular, harmonious space.

Every detail — from the architecture to the textures, to the layout of the courtyard — is born from our deep respect for the region’s legacy. KestelINN is not a place that could exist anywhere else. It belongs to Alaçatı. We continue to be inspired by the Aegean’s simplicity, the changing seasons, and the guests who leave their mark — not just in our memory, but in the atmosphere of the place. Each visitor adds something new, and with every story shared, the hotel grows a little richer, a little more alive.