Escape to Paradise: Luxury Awaits at Lobelya Suites, Kas, Turkey
Lobelya Suites, Kas: Paradise Found? (Spoiler: It's Complicated… But Mostly Good!)
Okay, so here’s the deal. I've just escaped – literally and figuratively – to Lobelya Suites in Kas, Turkey. I’d seen the pictures, read the reviews (mostly gushing), and dreamt of turquoise waters and sun-drenched days. The anticipation was… well, let’s just say high. And, naturally, things weren’t exactly as I'd pictured them. But hey, that’s life, right? And after a week, I've got a pretty good handle on what Lobelya Suites actually is, a luxury hotel with some quirks and plenty of charm. Consider this your brutally honest, slightly-overly-detailed, and hopefully hilarious review. Buckle up.
Getting There & Getting In: Smooth(ish) Sailing
First off, accessibility. This is HUGE for some folks, right? Now, Lobelya Suites does list "Facilities for disabled guests," which is promising. But from my (able-bodied) perspective, I didn't see a dedicated ramp to the reception…or many obvious considerations for mobility. This aspect needs improvement. The location, perched on a hillside, probably doesn't help.
The airport transfer was slick, though – thankfully a smooth ride from the airport (didn't have to wrestle with luggage!). Check-in/out was listed as "contactless," and it was, which was kinda nice in these times. The doorman was always on point with a smile and a helping hand, which really set a welcoming tone. And the front desk [24-hour] was vital, especially when I couldn't figure out the air conditioning (more on that later). Express check-in/out was offered, too, perfect for those quick escapes, but I wanted to savor every moment.
Rooms: Ah, the Room! (And the Air Con Saga…)
My room? Absolutely gorgeous. Seriously. Non-smoking, of course (thank goodness). Beautiful view, blackout curtains (essential for sleeping off those pre-lunch cocktails), a giant, comfy extra long bed. The air conditioning, however… well, it fought me for the first two days. Needed a call to the front desk to dial it in (still not 100% sure if I won). But hey, eventually, it got the room cool enough.
The room had everything you could realistically need, including:
- Free Wi-Fi, which was a lifesaver (more on this later).
- Complimentary tea/coffee maker, absolutely essential.
- A mini-bar (tempting, but expensive unless you do not care about costing and budget).
- Bathrobes, slippers, and all the usual toiletries.
- A private bathroom with a dreamy bathtub and a separate shower.
- A safety deposit box (always a smart move).
- A hair dryer (thank goodness!).
- A mirror (duh).
- A desk for those sneaky emails (that remained unsent when the sun was shining)
The Internet access was great (more on this later) – you could even iron your clothes which I did not need. Daily housekeeping kept the place sparkling clean, and the room was generally pretty soundproof, which was perfect when my neighbor's family arrived (they really loved their music).
I will admit I'm a sucker for a good room, and Lobelya Suites nailed it.
Internet, a Love Story (and a Bit of a Frustration)
So, let's talk about the most crucial thing: Internet. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Glory be! And it was, for the most part, amazing. I could stream movies on my laptop workspace (thank you, Netflix!), send endles pictures home, and pretend I was still working (wink wink). The Internet access - wireless was perfect! I even managed to send a few emails (which got me in trouble!) But on our last day, the Wi-Fi in my room was mysteriously down. It forced me to venture down to the lobby (the tragedy!). So… Mostly great, but don't put all your eggs in that basket.
Food, Glorious Food (and the Breakfast Buffet of Dreams)
Okay, the food. This is where Lobelya Suites really shines. I'd happily live in their breakfast buffet (if they'd let me). It was a masterpiece of Asian, Western and international cuisine. Seriously, the buffet in restaurant was perfect.
I definitely lost count of the number of times I hit up the coffee shop for caffeine. Asian breakfast was my favourite. I managed to get a breakfast in room and a breakfast takeaway service on some days, which was a lovely touch. Buffet in restaurant was the star of the show. You could choose from anything, all delicious and fresh:
- Fresh pastries and bread (I may have eaten an entire croissant).
- Juices and fresh fruit (a tiny bit of guilt to balance the croissants).
- Eggs cooked to order (omelets, anyone?).
- Asian and Western cuisine, ready to go.
The main restaurant offered an a la carte in restaurant menu with an amazing choice. The poolside bar was perfect for a pre-dinner drink, and the Happy hour was a godsend (especially after a tough day of sunbathing). They had a fair share of restaurants with coffee/tea in restaurant, desserts in restaurant, salad in restaurant, and even soup in restaurant. Bottle of water was a given.
The only downside? I definitely overate. But hey, you live once, right?
Relaxation Central: Sun, Spa, and So Much More
Relaxation is where Lobelya Suites takes it up a notch. The swimming pool [outdoor] was a slice of heaven, or the pool with view was breathtaking. Lounging by the pool, sipping on a cold drink, and soaking up the sun was pretty much my daily ritual. There was an impressive fitness center. A full spa with all the bells and whistles, including a sauna, steamroom, and a whole host of treatments including. Massage was heavenly. I had a body scrub and a body wrap – pure bliss. Pure, indulgent, utterly worth it bliss. Foot bath.
Things to Do (Beyond Relaxing)
Kas itself offers tons of activities. Lobelya Suites, fortunately, is near everything. Things to do are endless. You can arrange airport transfer without any sweat at the front desk. Taxi service were always ready to go, and there was a car park [free of charge].
Cleanliness, Safety & The Covid-19 Shuffle
During these weird times, safety is paramount. Lobelya Suites has a good handle on things:
- Anti-viral cleaning products were used throughout.
- Hand sanitizer was readily available.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- Rooms sanitized between stays.
- Safe dining setup.
- Staff trained in safety protocol.
- Masks were worn by staff.
I felt generally safe and well-cared for.
The Little Things (and the Oddities)
Lobelya Suites had a few other services that added a sparkle:
- Concierge. Helpful and friendly.
- Daily housekeeping.
- Laundry service.
- Room service [24-hour].
- A lovely terrace to soak in the sun.
- A gift/souvenir shop.
- Invoice provided.
I do wish they offered pets allowed more often… I miss my dog.
The Verdict: Should You Go?
Absolutely. Despite the few minor hiccups (the Air Con!), and some accessibility challenges, Lobelya Suites is a fantastic choice. It's luxurious, relaxing, and the food alone is worth the trip. Go – but prepare to be utterly spoiled. And maybe pack a portable air cooler, just in case. You'll thank me later. 😉
Escape to Paradise: Wishwashi Camp Resort, Nuweiba, Egypt - Your Dream Vacation Awaits!
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's perfectly-manicured travel itinerary. We're diving headfirst into the glorious chaos of Lobelya Suites in Kas, Turkey. And honestly? I might need a vacation after this.
Lobelya Suites: Kas - The Unvarnished Truth (and Maybe Some Tears)
Day 1: Arrival and Existential Dread (and a Glorious Sunset)
- 14:00 - Arrival: Okay, so the transfer from Dalaman Airport was… how do I put this politely? Let's just say the driver seemed to believe in taking the scenic route. Scenic as in, "Did you know there are 37 switchbacks on this winding mountain road?" Scenic as in, I nearly lost my lunch. But hey, views! And the minute I saw the turquoise embrace of the Mediterranean? Almost worth the near-death experience.
- 15:00 - Check-in at Lobelya Suites: The photos online? Lies, all lies! (Just kidding-ish). The place is stunning. That infinity pool? Majestic. My suite? Ridiculously large. Like, I could lose a small child in here. (Note to self: Don't have any small children.) The staff? Beyond lovely. They were all very warm and really good with making me feel comfortable.
- 16:00 - Explore the Suite, Freak Out a Little: Unpacked. Found the mini-bar. Immediately declared war on the mini-bar. The balcony? Oh. My. God. View for days. It really is perfect from the photos. I think I might just sit here and stare at the sea forever. Except… I can't find the coffee machine. Major crisis.
- 17:00 - Sunset Stroll (and My First Turkish Coffee Disaster): Decided to be a functioning human. Wandered down to the beach… or tried to. The cobblestone streets are treacherous in flip-flops. Nearly broke an ankle. Found a cute little cafe overlooking the harbor and ordered a Turkish coffee. Watched the sunset. Coffee was thick. Very, very thick. Spilled half of it down my front. Looked like a tourist. I’m probably going to be a major tourist for the next few days. But the sunset? Unforgettable. The colors were so bright it really felt otherworldly. It was a moment.
- 19:00 - Dinner at a Restaurant: Back to the suite, changed into a nice dress, and headed out. Finding a spot to eat was challenging, mostly because everything looks delicious! But, the food (and the wine) went down a treat. Felt grateful and happy.
- 21:00 - Sleep: Exhausted. Jet lag, sun, and the general overwhelming beauty of it all. Slept like a baby.
Day 2: The Boat Trip from Hell (or Heaven? I'm Still Confused.)
- 08:00 - Breakfast: Breakfast at Lobelya Suites. Seriously, the spread is insane. Cheeses, olives, breads, eggs, fruit… basically, everything I’ve ever dreamed of. Fueling up for my epic boat trip.
- 09:30 - The Boat Trip: Part One - The Honeymooners: Boarded the boat. Immediately felt like the extra wheel. Couples everywhere. Holding hands, whispering sweet nothings, feeding each other grapes. I swear, I saw one of them crying with joy. Me? I was just hoping the sea wasn't going to be choppy because, as anyone who's read Day 1 knows, I have a slight problem with motion sickness.
- 10:00 - Snorkeling (More Like a Panic Attack with Fins): Jumping into the water did not go smoothly. The wetsuit was too tight, my snorkel kept fogging up, and I swear I saw a giant squid. Okay, maybe not a squid, but something equally terrifying. Ended up clinging to the side of the boat, hyperventilating, and feeling utterly ridiculous. Tried to look graceful. Failed miserably. I think I swallowed half the Aegean Sea.
- 12:00 - Lunch on Board: Thankfully, the food was delicious and abundant, and it was on the boat. This was my chance to be with everyone and listen to the sounds of the sea. The wine helped calm the nerves. I ended up sitting with a couple who told me the story of their life.
- 14:00 - The Boat Trip: Part Two - The Island of Lost Souls: Stopped at a few coves and inlets – all breathtakingly stunning. The water was so clear, you could see the bottom. I even managed to swim a little (more like, flail around and desperately try not to drown). Met some great people on the boat.
- 16:00 - The Return (and a Renewed Sense of Purpose): Back in Kas. Sunburnt. Tired. But strangely… exhilarated? Maybe. Maybe the boat trip wasn't a complete disaster. Maybe I actually enjoyed it. Maybe the wine had something to do with it.
- 17:00 - Nap: Needed.
- 19:00 - Dinner and People Watching: Found a restaurant overlooking the harbor. Watched the boats come in. Felt a surge of contentment. Realized I actually liked being alone. (Gasp!)
- 21:00 - Stargazing: Kas is so dark at night. The stars are insane. Spent an hour on my balcony, just… staring. Wow.
Day 3: Ancient Ruins and Questionable Shopping Choices
- 09:00 - Lie-in: Because, vacation.
- 10:00 - Breakfast (Part Two): Another feast. I'm going to need new clothes when I get home.
- 11:00 - Ancient City of Antiphellos: Decided to be cultured and visit the ancient ruins. They were… well, they were ruins. Old stones. History. Felt a little bit underwhelmed, until I actually thought about how old those rocks were. Mind = blown.
- 13:00 - Lunch by the Harbour: A restaurant with a lovely view by the harbour.
- 14:00 - Shopping Spree (or, How I Acquired a Fake Gucci Handbag): Hit the shops. Bought a "genuine" silk scarf that clearly cost $5. Also, found a "real" Gucci bag. I am 99% sure it’s a fake, but it’s a really good fake. Don't judge me.
- 16:00 - Hammam (Turkish Bath): Bliss. Seriously, the best massage of my life. Felt like a new woman. (Until I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror. Sunburn. Big shoes to fill.)
- 19:00 - Dinner: Another amazing meal (are you seeing a pattern?). This time, tried a local wine. Delicious.
- 21:00 - Drinks on my balcony: Watching the stars again. Feeling… content. Maybe.
Day 4: Departure and the Bitter Sweetness of Goodbye
- 09:00 - Breakfast (Again!): One last epic breakfast. Devoured a mountain of baklava. No regrets.
- 10:00 - Last swim: Spent one last hour in the pool, basking in the sun.
- 11:00 - Check-out: Said goodbye to the wonderful staff. Got a little teary-eyed. Suddenly, I don't want to leave. This place… it's… special.
- 12:00 - Transfer to Dalaman Airport: Praying to the gods of smooth travel for a less dramatic journey than on arrival.
- 16:00 - Flight Home: Already planning my return.
Final Thoughts:
Kas, and especially Lobelya Suites, is a magical place. It's beautiful, chaotic, and full of surprises. It's also a place where you can embrace your inner tourist, make questionable shopping choices, and maybe, just maybe, learn to love being a little bit lost. I would 100% go back and maybe, just maybe, learn to swim before the next boat trip. (I mean, that would be really handy.)
Unbelievable Quang Binh Luxury: SAM Hotel Đồng Hới Awaits!
Escape to Paradise: Lobelya Suites - FAQ (Or, My Brain Dump After Kas!)
Okay, real talk: Is Lobelya Suites REALLY paradise? I saw the pictures…
Listen, marketing lies. Just kidding… mostly. Lobelya Suites in Kas? Yeah, it’s pretty freakin’ *close* to paradise. Think postcard views that actually look *better* in person. Seriously, the turquoise water just…gleams. But paradise, pure unfiltered? No. Mostly because I am human and I brought my own little pockets of anxiety and sunburnt shoulders with me.
Here's the deal: First morning? I practically *wept* looking at the panoramic views from my balcony. It was epic. But then, I spilled my coffee (that's my "reality check" button), burnt my lip on the darn coffee, and couldn't find the room key for, like, a solid 10 minutes, causing a small, silent panic. So…beauty and chaos coexist. Always.
What's the vibe? Like, is it super chill or…fancy-pants? I’m not one for too much pretension.
Chill with a side of polish, I'd say. They *do* get their luxury on, let's be honest, but not in a stuffy, "shush, darling" way. It’s more... effortless elegance. People are gorgeous, the cocktails are beautifully presented… but everyone's also there to RELAX. You can wander down to the pool in your robe (which, by the way, are *amazing* robes) without feeling judged. I saw a guy with a full-on beard, flip-flops, and a book that looked suspiciously like a well-worn copy of "Where's Waldo?" He *fit right in*. Which is a testament to the place's vibe, I think.
The pool situation. Give me the lowdown. Is it crowded? Is there room to, you know, *swim*?
Ugh, pools. My eternal love/hate relationship. The main pool at Lobelya Suites is *gorgeous*. Infinity edge, ridiculously photogenic. BUT, and this is a big but (as in, "I'm already picturing the sun-soaked, pool-side drama"), it *can* get a little…packed. Especially during peak hours. I'm a swimmer, not a floater, so this bugged me a bit. There were days I’d squeeze in a few laps, avoiding the selfie-stick wielding masses, and then retreat to the shade with a sigh and my book (I finished three!). The other smaller pool, up near the restaurant? Much calmer. A little slice of heaven. You have to find the perfect pool for the perfect days, you will.
Let's talk food. Is it all fancy-shmancy or is there some good, *real* food?
Okay, food is where Lobelya Suites REALLY shines (and, confession, where I may have gained a few pounds). The breakfast buffet… oh my GOD. Enough to make a grown woman weep with joy. Fresh fruit you *wish* you could find at home. Cheeses I’d never even *heard* of. Turkish pastries that will haunt your dreams. And really good coffee (no spills this time, thank you very much). The dinner menu? More refined, yes, but still delicious. Beautifully presented, innovative dishes, and the mezes… oh, the mezes. Try the stuffed zucchini flowers. They are my undoing.
My advice? Make sure you embrace trying everything. A bit of everything is always a good plan. I did have a minor disaster on one night. I ordered the grilled octopus after watching a documentary about octopuses (I'm a nerd, okay?). It was perfectly made (as in, not rubbery), but I spent the next hour feeling a weird mix of guilt and admiration for the poor thing. You know, the usual emotional rollercoaster of a vacation! But, I recovered, and I ate some baklava. Because.
Kas itself… worth leaving the luxurious bubble?
ABSOLUTELY. Kas is charming. Like, ridiculously charming. Cobblestone streets, bougainvillea spilling over balconies, a harbor full of bobbing boats… it’s postcard perfection. Wandering the streets, popping into the little artisan shops, eating gelato… it’s a must-do. Take a boat trip to some of the nearby islands. The views and the snorkeling?! Unreal. I even conquered my fear of heights (a little) and went paragliding from a cliff. The view was INSANE. I nearly peed my pants with terror first, but the adrenaline rush afterward was incredible. Just… pack Dramamine if you’re prone to seasickness. (Me. I am prone.)
Any downsides? Be honest! (Besides the potential for coffee spills, I mean.)
Okay, here's the truth: It's pricey. Let's just get that out of the way. It's a splurge. Worth it, in my opinion? Yes, especially if you’re looking for a special occasion. But budget accordingly. Also, the steps! There are a *lot* of steps. I got my cardio in, that's for sure. If you have mobility issues, make sure you request a ground floor suite. And the internet… which, in my defense, is not specifically the hotel's fault (Turkey, sometimes...). The Wi-Fi can be a little spotty. But, hey, maybe that's a good thing? Force you to disconnect a little? Yeah, I'll just tell myself that.
Okay, so you've gone. You've seen it. Would you go back? Spill the tea!
Ugh, yes. In a heartbeat! I'm already dreaming of the breakfast buffet, the turquoise water, the feeling of… well, of being utterly spoiled. It's the kind of place that stays with you. I'm sitting here at my desk, staring at spreadsheets and feeling utterly *depressed*. Okay, maybe I am exaggerating a little... But Lobelya Suites? It's the type of place that makes you slow down, breathe deeply, and remember that life can be beautiful. Even with the occasional coffee spill and the lingering anxiety about *everything*.
My final thought? Book the trip. You deserve it. Just… maybe pack some comfortable shoes for all those steps. You'll need them. And maybe a contingency plan for the Wi-Fi. And, for the love of all that is holy, try the stuffed zucchini flowers. You won't regret it.
