Escape to Paradise: Hayrat Garden Apart's Black Sea Bliss in Fındıkoba, Turkey
Escape to Paradise: Hayrat Garden Apart – Black Sea Bliss or Just a Big Splash in the Mud? A Rambling Review
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because I’m about to spill the tea (and maybe a little Turkish coffee) on Hayrat Garden Apart in Fındıkoba. They call it “Escape to Paradise.” Let’s just say my escape was more like… a slightly bumpy, scenic drive towards paradise. Still, there's a lot to unpack, so let’s dive in, shall we?
Accessibility – For Whom the Bell Tolls (or Doesn't?)
Right off the bat, I should say I'm generally capable, not dependent on assistance. But I'm always curious for anyone looking for a chill, accessible vacation. I didn't need the wheelchair accessibility, but the website mentions it. So, I snooped. Verdict? Mixed. Facilities for disabled guests are listed, but I didn't see any specific details. An Elevator is a good thing (phew!), but how accessible is it? Is there a ramp to the lobby? Accessible rooms? (Did I even REMEMBER to check? Dammit!). I would've liked a bit more info from the get-go. Definitely worth a direct call or email to verify specific needs before booking. Exterior corridor is mentioned, which is good for ventilation, but also means more potential for noise.
Cleanliness & the Germ-Fighting Brigade: Did They REALLY Try?
Look, I’m a germaphobe. Sue me. Post-pandemic, these things matter. And Hayrat Garden Apart talks the talk. They’ve got the whole shebang of Anti-viral cleaning products, Daily disinfection in common areas, Hand sanitizer (oh, the glorious hand sanitizer!), Rooms sanitized between stays, and Staff trained in safety protocol. They even offer Room sanitization opt-out. Bravo! But…did I actually see all this happening? Well, the lobby ALWAYS smelled of cleaning solution, which is a good sign, right? Still, I didn't see the sterilizing equipment or watch staff getting scrubbed. Did I feel like everything was hospital-grade clean? Mostly. Did it fully convince me? Not entirely. This is the thing. You can say you're doing it, but seeing is believing, and maybe a little more visible effort would've eased my anxious mind. A nice, clear checklist in the lobby, indicating the last cleaning of a room, would feel much reassuring.
The Spa, the Gym, and the Quest for Inner Zen (and Maybe a Decent Massage)
Now, this is where things got interesting. Let’s just say, I'm a sucker for a spa. I envision myself floating around like a blissful, fluffy cloud. The brochure promised a veritable oasis of wellness: Body scrub, Body wrap, Fitness center, Foot bath, Gym/fitness, Massage, Pool with view, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]. (Phew! Take a breath, self).
The reality?… Less “oasis,” more… well, a slightly disappointing lagoon. The pool with view? Spectacular. Truly. Especially in the late afternoon. But, the "spa" facilities? A bit…tired. The sauna was great. The steam room, not so much. The massage? Honestly, it was one of those where you go in, get rubbed down, and wonder if the masseuse was texting under the sheets. (I'm not kidding! I thought I heard a phone vibrating). Seriously, I needed an expert to relax my chronic knot (that’s just how I live!) but the massage felt more like a tickle. A very expensive tickle. The fitness center? Small, but functional.
Food, Glorious Food (With Some Hiccups)
Oh, the food. Okay, so I love to eat. I need my fuel! And Hayrat Garden Apart had a lot to offer. A la carte in restaurant, Alternative meal arrangement, Asian breakfast, Asian cuisine in restaurant, Bar, Bottle of water, Breakfast [buffet], Breakfast service, Buffet in restaurant, Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop, Desserts in restaurant, Happy hour, International cuisine in restaurant, Poolside bar, Restaurants, Room service [24-hour], Salad in restaurant, Snack bar, Soup in restaurant, Vegetarian restaurant, Western breakfast, Western cuisine in restaurant. The list is impressive!
The breakfast buffet was a highlight. Fresh bread, delicious cheeses (the Turkish ones are INSANE!), olives, and all the usual suspects. I, for one, was very happy with it.
I sampled the restaurant a few times. The mezes (Turkish appetizers) were mostly delicious, even if they were a bit unpredictable! The coffee shop served decent, but not mind-blowing, coffee. I ordered room service, and it arrived hot and fresh. It was great. The poolside bar was chill, and the cocktails were passable.
The downsides? Well, the Asian cuisine was a bold choice. And, honestly, it was too bold, the food was a bit bland. The vegetarian options were somewhat limited. They offered some vegetable dishes but sometimes the menu just didn’t feel quite right.
Rooms: A Mix of Comfort and Quirks
Okay, so the rooms. The bedrock of any hotel experience, really. Hayrat Garden Apart offers Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
My room, for the most part, was comfortable. The bed was comfy enough, The air conditioning worked a charm. The blackout curtains were a godsend. The free Wi-Fi was… a blessing. But then… the quirks. Let's start with the bathroom phone. Seriously? Who uses a bathroom phone anymore? It's like something out of a 1980s movie. The mini bar? More like a mini-fridge with a couple of lukewarm bottles of water. The TV remote? A mystery. Getting a decent selection of channels was hit or miss. And is that crack in the mirror? Hmm.
Services and Conveniences: The Stuff That Makes Life Easier (Or Not!)
This is where the hotel tried to shine. Air conditioning in public area, Audio-visual equipment for special events, Business facilities, Cash withdrawal, Concierge, Contactless check-in/out, Convenience store, Currency exchange, Daily housekeeping, Doorman, Dry cleaning, Elevator, Essential condiments, Facilities for disabled guests, Food delivery, Gift/souvenir shop, Indoor venue for special events, Invoice provided, Ironing service, Laundry service, Luggage storage, Meeting/banquet facilities, Meetings, Meeting stationery, On-site event hosting, Outdoor venue for special events, Projector/LED display, Safety deposit boxes, Seminars, Shrine, Smoking area, Terrace, Wi-Fi for special events, Xerox/fax in business center.
The concierge was helpful, but a bit aloof. The daily housekeeping was efficient. The laundry service was a lifesaver. The Wi-Fi worked in most places, thank God. But the convenience store was small, and a bit overpriced. The cash withdrawal facility was broken more often than not. The currency exchange service was also pretty expensive.
Fun For The Kids, or Just for Those Who Like Kids…
I am a solo traveler, but that said… Babysitting service, Family/child friendly, Kids facilities, Kids meal, the website says. And there were indeed plenty of families at the hotel. Seeing children happy, it made me smile.
The Verdict: Paradise-Adjacent
So, is Hayrat Garden Apart an "Escape to Paradise?" No, not quite. It's more like a nice, slightly flawed, getaway spot. It has its moments of brilliance (the pool with the view, the breakfast buffet) and its moments of… well, “meh.”
Final thoughts
- Pros: Stunning views, generally clean, decent breakfast, friendly staff (mostly!), good Wi-Fi.
- Cons: Some facilities felt a little tired, spa was a miss, some service hiccups, potential for noise.
- Overall: If you're looking for a relaxing retreat, with a beautiful scenery, Hayrat Garden Apart is worth considering. But keep your expectations in check, pack your own perfect massage therapist, and be prepared for a few minor bumps along the road. It’s not a perfect escape, but it’s a pretty good one all the same
Alright, buckle up buttercups, because this isn't your sanitized, Instagram-perfect itinerary. This is real life. This is Hayrat Garden Apart, Fındıkoba, Turkey, and baby, it's gonna get messy.
A Messy Black Sea Jaunt: Hayrat Garden Apart, Fındıkoba & Beyond (Oh God, I Hope I Remember Everything)
Day 1: Arrival & the Great Hazelnut Hunt (aka, "Where's the damn key?")
- Morning (7:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Istanbul to Trabzon. Ugh, the airport. Why is it always a circus? Stressed out from the flight, spent most of the flight terrified and checking my passport every five minutes. Landed. Did some fumbling over baggage claim, then trying to hire taxi. Found the taxi. Praying for a miracle (or at least, a driver who doesn't think he's in a Fast & Furious movie).
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): The drive. Oh, the drive. Winding roads, panoramic views of the Black Sea, which are absolutely stunning. The driver, bless his heart, kept yelling "Çay? Çay!" (Tea? Tea!) at me every five minutes. I swear, Turkish people and tea are like peanut butter and jelly. Arrived at Hayrat Garden Apart… after circling it like a lost puppy.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Finding the apartment key! I swear, this was an epic quest, involving panicked phone calls to the owner, a frantic search in the car, and finally, a hidden spot under a rock, classic! Checked into the apartment. My first impression? Charming, rustic, and a little…well, let's just say the cleaning crew might've missed a spot. But, hey, character, right? Set up camp.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Till Passing Out): Supermarket run. I'm not sure what I was expecting, but the local market was pure chaos in the best way. The sights, the smells, the Turkish people, it was an absolute treat. After the market, started cooking Turkish food.
Day 2: Tea Plantations & the Power of Kaymak (May I Never Be Without It)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Breakfast! That was a simple breakfast, but the coffee here is pure liquid gold. Then, hit the road for a Tea Plantation tour. The views are nothing short of breath taking. Absolutely stunning. The air just smelled fresh and pure.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch at a local restaurant. They served some amazing food and I am still licking my lips.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Kaymak and honey! This is the kind of experience that makes you question your life choices. I might have consumed a concerning amount of kaymak, but I have no regrets. It was pure delicious gluttony, and I'd happily do it again.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Another supermarket trip! I was getting the hang of it. Deciding to have a simple dinner.
Day 3: Fındıkoba & The Hazelnut Obsession (It's a Thing, Okay?)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Let's be honest, this whole trip is about hazelnuts. So, today, we're going all-in. Strolled through Fındıkoba. Took a zillion photos (even if half of them are blurry). Then, back to the apartment, deciding what to cook.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): Lunch. Had some leftovers from the grocery haul.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Decided to go to the beach. Took out the sunbath items and chill. After a hour, I decided to go back to the apartment.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Found a small place for dinner and watched the sunset.
Day 4: The Lake & The Little Mosque (Finding Inner Peace… Or Trying To)
- Morning (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM): I decided to take a day trip to a nearby lake. The lake was picture post card perfect. Walked around, took a lot of photos. I could stay there all day and just look the view, it was perfect.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM): After the lake. Went to the local mosque. The architecture was amazing.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Decided to go back to the apartment and prepare for dinner with the ingredients I got the other day.
- Evening (6:00 PM - 8:00 PM): Dinner time! Had the best dinner ever.
Day 5: Departure & the Sadness of Saying Goodbye (To Kaymak, Mainly)
- Morning (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM): Packing, cleaning (attempting). I am not a tidy person, so this took ages. Enjoying the last breakfast with fresh Turkish coffee.
- Afternoon (12:00 PM - 3:00 PM): Last leisurely walk through Fındıkoba. Farewell photos. A deep longing for kaymak again.
- Late Afternoon (3:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Making my way back to Trabzon airport. Traffic jam, of course. Wishing I'd learned more Turkish.
- Evening (6:00 PM - Onward): Flight. Reflecting on the trip. Already planning my return. Because, let's be honest, I need more kaymak. And hazelnuts. And maybe a slightly cleaner apartment next time.
Overall Impressions, or, My Brain Dump:
- The Good: The people! So friendly and welcoming. The food! Amazing and cheap. The scenery! Breathtaking. The hazlenuts! A true gift from the gods.
- The Bad: The language barrier. My Turkish is awful. The driving. A bit terrifying, ngl. The lack of western toilets.
- The Messy: I'm not sure I'll ever fully unpack this trip. This trip was a lot. But in the best way. Bring wet wipes for the mess, a strong sense of adventure, and an even stronger love for kaymak.
- The Honestly Perfect: This was one of those trips that will stick with me forever. It wasn't perfect, but it was real. And sometimes, that's all you need. Until next time, Black Sea..
Escape to Paradise: Hayrat Garden Apart - Black Sea Bliss (Found in Fındıkoba!) - The Real Deal FAQs
Okay, real talk: Is Fındıkoba *actually* paradise? And should I bring my hiking boots or what?
Paradise? Look, let's not get carried away. I'm from [Your City/Country], and I've seen some things. But Fındıkoba... it's *close*. It's the kind of place that makes you wanna ditch your Zoom calls and yell "EUREKA!" at the mountains (which I *may* have done, once or twice – don't judge!).
As for the boots… YES. Absolutely, positively, bring your hiking boots. Unless your idea of "paradise" is staring at a TV screen and ordering room service (which, hey, no shame!). But trust me, the trails around Hayrat Garden Apart are spectacular. Picture this: me, completely out of shape but *determined*, puffing my way up a hill, thinking "This is gonna kill me," and then *bam!* the view. Green mountains, fluffy clouds, the Black Sea shimmering in the distance. Worth every single huff and puff. Actually, I slipped on the way down one time. Good thing I'm clumsy by nature.
The apartments – are they as dreamy as the pictures? Because, you know, Instagram lies…
Alright, so the pictures are… pretty good. But they *kinda* undersell it, in a way. The apartments are clean, spacious (especially if you're used to shoebox apartments like me), and the balconies… oh, the balconies. I spent a disgraceful amount of time just sitting on mine, drinking Turkish coffee (or, let's be honest, wine), and soaking in the view. The kitchen? Fully equipped, which is a blessing because I *love* to cook (and eat everything I've cooked). My only complaint? The wi-fi sometimes got a little… grumpy. But honestly, who needs the internet when you've got that view?!
And the bed! The bed was like sleeping on a cloud. Seriously. After a day of hiking and wandering around, I was out like a light. Every night, I woke up feeling refreshed and ready to take on another adventure. I swear, I slept better here than I do at home.
What's the deal with the "Black Sea Bliss" part? Is there, like, a real sea?
Duh! Yes, the Black Sea is the star of the show! You've got gorgeous views from most of the apartments, and it's a short drive down to the coast. The water’s not exactly Caribbean-blue, let's be real. It can be a bit moody, a bit… black-ish (hence the name!). But the coastline is rugged and beautiful, with little coves and hidden beaches. I had a truly spectacular sunrise there one morning... seriously, one of the top 10 sunrises of my *life*! I had to pull over and just watch the sun paint the sky with the most incredible colors! I almost cried, it was so beautiful. (Okay, I might have cried a little.)
I will say... the water is *cold*. Even in the summer. If you're a hardcore swimmer, go for it. I, however, am not. But even just walking along the beach, feeling the sea breeze, and listening to the waves… pure bliss.
Is there anything *actually* to do besides look at the mountains and the sea? I get bored easily.
Bored?! Never! Okay, maybe *once* I thought "hmmm, should I learn how to knit?" for about 30 seconds. But then I remembered that I can't knit. There is a LOT to do. If you're not into hiking (shame on you!), you can explore the local villages, visit tea plantations (they'll give you free tea!), and try the local cuisine. Turkish food is amazing, BTW, and the Black Sea region has its *own* specialities. I stuffed myself silly with *mıhlama* (a cheese and cornmeal dish that they'll probably have to roll you out of the restaurant after!), and *laz böreği* (a sweet pastry – don't ask, just *eat* it). Trust me.
You can also visit historical sites, wander through local markets, and if you're feeling adventurous, try paragliding! (I didn't, because I'm also afraid of heights. But hey, it's an option!) Just remember to pack your stomach medicine.
What's the vibe like? Are the people friendly or do I need to brush up on my Turkish?
The vibe is… relaxed. Seriously, chill. Everyone is super friendly and welcoming. I'm a terrible linguist – my Turkish ("Merhaba!" and "Teşekkür ederim!" and "Where's the bathroom?" – the essentials!) is barely passable – but I still managed to get by just fine. People are so patient and happy to help, even if you're butchering their language.
They're also incredibly generous. One evening, the owner of a local restaurant (who barely spoke English) kept bringing me plates of food and insisted I try everything. I think I ate enough for three people that night! It was amazing. Best meal I had the entire trip.
Okay, you seem pretty smitten. Any downsides at all? Anything I need to know *before* I book?
Alright, confession time: I'm gushing, I know. But honestly... the downsides are minimal! The wi-fi thing was a pain sometimes, as I mentioned. And... uh… the road to get there is a bit windy. So if you get car sick, pop a Dramamine beforehand. Also, if you're expecting a bustling nightlife scene, this isn't it. It's all about peace and quiet. Oh, and maybe bring some bug spray. They had a few mosquitos at dusk. I got bit, so you don't have to!
Honestly? The biggest downside is that you'll have to leave eventually. I'm already planning my return trip. Book it. Go. Don't even hesitate. You won't regret it. Seriously, GO! You'll thank me later. Just… maybe don't take the hiking trails *right* after a huge meal. Trust me on that one.
