26 independent reviews for Mosaic making holiday in Turkey
Reviews for Mosaic making holiday in Turkey
Elspeth Young review 2 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Making the mosaic. Visiting the local markets. Eating at local restaurants.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Take a comfortable pair of sandals for walking.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We used public transport to get around as much as possible and ate at local restaurants several times.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was a very enjoyable week. Ingi was a great tutor, and helped us create a lovely mosaic to take home. She took us out to visit various places and filled the week with things to do but managed to keep a relaxed feel to the holiday. Her home is very comfortable and she made us feel really welcome.Sallyanne Stanton review 1 Nov 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
This has to be actually making and producing a wonderful mosaic that I love …and friends have been amazed at the quality of the finished art work! Ingi is great - she demonstrated the techniques, advised and supported fully and there was such a beautiful mix of tiles/ stones etc to help create a fabulous outcome.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If it’s your first attempt at mosaic, don’t worry you’ll be skillfully led to create a wonderful outcome of which you’ll be proud. Life in Ingi’s lovely home is very relaxed - like a home from home. I wished I’d booked an extra day or two so that’s worth considering if you can.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
The holiday benefited local people in many various ways. We used all local transport, visited (and spent money at!) the local market and travelled to some lovely places which also benefitted from us commercially. Any household waste was sorted and disposed of appropriately.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was a fascinating and relaxing holiday … learning new skills with expert tuition for just two of us, beautifully prepared food in a lovely home, many small thoughtful touches that meant travelling light was easier. Time to relax and many laughs along the way … perfect! Thankyou, Ingi!annette dancer review 18 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ingi ! She is a force of nature. A multi-talented mosaic artist. Her beautiful home is spotlessly clean and she has thought of every comfort for her guests. You could turn up with passport and undies and there is very little else you would need. She is a good cook and the meals were carefully thought out and really scrummy. Ingi is fluent in Turkish and was an excellent guide and negotiator in shops etc. which was a huge boon. Additional activities have been well thought out and planned ahead.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Ingi has 2 cats who share the space but are NOT allowed in guest bedrooms. Take antihistamines if you have allergies. If you have mobility issues or can't walk far check with Ingi before booking. Pack light. Hand luggage is fine. If you can, add a couple of days onto the end of the holiday just to relax and enjoy the peace and beauty of the area.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. Eco friendly products throughout including mattresses. Local products and businesses supported wherever we went. Ingi does not use a car.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I thought this was an ideal holiday to enjoy life as a 'local' away from the tourist spots. An ideal holiday for a couple or 2 like minded friends who want to share a new experienceMiranda Lonsdale review 7 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
As a novice mosaic-er I was delighted with my finished mosaic. Ingi is a charming host and we were generously hosted in her own home, set in a lovely garden (with pool). As a mosaic expert she was able to assist and encourage us at every step but with endless patience for my fumbling fingers and flying bits of tile.. She has many excellent examples of her own work in her home to give us inspiration.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you have never mosaic-ed before - fear not it is great fun and very satisfying. There is also an opportunity to accompany Ingi on shopping expeditions, to explore the local towns or tourist activities, and as she is fluent in Turkish she is obviously well known to the locals and makes getting around very easy. Although some cash is used I found my credit card accepted everywhere (including on the bus).3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
In our free time we used local transport, including the boat ferry, did some exploring at Kayakoy ruins, took the cable car up Babadag mountain to watch the paragliders and had an excellent meal. Because it is an intensive course, most of the week is involved in mosaic production, so Ingi provides excellent meals using as far as possible produce grown locally. And we took the opportunity to do some retail therapy in the market and at local stores.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excellent - I am inspired to create more mosaics and hope to return.Katrina Kretsinger review 6 Oct 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I had so much fun learning to make mosaics, and working with Ingi was magical! She is a gifted teacher, knowing exactly when to offer input and when to let the students do their thing.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do it!! It’s the antithesis of mass tourism - a very personalized experience and perfect for curious and independent travelers looking for something fun and creative.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Possibly? It was very locally based and the entire ethos was very much oriented toward sustainability, minimal impact and community engagement.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was fantastic! The setting on the Turkish Mediterranean, Ingi’s lovely home and her authentic hospitality definitely elevated and complemented the mosaic experience.Rebecca Halford-Thompson review 12 Aug 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
My week with Ingi was really special. She offered great care, company, local knowledge, and true artistic mosaic skill. I cannot believe (as a mosaic novice) the incredible pomegranate mosaic that is now on my wall!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Pack light. Ingi really does provide toiletries, beach towels, all that you need. Then you have space for souvenirs.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ingi is truly integrated into the local community. She is known in the market where she shops for local, delicious produce. She recycles and does what she can to minimise environmental impact. A girl after my own heart!4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Fabulous. Recommended for all those people who, like me, love to learn new skills. A week in a beautiful and comfortable house in quiet Calis beach is a gift to yourself that you won't regret.Paul Sewter review 26 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having an incredibly relaxing week, and yet still returning home with two beautiful mosaics that we had made.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to relax and go with the flow.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Wherever possible preference was given to supporting local farmers, traders and small businesses. The use of buses, boat taxis and walking, together with an emphasis on recycling, helped keep environmental impact to a minimum.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Having a 'local' to guide you around not only ensures that you travel worry-free in a strange environment, but that you can converse more easily with local people. Ingi is a wonderful host and patient teacher. Her lovely home is comfortable, and you are made most welcome. The food was healthy and very tasty. As well as making mosaics, my wife and I feel we have made a friend (three if you include the cats).Clare Dickson review 14 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
I am delighted with my mosaic. Having never done mosaic making, I had low expectations about how it might turn out, but I simply loved the practical making of it, and the way it unfolded as if it had a life of its own. As a teacher Ingi was able to find a perfect balance, providing practical and aesthetic guidance, yet holding back and enabling me to maintain autonomy over my mosaic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The location of the house and the small number of guests allows for a very peaceful relaxed experience away from noisy nightclubs and loud music. Everything such as toiletries and towels and even beach bags are available, so there is no need for a huge amount of luggage.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Inge speaks fluent Turkish and understands how the community operates. She shops at markets where possible, to buy locally produced, fresh food. She recycles, uses eco friendly cleaning products and is involved in litter collecting projects. Although she can drive she chooses not to have a car, preferring to walk, cycle or use public transport. This only adds to the charm of the holiday as one is out and about enjoying the scenery. We went on the boat ferry to the market in Fethiye which was an enjoyable, scenic way to travel.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
The holiday is an excellent balance of creative art making and a Turkish holiday experience. Ingi is a generous host providing delicious food, a flexible itinerary, and great company. One highlight was a visit to the Babadag mountain to watch the paragliding. Back at home the house and garden with fruit trees are a delight, lovely pool, with shop, beach and bus stop within walking distance. A week to remember.Shar East review 13 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Wonderful home and garden in a quieter end of the Fethiye Coast. The weather lent itself to lots of swimming in the sea and at home in the pool. My mosaic experience was more than I imagined. I am bringing home a special reminder of my stay with Ingi.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
To expect a relaxed homestay focused on making your mosaic.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes all of the above.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Well worth the long haul flight it took to get there and a good way to start an extended European stay.PETRA GEGGIE review 2 Jul 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Working with a lovely talented teacher who takes time to ensure you are enjoying yourself.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It is a great holiday if you work, rest and play.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Our host is as eco friendly as is possible. Both at home local produce is provided and local transport is used where possible.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
A super opportunity to enjoy something different in really lovely settings.Corinne Manches review 11 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning a new skill of mosaic making with a wonderful teacher Ingi.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Definitely do it. I have no regrets about booking this holiday. It was better than I could have imagined.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes as food was bought locally with a limited amount of plastic bags which if it had to be, were reused.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Excelled my expectations, and I would not hesitate to go again. Ingi could not have done more in providing a unique experience from the beginning to the end.Hilary Wilson review 26 May 2025
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Learning how to design and make a mosaic in beautiful surroundings.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
None particularly.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Absolutely. The host Ingi goes out of her way to source everything locally and in general has a very sustainable lifestyle.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
An excellent way to do something creative while also relaxing in a lovely place.Alison Slater review 21 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It was when I saw my mosaic after completion. I was concentrating on it so hard, I didn't really see what it looked like as a whole. I liked the combination of working on the mosaic and the trips to the local sights. Especially the mountain to see the sunset.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Go for it! The house is lovely, beautiful and relaxing. You will learn loads about mosaic making and you will bring home a beautiful work of art. Ingi is very knowledgeable. I want to continue.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ingi gets her fresh fruit and veg from the local market. She is obviously well known in the cafes/restaurants we went to thereby supporting local businesses. Ingi was well integrated with the community.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I loved this holiday and I'm keen to continue with making mosaics. I found it inspirational.Leonor Rueda review 12 Oct 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
There were so memorable moments! But primarily was creating a beautiful mosaic. Ingi was great at guiding us and end up was a wonderful piece.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just relax and have a good time. You will feel like at home. Ingi provides everything you need: shampoo, soaps, creams, sunscreen. She has a beautiful swimming pool to enjoy as you please. And the food she prepared was out of this world!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Of course! Everything Ingi uses is Green and the food is all organic, you will have a great time in the market selecting all the fresh food she prepares.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
If I could put over a 5 stars review I would! Making the mosaic it was a great experience, we even have time to go out and about, taste great food and even had time to go to the beach. I will definitely come back.Patti Smithson review 28 Sep 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ingi made sure that the Mosaic experience was a highlight while ensuring I still had relaxation and exploration time. Being a local resident, Ingi accompanied me on a few side trips to Fethiye, the market, the beach, a road trip to the ruins of Kayakoy, and a sunset cable car trip above Oludeniz where we watched paragliders. I cannot choose one outing or experience because it was so enjoyable each day. Ingi works very hard to make sure her guests feel welcome, special and she provides the most exquisite meals. Maybe her meals were my favorite part of the trip, haha.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be prepared to relax and learn! Ingi takes care of any needs you may have and is flexible with the mosaic making schedule. That being said, she knows precisely how much time will be required for your mosaic's completion. She is quite the perfectionist, so be prepared to return home with a beautiful piece of art. If you have no artistic experience you will realize that mosaics require patience and attention to detail. Luckily, Ingi is there to support you. I am not artistic at all but Ingi helped me along and I have a lovely mosaic as evidence.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ingi considers the environment at every turn. She recycles religiously and purchases mindfully, eschewing products that contain excessive plastic, chemicals and styrofoam. We had several conversations about the environmental impact of traveling and living in Türkiye. We cleaned up discarded trash at the side of the road; she notified the local council for clean-up issues in the neighborhood. Ingi wastes very little, re-using containers and uses natural products. She shops locally at the markets for the freshest, organic fruit and vegetables. She is a big fan of the excellent local transit system which, in turn reduces her carbon footprint. I have traveled overseas often and can say that Ingi wins first prize for her commitment to the environment.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
This was the highlight of my month in Türkiye. I traveled to 5 different places in Türkiye, building my vacation around this mosaic experience. Ingi gave me some excellent suggestions for my travel such as a 3 day pit stop in Dalyan before arriving to her place. The accommodations were excellent and very comfortable - Ingi is such a warm and happy person that you feel very cared for. A new cherished friendship!Sue Warwick review 26 Aug 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
It’s difficult to say which was the most exciting/memorable. There was so much that was good about it as it encompassed so much. The beautiful mosaic I produced was a total surprise as I had not done this before (this was thanks to Ingi’s amazing teaching). The most relaxing thing was our regular swims in the sea at sunset and the overall rhythm of the holiday was perfect. Most memorable … immersion into local life. Ingi’s hospitality cannot be beaten.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Be ambitious with your mosaic as Ingi will guide you through. Make the most of the amazing accommodation and the Ingi’s welcome. Embrace taking part in Turkish life.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes, we used local/public transport everywhere, and shopped at the market. Ingi uses green products for the household and toiletries and ground water for the pool and garden and has solar panels. Recycling and composting done as well. All help that Ingi needs e.g. garden maintenance is done by local people4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Absolutely brilliant!Nicola Blackwell review 9 Jun 2024
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The wonderful colours all around Ingi’s villa, from the vast choice of beautiful mosaics to the blue skies, mountain shadows, lemon and peach trees, fresh green vine leaves, and shimmering patterns on the pool. Being able to create a mosaic outdoors on a shady terrace surrounded by blooms and looking over the swimming pool was amazing. It was also lovely to bring it home! A trip to Olu Denise, and swimming in its intense turquoise water whilst watching the paragliders perform acrobatic tricks was stunning. Brunch on the beach at the local cafe surrounded by painted gourds blowing in a soft wind was magical.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Do some preparation around your mosaic design so Ingi can support you in coming up with a final plan that is achievable within the time available but also contains the elements you are keen on. As well as the design maybe think about preferred colours as the wonderful selection can be overwhelming (also inspirational of course so change is possible!). Don’t worry about weighing your luggage down with too many toiletries as Ingi had a wonderful selection of carefully sourced green products.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ingi is multi-lingual and, as a fluent Turkish speaker who has lived in the area for years, she has many local friends and supports local businesses away from the main tourist areas. It was lovely to observe the warmth and mutual respect between them. We shopped in the local fish market and had a trip to another market to buy the fresh fruit and vegetables for Ingi to prepare our delicious meals. Ingi also encouraged us to use the local public transport and taxi services (including the brilliant water taxi). In cafes Ingi refused single use plastics when offered and provided reusable water bottles for us all. She is a diligent re-cycler and, at the request of a local herdswoman, now also provides food scraps for a very cute herd of goats that walk the neighbourhood each day.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Overall this was an excellent holiday, very much enjoyed by all of us (two mosaicists, and two partners - one a writer, one an avid reader). Ingi was a great host who organised some splendid trips out and tailored them to our wishes. With a choice of balconies and terraces we were all well accommodated in her beautiful home and had space to enjoy our respective leisure activities. Each day we had time together to walk to the sea for swimming or to enjoy a drink on the beach. We also enjoyed Ingi’s beautifully prepared fresh food, including a range of colourful and tasty salads, pasta and bbq. Ingi got to know our preferences over the week and took these into account when shopping, for example ensuring cheese tasting in the market to find our favourites. Ingi is a very thoughtful host who works hard to accommodate any needs to ensure a great stay. THANKYOU INGI!Kerry Snelgrove review 30 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The most memorable moment was inserting the very last piece of the complete mosaic.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Nothing more than what Ingi includes in her overview of the holiday. It was very hot when I was there so I stuck to the pool and house - so no opportunity for exploring the surroundings by foot - the walk into Gocek is easy and it’s a steep hill coming back.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
I think the fact that Ingi manages her home according to best envionmntal practice supports reduced environmental impact.I didn’t spend much locally but I’m sure even that would be a positive contribution to locals.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I rate my holiday as 5/5. Ingi goes “above and beyond” to ensure each guest has all that they want /require - from escorting us on excursions to separating smokers from non smokers - not to mention her mosaic skills and experience which she generously shares to achieve their personal mosaic creation.Sue Matthews review 20 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The whole package: Ingi herself who is a tremendous host, the mosaic-making activity through which I learnt a completely new skill and left with a great mosaic to admire and remind me of my stay. Also, Ingi’s expertise as a cook meaning I was served a wide range of delicious, nutritious meals, Ingi’s beautiful home that she shares openly with guests and her focus on ensuring I had a truly memorable stay.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t hesitate. Go ahead and book!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes. Ingi shops locally, with a focus on organic produce, and uses environmentally friendly products throughout the home.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
ExcellentMelody Manning review 5 Aug 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Everything was memorable and exciting however, I particularly enjoyed the Turkish baths and Dalyan’s Turtle beach, a UNESCO site. The boat trip getting there was very special and I even saw a turtle in the river popping its head up to take a breath.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Tips to others interested in mosaic - I would say this is the holiday for you. Ingi is a very inspirational lady. Her enthusiastic drive is very energising. Her local knowledge in respect of local venues is really helpful and cost effective as she will take you places that the normal holidaymaker would not have found and get a price that is often mind boggling.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Ingi is very committed to supporting local residents and businesses. Recycling is very important to her in respect to many aspects of the holiday.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I had a fantastic stay with Ingi returning home with many positive experiences that I had with her. If anybody is concerned about travelling alone, fear not as Ingi is there to host and guide you all through the week. Her cooking is first class and very healthy. Thank you Ingi very much.Emma Baldwin review 23 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The sense of achievement when my mosaic was finished was a highlight. This was probably equalled by the joy I experienced learning about such a wonderful unspoilt part of Turkey. Our host showed us how life is lived within the community including trips to the local market, a hammam, favourite beach for locals, authentic dining (council cafes and grill restaurants off the beaten track) and a UNESCO heritage site. The mixture of both the creative challenge and the local experiences was what made this holiday so memorable.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t hesitate ! When word spreads about this holiday there won’t be much availability left.Ingi’s house is hotel standard - immaculate with quality bathrooms and fittings. It is spotlessly clean and she managed to produce endless tasty snacks and seasonal meals with no extra help in addition to teaching both of us. Ingi is flexible regarding activities - nothing was compulsory but she suggested ideas and then followed up with booking. She is clearly well known and loved in the neighbourhood - from the taxi drivers to the hammam owner and the fruit and vegetable stall in the market. Shopping with her is great fun because she knows the shop owners and will do a deal on her guest’s behalf. One evening she got the local curtain / cushion maker to sew a couple of curtains for one of us while we had dinner. Ingi is warm , kind and has a wicked sense of humour! We shared so many laughs during the week - our trio had never met before and we left as new friends. She is a calm and encouraging teacher but has exacting standards. She seemed to assess us accurately - both our ability level and personalities. As a result we each achieved a piece of work that we felt both proud of and reflected our original ideas. There was no expectation that we needed to conform or do similar projects. I had never seen (let alone use) a tile cutter before my trip. Ingi balanced the week so well with some longer days and others when we just worked in the morning.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes - Ingi shops at the market each Sunday and prefers to buy as much of her food there as she can. She also supports the local fish market and we had a tea while the locally caught fish was filleted. Ingi prefers to support a local taxi company rather than run a car and uses the local hammam which seems to be a vibrant part of the community. Minimal plastic use during the holiday and each guest has a personal coloured glass bottle to keep their water in the fridge. Visiting Dalyan and the protected area of coast via local water taxi both supports conservation and brings finance to the region. Ingi composts vegetable waste and used to eco / green cleaning products in the house.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
It was one of the most enjoyable and uplifting holidays that I have ever had.Franci Li review 23 Jul 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Ingi led us through the creative process of mosaic art making. Her passion for the art and her genuine care to provide the best teaching and the best overall cultural experience for her guest is heartfelt. I am very grateful for all her effort and the unforgettable art creation and cultural immersion experience. The food was amazing too!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
The art making process is very well structured, and even if you have no prior experience and it might seem tough at the beginning, trust that you have a great teacher to lead you trough creating something you will love and be proud of in the end. The trip is about art, but also beyond art. Keep an open mind and go with the flow will allow you to appreciate more what your amazing host has to offer. Ingi is a real treasure!3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes for sure. All the food and ingredients cooked at home are from the local farmer's market. Ingi has a real care for the local people and the environment. Through the one week experience into Ingi's Turkish life, i was able to understand more about the life experience and culture there, and interact with the local people. We learned about sea turtle conservation too.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five star for sure! A great vacation, a wonderful life experience. And you meet great people and made friends too.Colleen Pilgrim review 21 Jun 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Discovering that I could (at 78!) enjoy a totally different experience from all my other travel, making something as beautiful and demanding as a mosaic, while enjoying the pool, a marina restaurant, and gulet cruising with friends......Ingi's sea bass meal!2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
This is a week's workshop. You could look to combine it with a gulet cruise, or one of Responsible Travel's other Turkish adventure tours. I added an extra 2 days with Ingi, and it eased up the pressure to finish my mosaic.Don't weigh yourself down with toiletries of any kind, bath accessories or pool towels . Ingi has thought of every little detail! If your flight gets in late, make sure that you have Ingi's contact details on hand and let her know straight away, so that the taxi she provides for can be waiting for you on arrival. If booking from NZ or Australia, you might want to consider going via UK to get cheaper flights. And be aware that if you need to transfer between the two Istanbul airports in order to get the domestic flight south, it can take 90 minutes by bus (but costs only 110TL (about NZD11!)3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes! Ingi is fluent in Turkish and the first excursion was to the local market. She doesn't use a car, preferring local taxis and gulet operators. She composts and recycles, and is meticulous about environmentally friendly toiletries (all provided). I've come away from Turkey very impressed with a toilet system that avoids putting vast quanties of paper into the sewage system of this beautiful seaside town.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ingi is a Superhost, who goes out of her way to make the week a total experience. She shares her expertise generously, and at the same time offers all the resort relaxation you need. The day on a gulet was idyllic. This is a fabulous holiday for someone who has traveled widely, and now wants to be be learning something, not just sightseeing...Carole Trenaman review 13 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The fantastic care and attention given by Ingi the host. Plus the wonderful 5* accommodation. Felt very well treated.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Just relax. Everything is provided for you. Leave your cares at home. A patient and welcoming host.3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
It certainly did. We shopped in the local open air market, run and staffed by local people. Minimised the food miles, supported local economy, and reduced food waste as the food purchased was specifically for me. All the toiletries were provided by the host and were green products. There was also composting of food waste, and we even ate from Ingis own produce, grown in her garden. The roof had solar panels and water tank reducing energy costs.4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Five star. Excellent all round accommodation, service, and practical assistance. Plus I produced a very competent mosaic that will remind me of a great stay.Jade Biesinger review 10 May 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Having never done a mosaic before and coming away after a week of tuition and guidance from Ingi , I felt like I could easily start my own project and have all the information and tools I needed to be successful. It was exciting to see the mosaic come together over the week and it was even more satisfying to reveal the finished product after the grout work was done.2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It’s a good idea to research the design you want to do before going on holiday so you can get started straight away. I picked a complicated design for my first ever attempt but I like a challenge and am relatively artistic. However that said you really don’t need to be any good at drawing so long as you have the basic outlines and idea of colours you want to incorporate as Ingi can then get the tiles in if she currently is out of them. Ingi is a great help so you don’t need to worry about a thing and she will offer as much or as little help as you want3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
We visited the market the first day to buy the fruit and vegetables for the week from local merchants and we also used local taxi cabs occasionally to get around. We supported the local Hammam and also a few restaurants during my stay. Ingi was also conscious of recycling waste, using less towels if possible ( however they were always plentiful if you need them) and making sure the tile cut offs could be used in smaller areas. Ingi integrates in to Turkish life seamlessly and is a part of the local community and likes to help local people wherever she can4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Ingi was a great hostess and made me feel very welcome. She catered to my gluten free / dairy free diet and supplied me with cardigans to keep me warm as I had not anticipated the may weather in Turkey. She was a great guide on our time off the mosaic making and we would go to the beach , swim, shop and relax by the pool and we got to know each other really well. I highly recommend this holiday and will definitely be telling all my friends about it.Asma Abu-Taleb review 19 Sep 2023
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
The making of a mosaic2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
It's a lot of fun but because working outside can be challenging in a hot and humid weather, also if you're sensitive to insect bites then better be prepared3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
I enjoyed it but I would rather be doing the same activity in a better more comfortable environmentRead the operator's response here:
Hi Asma,
Thank you for your review. Unfortunately I have no influence on the weather… I am sorry that you suffered some insect bites due to the high humidity, which is unusual for our area. Thankfully it only lasted a few days. I am glad that in spite of this you created a beautiful mosaic and I much enjoyed our week together. Best wishes.
Holiday Reviews
You can trust Responsible Travel reviews because, unlike many other schemes, reviews can ONLY be written by people who we have verified have been on the holidays. In addition, we don't run these holidays ourselves - our only interest is giving you the best independent advice.
