Ionia Guest House - Luxury straw bale room and pool in the Aegean countryside

Ionia Guest House is a rural bed-and-breakfast here in Turkey’s Aegean region. Our two rooms (soon to be four) are spacious with ensuite bathrooms and private verandas. There’s a swimming pool with a large terrace, and a cafe serving local food. The hotel is set in a fig orchard surrounded by olive groves — think of our place as a country oasis where you can rest and recharge.

As seen on TV! For about a year we were filmed for a show called “Our Dream Hotel”, about newcomers to the hotel industry. So far we’ve been on in the Netherlands, Australia, the UK, Sweden, and New Zealand.

And anyone who saw our TV episode will know that we’re passionate about green building and used 100% local materials to build the hotel. The walls are timber-frame, with straw bales laid out like giant bricks, and then covered in layers of lime plaster. The result is excellent insulation for both temperature and sound.

Our place is just off the route from Ephesus to Pamukkale. It makes a great base for exploring the stunning archaeological sites of the Meander Valley and ancient Ionia, including Priene, Magnesia, Tralleis, and Miletus. We’re also a good choice for visitors interested in local markets, authentic Turkish food, and exploring the natural landscape.