CaravanTurkey Gokpinar Center

I had a great experience learning how to weave a Kilim rug in a beautiful house in a cool village outside of Bodrum. The host Bulent is a unique person who is jolly and generous. He makes delicious meals and has a lot to offer. He really makes you feel at home and the woman who I worked with was friendly and kind and smart and taught me well. I recommend this retreat for anyone who is looking to get to work and have quality alone time in Turkey. The spirit of Turkey is beautiful and can be found here if you are open to it. şerefe!

I loved every moment of being at Gokpinar Retreat Center in 2010. Bulent was so warm and welcoming. He organized everything and took such good care of me. The village was small and provided a lovely invitation into more remote life in Turkey. Would highly recommend this place for anyone interested in dance, music, and an intimate experience of Turkey.

My sister and I stayed at the Gokpinar Retreat in 2012. She spent the week weaving a small carpet with a skilled carpet weaver as her teacher. I spent the week with the mother of the host as my mentor, chef teacher in the kitchen making an amazing variety of wonderful authentic Turkish dishes. The retreat is set on a mountain top in a small village, the farmhouse is rustic, but charming; hardly deluxe accommodations, but very comfortable, clean and peaceful. We even had the opportunity to attend an engagement party in the village. It was a wonderful week and a unique look at life in a small Turkish village. I would highly recommend this to anyone who wants an real adventure.

We've stayed at Gokpinar Retreat Center a few times for cooking classes, carpet weaving, and belly dancing. It's the kind of place that keeps us coming back for more of the traditional way of life in Turkiye. Bulent and family are kind and generous...always very inviting. We also were invited to a village wedding celebration. This was one of my favorite experiences as the local women hugged me and invited me to join them dancing. Whether you have only a day excursion, or a whole week to "feel" authentic Turkey, Gokpinar is the place.

Merhaba Bulent Bey, thank you so much for making my cooking retreat one to remember. I initially came to Turkey to escape from London winter for a few days, and secondly obviously acquire some culinary skills so to become self-sufficient. I have felt so relaxed here with no desire to see city life, just chilling out with you, Derya, Nesibe as if I were a part of the family-in fact I forgot I was on vacation in a new place. Thank you once more. Keep in touch and see you again. Best wishes!

Bulent, your rustic retreat in the mountains is a traveler's haven; relaxing, hospitable and a place to kick back and soak up some quiet. Your mother's cooking lessons are indescribably brilliant, as are her wit, charm and joyous attitude to food and life. I love the outdoor cushions and bean bags and rugs scattered in the tree house, on the rooftop, by the lounge room and outside the house which just beg to be reclined in. The Sunday market is awesome, all the meals great, the beds are comfortable, and the hospitality is incredible. Your place is amazing and I will tell all my friends to visit you.

I have spent two years exploring what I could of this wonderful world, but nothing I have done so far compares to my experience at your paradise away from the crowds. Thank you for everything. Thank you to your beautiful wife and kids for showing me such hospitality, plus allowing me to rest before returning to my chaotic life.