The Lidya Sardes Hotel Thermal & Spa sits about an hour inland from Izmir, the country’s west coast capital city. The biggest hotel in the Salihli region and within walking distance of the city center, its high ground position gives guests sweeping views of the area, including the pine forest that surrounds the hotel.
The large terrace and pool are the perfect place to watch the sun set behind distant mountain peaks while enjoying the various services offered.
History
Located in Sardis, an ancient city known for its geothermal activity and historical significance, the hotel is directly next to the ruins of Sardes. Named after this historic site, which served as the capital of Lydia until 547 BC, there are areas intact that have been through Lydian, Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman control.
The Lidya Sardes opened in April 2008 and has been a popular tourist destination since with both their name and decorations a nod to ancient Lydian and Roman history.
The Pools
While there are many different types of pools throughout the Lidya, there are three “regular” ones that are chlorinated. Two are located on the terrace, with one being specifically for children and one for everyone else. There are also lounge chairs all around the area to provide a place to lay out. Inside, there are two thermal pools that are fed by the area’s natural hot spring water.
With plenty of space for large groups, and there’s even a small waterfall in one of the pools that makes lounging next to it a viable option for a very peaceful nap.
Faustina Spa Services
Relaxation is a top priority for Spa Latince, and with a long list of spa treatments, it shows. One such offering is access to the “Turkish Bath”, a ritual that originated with the Romans in the country before being adopted by others in the area during the rule of the Ottoman Empire.
Others include a range of massages, like Balinese, far-eastern, and medical, body and skincare treatments, weight loss programs, different forms of hydrotherapy, and treatments for hands and feet. Moreover, guests will have access to a sauna, steam room, jacuzzi, snow fountain, Turkish baths, and mud baths.
Boasting a steam room with healing, sulfurous waters, the Kurşunlu Thermal Springs feeds two of the spa’s pools. Additionally, the spring helps heat about 4000 homes in the area as well as fueling much of the greenhouse heating in agricultural areas. In one portion that was studied, the water was 144-237℉ before it came out of the ground.
Hotel
With 192 guest rooms covering a range of amenities, visitors can choose between a standard room, garden suite, connection room, apartment room, or presidential suite. All are fully furnished and some are equipped with balconies, heated floors, and minibars.
For a stay in complete luxury, the Presidential Suite comes with wine, a fruit basket, flower arrangements, and other special treats upon arrival to your room. Turndown service is observed nightly, while a newspaper will appear every morning.
On-site, guests can enjoy the Lidya Garden, a large, grassy space that hosts any number of events including weddings and concerts as well as the indoor ballroom and meeting rooms. Equipped for your needs and able to host up to 200 people depending on which area is rented, catering can also be requested.
Anyone looking to burn a few calories while on a work trip or vacation can take advantage of the hotel’s fitness room as well. Treadmills, ellipticals, fitness bikes, and a punching bag give guests many options for working off some extra energy.
Pool tables and children’s playrooms are also onsite.
Restaurants, Bars, and Cafes
Guests staying at the Hotel Lidya Sardes will have plenty of options when it comes to food. Boasting multiple bars and restaurants, you won’t have to go far to satiate your appetite.
- Elektrum – A beautiful place to socialize and enjoy the view, Elektrum Bar is named after the material Lydians’ first coin was made from. A great place to grab a traditional Turkish drink, wine, or one of the many international cocktails, snacks are served alongside beverages.
- Pool Bar – Offer cocktails in the pool area from brunch until dinner, swimmers can imbibe while enjoying the sunshine.
- Vitamin Bar – If you’re detoxing or spending the day at the spa, you might be more interested in Vitamin Bar. Offering a range of natural beverages, try one of their herbal teas, herbal teas, fresh-squeezed juices, and hot drinks.
- Kybele – Named after Cybele, a greek goddess associated with Earth, vitality, fertility, and abundance, this restaurant is perfect for breakfast and dinner. With seating for 350, there’s plenty of Turkish and international cuisine for guests. Additionally, the space can be rented out for weddings and meetings.
- Snack Restaurant – Aptly named, Snack Restaurant offers small bites and drinks throughout the afternoon while facilities offering larger meals are closed.
- Lidya Ocakbaşı Restaurant – Featuring lamb, chicken, and ofal kebabs and skewers, Lidya Ocakbaşı is a meat-lovers paradise. Having clean lines and old-school glame that’s drenched in natural lighting during the day and has open flame grills at night, this restaurant is known for its local cuisine. Able to host 80 people, reservations are recommended.
- Teras Alacarte – The final restaurant on the list presents another opportunity to soak up the landscape. Teras Alacarte has classy decor and a beautiful view overlooking the pool terrace and city views beyond.
Details
Address: Kursunlu Kaplıcaları Yolu, 45310 Salihli/Manisa, Turkey
Phone: +90 236 715 55 55
Season: Year-round
Website: lidyatermalotel.com
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