Dalyan's BEST Olive Apart: Highway-Side Garden Oasis!

Dalyan's BEST Olive Apart: Highway-Side Garden Oasis!
Okay, buckle up, because we're diving DEEP into Olive Apart: Highway-Side Garden Oasis! in Dalyan. Forget those generic hotel reviews. This is going to be a real, honest look, warts and all, and hopefully leave you itching to pack your bags.
First Impressions: That Highway…And the Garden…Wow.
So, the name, "Highway-Side Garden Oasis"… Yeah, it’s a bit of a thing. The "Highway-Side" is accurate. You do hear the occasional rumble of traffic. But here's the flip side: the garden. Oh. My. God. It's like stepping into a different world. Lush, overflowing with greenery, and surprisingly…tranquil. You’d think a highway would ruin it, but honestly, after a day or two, the noise melts away, and you're just…there.
Accessibility: A Mixed Bag (But Generally, Pretty Good!)
Okay, let’s be real. Accessibility is crucial, and Olive Apart seems to try. They trumpet "Facilities for disabled guests," but I’d need a detailed breakdown to call it perfect. I’m mostly ambulatory, but I did spot an elevator, which is a massive plus. The website doesn’t scream specific room details (like accessible bathrooms, ramp access etc.), so I'd strongly recommend calling and drilling down on these specifics before booking if this is a priority.
On-Site Dining – Food, Glorious Food (Mostly!)
Alright, let's talk grub. The restaurant situation is a solid offering. We're talking:
- A la Carte: (always a win!)
- Buffet: (breakfast, mostly, and pretty decent - more on THAT later.)
- Coffee/tea in restaurant/ Coffee shop (essential for a caffeine addict like myself)
- Poolside bar: (mandatory, really. Especially with that VIEW!)
- Snack bar: (again, essential. Mid-afternoon Turkish Delight cravings? Handled.)
- Multiple restaurants/Dining options: We're talking Asian and Vegetarian options!
My Breakfast Revelation (Or: How I Became a Buffet Believer)
Now, let's get down to brass tacks. I'm usually a breakfast grump. I'm a 'grab-a-coffee-and-go' kind of person. But THIS buffet! Oh, the spread! Think fresh fruit (hello, juicy Dalyan oranges!), a mountain of olives (Dalyan is known for it!), cheeses that actually taste like something (none of that bland, pre-packaged nonsense), and a whole section dedicated to pastry that will give you a sugar rush, but so worth it. I swear, I ate enough baklava to single-handedly bankrupt a small Turkish village. The Asian breakfast seemed to be an excellent offering and should be considered if you are a connoisseur.
Room Service: 24/7 Temptation…Or Maybe Just Convenience?
24-hour room service is always tempting. Especially when you're jet-lagged at 3 AM and craving a late-night snack. I didn’t actually use it (I was too stuffed from breakfast!), but the option is there, and that's comforting.
Things to Do & Ways to Relax: Pampering Paradise (Almost)
- Swimming pool: (yes, and it's gorgeous!)
- Swimming pool [outdoor]: (duh!)
- Pool with view: (the view, again, is a selling point)
- Fitness center: (I confess, I didn’t step foot in this, but it’s there!)
- Spa/sauna: (potential for serious relaxation.)
There's also the promise of body scrubs, wraps, massages, and other spa treatments. The spa I used was AMAZING. The masseuse was a tiny, fierce woman with hands of steel who somehow managed to work all the knots out of my shoulders. Trust me, book a massage! (Just maybe specify how strong you want it. I nearly yelped in joy/pain on a few occasions).
The Safety Dance: Cleanliness & Anti-Viral…Stuff
Okay, let's get the serious bits out of the way. They're clearly taking cleanliness seriously. I saw:
- Hand sanitizer everywhere.
- Daily disinfection in common areas.
- They claim "Professional-grade sanitizing services." I mean, you kind of have to these days.
- They're offering "Room sanitization opt-out available." That’s a nice touch for the eco-conscious.
- Daily disinfection in common areas, Hot water linen and laundry washing, Rooms sanitized between stays, Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment, Anti-viral cleaning products are everywhere!
Rooms: Your Personal Oasis (Probably)
Okay, down to the nitty-gritty.
- Air conditioning: (thank.god.)
- Free Wi-Fi: (essential! And it worked, which is a minor miracle in some places.)
- Coffee/tea maker: (essential for mornings.)
- Mini bar: (tempting, and the prices were reasonable.)
- In-room safe box: (always a good idea.)
- Blackout curtains: (ah, sleep!)
My Room's Almost Perfect Imperfections
My room was lovely. Airy, clean, and with a decent view of the garden. The bed was comfortable (a HUGE deal!), and the bathroom was modern. There were the usual amenities. A few minor gripes: the lighting was a little harsh at night, and the TV channels were a bit limited. And, the soundproofing, while decent, does NOT completely block out the lively chatter from the pool on a sunny day. However, it’s perfect for a relaxing hotel!
Services & Conveniences: All the Bells and Whistles…Mostly
- Concierge: (helpful, friendly, and spoke excellent English. Got us a great deal on a boat trip.)
- Daily housekeeping: (spotless!)
- Laundry service / Dry cleaning: (convenient.)
- Luggage storage: (they held my bags while I explored.)
- Currency exchange: (handy.)
- Car park [free of charge]: (essential if you're renting a car! More about the car park later!).
The Car Park…An Existential Crisis?
The "Car park [free of charge]" is technically correct. It’s a car park. But it’s not “pristine, orderly”. It's more like a…slightly organized chaos. (Think of it as "rustic charm"). It's on-site and close to the lobby, though and, hey, it’s free. Don’t expect valet parking. If you're picky about parking perfection, this might be a deal-breaker…but you shouldn't be!
For the Kids…Well, It's Family-Friendly (Sort Of)
They describe Olive Apart as "Family/child friendly," and they offer babysitting service. There are, ahem, "Kids facilities". The exact details are not fully explored, but if you have kids, double-check the options and perhaps ask the staff about this ahead of time.
Getting Around: Easy Peasy
- Airport transfer: (they can arrange it! Worth it to skip the taxi hassle.)
- Car park [on-site], Car park [free of charge]: (covered!)
- Taxi service: (available, and Dalyan is small enough that everything is within reach!)
- Bicycle parking: (you can rent bikes, and cycling around the area is a joy!)
The Final Word: Book It! (But Know What You're Getting)
Olive Apart: Highway-Side Garden Oasis! is a solid choice. It’s not perfect. The highway’s a minor annoyance. Accessibility needs clarifying. But the garden? The food? The friendly staff? The overall relaxed vibe? All of it more than makes up for any minor downsides.
Here’s my honest take:
Pros:
- The GORGEOUS garden (seriously, it's a peaceful haven).
- Fantastic breakfast buffet!
- Excellent spa (book a massage!).
- Convenient location for exploring Dalyan and the surrounding areas.
- Generally good service.
- Cleanliness is clearly a priority.
Cons:
- Highway noise (it diminishes over time, but it's there).
- Accessibility details could be clearer.
- Parking is "rustic."
- Room lighting could be improved.
Who is this great for?
- Couples seeking a relaxing getaway.
- Anyone who appreciates a beautiful garden setting.
- Foodies who like buffets (especially breakfast people).
- People looking for a reasonably priced, comfortable stay in the heart of Dalyan.
Who might want to look elsewhere?
- Ultra-picky travelers who demand perfection.
- Those with specific accessibility needs (get detailed info beforehand).
- People who

Alright, buckle up, buttercups, because this ain't your grandma's neatly-typed travel brochure. We're diving headfirst into the chaotic, sun-soaked, olive-oil-slicked reality of a trip to Heryere Yakın Bahçeli Anayol Kenarı Olive Apart Dalyan, Turkey. Let's embrace the mess, shall we?
The (Highly Subjective) Olive Apart Odyssey: Prepare for Mild Chaos
(Before We Even Start - Pre-Trip Panic Attack)
Okay, confession time: I HATE packing. Every single time. And this trip was no exception. I’m talking full-blown existential dread over the correct shade of sunscreen, the perfect "I'm-on-vacation-but-also-chic" hat, and, let's be honest, enough clean underwear. I spent an hour staring blankly at my suitcase, then another hour convinced I'd somehow forgotten my passport (I hadn't). Eventually, fueled by lukewarm coffee and pure desperation, I just threw stuff in and hoped for the best.
Day 1: Arrival and the Glorious, Glorious Pool
Morning: Flight from (Insert Your City Here). Let's just say the airline food was… memorable. In the "I'll-never-forget-how-bad-that-was" kind of way. Arrived at Dalaman airport, which, thankfully, had working air conditioning (a crucial detail in the Turkish heat!).
Afternoon: The transfer to Olive Apart was… well, it took longer than expected. The driver, bless his heart, kept getting distracted by stray dogs and the sheer beauty of the landscape. I wasn't complaining! Green hills, turquoise water peeking from the bends of the road, it was all just… gorgeous.
Late Afternoon/Evening: Unpacking (the aforementioned mountain of clothes). The Olive Apart itself? Charming. Simple. Perfectly situated near… everything, as the name promises. And the garden! Lush, green, and smelling of herbs I couldn’t identify (but desperately wanted to!).
THEN, the pièce de résistance: The pool. Oh, the pool. I swear, I spent the next three hours glued to that water. It wasn't just a pool; it was a shimmering oasis of pure, unadulterated bliss. I'm a terrible swimmer, mostly, but in that moment, the water was my best friend, cradling me, cooling me down, and washing away all the pre-trip stress. Pure, unadulterated, chlorine-scented joy. The pool was basically my therapist for the day. Dinner at a local restaurant, a simple (and delicious!) lamb kebab, and a glass of Efes beer. I slept like a baby. Best. Day. Ever. (So far).
Quirky Observation: Turkish cats. Everywhere. Fluffy, sleek, demanding cats. They followed me everywhere, judging me, as cats do. I’m pretty sure they were plotting world domination.
Day 2: Mud Baths, Beach Bliss, and a Culinary Catastrophe (Sort Of)
- Morning: A boat trip! To the famous mud baths. This was supposed to be a highlight. And it was… in a weird, slightly terrifying, but ultimately hilarious way. Picture this: 20 people, caked in grey mud, looking like extras from a zombie movie. We baked ourselves in the sun, then rinsed off in the sulfurous, stinky waters. It smelled of rotten eggs, but supposedly, it’s amazing for your skin. I definitely felt…different. Like I’d shed a layer of dead skin and a good portion of my inhibitions.
- Afternoon: Iztuzu Beach. The most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. Long, sandy, and protected by the most gorgeous sand dunes. It's where the loggerhead turtles nest! The waves were perfect, the water crystal clear. I spent hours bobbing in the sea. It might have been the best afternoon of my life. Pure magic.
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Back at the apartment, feeling all relaxed and content. Time to cook! or so I thought. I decided to be adventurous and try to cook some Turkish dishes. Turns out, I am not a Turkish chef. I might have set off the smoke alarm. Twice. (Shhh, don't tell anyone!) Somehow, I managed to salvage a somewhat edible pasta dish. It was… rustic. A massive understatement! The neighbors probably heard me banging around in the kitchen! The most embarrassing and yet probably best tasting pasta I had in my life. A proper learning experience.
Day 3: Dalyan's Delights and the Boat Trip of Awkwardness
- Morning: Explored the town of Dalyan itself. Charming shops, friendly locals, a general sense of peace and tranquility. Walked along the Dalyan river, marvelling at the Lycian rock tombs carved into the cliffs. Beautiful, but the heat was seriously starting to get to me. Turkish sun is no joke!
- Afternoon: Another boat trip! This time, on the river, hoping to see the famous loggerhead turtles. We didn't see the actual turtles, which was a bit of a disappointment, but we did see a lot of other boats and the river’s scenery. It got a bit… crowded. The boat captain kept playing loud Turkish pop music, which was… well, it was something. It’s also when I met the family of the year. I'd never seen so much food in one place. The father was clearly a comedian, the mother was the ultimate party planner, and the kids were adorable and friendly. I wasn’t sure how many people was in their family. At least 30!
- Late Afternoon/Evening: Dinner at a restaurant directly on the river. The setting was unbelievably romantic, with lights twinkling in the water and the stars. I ordered the sea bass and it was the perfect dish. At the end of the night, I was feeling a moment of gratitude.
- Emotional Reaction: I'm definitely falling in love with this place. The people are warm, the food is fantastic (when someone else cooks it), and the scenery… breathtaking. I’m starting to feel like I belong here.
Day 4: (Insert Day Trip Here - You Choose!)
- This is where things get… flexible. Day trips are your friend! Consider:
- Option 1 (Most likely): Explore the ruins of Kaunos. History, breathtaking views, and a chance to feel like Indiana Jones (minus the whip).
- Option 2: A day trip to Fethiye and Ölüdeniz (Blue Lagoon). Stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and the possibility of paragliding (if you're brave/insane).
- Option 3: Chill at the pool, read a book, and embrace the lazy life. Seriously, sometimes that's the best option.
- (And now, the Rambling Begins… Prepare Yourself!)
- I'm starting to contemplate the idea of never leaving. Like, permanently. Selling my apartment and staying. I wonder how long it would take me to learn Turkish? Could I even function in this foreign country?
- This is the problem with traveling – you discover these amazing places and it makes you question everything you thought you knew. Home is so different, everything is different.
Day 5: A Slight Detour - The Unexpected Adventure
- Something completely unexpected happened. We were walking down the street to buy a couple of things and we just came across a local festival. The streets were full of people, music, dancing, food, everything! We joined in on the fun! It was the most amazing. I can't even recall all of the different kinds of food, except that they were a fantastic treat for my taste buds.
- Doubling Down: Okay, so the festival was my favorite activity so far. So much so that I returned again! This time, I decided that I wanted to join the dance. All of the people were very nice and welcoming, I didn't even feel awkward when I joined in!
Day 6: Departure (With a Heavy Heart & an Espresso-Fueled Resolve)
- Morning: The dreaded packing (again!). The final scramble to fit everything back in, all the while, I’m wishing I could just bring the whole garden, the pool, and the sunshine home with me. Last breakfast at the balcony, watching the sun rise, feeling that perfect sense of peace.
- Afternoon: The transfer to Dalaman airport. Goodbye, Olive Apart. Goodbye, Dalyan. I feel so lucky to have been here.
- Emotional Reaction: Bittersweet. So ridiculously bittersweet. I was really sad to leave. But I know I'll be back. Eventually.
- Quirky Observation: I’m pretty sure I gained five pounds from all the delicious food. Totally worth it.
- Rambling Continues (Until the Plane Takes Off!)
- I’m already planning my return trip. Maybe next time I'll learn some Turkish. Maybe next time I’ll attempt to cook something other than pasta. Maybe next time I’ll bring more sunscreen. Actually, I should probably just buy it in Turkey, since it's the only place I'm ever going.
- And maybe… just

Okay, seriously, what's this "Highway-Side Garden Oasis" REALLY like? Sounds a bit… generic.
What about the rooms themselves? Are they... clean? (Asking the important questions.)
Breakfast! Tell me about the breakfast! (Food is important.)
Is it noisy at all, being near that "highway"?
How far is it from the town center / restaurants / bars? Walking distance?
Okay, so, the pool. Real talk: is it any good?
Is there parking? Because driving in Turkey… is an experience.
Anything you *didn't* like? (Be brutally honest.)


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