Come and help in our eco farming, hostel and food in Gazipaşa, Antalya

Turkey

Favourited 420 times

Host rating
Feedback
43
Last activity
29/06/2022
Nº of Facebook friends
493
Reply rate
90.6 %
Average reply time:
within 3 days
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Map

Availability

2022

Min stay requested: at least a week

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What's this?

Details

Description
We have a small hotel in a beautiful village, Zeytinada, in Antalya along the Mediterranean. The Mediterranean is always warm enough to swim throughout the year and the banana plantations and almond 'forests' will always attract you to explore them... We happily host you especially during the summer, but do not hesitate to come in other seasons either, because all seasons are full of surprises for you here...
Types of help and learning opportunities
Art Projects
Language practice
Help with Eco Projects
Gardening
DIY and building projects
Farmstay help
Creating/ Cooking family meals
Help around the house
Hospitality/Tourism
General Maintenance
UN sustainablity goals this host is trying to achieve
...
...
What's this?
Cultural exchange and learning opportunities
You will be able to benefit from the perfect air and environment of the Mediterranean coasts when you learn how to make our special gözleme, a Turkish pastry stuffed with various cheese and herbs and baked on an iron disc on open fire. You will have a lot of opportunity to practice Turkish, or start learning Turkish. Above all you are going to be a part an incredibly lovely family who put all their effort to make a world a better and more livable place... You can wash your laundry any time you want, we have two washing machines in the premises.
Help
Alongside the regular hostel maintenance works we serve food in our place and we grow our own vegetables for our customers. All you need to do is to help keeping the place tidy, help couple of hours in service and pick fresh fruit and vegetables from our gardens and orchards. The people with artistic soul are all very welcome, as we put much effort to make our place and environment sustainably beautiful. Come and take beautiful pictures for our website ...
Languages
Languages spoken
English: Fluent
Hungarian: Fluent
Turkish: Fluent
Spanish: Intermediate
This host offers a language exchange
This host has indicated that they are interested in sharing their own language or learning a new language.
You can contact them directly for more information.
Accommodation
You'll have your room with shared bathroom. Our guests love sleeping in open air on our terraces. We are all flexible, choose where you wish to sleep. This place is a cosy restaurant too, and you can prepare your own food whenever you feel hungry in our kitchens or you can join us in regular meals. We can arrange a pickup from Gazipaşa Airport.
A little more information
- Internet access
- Limited internet access
- We have pets
- We are smokers
- Can host families
Can host digital nomads
This host has indicated that they love having digital nomads stay.
Space for parking camper vans
This host can provide space for campervans.
How many Workawayers can stay?
Two
Hours expected
Maximum 4-5 hours a day, 5 days a week

Photos

Grapes in our garden

wild mushrooms in Zeytinada

Gözlemeci and our pergola

Sunset view in Antioch ad Cragum, a few miles away from Zeytinada Pansion

Feedback left by and about host (43)

These are extra optional ratings when members leave feedback. The average rating left for each option is displayed.

Accuracy of profile:
(4.9)

Cultural exchange:
(5.0)

Communication:
(4.8)

18/06/2022

Left by Workawayer (Mutasim) for host

It has been quite long time ago when I had the chance to be a member of Bülent's family and spending a very good time with all of them but because of some personal problems I faced and sickness which made me far from everything ,I couldn't have any chance to write anything here..sorry Bülent for being very late ..
The time which I spent in… read more

(Excellent )

24/05/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Loan)

Loan was one of loveliest volunteers we have ever hosted, for sure.
She helped us to clean the rooms, toilets and empty the bins. When she had time she helped decorating the wall with cracked tiles, and it seemed she loved it!
She was always very tidy, precise, ready to help, to learn. She observed our family very well, and well adjusted herself… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2022

Left by host for Workawayer (Mitra)

Mitra helped us in making daily cleaning and tidying around the terrace and cleaned the rooms when needed. She always tried to be as precise as she could to satisfy our business' needs. She was always ready and happy to help with anything. We will be more than happy to see her back again in our village...

(Excellent )

16/05/2022

Left by Workawayer (Mitra) for host

My first Workaway experience and it couldn't be better! When I went to Zeytinada I had no idea how long I will stay and I stayed there almost for 3 weeks, which I wish could be much much longer. Despite I knew very little Turkish, everyone was very friendly and kind to me. Bülent himself is a great person, very patient, flexible and supportive and… read more

(Excellent )

14/04/2022

Left by Workawayer (Muaz) for host

Had a great time with Bülent and his lovely family. They're amazing hosts and loving people. I'll certainly visit them again. Thanks a lot 😊

(Excellent )

24/03/2022

Left by Workawayer (Bold-Erdene) for host

First of all, would love to express my gratitude for Bulent to accept me as a workawayer, this is my first workaway experience in my life. It is an incredible experience to learn about turkish culture, meeting new people and get to know life in farm. Daily tasks were usually simple, chopping wood and making decoration on the wall. I had plenty of… read more

(Excellent )

23/02/2022

Left by Workawayer (travis & ebony) for host

Travis and I really enjoyed staying with Bulent's parents. We were only going to stay for 2 weeks, but we ended up staying for 3 weeks in total as we really loved it there. They were wonderful hosts and even though there was a language barrier they really show appreciation if you try. Travis and I loved learning a couple of phrases to speak to… read more

(Excellent )

30/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Marwan)

Marwan joined us in the busiest season of the year: lots of renovation in and around our motel, planting and transplanting many plants, building walls, harvesting pomegranates, olives and quince, routine cleaning tasks and many more... İn the beginning he looked quite shy, but it turned out, it was just because he was very respectful to the people… read more

(Excellent )

28/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (Marwan) for host

Not sure where to begin summarizing my great 3 weeks experience here. The family, the food, the wonderful beaches and the surrounding mountains, everything made my experience here unforgettable.

Bülent is a wonderful man, I have learned a lot from him, he definitely loves what he does because he has spent many years improving and developing this… read more

(Excellent )

06/11/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (jane)

Jane contacted me very long time before she arrived and always kept me updated about her trip to Turkey. This was very nice of her as we are little bit tired of volunteers who promise a lot about their participation, then don't show up without a y prior notice.
The COVID caused some delays in her trip, but finally she could make it and joined us… read more

(Excellent )

05/11/2021

Left by Workawayer (jane) for host

I stayed with Bulent, Ivett and their family for close to four weeks in August ~ perhaps not the wisest choice of time to stay as I struggled with the heat! I immediately felt very comfortable with the family. They are well-used to having people from all over the world and it felt very natural to be accepted straight into the family's daily life.… read more
The place is gorgeous, surrounded as it is by all the home-grown organic fruit, vegetables and grapes and Mehmet Amca does a great job of tending to them.
Communication with Bulent was good and he does his best to be flexible and accommodating of volunteers' needs and is happy to give lifts into the town of Gazipasa.
Due to previous experience of working in a Turkish kitchen, I worked in the restaurant and kitchen the whole month and it felt like a good fit. Customers arrive all day from before 08.00 to perhaps past 22.00 so the family, Perihan Tezye, Emine and Fatos in particular work long hours. For the first few weeks I was working way over the stated five hours but that was my choice and was fine as there are 'down times' during the day when we could sit and chat or have a snack.
The work was much as you might expect in a working kitchen; preparing salads, making tea, loading/unloading the dishwasher, serving food and drinks, and keeping things stocked up. In the final week the dishwasher had taken its toll on my back and the family were happy for me to ease off and do other tasks, including photography for the website and social media.
The time I was there was a very sociable time with visits from Ivett's parents and also friends from the East and it was great to enjoy times around the restaurant tables in conversation. After work we usually piled in the family's old van for a trip to one of the many stunning local beaches. Again feeling that you are just one more member of the family along with Mum, parents-in-law, kids, friends etc was great!
The surrounding area really is stunning and even little daily walks with my camera after work were nice, although the restaurant IS on a very busy main road so you do have to choose your route carefully.
Although I do speak Turkish it was good to have some opportunities to improve my vocabulary with the family, especially with names of local natural life and produce (otherwise both Bulent and Ivett's English is superb).
As they had family and friends staying I slept on the roof terrace (used for hanging laundry). On the one hand it was wonderful to see the starry night and shooting stars every night but I also would say that it is noisy with the road traffic and the total lack of privacy was also challenging for me, especially as a woman. Even getting under the sheets was tricky sometimes once the neighbours opposite had moved back in!
All in all this was a wonderful experience and I would strongly recommend it to other Workawayers (but maybe choose another time of year and not August!). I felt like I left Zeytinada as a friend of the family and send my best wishes and kisses to everyone ~ Perihan Teyze, Mehmet Amca, Bulent, Ivett, Emine, Fatos, Baris and the children.

(Very good )

16/08/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Bailey)

Bailey and Jessie were with us for about two weeks, and they helped us in the gardens/fields, around our hotel and kitchen . They were always ready to help and tried to be as precise as possible when they did the tasks they were given. They cut and piled the hays, cleaned in and around the hotel and they tried to learn how to cook/bake Turkish… read more

(Excellent )

07/07/2021

Left by Workawayer (Bailey) for host

My sister and I stayed for 2 weeks in April 2021 at Bülent, Ivett, and their family’s place and had a lovely time! This was our first time traveling to Turkey and they definitely helped make our trip an enjoyable one. Thank you for being so welcoming; we felt like family nearly right from the start! They run a hostel and small roadside restaurant… read more and take care of lots and lots of garden space. By the way, Google maps isn’t updated and it looks a bit different now, but they’ll help you find it.

LANGUAGE
There are plenty of opportunities to practice/learn Turkish if you’d like! Bülent and Ivett speak fluent English, but the rest of their family doesn’t really speak any, except Fatoş (hopefully spelled right?) who’s learning English. Thanks for practicing with us!!

ACCOMMODATION
Our accommodation was at the hostel. We were there during off season, so only a couple people stayed in other rooms a couple of nights, otherwise it was mainly just us there. Bülent, Ivett, and Geksu (their young son), as well as Bülent’s parents stayed in the floor below us, where there was also an indoor kitchen if needed. They provided all meals and we ate together, so we didn’t really use it, but it’s there if needed. Super healthy and delicious foods – definitely some of the best food we’ve had while traveling. So many fresh fruits and veggies!! They unfortunately didn’t have internet at the hostel, but Bülent’s brother’s house had good internet, which was about a 10-minute walk up the road on the hillside. We also used others’ hotspots if they were around the hostel and we didn’t want to make the trek to his brother’s house.

WORK / SCHEDULE
Work was around 5 hours a day, 5 days a week, sometimes shorter or longer depending on the work. They were flexible – you could take any two days off during the week, and they were great with working around my class schedule. Every morning we went down to the restaurant for breakfast and started work around 9 or 10 or so, whenever Bülent and/or his brother’s family were ready. Unless we were helping with the hostel, we were nearly always working with Bülent and/or his brother’s family. Work varied, but it was mainly in the garden/farm. Since they are basically in the mountains, the gardens are spread over multiple areas and it was fun to explore around! It got quite warm and you work hard, but the work was fulfilling and worth it. We didn’t do much hostel or artsy work but it might be an option if you are interested. The restaurant is run by Bülent’s mom and we didn’t help there, but I’m sure she’d be happy to teach you how to make gözleme! We had it often for breakfast and she is amazing at making it. Learning how to make baklava was a treat as well! In our free time, we relaxed at the hostel, explored, and walked to the sea to go swimming, which is an intense walk but amazing. Since they are right on the mountainside, there are plenty of opportunities for hiking!

Bülent and Ivett are such an inspiring couple; I’m so glad we had the chance to meet them! They are almost self-sufficient with their gardens and animals, and it was such a blessing to meet their family and learn so much about Turkey and gardening. It’s such simple and peaceful living in their small village, and the surrounding views are beautiful. Highly recommend their place! Çok teşekkürler!!

(Excellent )

30/03/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Peter)

İ don't even know how to describe how perfect relations we have built with Peter. After every time he left for another adventure, we missed him a lot and he always turned back, now we are expecting him for the 4th or maybe the 5th time... Everybody in the village loves him and spending time with him. He is one of the most creative and joyful… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2020

Left by Workawayer (Peter) for host

What a memorable three weeks it was. Everyone in the village is very welcoming and I felt very included in their daily life, which was perfect as I love learning about different ways of life. I really enjoyed the work on the farm and around the Pensiyon and cafe, and it was always nice to work with Bülent, Ivett and the other workawayers while… read more

(Excellent )

14/03/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Gaja)

Gaja, Gaja, Gaja! What a fantastic 1.5 week we spent together! First you showed us how tiny this world is by finding one of my colleagues to make him bring yourself to Zeytinada :)
The you topped up us everyday with your endless energy! Your hunger to explore arts and physical activities was amazing. You could hardly stop yourself from doing… read more

(Excellent )

13/03/2021

Left by Workawayer (Gaja) for host

These people deserved all 20 stars!
I spent about 1,5 weeks in Zeytinada, and that time passed too quickly. From the first moment, I was greeted very warmly and got into the circle of this wonderful, big family (in fact they've already had so many volunteers before!..). Full of joys, different characters and their different habits. I met also some… read more

(Excellent )

09/01/2021

Left by host for Workawayer (Jan & Magdalena)

Jan, Magdalena, Antonia and Leo are an amazing family. We hosted them in October for 2 weeks and we were very sad to see them off. Later we invited them back for the Christmas and new year celebrations and they spent another 2 weeks with us which was another awesome experience. The celebrations with them gave us a huge family feeling with a lot of… read more

(Excellent )

20/11/2020

Left by Workawayer (Jan & Magdalena) for host

We stayed at Bülent and his family for 2 weeks as a workawayer family with 2 kids. We were welcomed very warmly and openly, introduced into daily tasks and coddled with delicious and healthy food! We helped with the olive and pomegranate harvest, learned how to process quince and cook it into jam, how to make a pomegranate syrup and how to make… read more

(Excellent )

24/09/2020

Left by host for Workawayer (julian & karen)

Karen and Julian are wonderful, helping and understanding people, they put their hearts to my mom's business and to every spot our family needed a hand. Karen became a very good nanny Tommy nephew, and Julien spent almost all his time to be part of our family. They cleaned around every day, served mom's customers at the restaurant and they also… read more

(Excellent )

24/09/2020

Left by Workawayer (julian & karen) for host

We are so thankful with Bülent. We contact him months before our journey, and even with pandemic he opened us his house. Is hard to find the right words to describe such a wonderful experience. We stayed for almost 3 months. Mama (Peri ha) is marvelous. Emine is great. We could share with all his family and emine's family. They became our family… read more

(Excellent )

19/04/2020

Left by Workawayer (Reza) for host

I spent there for two wonderful weeks and really enjoyed.
Food: Delicious and prepared. You just eat.
Transportation: Public transport is available from/to Gazipasa airport.
Work: Mostly simple farm work, sometimes a little bit heavy.
Internet: You need a Turkish SIM card.
Atmosphere: Amazing, far from urban life.
Family: The best part of… read more

(Excellent )

10/03/2020

Left by Workawayer (Oussama) for host

Im speechless! I still think about the family(...) it was my first experience in Zeytinada unfortunately, Bülent wasn't there but we were talking whenever we can. I know that whatever I write I won't reach the real meaning to discribe this experience... Food was fabulous! The job tasks are simple, sometimes a bit heavy! But I was OK with that… read more

(Excellent )

31/12/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Andrés)

Andrés and Carlos have given us one of the best Workaway experiences so far. Their readiness to help anytime with any work, their cleanliness, excellent conversation and amazing souls...
They helped us for almost two weeks in the fields, Andrés helped many friends with his magical talents in biomagnetismo, Carlos was marvellous with electrical… read more

(Excellent )

11/11/2019

Left by Workawayer (Andrés) for host

Excellent place!!! And really the atmosphere is very good. Share as a family, learn from the culture and really the best beaches in Turkey !! It was an excellent experience to share with your family and learn from the traditions ...... Thank you for everything !!!

(Excellent )

22/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Mustapha) for host

Woooow. What an Amazing place/family/food/environment. It was my first workaway experience and couldn't ask for more . Huge shout out to zeytinada pansion and to all what they stand for .
Hope to see you again soon.
Wishing you guys the best of luck

(Excellent )

17/08/2019

Left by Workawayer (Hakima) for host

Although my time in Zeytinada pansion was short but I enjoyed it there, far from the urban life, and close to nature.
My task consisted of helping with the small restaurant either in waitressing or cleaning the rooms. It was an interesting experience to serve clients in another language than your own ( with a little bit of Turkish), I tried my… read more

(Very good )

18/06/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (micki)

We expected Maryam for a longer period but other things happened and she could join our family for one week. Unfortunately I missed her, because I was not in the village. I talked to my mom, Emine, our team member, and other people in the village about their experiences with Maryam. Everyone was impressed by her, her positive attitude, beauty,… read more

(Excellent )

17/06/2019

Left by Workawayer (micki) for host

I had an amazing time in zeytinada.
They made me feel like a part of the family and i defenatly can say this was a great expirience.
Zeytinada is a beautiful small village and the people who live their make the place feel like home.
The work i had to do was for example helping serving breakfast or salad and making thea. And for the rest try to… read more

(Excellent )

21/05/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Martin & Christine)

Martin and Christine contacted me several months before their arrival to Zeytinada. We had very good communication even before they visited our village; they were extremely intersted about our village, our little hotel, transportation, facilites and the work they were supposed to do in the village. I loved their attitude, they took things really… read more

(Excellent )

17/05/2019

Left by Workawayer (Martin & Christine) for host

We stayed in zeytinada two weeks. We helped Barış and Fatoş in the garden, at the restaurant and we created a website and a account online for this lovely place! Unfortunately we could not meet Bülent, because he was not in town. Nevertheless the communication was good via WhatsApp. We really really enjoyed the amazing hospitality there. Bülent's… read more

(Excellent )

15/02/2019

Left by host for Workawayer (Kanji)

I hope next time I can personally meet you and can give you more jobs to do :) Thanks for being with us! Wish you a great experience on two scyles...

(Excellent )

13/02/2019

Left by Workawayer (Kanji) for host

I stayed 1 week here. It was really authentic experience! There is no one speak English, I had to speak Turkish. I knew a little Turkish but not enough to conversation,,, dispite of it, it makes me even exciting into the locals and feel air of locals.
I helped about take care of olive trees mainly. It was February, there is not many job that… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Melanie)

Melanie, Melanie, Melanie!

We spent so wonderful 3 weeks together that at the end everyone was almost crying when she left Zeytinada. She loved the village and it's people, she found the best connections and vibes in everyone she got in touch with. She worked from the heart, read and told the fortunes of everybody around and she picked a lot of… read more

(Excellent )

02/10/2018

Left by Workawayer (Melanie) for host

If you feel guided to reach out and volunteer here...do it!

İ spent the most magical 3 weeks of my life here here. I had the pleasure of meeting and sharing with Bülent ,A extremely gracious host, travel guide, and excellent teacher!!(seriously!) and his lovely family and fellow neighbors. Work was easy and I always felt I could have been doing… read more

(Excellent )

21/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Finlay)

Yeah, unfortunately I could not be with Finlay during his stay, but all my family told fantastic stories about how hard he is able to work and how sociable with all people around. After he left Zeytinada I talked to my mom and she said she would have readly swapped her own children (US!!!) with Finlay, because he had been always positive,… read more

(Excellent )

16/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Finlay) for host

I spent a wonderful two weeks in Zeytinada with Bülent's family (Bülent himself was unable to be there). The family are remarkably hospitable and welcoming, which made for a very positive first workaway experience for me!

The views from where you'll be staying and from the area in general are astoundingly beautiful, as the Taurus mountains rise… read more

(Excellent )

03/06/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Cecilia & Aaron)

Cecilia stayed 10 days in Zeytinada, unfortunately I was not in the village during her stay, and although my family do not speat any English, she could manage to communicate in Turkish perfectly and my parents and my brother gathered fantastic memories with her. We always wait for you back with love, Cecilia. Thank you for all your help and joy… read more

(Excellent )

02/06/2018

Left by Workawayer (Cecilia & Aaron) for host

İ stayed in Zeytinada for 10 days and had suh a wonderful time. It was an excellent opportunity to practice Turkish, experience the traditional Turkish culture and hospitality. Food was amazing, surroundings spectacular.

Fatoş and Barış and their two sons are the kindest, loveliest people and made me feel like part of they're family. They will… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Farnaz)

I wanted to meet Farnaz personally, but I was in London during her stay at our place and I heard many wholehearted stories from my family and other people in the village. Apparently she radiated a lot of energy and joy and everyone loved her, even though her stay was short due to technical reasons. We also had good many conversations on the… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Farnaz) for host

Because of my particular circumstances i was with Bulent's family in Zeytinada for only a few days I guess. I never had the pleasure to meet Bulent from near, but we had a constant warm connection through the internet. But i was really lucky to meet and work with his mom. Perihan was a kind hearted, cheerful and always active woman from whom I… read more

(Excellent )

10/04/2018

Left by host for Workawayer (Rachel & Elisa)

I did not meet Rachel & Elisa when they were in Zeytinada, but I heard soooo many good things about them that it's above all descriptions. They made wonderful friendships in short time with the villagers, even thoug they could hardly communicate due to language barriers. My mother was almost crying when she was telling how cheerful, helpful and… read more

(Excellent )

06/04/2018

Left by Workawayer (Rachel & Elisa) for host

We spent only two weeks in Zeytinada but we truly wish we could have stayed longer. It is one of the most beautiful place we have been. For its unique and preserved landscape and rich nature, for its most delicious food, but above everything else and most important for its wonderful people. We wish we could have help Bülent family so much more,… read more

(Excellent )

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