Knidia Country Estate - Datca

Manager/Owner

Ali Somer is a very talented and original 'entrepreneur'. Stemming from the big city of Izmir, once the Pearl of Cities of the Egean, he decided to spend most of the year at his farmyard Knidia Country Estate at Marmaris-Datca Peninsula. Always modest and generous to his fellowpeople mr. Ali succeeded in transforming 400 acres of abolished land into a fertile river bed farm yard. In the meantime mr. Ali restored a number of local buildings from oblivion. . . .

This accommodation provider has taken action to address one or more issues (whether environmental, social or cultural) which will contribute positively to the long term viability of the destination and hence their site displays a Caring for the destination rating.

Main area of focus in Caring for the Destination:
Environment. Ecological farming. Eco-tourism. Architecture.

Detailed description of the Caring for the Destination Initiative:

Knidia Estate is The complete Sustainable example in the Hospitality Business: 7 hectares of original but disused farmlands have been transformed into their old glory. Only the elders remember that fields were once used as vineyards. Only in history books we can read that wine was produced here more than 2000 years. Now on Knidia Estate again you can witness this legendary production.

All products grown and produced at Knidia Estate are natural: grapes, vegetables, wine and olive oil, with the use of proven ecological methods.

At Knidia Estate the practices of ecological farming are taught in theory and practice. In return guests help with the maintenance of the Estate by working the fields, producing olive oil, wine, etc.

The accommodation itself is fully sustainable: local materials and very minimal housing.

Architecture: renovation of the old watermill and olive press at Knidia Estate. Renovation of the original olive oil factory (locals say: 'mengen') at Yakaköy, now used as Yakamengen Restaurant (see photo gallery)