Olive gardens in the mountain village of Yaka (Fethiye).
Muğla
Welcome to Our Mountain Home – Rooted in Nature, Community & Simplicity
We are Alime and Serafettin, a couple deeply connected to the land, village life, and the healing power of nature. In spring and autumn, we live in the peaceful mountain village of Yaka, near Fethiye in southwestern Turkey.
Over the past 30 years, we’ve gradually built a life in harmony with the seasons — surrounded by olive groves, sunshine, and clean mountain air. Our traditional stone houses now welcome guests each summer who come to unwind and reconnect with nature.
Our daughter Emel, a psychologist and psychotherapist, also runs Relive Retreats (https://www.reliveretreats.life) each autumn here. It's a project rooted in slowing down, living mindfully, and reconnecting with the natural world. From October 19–26, she will host a special Volunteers’ Week, where each day begins with a “Reconnection with Nature* session in the olive garden, followed by communal harvesting and shared meals.
What We Do
Throughout the year, there are different ways to get involved in life on the land:
Organic Olive & Pomegranate Harvest (Autumn): Help us with the seasonal harvest and learn how we process olives and pomegranates. The produce is shared with local families.
Tree Care & Garden Work (Spring): Support the growth of our newly planted fruit and walnut trees (we added over 300 last winter!) and assist with seasonal garden work.
Cultural Exchange & Village Life (Year-Round): Experience the gentle rhythm of rural life — nature walks, home-cooked meals, Turkish hospitality, and peaceful evenings under the stars.
Each harvest day starts with a nourishing Turkish breakfast, followed by 4–5 hours of hands-on work in the garden or fields. Afternoons are free to relax, explore the nearby mountains, swim in spring-fed streams, or visit ancient ruins like Tlos, just a short walk away.
This land has been known for centuries as a place of healing — for both body and soul — and we do our best to live in a way that honors that spirit and shares it with others who feel called to join us.
What You’ll Experience
A rich cultural exchange blending mindful living with traditional Turkish village life
Homemade meals, using seasonal, local ingredients
A welcoming, heart-centered space where you’re encouraged to share your own gifts and stories — through cooking, music, art, or simply being present
A deeper connection to nature, community, and yourself through the slower rhythms of rural life
Accommodation is in a shared double room with a private bathroom, set in nature and ideal for rest after a fulfilling day outdoors. If you prefer more privacy, you can reserve the room for solo use for an additional €126 per week.
If you’re drawn to reconnect with the earth, contribute to a conscious and organic way of living, and immerse yourself in the beauty and depth of Turkish village life — we would be happy to welcome you into our community.
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Learning opportunities
Vegetable farming
Poultry farming
Aromatic or medicinal plants, teas
Vegetable or fruit preservation
Traditional crafts
Methods or systems
Biological pest control
Host type
Nonprofit / Community
25
Hectares
|
61.8
Acres
Emel
Member since 2025
Languages spoken:
Dutch, English, Turkish
Response rate: 100%
Response time: typically within 2 days
November 2025
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Open
Planned visit
Closed
Muğla
Dalaman airport 90 min drive (shuttle bus to Fethiye) , Fethiye bus station 55 min drive, Seydikemer bus station 25 min drive.
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