Herbafarm Troy

Even while zipping up my suitcase, I caught myself wondering: “Will I really be able to unwind this time?” After all, vacations often mean either battling for a sunbed on the beach or stressing about “What time is check-out again?” But the moment I stepped into HerbaFarm Babakale, I knew: this place was made for those who want to hear the voice of their own heart through the silence of the Aegean. On the very first evening, while watching the stars shimmer in the sky, Orhan Veli’s famous line came to mind: “I listen to Istanbul with my eyes closed…” My own version? “I listen to Babakale, embraced by the stars.”
The houses offers three different types of accommodation, each with its own personality. My favorite turned out to be HerbaFarm Troy. Taking a dip in the infinity pool with the island of Lesbos right across from you… I swear, everyday stress just sinks to the bottom. The villa’s kitchen is so well-equipped that I felt like I had landed on “MasterChef Turkey – Aegean Edition.” But to be honest, the local seafood restaurant in the village had already won that contest hands down. That crispy calamari? Hard to find anywhere else.
For honeymooners, or couples whispering “We left the kid at home, let’s enjoy some romance,” the Loft is a true love nest. Small yet cozy, carefully thought out from the kitchen to the terrace. With the option of an extra bed, it also works perfectly for a family with one child. The private parking spot puts an end to the eternal “But where will we park the car?” dilemma. This is exactly what I’d call “comfort without extravagance.” No crystal chandeliers, but the most natural sparkle of all—the Aegean sunset.
The Stone House (Taşev), on the other hand, awakens a different kind of feeling. Sit on that wide terrace with a cup of coffee in the late afternoon, and as the sun slowly glides across the sea, it feels as if it’s telling you: “You lived another day—well done.” In that moment, a peace fills you so deeply that you breathe in more freely than you probably have in months back in the city.
When it comes to food… you can either cook your own meals in your private kitchen or taste authentic home-style dishes at the village restaurant. Both choices are equally rewarding. When I saw the olive oil dishes there, I thought to myself, “Even Ayvalık might not be able to pull this off.” Add a steaming pot of tea from the village café, and you’ve got yourself the guaranteed happy ending to the story.
The beach is only 500 meters away, perfect for those who want to swim. The water is cool and crystal clear; going for an early morning swim when no one else is around feels like being gifted a brand-new life. The straw umbrellas and pier at the beach, meanwhile, provide postcard-worthy views that will demand extra space on your camera roll.
And while you’re here, don’t just stick to the property. Stroll through the stone-paved streets of Babakale, explore its historic castle, or listen in on the fishermen’s lively chatter. A short drive away, you’ll find Assos, where sitting in the ancient theater makes you feel like history has given you a front-row seat. On your way back in the evening, getting lost among the olive groves along the coast is a delightful bonus.
In short, HerbaFarm Babakale is a hidden gem. It’s ideal for honeymooners, small families, groups of friends, or anyone who says, “All I need is peace.” For me, it became a memory of breathing deeper, smiling wider, and quietly sighing under the stars.