WHERE It All Began
Kelebek Group was founded in 1993 in the heart of Cappadocia, in the unique village of Göreme, by Ali Yavuz — a visionary entrepreneur deeply rooted in the region.
What started as a modest family home transformed into something far greater. At just 23 years old, Ali Yavuz converted his family house into a small guesthouse with only four rooms. His goal was simple yet powerful: to welcome travelers not just as guests, but as part of the local story.
At a time when Cappadocia was still an emerging destination, he believed in the future of cultural tourism and the charm of boutique hospitality over large, standardized hotels.
Ali Yavuz — Founder of Kelebek Group
A Vision Carved in Stone
Kelebek Cave Hotel was not built — it was carefully shaped from history itself.
Driven by a deep respect for heritage, Ali Yavuz began restoring old cave houses and abandoned stone homes around his property. Over the years, he restored more than 30 traditional structures, preserving the architectural identity of Cappadocia while transforming them into unique guest experiences.
Some of these rooms date back as far as the 8th century, originally carved by early Christian communities seeking refuge. Today, they stand as living history — offering guests an authentic connection to the past.
From Guesthouse to Icon
What made Kelebek truly stand out was not only its architecture, but its philosophy.
Ali Yavuz personally guided guests through Cappadocia’s valleys, ancient sites, and hidden stories. This hands-on, deeply personal approach created unforgettable experiences and built a reputation that quickly spread — from word of mouth to global recognition in respected travel guides like Lonely Planet.
Over time, the hotel expanded from 4 rooms to 35 uniquely designed cave rooms, each with its own character, view, and story.
The Experience We Create
At Kelebek Group, we go beyond accommodation.
Today, the group operates:
-
6 boutique hotels
-
2 hot air balloon companies
-
4 restaurants
-
Additional ventures in travel, fuel, and construction
Serving over 55,000 guests annually, Kelebek Group continues to shape the tourism landscape of Cappadocia and beyond.
Among its most iconic properties is Sultan Cave Suites, famous for its panoramic terrace — one of the most photographed balloon-viewing spots in the world.
OUR MISSION
is to offer the comfort of a five-star hotel while preserving the authenticity of Anatolian culture — making every stay feel both luxurious and deeply personal.
A Commitment to Culture & Community
Kelebek Group was never just about hospitality — it was about preservation.
Ali Yavuz actively encouraged local residents to retain ownership of their homes and transform them into small businesses, helping build a sustainable tourism ecosystem in Göreme. His efforts played a key role in shaping the region into a globally recognized destination.
He also leads and supports local initiatives and charities dedicated to protecting Cappadocia’s cultural heritage and community values.
Built on Values, Driven by the Future
Over the past 30 years, Kelebek Group has grown into a leading name in tourism, built on dedication, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to guest satisfaction.
Despite economic challenges and global uncertainties, the company has continuously adapted, investing in people, technology, and experiences to stay ahead of the industry.
Looking forward, Kelebek Group aims to expand across Türkiye and continue delivering world-class travel experiences to guests from around the globe.