Your hosts
Vickey is originally from New Zealand (Aotearoa) Aydin is Turkish but lived in New Zealand for 30+ years before they both decided to move to Türkiye in 2017 and set up their home in Dalyan, Muğla region in 2020.
Vickey has a business background, however she has been teaching at international schools since 2017 in Türkiye, Egypt and The Czech Republic. Aydin has a French teaching degree with a background in hospitality. He has a passion for cooking authentic Turkish cuisine.
We have 4 beautiful grown daughters whom live in different parts of the world with their respective partners and we have only one beautiful grandchild with another to arrive in September 2025.
For the past 4 years we have hosted many family and friends, giving them a truly bespoke Turkish experience. While staying with us they have accessed affordable dental treatment, eyewear care and more, as well as enjoying the many tourist destinations on our door step. We have been the host, carer, translator, tourist advisor and more.
This is how our vision of Aşkim Manaakitanga was born.
Our vision
Our vision is to be the leading destination in Türkiye for meaningful, holistic travel – where guests feel at ease, experience trusted care, and leave not only restored in health, but enriched in spirit and Turkish culture.
By weaving together the best of Aotearoa and Anatolia, we aim to create a peaceful retreat where cultural values, personal wellbeing, and lifelong memories come together.
Our mission
At Aşkim Manaakitanga, our mission is to provide a home away from home for guests seeking healing, rest, and authentic connection. We offer bespoke hosted stays in Dalyan that blend trusted dental and wellness services with warm hospitality, local culture, and a deep spirit of care.
Rooted in the values of Māori manaakitanga (generosity and respect) and Turkish misafirperverlik (hospitality), we welcome every guest as whānau (family).
Aşkim
My love (Turkish)
Manaakitanga
Respect, care and generosity (Māori)
To my niece Rosalina Puhi for designing my logo - a beautiful, talented and passionate artist who listened and understood my vision to combine our two cultures - The logo embodies Turkish culture and Ottoman empire. The evil eye meaning (protection) and the Tulip (Ottoman empire, perfection and paradise on earth). The Māori Puhoro design represents (strength, agility and life's continuous journey) - ngā mihinui.