Şana Yaşam Köyü

Şana Yaşam Köyü is an ecological settlement, tree house retreat, and camping site tucked into the forested valleys of Meyvalı Village in the Fındıklı district of Rize. Founded by a family that chose to leave urban life behind and migrate to the countryside, the village operates under the motto "art in its basket, life in its saddlebag." Rather than functioning as a conventional commercial hotel, the settlement takes its philosophical cues from the Rainbow family tradition, establishing a communal sanctuary where local Black Sea rural customs merge with environmental activism, collective solidarity, and artistic expression. Operating with an ethos devoid of rigid corporate hierarchies, the sanctuary encourages visitors to experience the seasonal rhythms of nature alongside an intentional village community.

The grounds are stewarded daily by the founding family members, creating an authentic domestic rhythm. Host Sıla manages guest relations and crafts signature refreshments, while Hasan coordinates daily communal life alongside her. In the kitchen, Emine Hanım anchors the culinary hearth, baking fresh homemade bread and preparing organic morning breakfasts from local produce. Even Nemo, the resident companion animal, roams the property freely, greeting arriving travelers. Noted in the "Rental Mountain Houses and Bungalows" curation by travel platform Biz Evde Yokuz, the property offers a rare window into sustainable living at the foot of the Kaçkar Mountains, drawing wanderers who seek simplicity, mountain air, and a cooperative atmosphere along the rushing waters of the valley.

What to See and Do

Days at Şana Yaşam Köyü center around the untamed landscape of the valley and structured nature-centric programming. Guests can wander along footpaths tracing the stream bank or venture up toward surrounding highland plateaus. For overnight lodging, the property provides distinct wooden living quarters overlooking either the river or the peaks. Representative lodgings include:

• Gza (Mountain View Room): A compact 10-square-meter wooden room with one bed, a private bathroom, and direct views of the forested mountains.
• Dixa (Stream View Room): A 12-square-meter layout equipped with two beds and a private bathroom, situated directly within earshot of the rushing creek.
• Kiana (Stream View Large Room): A spacious 24-square-meter family-sized unit offering four beds and a private bathroom.

While nightly room prices are not published online by the venue, travelers may also choose outdoor camping, pitching tents in the core of the valley by the water's edge to experience the rhythms of nature.

Structured outdoor activities include guided nature tours that lead visitors along ecological routes to gather authentic impressions of Black Sea biodiversity. Hands-on creative workshops allow participants to collect wild forest greenery and construct moss-scented botanical art pieces. Through the on-site shop, Şana Dükkan, visitors can book organized retreats or purchase regional harvest provisions. Featured events include the seasonal Ecology Festival at an admission price of 500.0 TL, dedicated pilates wellness workshops listed at 20,000.0 TL, and the immersive four-day Hazelnut Harvest and Entertainment Camp held from August 20 to 23, priced between 20,000.0 and 30,000.0 TL. The store also supplies packaged local harvests, including fresh blueberries for 200.0 TL, raw shelled hazelnuts ranging from 949.0 to 1,265.0 TL, and roasted hazelnuts priced between 1,000.0 and 1,400.0 TL.

The Visit and Who It Suits

The atmosphere at Şana Yaşam Köyü is defined by an intentional, peaceful communal culture rooted in non-hierarchical living and mutual cooperation. Rather than being passive consumers of hospitality, guests participate in an "imece" collective lifestyle inspired by Rainbow philosophy. Daily community tasks—such as collecting deadwood, carrying natural spring water, assisting in the kitchen, or digging ground trenches—are shared voluntarily among residents and visitors.

To preserve the fragile riparian habitat, the community observes strict environmental principles. Chemical cleaning agents, conventional shampoos, synthetic soaps, and toothpastes are strictly prohibited along the stream banks and water fountains; all washing must occur at least 20 meters away from natural waterways. Sanitation relies on dedicated dry ecological toilets ("Shit Pit"), where waste is layered with ashes and natural soil, accompanied by an absolute ban on discarding toilet paper into the open landscape.

The social core of the settlement revolves around the Main Fire (Ana Ateş). Community agreements dictate that nothing other than clean firewood may be introduced to the flames, and the resulting wood ash is repurposed across the grounds for ecological cleaning and ceremonial blessings. In the primary communal gathering space, strict boundaries maintain mental serenity: electronic devices, political debates, weapons, and single-use plastic waste are entirely forbidden.

This rustic lifestyle is balanced by practical amenities, including a communal sofa lounge with a book library, scenic open terraces, card access entry, fiber internet, smart television, weekly housekeeping, a lift, and an equipped kitchen. The environment naturally suits conscious travelers, solo wanderers, backpackers, nature lovers, and open-minded families with children who value mindful living, digital disconnection, and collective responsibility over conventional hotel amenities.

Location and Visiting Details

Şana Yaşam Köyü is situated in the lush, temperate rainforest zone of the Eastern Black Sea, positioned right at the bridge head marking the entrance to Meyvalı Village in the Fındıklı district of Rize. Nestled deep within a river valley at the foothills of the Kaçkar Mountains, the settlement borders running streams, winding forest paths, and alpine pastures. The property lies roughly 7 to 8 kilometers from downtown Fındıklı and approximately 70 kilometers from the provincial center of Rize.

To reach the grounds from Fındıklı town center, drivers follow the road leading out toward the bridge and proceed along the Karaali Village route, following the stream's path until reaching the Meyvalı entrance. The surrounding valley is rich in regional heritage, situated near the dramatic trails of Çağlayan Valley, centuries-old Ottoman-era stone arch bridges spanning local creeks, and the coastal waters of Viçe Beach along the Black Sea shore.

Official Branch Address: Meyvalı Köyü Girişi Köprü Girişi, 53740 Fındıklı/Rize

Travelers planning a stay should note the following verified visiting logistics:

• Reservations: Advance booking is facilitated directly through the venue's hosts. Guests may reach out by calling +90 535 875 82 68 or sending an inquiry via email to [email protected]. The official website features direct digital scheduling tools through its "Check Availability" and "Book Now" portals.
• Transportation and Parking: For travelers flying into regional airports, the property offers airport transfer services upon arrangement. Guests arriving by car can utilize dedicated free on-site parking directly on the premises.
• Pet Accommodations: The grounds are confirmed to be pet-friendly, welcoming travelers with domestic animal companions to share in the outdoor village experience.

The Mio Angle: As a Discovery Spot

For the Mio community, Şana Yaşam Köyü stands out as a genuine discovery spot for travelers seeking an authentic off-grid communal rhythm rather than standard boutique commercialism. As a gathering point, it appeals most strongly to nature enthusiasts, backpackers, solo explorers, and families wanting to introduce children to cooperative, earth-centered living. Because common areas are deliberately kept free of electronic devices, politics, and plastic waste, visits foster real human connection over the crackle of the Main Fire or around the communal library sofa.

From a culinary and sensory perspective, the settlement delivers distinctive homemade highlights that community members frequently celebrate. Breakfast brings Emine Hanım’s freshly baked loaves of homemade bread and organic farm spreads, while afternoons feature host Sıla Hanım’s signature custom-blended cocktails alongside her celebrated homemade blueberry cheesecake—crafted with local forest blueberries that are also available at the shop for 200.0 TL.

In terms of budget, the village spans distinct financial tiers. Travelers seeking accessible cultural entry can participate in community gatherings like the Ecology Festival for 500.0 TL, or take home pantry staples such as raw hazelnuts (949.0 to 1,265.0 TL per package) and roasted hazelnuts (1,000.0 to 1,400.0 TL). At the higher investment tier, structured communal intensives—such as the seasonal Hazelnut Harvest and Entertainment Camp (20,000.0 to 30,000.0 TL) and specialized pilates retreats (20,000.0 TL)—target dedicated workshop travelers looking for all-inclusive immersive experiences.

Visually, the setting provides striking organic imagery: vernacular timber tree houses perched against mist-clad Kaçkar ridgelines, colorful tents pitched along the roaring mountain river, botanical moss arrangements crafted in foraged workshops, and the resident companion Nemo padding along stone riverbanks. It is an ideal recommendation for travelers craving deep restorative simplicity, cooperative spirit, and Black Sea biodiversity.