The New Year has arrived in Turkey with mesmerizing snowy weather. It is lucky for those who have to work that the New Year's holiday has been extended to four days. If you would like to enjoy the first holiday of the year in Turkey, here are the perfect destinations for you to both relax and welcome 2016. From thermal resorts to kayaking or serene winter destinations, Turkey has many spots for you to enjoy the first days of 2016 in an amazing atmosphere.

For those who are looking for a thermal holiday across Turkey

With more than 1,000 thermal springs reflecting the country's geological and historical beauty, Turkey provides a rich experience for those who are looking for some centuries-old relaxation and health benefits at the many thermal springs scattered across western Anatolia. Known as Hierapolis in Greek, Pamukkale – meaning cotton castle in Turkish – is seen as a gift of nature by those who visit.

Pamukkale was included on UNESCO's World Heritage List in 1988 based on its natural and cultural wonders. Famous for its hot springs and travertines – terraces of carbonate minerals left by flowing waters – Pamukkale is located in western Turkey, and is perfect for those looking for a relaxing experience. There are dozens of remains from the ancient city of Hierapolis as well as Greek monuments around the city. With artifacts of different civilizations, natural wonders and pure white travertines formed from hot calcium-filled mineral waters, Pamukkale definitely has something that suits your interests. There are also three different thermal regions – Sarayköy, Karahayıt and Gölemezli – that contain hot springs and mud baths. In Pamukkale, visitors can spend a day or just a few hours experiencing an organic treatment for skin problems as well as seeing the amazing travertines that enable one to witness the kind of beauty that nature is able to create.

The Richmond Pamukkale Thermal Hotel is a perfect choice for those who want to experience the thermal springs and luxury at the same time in western Turkey.

If you live around the Marmara region in northwestern Turkey, Yalova is the closest destination to Turkey's commercial and cultural capital of Istanbul, and it is generally preferred for weekend getaways. A one-hour ferry ride on the Sea of Marmara and a short taxi ride will take you to Yalova. Among all thermal resorts in the city, the most well-known is the Armutlu Thermal Hotel. This city's thermal springs are rich in minerals such as calcium, sulphates and fluorine, and it won the "Best Hot Spring with Beneficial Water" award at a competition held in Rome. The facilities available include drinking from mineral water springs, an open-air hot thermal swimming pool and Turkish saunas.

Like other thermal facilities, Yalova's hot springs are good for rheumatic diseases and arthritis. It is said that by drinking the water, one can prevent teeth decay and stomach and intestinal diseases. The healing elements of the springs have also been analyzed and endorsed by Istanbul University.

The Thermalium Wellness Park Hotel & Spa, located in the Uvezpinar district in Termal/Yalova, features one main hotel building and three separate villas. The main hotel building consists of 80 luxurious rooms, and there are four private thermal pools as well as two outdoor pools – one with cold water and two with hot spring water.

For those who want to enjoy a winter holiday with mesmerizing nature

Located in the middle of the country, Cappadocia represents the finest work of Mother Nature and a great way to witness the region's history. A place of natural beauty, Cappadocia has such a charming atmosphere that a one-day trip is never enough to enjoy all of its attractions. With its volcanic landscape offering gorgeous scenery and slick rocks with lush, green tracks and caves, tunnels and canyons waiting to be explored, Cappadocia is a paradise. Through wind and melting snow, the region has been carved out of volcanic rock over the centuries, and displays unique colors and shapes, such as the fairy chimneys. This magical region invites you to explore the heart of Anatolia with its historic remains, standing as some of the most renowned ancient natural wonders. Cappadocia is among one of the most visited destinations in Turkey, and is packed with local and foreign tourists even in the harshest season. The only way to understand why it is among the top-visited spots is to take a trip to this magical land. It is also one of the best places for a honeymoon, as foreign tourists come specifically to have their wedding photos taken there. All the leaves and natural beauty seem to keep pace with the colors of the area in every season, and Cappadocia is especially enchanting in the winter. Cappadocia Cave Suites, located in the city of Göreme, is a perfect destination to feel as if you were living a fairy tale with natural beauties and cozy cave suites. A Turkish bath, sauna and rooftops to watch the Cappadocia landscape will make you feel like you are living in a dream.

Located in the northwest, Abant Yedigöller, meaning seven lakes, is one of the most renowned getaway spots for those who live in Istanbul or in the capital city, Ankara. Abant, which includes Yedigöller National Park, is like heaven on earth with its beech, oak, mahogany, alder, elm and fir trees covering the land. You can find numerous hotels and camping sites in Abant to discover how summer's evergreen nature embraces the colors of fall. Abant makes you feel as though nature were a pastoral work of art, offering pure tranquility to its visitors.

During your stay in Abant, you can try various activities such as photography, painting, hiking, angling and lake fishing. To better experience nature's beauty, Yedigöller offers you amazing landmarks as well. So, if you want to enjoy silence and serenity during your stay, Yedigöller is ready to give you just that. Yedigöller National Park is 42 kilometers north of Bolu and can be reached via Yeniçağa Road, 152 kilometers off the Ankara-Istanbul highway.Abant is where you will walk into the heart of nature and see how it can come alive. Moreover, it is one of the few places that allow you to fully appreciate the mesmerizing beauty of winter.

The Grand Abant Hotel is one of the best hotels in Yedigöller to spend a couple of days to enjoy your time in Abant with cozy rooms, delicious menus and Turkish bath and spa facilities.

For those who want to experience Mediterranean beauty in the winter

As a year-round destination located in the southern province of Antalya, Alanya is worth a visit in winter. In December and January – two of the coldest months of the year in Turkey – the daily temperature is between 10 C and 15 C. Yet, since the sun continues to shine throughout the day, the weather never feels too cold. For those who want to spend a holiday away from cold winter conditions and welcome the New Year in a sunny environment, Alanya should be on the top of the travel list. Alanya, one of the most popular tourist attractions of the entire province, lies 138 kilometers from Antalya, and is one of the most iconic ports in Turkey. Known for its beautiful beaches and naval structures leftover from Seljuk and Ottoman times, Alanya also houses many historic sites including the Church of St. George, the Red Tower and the Castle of Alanya. Alanya also offers guests top-tier recreational activities including parasailing, windsurfing and boating.Villa Augusto is one of the best boutique hotels in the district with beautiful, cozy rooms, friendly staff and neat and clean services. Since it is a boutique hotel, you will not face the crowds of huge five-star hotels in Alanya.

As Turkey's third-largest city on the Aegean coast, İzmir is a renowned holiday resort with perfect water for swimming and hidden villages on the coast to relax in. İzmir features an array of marinas, hotels and restaurants as well as one of the country's most famous beaches. There are also little tourist spots only a drive away from the renowned holiday spot of Çeşme. Among those spots, the most popular one is Alaçatı, which you must visit for an unforgettable holiday experience. The small district of Urla is a perfect destination for those who are looking for serenity, but it is typically unknown to most foreign tourists. Another İzmir district, Selçuk, is a significant historical site to visit, especially its city of Ephesus. Ephesus – "Efes" in Turkish – is one of the ancient Greek cities in the region. Built in the 10th century B.C., the city was founded by the Attic and Ionian colonists. The Temple of Artemis in the city is the most well-known ancient remnant, since it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. So, in order to experience this one of the seven wonders, a visit to Ephesus is a must.This ancient city was also home to one of the seven churches of Asia, as cited in the Book of Revelations. Along with the Temple of Artemis, the House of the Virgin Mary is another destination that makes Ephesus worth a visit, as it has been regarded since the 19th century as the place where she spent her final days.

There are many hotels located in İzmir as well. If you would like to stay in the main part of the city, renowned five-star hotels such as the Mövenpick, Swissotel and Hilton should be your choice, while boutique hotels are preferable in little districts of İzmir to feel Aegean hospitality.