Luxury hotels are increasingly common in Turkey, despite the country’s reputation as one of the best budget options in the Mediterranean.
Several boutique hotels have opened up in the past year, including The Adam and Eve in Antalya, which boasts four à la carte restaurants, hot tubs in the bedrooms and a double Olympic-sized pool with underwater music system.
Similarly exuberant is The Serinn Hotel, which opened in April and is nestled inside the caves of Cappadocia. The five modern guest rooms retain the natural curve of the cave walls.
Golf resorts are taking off in the Belek region, with plenty of championship courses and many more in the planning stages.
Golf
The coastal region of Belek has seven championship golf courses, including the new Gloria course and the renowned National. Istanbul has two international standard courses. More are in the planning stages, including some designed by Nick Faldo and Arthur Hills.
LykiaGroup, which owns LykiaWorld in Olu Deniz, will launch Turkey’s first links golf course in October. Located on a 100 hectare site on the coast of Antalya, the 18-hole course will provide a firm golfing surface all year round.
Sample package:Cosmos offers seven nights at the four-star Hotel Letoonia Golf Resort in Belek from £599 per person, including flights and transfers.
On the coast
Follow in the footsteps of Turkey’s rich and famous in the peaceful village of Torba on the Bodrum peninsula. The boutique Queen Ada hotel overlooks the bay and its secluded coves, and has 22 rooms, restaurants, bars and a swimming pool.
Sea turtles and monk seals can be spotted in the bay’s clear waters, and visitors can sample the delicious local fish in the village’s traditional restaurants.
It’s no surprise that The Byzantines chose this tranquil location to build a monastery. Today, the ruins of the ancient building sit alongside the chic hotel.
Sample package:Turkish Places offers seven nights’ bed and breakfast at the Queen Ada hotel for £828 per person between September 7 and October 19, including flights.
Gulet cruise
Charter a private gulet with family or friends, or join a shared cruise around the Turkish coast and soak up the sun on deck. The traditional boat stops at villages, markets and historical sights.
Anatolian Sky’s new deluxe gulet, the Seyhan Jan, has hotel-style rooms. Managing director Akin Koc said: “The cabins are comfortable, with shower, toilet and air conditioning. All meals are included and the itinerary gives you the chance to get off the beaten track.
“The client gets a high standard of personal service. We get lots of repeat gulet guests who request the same boat and crew.”
Sample package:Anatolian Sky offers seven nights on the Seyhan Jan from £689 based on 16 people sharing in July 2008, including flights and transfers. Book before November for 2008 holidays at this year’s prices.
Activities
Set among pine groves at the foot of the Lycian Mountains in the exclusive resort of Olu Deniz, LykiaWorld’s adventure and sporting activities include 16 outdoor swimming pools, 18 water slides and 17 tennis courses.
Almost every sport is on offer here, from archery to paragliding. When night falls, clients can grab a table at one of the resort’s 10 restaurants or 14 bars.
Wings Abroad managing director Rajko Macura said: “LykiaWorld is one of the top resorts in Turkey and is perfect for families. The water parks are a paradise for children and the food and service are excellent.”
A golf course will open alongside the resort in October.
Sample package:Wings Abroad offers seven nights at the five-star LykiaWorld Village from £589 per person in May 2008, including flights and transfers.
Island hideaway
The Oliviera Resort, Turkey’s only private island hotel, can be found on Kalem island, off the Aegean coast at Dikili.
Rooms are located in the towers of the main mansion building, and include a honeymoon suite with a spacious veranda as well as a deluxe suite for families, with a private sauna.
The rooftop terrace is great for watching the sunset or for gazing at the nearby island of Lesbos.
If clients get bored of lazing on the tiny island’s beaches, Gallipoli and the ancient sites of Troy and Assos are a stone’s throw away.
Sample package:Elixir offers seven nights’ full-board staying at the Tower Mansion suite in the Oliviera Resort, for £1,550 in October, including flights and transfers.
