Awash with idyllic hotels, Turkey should be an easy sell for a romantic getaway.
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And since new resorts come along with the frequency of London buses – albeit rather more glamorous – it’s not hard to keep coupled-up clients content. Take Istanbul, which this year has gained properties ranging from the Istanbul Marriott Hotel Sisli to boutique charmer Vault Karakoy and the Raffles at the Zorlu Centre.
Here’s a taster of what’s on offer around the country for couples looking for a little romance.
Cappadocia Cave Resort & Spa, Uchisar
Cappadocia’s historic cave house conversions account for some of Turkey’s most iconic and quirky properties. While only a few of the rooms at this charmer are true cave conversions, they have character in spades. Aside from the excellent service there’s a solid spa offering and a pool with a view that will delight at sunrise when the sky heaves with hot air balloons.
No room? Other nearby gems include Argos in Cappadocia, Museum Hotel and Kale Konak.
Book it: Cox & Kings has a three-night B&B stay from £995 until October 31, including flights with Turkish Airlines from Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham, Edinburgh or Manchester.
coxandkings.co.uk
020 7873 5000
Hotel Unique, Fethiye
With its funky design touches, this recently opened 19-room boutique property oozes class. Added wow factor comes from its dramatic, vertiginous setting as the property clings limpet-style to a craggy cliff in central Fethiye and its pool, sun terrace and balconies make the most of the stunning views.
No room? Try sister properties Yacht Classic and Yacht Boutique, or another local gem such as Ece Saray.
Book it: Anatolian Sky Holidays offers a seven-night B&B stay in a double standard room from £765 including flights from Gatwick. anatoliansky.co.uk 0844 273 3585
Alavya, Alacati
With its quaint stone buildings, boutique hotels and high-end eateries and shops, Alacati is awash with charm and romance. This littlfe gem, added by Exclusive Escapes in April, is the sum of six renovated historic houses. Its 25 rooms sport unique looks care of interior designer Hazan Ezer, and from borrowing bicycles to spa treatments and room service, couples are very well-catered for.
No room? Suggest another cosy Alacati boutique property such as Beyevi or Chigdem Hotel.
Book it: Exclusive Escapes offers five nights’ B&B in a classic collection room from £730 (November to March), including flights from London to Izmir via Istanbul with Turkish Airlines.
exclusiveescapes.co.uk
020 8605 3500
D-Resort Gocek, Dalaman
D-Hotels & Resorts’ latest design-led offering features 103 rooms set across eight buildings amid lush gardens. If your clients can drag themselves away from the two excellent restaurants and the cosy loungers and cabanas that grace its lovely beachfront, then Gocek’s charming harbour-front offers additional romantic dining options.
No room? Try nearby alternatives such as Pruva or Escape.
Book it: Classic Collection Holidays offers seven nights’ B&B in a Superior Suite from £1,460 this October, including flights from Gatwick to Dalaman with easyJet.
classic-collection.co.uk
0800 008 7288
Hotel Su, Antalya
This stylish 294-room, five-star beach retreat has four restaurants, three bars, two pools and a tasty spa, while options for sporty types include tennis and squash courts and beach volleyball. Nice touches from this member of Design Hotels include the summer open air cinema, classy retro feel and private beach on the fringes of Antalya. For added sparkle, plump for a Sea View Suite.
No room? Antalya old town features boutique properties such as Puding Marina Residence, and there are always the revolving loft rooms at Marmara Antalya.
Book it: Kuoni offers seven nights with breakfast in a Deluxe room at the Su from £808 in October, including flights with Turkish Airlines from Heathrow.
agents.kuoni.co.uk
01306 744447
Photo credit: Hotel Su Antalya, courtesy of Design Hotels
Casa Dell’Arte Residence, Torba, Bodrum Peninsula
Billed as ‘Turkey’s first contemporary boutique art hotel’, its 12 suites are more like cool apartments than hotel rooms. Whether admiring the on-site art gallery or grabbing a relaxing massage on the beach, it’s a very special spot with manicured grounds and excellent service, while the absence of noisy under 12s adds to the romance.
No room? Try another Bodrum Peninsula boutique such as Macakizi.
Book it: Ilios Travel offers seven nights’ B&B in a Premium Suite at the Casa dell’Arte Residence from £1,265 in April, including flights from Gatwick to Bodrum.
iliostravel.com
01444 225630
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
The Mandarin mould needs little introduction and this new property on Paradise Bay is a peach. Despite its 60-hectare footprint, the property has just 59 rooms, 23 apartments and 27 suites, many with private gardens and infinity pools, and Mandarin claims its suites offer the largest accommodation in the area. Plus, there’s a big spa, helicopter and gulet tours, and the views over the Aegean from the two private beaches are to die for.
No room? Try nearby Grand Yazici on Xanadu Island, or the iconic Kempinski Barbaros Bay.
Book it: Rooms lead in at €595.
mandarinoriental.com
+90 252 311 18 88
Neilson Andriake Beachclub, Demre
Active types will appreciate the facilities at this solid five-star. It’s new for Neilson, which says the property boasts its highest-standard rooms. Features include a spa with Turkish bath and hammam, while sporting facilities include an Olympic-sized 50m infinity-style pool, six tennis courts and myriad watersports.
No room? Suggest the new Detox Bay in Bodrum which offers all manner of detox programmes, spa treatments and yoga and meditation courses.
Book it: A seven-night stay costs £729, including flights to Dalaman from Gatwick, Heathrow, Birmingham or Manchester departing May 2, plus breakfast, lunch and four evening meals per week, and activities such as windsurfing and tennis coaching, and children’s clubs.
neilson.co.uk
0333 014 3350
A’Jia, Istanbul
This boutique beauty, in a plum position on the Bosphorus, is housed in a former pasha’s mansion and sports an impressive exterior and beautifully remodelled modern interior. What’s more, the rooms are sumptuous and boast indulgently roomy bathrooms.
No room? Try Vault Karakoy. This quirky Istanbul boutique property, which opened in April, is housed in a former bank and its unusual interior was inspired by the building’s imposing vaults.
Book it: Mosaic Holidays offers a three-night Romantic Package at the A’jia on a B&B basis from March 12-15 from £998, including flights from Heathrow with Turkish Airlines. Regional departures are available from Birmingham, Manchester and Edinburgh.
mosaicholidays.co.uk
0208 574 4000
Raffles Istanbul
Romance and luxury go hand in hand with Raffles and this stunner, which opened on September 1, is no exception. Located in the Zorlu Centre in Besiktas – dubbed ‘a next-generation bazaar’ by the operator – it features 180 rooms and suites, not to mention butler service, sumptuous interiors, a large spa and lovely views over the Bosphorus. There’s even an art concierge to guide guests through the city’s art scene.
No room? Try one of the city’s refined elder statesmen such as the Four Seasons Bosphorus.
Book it: A standard room starts at €600 including breakfast.
raffles.com/istanbul
+90 212 924 0200
