Summer 2017 was a bit of wash out, and as we hurtle headlong into October, for many of us, there is a feeling is palpable dissatisfaction – we collectively asking, is that it?
Rest assured, it doesn’t have to be, there are still some lovely places across the world in which to catch some lovely late summer sun.
Turkey is particularly attractive as a destination at the moment; with temperatures still a balmy 25 degrees throughout October, stunning white-sanded beaches, exceptional food and hospitality and incredible levels of luxury. It doesn’t have to be over.
Here are a selection of the finest places on the Lycian and Aegean Coastlines to soak up what’s left of summer:
Mandalina Luxury Boutique Hotel
This brand new, adults only hotel epitomises pure, unadulterated romance. Boasting stunning seafront views, this incredibly stylish destination is a top-class boutique hotel designed for the most discerning of guests.
The vibe is barefoot chic, relaxed and understated, enhanced by exceptional service and stunning suites that ensure you are never more than a few steps from the aquamarine waters below.
Delightful owners Gilian and Ozan, are the team responsible for the magical ambience of the place along with their sister property, celebrity favourite, Deniz Feneri Lighthouse. At Mandalina, indoors meets outdoors throughout – creating a feeling of light and space.
The 12 distinctly individual suites are designed to be amongst Turkey’s best. High-ceilinged and exceptionally spacious, each is wrapped in walls of glass, and here, no design detail has been overlooked, with open-plan living areas in soothing neutrals with pops of colour, and the most beautiful hammam style, white marbled bathroom this traveller has ever seen.
The theme of inside-outside living in combination with considerable private space is further highlighted by outdoor private areas with decking and a garden terrace and four of the suites open onto their own private pools. It’s hard to imagine a more perfect location, however if you can drag yourself away the archetypical harbour town of Kaş is on hand to explore, just a 10-minute drive with a complimentary shuttle service provided five evenings a week.
Seven nights’ B&B at Mandalina from £950pp based on two sharing, including return flights from Gatwick-Dalaman with BA, transfers and a day’s luxury gulet cruise. Book online at fairlightjones.com.
Cornelia Diamond Resort
If there is a better hotel for families seeking luxury I would be hard pressed to name one that surpasses Cornelia Diamond Cornelia Diamond Resort in Belek, Antalya. For those of us for whom bringing baby doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing style – this is the ideal place to book in. Located in Belek, about an hour from the Antalya airport, the hotel is spectacular; stunning views of the sea and a cool, chic décor.
The facilities here are eye-watering. Set on its own 27-hole golf course, the resort has seven outdoor swimming pools and waterslides all within a short distance of the sea – you are literally surrounded on all sides by beautiful blue water. There is 24-hour room service (perfect if the baby is fussy, or for a late-night adult feed) and nine à la carte restaurants, plenty to keep you interested. Our spacious room led onto a deck, where a ladder allowed us jump straight into the huge pool which meanders around the whole property and is scattered with jacuzzis along the way.
The beach also fringes the property, providing plenty of opportunity for sandcastle-building, but there is also lots of other entertainment for older children. The kids’ club is shaped like a pirates’ ship and there is a children’s train that can be boarded for a tour around the grounds.
Indeed, children seem to have been thought of at every moment. Even the large, glass-enclosed dining room has an area designed for little people; all the tables and chairs are at child-friendly heights. On the rare chillier day, the indoor pool is a warming highlight, along with the 12 aromatherapy saunas and steam rooms, where time slips blissfully by in quiet contemplation. The property is all-inclusive and the variety of food is as outstanding as the environs. The perfect holiday destination that is certain to please each member of your party.
Murat Reis Ayvalik
For those seeking new destinations, with an eye fixed on luxury and style, new and ultra chic Murat Reis is a hidden gem. Located in the incredible area of Ayvalik – a part of Turkey that has long been a favourite destination for locals but little known outside the country, this stylish and inviting, spectacular hotel is the only one of its kind, and offers captivating views of the Aegean coast.
Their ‘sunset sauna’ is a stunning and spacious room encased in glass, just steps from the shoreline and with a front row seat for one of the loveliest sunsets in the world. Known for its oxygen rich, clean air, Ayvalik represents undiscovered Turkey at its best – including over two million olive trees which flourish on the mountainside.
In addition to all the unspoiled atmosphere, Murat Reis offers sunset wine tastings, chic restaurants offering a wide selection of modern Mediterranean foods along with utterly lovely beachfront living.
The rooms are decorated in crisp whites and blues and there is no detail that has not been thoughtfully considered. And for spa aficionados, the Murat Reis luxury spa and fitness centre offers a heated open pool, sauna, steam room and Turkish Bath all with excellent sea and island views. Ayvalik is reached via Istanbul with a 1-hour internal flight to Edremit Airport.
