The Guardian - 12 March, 2005
After somewhere chic and cheap?
Susan Ward Davis unearths some little-known gems.
Hidden Treasures
Suddenly Turkey seems to have unearthed a glut of chic boutique hotels: Hillside Su in Antalya and Hill-Side Beach Club in Fethiye put the concept on the map — but now a flurry of small, stylish properties have been discovered tucked away in remote corners of the coast or country.
There are old Turkish mansions converted into upscale guesthouses, farmhouses turned into luxurious b&bs, family-friendly rural retreats, hippy chic havens and slick, stylish beach resorts.
All privately owned, each one has its own distinctive character, and, as the country offers everything from Byzantine ruins to brash beach clubs, you'd have to be pretty high maintenance not to find something that suits you.
Add to that it's cheaper than the rest of the Med, which means you get your luxury for less, as well as delicious food, miles of wonderful and often untouched beaches. What are you waiting for?
Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion, Datca Peninsula
What's it like?
A 19th-century mansion beautifully restored by master craftsmen, with its original hammam, wine cellar and library.
The 17 rooms - some traditional with wood panelling and frescoed walls, others in modern Ottoman style - are divided between four buildings set in a huge walled garden of roses and lemon trees.
There's a small pool in the grounds, and the nearest beaches are a 10-minute drive through the pine forests and almond groves - The pretty harbour town of Datca is just 5km away, and the ancient pre-Byzantine ruins of Knidos, 35km.
Best thing: Cocktails by candle light in the garden and delicious Ottoman cuisine by the garden pond; spectacular views across the peninsular and out to sea
Best for: Culture vultures, couples.
Hotel Villa Mahal, Kalkan Bay
What’s it like?
Thirteen beautifully designed contemporary rooms and suites spread over the hillside leading down to Kalkan Bay, plus a one bedroom villa, The Cliff House.
There’s a private beach club and a wonderful roof-top dining room. A 10-minute water taxi ride or a 30-minute walk will take you to the cobbled streets, roof-terrace restaurants, jazz bars and pretty harbour of Kalkan village.
Best thing: The Pool Suite, where French windows open onto a terrace and a private infinity pool overlooking the sea; perfect for honeymooners.
Best For: Couples; older families (no children under nine).
Kashmir Boutique Hotel, Dalyan Delta
What’s it like?
On an organic farm on the edge of a lake in the heart of the Dalyan Delta, Kashmir has 22 spacious rooms in five buildings, including the farmhouse. Two palatial VIP suites have their own pools, other rooms share two further pools, plus there's a children's pool in the gardens.
The place is totally relaxing: think ducks paddling in a little stream, hammocks and cushions under trees in the rambling gardens, and delicious, home-grown organic food in the two Ottoman-style restaurants.
Best thing: Kayaking on beautiful Lake Koycegiz, steam and massage in the hammam.
Best for: Families.
Exclusive Escapes note: this property will open in 2006.