Turkish hideaways: Cliffside retreats, old fishing villages and private beach clubs
The Big Si
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This secluded cliffside retreat opened last summer on a remote, rocky stretch of coast near Olu Deniz. Taking its name from the French word for "lost", it aims to distance guests from the world outside, with eight safari-style rooms, poised above the Turquoise Coast. Only reachable by boat or one of the resort's 4x4s, this is the place to switch off. Daytime distractions range from lolling about on wooden decks to snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and reading a book in your room's private Jacuzzi. If you have time, you might even squeeze in a massage, take an al fresco yoga class or catch a film at the outdoor cinema. By night, all guests meet in the open-air Mediterranean restaurant, which serves up fresh fish and meat with produce from the surrounding kitchen-garden.
Perdue, near Olu Deniz, Fethiye (020 7722 2288; perduehotel.com). Doubles start at £190, including breakfast.
Casa Dell'Arte, Torba
The owner of this luxury residence in the old fishing village of Torba made his fortune in the automobile industry. But today, it's the family's art collection that really makes a mark. The hoard includes more than 200 Turkish paintings, triptychs, antique doors and sculptures. Accommodation is divided into two halves: crisp and contemporary suites in the adult's-only Residence and a separate wing that caters for families with larger loft-style rooms. By night, the Goncha fish restaurant serves up seafood beside the beach.
Casa Dell'Arte, Torba (00 90 252 367 1848; casadellartebodrum.com). Doubles start at €300, including breakfast.
Golden Key, Bordubet
Bisected by a river and flanked by forest, Bordubet Cove offers an alternative to the traditional Turkish beach break. Here, Golden Key stands raised above the river's calm, shallow waters, with 41 rustic-chic rooms. Many feature creamy tones and carved headboards, while others appear as boathouse-style suites or treehouses. In the grounds, there's a barbecue, spa and various waterfront jettys, while a private beach can be found at the point where the river meets the sea.
Golden Key, Bordubet (00 90 252 436 92 30; bordubet.com.tr). Doubles start at €150, half board.
Villa Mahal, Kalkan
Spilling down a hillside on the Bay of Kalkan, Villa Mahal stands staggered over a series of platforms planted with olive trees. Shared spaces include an infinity pool with an honesty bar, a roof terrace where breakfast is served and a private beach club at the water's edge. The 13 rooms all have sea views, with cerulean sofas and turquoise cushions that reflect the oceanfront setting. Complimentary boat transfers are on hand to whisk you across the waters to Kalkan for lunch.
Villa Mahal, Kalkan (00 90 242 844 32 68; villamahal.com). Doubles start at €200, including breakfast.
Beyevi, Alacati
Bougainvillea bushes, whitewashed walls and dainty blue shutters lead the way to this atmospheric retreat. Located in the former Greek settlement of Alacati, on the Cesme peninsula, it's one of many traditional stone buildings that line the town's narrow cobbled streets. This is the place where wealthy Turks holiday and many pass through Beyevi's doors to share a glass of wine in the garden bar, take a dip into the palm-shaded pool or sleep in one of the hotel's tasteful stone-walled rooms. The breakfast is also a highlight.
Beyevi, Alacati (00 90 232 716 80 85; beyevi.com.tr). Doubles start at €130, including breakfast.
Peninsula Gardens, Kas
This five-star retreat opened on a peninsula near the fishing village of Kas three years ago. Its collection of stone buildings straddles the hillside like scattered sugar cubes, with two pools and plenty of shaded terraces for taking in the Mediterranean coast. Each of the 18 rooms is named after a gemstone, with unfaltering sea views and private plunge pools in all but five. Breakfast is a buffet of fresh fruit, local yoghurt and honey, while the harbourside restaurants and cafés in Kas offer a wealth of options for evening meals.
Peninsula Gardens, Kas (00 90 444 6761; kaspeninsulagardens.com). Doubles start at €230, including breakfast.
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