Kalkan - Pure Turkish Delight!!
Arriving at Lykia Residence & Spa just in time for dinner, after a fairly swift eighty minute transfer from Dalaman Airport, I was warmly welcomed and taken straight to join my colleagues and enjoyed the first of many delicious meals accompanied by a couple of glasses of the local raki. A very relaxing start to what was going to be a busy few days.
Because it was dark when I arrived in Kalkan, I didn't realise just how pretty it was and what stunning views I would be greeted with from my balcony at The Asfiya Hotel in the morning. Already the sun was hot, but no time to relax yet, we were off, after a poolside breakfast, to visit the properties that form our Discerning Collection.
The Asfiya is a great base, being in a quiet location about ten minutes' steep walk to the town, though a bit longer coming back! A wide variety of rooms and suites are on offer, all beautifully decorated and the hotel has its own spa and hamam. We also checked out our great selection of quality villas - Amethyst, Sarafin, Doruk, Sena, Nergis, Badem, Lykia and the most popular Saray, which has its own indoor pool, sauna and hamam! All of them are well-appointed with great views and are near enough the town that you wouldn't need to have a car. Just near The Asfiya is the Oasis Hotel which is also well decorated and felt a bit nautical. It is adults only outside of school holidays and is quite small with only 17 rooms, giving it an intimate feel.
Yali Hotel & Beach Club has only 8 rooms and is very popular due to its location by the waters' edge. The rooms here are more basic than the other properties but the decked beach club with its comfy loungers and parasols makes this a great choice.
The best hotel in Kalkan has to be the adults only Lykia Residence & Spa, a stylish boutique hotel where you are made to feel so welcome. My top choice for a relaxing break, superb cuisine and delightful suites! I can understand why this is such a popular hotel - if I ever manage a few days away without my daughter, I know where I'll be heading!
With an imminent opening, we had a sneak preview of a brand new hotel in our portfolio, situated about 30 minutes along the coast from Kalkan, in the equally stunning resort of Kas. The Peninsula Gardens Hotel will be the first choice for those couples looking for somewhere very special in Kas. It is a small hotel which will wrap itself around you - stunning vistas, secluded and private, a perfect place for a romantic break!
A visit to the dazzling Kaputas beach and rustic lunch up in the hills at Islamlar were complemented by learning about the historical sites that are easily accessible from Kalkan, such as the Lycian Tombs, Xanthos and Patara, where you can also find the vast beach that is home to the loggerhead turtles.
On our last day, some of our group ventured out to sea on a gulet whilst I opted for a walk down into the town and along the harbour front. Knowing it was going to be a strenuous walk back up the hill I had already booked into the spa at Lykia Residence. Was I in for a treat! I was persuaded to try the Turkish hamam, so after a sauna and ten minutes in the steam room I was scrubbed, lathered and rinsed by the very able Sefa who I nicknamed Mr Magic Hands after the hour-long hot oil massage that followed. It was utter bliss and complete relaxation and left me floating on air (and snoring away quite happily at the end!) ready to face the flight back to Birmingham.
Kalkan and Kas truly are the jewels in Turkey's crown, each has its own charm and character and they still retain the true flavour of Turkey. Thankfully, neither has given way to large impersonal hotels or all-inclusives, and may it stay that way forever. Was I impressed? You bet! I've already booked to go back to the Asfiya in June 2012.