August 2008
VILLAS FOR COUPLES
by Sarah Gooding (She's feature Editor)
For a couple in dire need of quality R&R, a villa holiday seems the ideal retreat. You can stay in bed all day if you fancy; you can enjoy the privacy of your own pool (no children, no splashing, no screaming) and eat breakfast whenever you want. However, renting a villa has always seemed an expensive option for couples - only viable if you share the holiday with a group of friends.
But Exclusive Escapes' White Collection in Kalkan offers an affordable solution - the cosy Villa Sun.
Just metres from the sea's edge, it's a beautiful bolthole for two - with just the right level of privacy. Set on the side of a hill, with views of Kalkan's pretty bay, our days were spent languishing in our own infinity pool, sipping Lal (a delicious Turkish rosé) while clocking all the gulets and fishing boats as they sailed in and out of the harbour. Although they villa doesn't feature every mod con, it's very much designed so you can enjoy the sun, the view and each other's company.
Kalkan is half village, half town, and really sparkles at night. Little alleyways and walkways lead down to the harbour and we were overwhelmed by the choice of sophisticated harbour-side and rooftop dining - it has a well-earned reputation for its cuisine and our stay soon turned into a gastronomic feast. Favourite restaurants included Aubergine, in the harbour and the über-stylish Gironda, with its sumptuous courtyard bar area.
The beautifully boutique Mahal Beach Club is at your disposal for the duration of your stay at Villa Sun. During the day it provides sun loungers and meals beside the water's edge and at night offers romantic, candlelit dinners. A boat service operates between the Beach Club and Kalkan's harbour throughout the day.
The coast is laced with wonderful preserved Lycean remains from 3000BC: Patara, just 20km away has two amphitheatres and a stunning colonnade beside one of the longest (and most impressive) beaches in Europe, which doubles as a nesting ground for turtles.
The fact so many visitors return to Kalkan again and again speaks volumes. And as we left, after the most glorious week, there was no doubt in our minds, we'll definitely be back for more.