The best beach hotels in Turkey for sun, sea, sand and service on the Turquoise Coast
Sweeping south and east from chic, Aegean-set Bodrum to the beachfront Mediterranean resorts of Antalya and Alanya, Turkey’s gorgeous Turquoise Coast has something for everyone. Think secluded coves reachable only by boat, great strands of white sand where loggerhead turtles lay their eggs, rocky headlands, dense pine-forested hillsides and an ever-present backdrop of soaring limestone peaks. Whether for pool-lounging and sea swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, windsurfing or a round or three of golf, this beautiful southwest corner is tailor-made for the perfect beach holiday, so here’s our pick of the very best beach hotels in Turkey.
Wrapped around its own private bay on the northern shores of a rugged peninsula jutting-out from Turkey’s beautiful Aegean coast, it’s hard to imagine a more laid-back yet sophisticated and exclusive retreat than the Mandarin Oriental. Discounting the passing of the occasional yacht or cruiser belonging to Turkey’s wealthy elite, who have made Bodrum and its environs their very own French Riviera, once you enter the grounds of the resort there’s nothing to remind you of the outside world. Daytime activities revolve around the twin beaches and crystal clear waters fronting them, or relaxing by an elegant pool complex. Otherwise, pamper yourself in the superb spa.
• The best hotels on the Turquoise Coast
The Olympos Lodge occupies a prime spot towards the southern end of Çıralı Beach, an unspoilt gem on Turkey’s spectacularly beautiful Turquoise Coast. The beach, backed by pine clad peaks, book-ended by limestone ridges and near a crystal clear river, is protected from development because it is a noted turtle nesting site. The hotel itself is comprised of a scattering of luxurious bungalows set amidst lush, almost sub-tropical grounds. Run by the same family for over thirty years, it’s a friendly place with a palm-frond covered bar for sun-downers and after dinner drinks, hammocks strung between trees for day-time dozing in the shade, and a duck pond.
• The best hotels in Turkey
Isolated and serene, D-Hotel is set in a stunning bay surrounded by jagged mounds of volcanic rock and hillsides lush with almond trees on the undeveloped and protected Datça Peninsula, accessed via a three-mile-long densely wooded lane. This fabulous setting plus superb food and extensive facilities make it one of the best, if not the best, luxury beach resorts in Turkey. Sea-view rooms face an inlet enveloped by jagged mounds of volcanic rock and hillsides lush with almond and olive trees, while five white-sand beaches, a water ski school, indoor and outdoor pools, and a huge spa mean you're unlikely to be stuck for something to do.
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Perched at the sea edge in Barbaros Bay, just down the coast from the historic city of Bodrum (home to the mausoleum of Halicarnassus), this luxury Kempinski resort has much to offer those looking for a place to fly and flop in style. As well as an 1800 square-metre infinity pool looking out to an unspoilt seascape framed on each side by mountains (with poolside waiters summoned by a doorbell device on sun loungers), there’s a small marina with adults-only sunbathing area, private access to the beach and a chill-out room turned shisha lounge, which adds a bit of pizzazz. All rooms have sea-facing balconies and darkwood furnishings offset by crisp white walls and bed linen.
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Accessible only by boat, on the beautiful, sleepy Bozburun Peninsula, Sabrina’s Haus is an exquisite hideaway for adults seeking Turkey beach holidays in a quiet part of the Turkish Mediterranean. The eight villas and thatched-roofed pergolas are connected by travertine marble pathways and set in gardens full of swaying palm, banana and fig trees at the foot of a steep hillside. It’s impossibly romantic without being cheesy: dinner à deux on floating pontoons, oil lamps placed outside your room at dusk, tables right by the sea. The hotel doesn’t have a main pool but there’s plenty of decking, with sun loungers and umbrellas, right by the sea, plus watersports equipment.
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Unlike the other hotels in the Gloria group’s Belek portfolio, this one is aimed primarily at golfers, and attracts a mix of families where one or more members wants to play, and groups of friends out to enjoy some serious golfing. It’s got all the mod-cons and luxuries you’d expect from five-star hotels on the beach in Turkey, with much of the non-golf focus being on the large, beautifully laid-out pool area, endless dining options and the obligatory sandy shore. Standard rooms either have a garden terrace or a balcony; there are more spacious suites and private villas within the grounds. The landscaped gardens are lush and mature, with plenty of trees for shade and colourful, exotic flowers.
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Small, friendly, extremely stylish and superbly run, this boutique hotel near the lively resort of Kalkan is the ideal place for a relaxing romantic break or as the base for exploring the fabulous ancient sites, gorgeously indented coastline and mountainous hinterland of Lycia. On site, the sleek, low buildings of the hotel harmonise perfectly with the lush, landscaped and terraced grounds falling steeply to the sea, and the infinity pool is amazing with its fabulous views. But the beach club, with its restaurant, olive-tree shaded natural-stone terraces, sun loungers and easy access to the crystal clear waters of the bay is the major boon – especially as there are several watersports on offer.
• The best boutique hotels on the Turquoise Coast
On secluded Kalemya Bay, with its clear blue waters and densely wooded hills, The Hillside Beach Club is a big, cheerful resort with all the workings of a small town and extensive facilities for families and couples. Several blocks of chalets cut into the hillsides and slope towards the bay, with restaurants and other facilities at ground level. Here you’ll find three sandy beaches (two of them for adults only); three restaurants and eight bars; a nature trail and a shuttle boat service to the different beaches. Regular fitness classes and wellness programmes are designed for active guests, as are diving and sailing lessons, plus a mini football field.
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The Turquoise Coast’s EDITION tumbles down a side of Bodrum peninsula in layers, punctuated with olive trees, terraces peppered with hammocks, lawns with pools and steps leading down to the nightclub, restaurants, pool deck, spa, and at the bottom, the smirking crescent of white sand (which is actually made of crushed-up marble). The Aegean sea, which spans the spectrum from aquamarine in its shallows to lapis lazuli in its deeper parts, can be accessed straight from the hotel's private beach which has a cabana-studded jetty. Rooms are understated with a muted palette and most with views of the blue, but upgrade to a suite for a kitchen and a private plunge pool.
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Perched on a hillside and surrounded by olive, pomegranate, walnut and fig trees, the Viewpoint has wonderful views towards the sandy curve of Patara beach and sea beyond. In keeping with the tranquil rural location, the emphasis is on a simple yet refined rustic charm. There’s a shady terrace set out in traditional Turkish fashion, with low cushions to relax, read or chat with fellow guests, a beautifully landscaped swimming pool area plus a comfy reception room complete with its own mini library. Breakfast is a la Turca, which means lashings of delicious cheeses, olives, fresh breads, homemade jams, yogurt, fried fruits, eggs et al. Each bedroom has a little balcony.
Contributions by Jade Conroy, Rhiannon Edwards, Tina Walsh & Georgina Wilson-Powell
