The best boutique hotels on Turkey's Turquoise Coast, including Riviera views and characterful interiors
A landscape rich in historic remains, from rock-carved Lycian tombs and Greek temples to Roman theatres and Ottoman half-timbered houses – set against a backdrop of high mountains, deep valleys, plunging cliffs and pine-fringed sandy bays – makes the Turkish Riviera one of the most dramatically beautiful corners of the Mediterranean. Inspired by the natural and man-made wonders of the region, numerous locals and incomers have fashioned beautiful boutique hotels from quaint old watermills, pretty Greek fishermen’s houses, the country mansions of Turkish pashas and timber town houses of Ottoman dignitaries. In places like Antalya’s walled old town, picturesque Kalkan and along the route of the breath-taking Lycian Way walking trail, here’s our pick of the best boutique hotels on Turkey's Turquoise Coast.
Set in a 400-acre olive farm, this is one for foodies seeking accommodation away from it all. With most produce coming straight from the farm, it doesn't get much fresher; guests can see the organic vegetables growing in the garden before they are served in the restaurant, and even visit the olive mill and vinegar house to see how the products sold in the farm shop are produced. To be doubly healthy, have a quick game of tennis or a swim in the pool, or just head straight for the hot tub and steam room. The rooms – four Standard, seven Suites and one Family – are bright, spacious and airy with exposed stonework and stylish furniture.
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This stylish 19th-century Ottoman konak (mansion) attracts discerning travellers who want distinctive accommodation in one of the most picturesque locations on Turkey’s Mediterranean shore. Tiered down the steep hillside of the giant ‘rock’ that is this lively resort’s main feature, you look left and down to a striking red-stone Medieval tower, beyond which lies the harbour and, framing the horizon, the soaring Taurus mountains. Because of the steepness of the hill, Villa Turka is all overhanging balconies and projecting verandahs supported by 18-foot long cedar poles. Expect comfortable rooms, wonderful home-cooking and a small beach just five minutes’ walk below the property.
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A genuine family business, the Ottoman konak at the heart of this hotel belonged to the grandmother of current owner, Özgür Tankut. Some Antalya hotel owners over-egg the Ottoman Turkish pudding when it comes to restoration, but here the finely carved wooden ceilings, dark wood floors and sash windows have been kept, the walls painted a simple off-white, and the handful of Ottoman paintings chosen with care. The result is restrained elegance; if you're seeking a calming getaway in the heart of Antalya’s old quarter, this is it. Marvellous bougainvillea gardens, a swimming pool, a bar, a restaurant popular with locals, and breakfasts served in a pretty courtyard complete the picture.
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Really distinctive accommodation is in short supply in Kaş, and this stylish hotel located a short walk from the town centre nicely fills the gap for those looking for something with some designer flair. The rooms here are all individually designed but the overall effect is one of simple, but not austere, modernity, so the biggest choice is whether to go for a more expensive sea-facing room or a (cheaper) rear room – or splurge on the suite with its terrace. With the varied eating establishments in Kaş so close to hand you’ll probably only breakfast here – a delight on the lovely sea-facing terrace – but if you do fancy popping out owners Omer and Nevin’s advice about what to see and do is one of the great benefits of staying in this small hotel.
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Aerial views abound at this rustic, adults-only hotel in the hills above Selimiye – it’s where people come to enjoy total peace and quiet, a relaxing laid-back atmosphere and a sweeping panorama of the bay, distant mountains and islands. The long, two-storey stone house contains the 12 bedrooms and an open-air restaurant and bar with ivy-strewn pergola where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served. Yoga buffs can keep in shape in the big perspex yoga dome – there are workshops throughout the year – and there’s a small infinity pool with a sunbathing terrace, parasols and sun loungers. The emphasis here is on sustainability: solar panels heat the water, as much as possible is recycled and breakfast eggs come from the hotel’s hen coop.
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The owners of this traditionally built property escaped the rat-race in İstanbul to open their dream hotel on one of the Turkish Riviera's most beautiful stretches of coastline. And with just five bedrooms and a spectacular south-facing location on a rocky hillside high above the sea, Likya Yolu Palas is an intimate place to stay. Restrained elegance is the key attribute of each individually furnished room (one has a turn of the century birds-eye maple French bedroom suite with ivory handles), with plain walls and traditional Turkish rugs on the gleaming wooden floors. Each has their own built-in balcony which opens onto a terrace and the hotel's pool. The owners will happily pass on tips for local walks, and cook up fresh Turkish fare on the roof terrace.
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From the rose garden and citrus orchards to the intricately carved wooden ceilings, vintage furniture pieces and impressive frescoes, everything about this 200-year-old Mehmet Ali Ağa Mansion oozes elegance and style, without overstatement. The Stone House hosts 13 standard rooms with a contemporary finish and wooden balconies, but if you’re feeling really flush, splash out on the mansion rooms or suites which have a more exotic feel. Set in the old village of Reşadiye, the property is a favourite of couples in search of a romantic hideaway in a lush and tranquil setting, and although there isn't much in the village itself, you can take the free shuttle to the hotel-owned private beach or rent a car and explore the rest of this stunning peninsula.
• The best hotels on the Turquoise Coast
Set at the end of a narrow, quiet street with the seafront a few minutes’ walk away, these three cottages have been stunningly restored to make Kalkan’s premier boutique hotel. There are only six rooms, each individually designed and arranged around a tranquil yet stylish courtyard, with a distinctive pebble mosaic floor, potted plants, bougainvillea and benches for lounging. The sweet-smelling cedar wood floors, ceilings, windows and shutters have been worked by a top-notch craftsman, and are perfectly complemented by the restrained neutral walls, soft, textured white bed linen and stone fireplaces. Breakfasts, generally taken on an attractive terrace with sweeping views of the town, bay and islets, are superb.
Contributions by Tina Walsh
