Best for: couples, groups of friends, a girls’ trip
You know, when you arrive somewhere only accessible by boat, you’re getting something a bit special – and all the more so when you speed past the superyachts (Saudi royalty here, a Russian billionaire there) bobbing nearby as you head in for the final stretch. Reaching the impossibly pretty enclave, thickly fringed with pine trees disappearing upwards towards the sky, you’d be forgiven for feeling that you’ve just reached a secret, undiscovered land. Just one where the unspoilt, deep turquoise sea views come already well-appointed with a side of soft jazz rolling out over manicured lawns lush with palms and pampas, a glittering beachfront and smart restaurant slinging out smoky wood-fired meats and fish, and innovative cocktails. Well done – you have made it.
Istanbul-based architects Faar Concept created the boho-chic design and, for the third season, 16 shiny new bungalows and four glamping tents join the original 16 glass-fronted villas, keeping the same rustic-luxe feel. Rooms have linen bedding, outdoor showers and aquamarine pools, emerging from behind tall foliage that cleverly creates privacy without the need for unsightly walls. Why build a fence when a banana palm suffices?
DJs spin tunes until midnight on weekends, but this is no Bodrum superclub; playlists are slow and seductive rather than frenetic, and you’re equally likely to see little ones in the restaurant as groups of well-dressed friends. There are two restaurants, with more casual Citrus of Yazz opening this year to complement existing flagship Yazz, which serves up warm oily bread with honey and feta, slow-cooked goat and lamb with buttery potato gratin, and thick seared fillets of sea bass. Forget espresso martinis – the closest iteration here is a dark berry-infused vodka cold brew topped with lilac foam and parmesan.
Mornings begin with hot pilates on the shoreline, followed by art classes, cocktail workshops and leisurely swims along a gleaming curl of beachfront. Tellingly, there are plenty of locals among the international guests, cooing over the hotel’s two tabby kittens that are scooped up happily in the staff’s arms each evening for cuddles. Guests can hop on and off a boat transfer to Fethiye whenever they please – but with paradise here, why ever would you? Charley Ward
Address: Pınaraltı (Turunç Pınarı) Koyu, 48375 Fethiye, Muğla, Türkiye
Price: From about £370 per night.