Coastal Turkey set for a bounce

Coastal Turkey is set for a bounce in 2018 and there has never been a better time to luxuriate on the Lycian Coast for a fraction of the cost.

The pound has risen by 24% against the Turkish lira over the past year, low-cost airline Jet2 is almost doubling its capacity, and Thomas Cook is launching direct flights from Norwich to Dalaman where the brand new international terminal will be fully complete by May 2018.

To coincide, Turkey specialist Fairlight Jones has unveiled its 2018 coastal programme with a bevy of brand new properties – including a waterfront boutique hotel and a collection of world-class eco houses – with a-cut-above services and a range of guided adventures, including horse-riding and trekking. Brand new for 2018 Fairlight Jones is offering:

Ultra luxe eco houses

Ensconced by forest with wild gardens and a private cove below, The Houses of Gökçe Gemile have been hand-built using natural local stone, reclaimed wood and iron, eschewing where possible all manmade materials.  Each house is built using stone sourced from a different village in Turkey and named accordingly – Elmali, Eşen and Alaçati. Individually designed, they share stunning sea views, 20 metre lake-style pools and rock-hewn Jacuzzis. None of the natural terrain has been comprised during the development, and one of the houses accommodates an original tree which grows through the interior.  Features are designed to maximise inside-outside living yet retain the utmost privacy, with walls of glass overlooking the sea. The private beach below can be reached by a lift or a cliff path and has sea kayaks, paddleboards, snorkels and flippers to explore.

Equestrian adventures on The Carian Trail

The Wolf’s Trail Cottage and Chalet Vista are two brand new villas located near the village of Bayir on the Bozburun Peninsula. With the Carian Trail running near the grounds, they are the perfect location to enjoy private guided adventures – on foot or horseback – with the charming Turkish owner, Ayhan, who lives just 10 minutes away.  Ayhan is a fully-qualified trekking guide whose knowledge of ornithology, botany and archaeology allows guests to get beneath the surface of rural Turkey.  It is extremely rare to see any form of horse-back riding in Coastal Turkey, yet guests can cover more ground on four legs than on two, and from an elevated position in the saddle enjoy incredible views.

A boutique waterside hotel for grown-ups

The Waterside is new to Fairlight Jones’ programme for 2018 and is an ideal couples retreat, tucked away on the far side of The Bay of Kalkan.  Originally known as Likya Gardens, the boutique hotel is now under new management. There are nine spacious suites (seven of which have their own large pool) each with a Cabana to enjoy the private beach club below, which forms the focal point of the boutique hotel.  There are a range of suites to suit most budgets including luxurious Garden Pool Houses or the dramatic Penthouse Pool Suite with wonderful seascapes.

The refurbished Deniz Feneri Lighthouse

The waterfront boutique hotel on the Kas Peninsula will re-open in 2018 after a complete refurbishment and under new management headed-up by the owners, Turan and Gülgün.  All rooms, the waterfront, restaurant, grounds and general infrastructure are undergoing a complete overhaul signalling the hotel’s return to the top of its game.  Deniz Feneri Lighthouse has some of the coast’s finest sunsets which can be enjoyed from the large private waterfront, the perfect spot to imbibe shades of red over inky-blue seas.

Fairlight Jones’ 2018 Coastal Turkey programme continues to offer BA flights from London Gatwick to Dalaman, at the lowest rates possible (return flights start from £300pp). The team’s concierge services will facilitate flexible flying from any airport for any duration, using private jets and other schedule flights.  All accommodation is available with or without flights.

For reservations see www.fairlightjones.com