Our Featured PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
This week’s favourite holiday properties for the ultimate luxury getaway.
Where to next? We have curated some inspiration to cover all sorts of stays and guests. Peruse what’s trending now. We’ve cast around for hotels, villas and gulets which we think will offer standout holidays in summer 2024.
Hand-picked UNCOMMERCIAL DESTINATIONS
We specialise in uncommercial holiday destinations in Turkey, the Greek Islands of Crete and Kefalonia, Mallorca, Sicily, Malta and the year-round exotic destination of Morocco. We continue to seek out and offer new discerning experiences in other destinations and this year are delighted to introduce new regions in Morocco, bucket list expeditions and also luxury voyages at sea- worldwide.
Friendly, PERSONAL SERVICE
We are a truly specialist tour operator offering unique boutique hotels, private villas with pools, rural retreats and select apartments in unspoilt resorts. Whether you’re looking for a suite built within caves, a romantic rooftop terrace or your own private infinity pool…we’ve got a great selection for you.
We have extensive first hand experience of the properties we feature, have time to help guests choose specific rooms or villas and, having built up great relationships with all the owners, can offer a truly personal service to enhance your holiday. Thankfully, many of our guests agree as we have a huge number of very loyal repeat guests.
But don’t take our word for it… to see genuine reviews from Discerning Collection guests click here.
Holiday TYPES
Discerning EXPERIENCES
We are delighted to introduce our exciting new portfolio of truly memorable experience holidays. Designed to allow you to discover natural wonders and unique cultural experiences year round and in a choice of destinations. Our current experience holidays include; a yoga and lifestyle holiday in an eco lodge in Morocco this November, tailor made itineraries on the Amalfi coast, Tuscany, Puglia and Matera and landscapes of Turkey which combine Cappadocia and Istanbul. Our Discerning Experience holidays have been created to allow you to see a facet of the destination not usually unavailable, while traveling in style and enjoying the finest hospitality as well as our renowned personal and attentive service.
School Holiday AVAILABILITY
With availability always a challenge now is your chance to book and save!
Luxury hotel in its own private bay, a fabulous choice for both couples and families
We are thrilled to include the elegant beach resort, Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye to our portfolio. Surrounded by sweet-smelling, pine clad mountains in a private bay, the location is undeniably breathtaking. Although larger than our selection of small, boutique hotels in Turkey, we couldn’t resist this superb hotel with vast array of facilities, making it a wonderful holiday choice for both couples and families alike.
With 330 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, some are perfect for couples whilst the larger suites can comfortably sleep a family of four, most rooms have a balcony or terrace and many with splendid sea views.
There are 3 private beaches, the main ‘Blue Flag’ beach offers a wide range of water sports for all the family, whilst Serenity and Silent Beach offer serene, quiet space for adults only. There is also huge swimming pool overlooking the pretty bay . There are plenty of great activities for youngsters, a kids club and also activities for older children and teens.
You are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at the Hillside Beach Club, the main buffet restaurant offers a wide variety of Turkish and international cuisine to suit all tastes, there is also the romantic Pasha on the Bay on the waterfront, not to mention the Beach Bar and Restaurant, with it’s relaxed and informal dining by day, and by night it is transformed in to an elegant, Italian restaurant, an idyllic spot to dine al fresco on a balmy summer’s evening. (these 2 beachside restaurants are weather dependent)
The Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye is an exceptional choice for a Turkish holiday and caters for all tastes, whether you are looking for a romantic escape, or a family summer getaway with plenty of activities, this superb hotel never fails to impress.
Please note that due to the hillside location of the hotel, this property is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
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A stunning luxury 5* boutique hotel near the charming town of Ágios Nikolaos, a well -deserved member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Ideally situated on its own private stretch of sandy beach, the St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Thalassa Villas offers magnificent views over the Gulf of Mirabello. Relax around one of the 2 infinity pools that both offer wonderful spots to rejuvenate with a book, or for the more energetic, why not enjoy the many water activities on offer from the water sports centre or continue daily exercise in the fitness centre with state-of-the-art Cybex and techno gym machines.
This hotel is a luxury boutique hotel, privately run, yet offering the services and facilities of a larger luxury resort and with genuine Greek hospitality. With a selection of beautifully appointed and recently renovated rooms, suites and villas, all with modern and spacious interiors with large terraces or balconies and most with fabulous sea views. The exclusive Club Studio Suites, as well as the new Olives & Sea Suites and Thalassa Villas have their own seawater private swimming pools which are heated in the shoulder months and come with their own elevated VIP benefits and little surprises during your stay. The range of rooms and suites ensure this hotel is perfect for couples as well as families.
Dining wise, there is something for everyone at this fabulous hotel; a choice of five restaurants at St. Nicolas Bay Hotel, ranging from fine dining to ranging from the fine dining Minotaure, to the traditional Greek Kafenion on the waterfront with Cretan dishes and excellent seafood; a state of the art Poseidon Spa with an indoor pool and an extensive range of treatment suites where guests can enjoy the ultimate relaxation and tranquil experience. There are plenty of activities to keep inquisitive minds entertained too; a children’s club and playground immersed in nature, cinema, a teens games room and boutique.
This boutique hotel and villas promises the perfect blend of local and contemporary architecture with a strong emphasis on privacy all offered with a perfect backdrop of the Mirabello Bay, with friendly and personable service suitable for any discerning guest.
NB. NEW: Accommodation Tax and Climate Resilience Tax, effective from 01/01/2024 ( this is applicable to all 5* hotels in Greece). The fee is 10 euros per room per night payable directly by the guests to the hotel, at checkout. Please kindly note that if the government occupancy tax rates change, the prevailing tax rates at the time of the guest stay will be charged accordingly.
The hotel is not be suitable for guests with limited mobility, wheelchair users, or those who experience significant walking difficulties. We kindly advise considering alternative accommodations within our portfolio for a more comfortable stay.
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The Cayo Exclusive Resort and Spa is a seriously elegant design hotel. The property enjoys unprecedented space in each of it’s 116 pool suites and offers guests unparalleled views of the iridescent Spinalonga Island, a UNESCO world Heritage List nominee, together with mesmerising vistas over the sparkling azure waters of Mirabello Bay. Standing in an elevated position, aloft a steep hill, it is still only 250 metres from Plaka pebble beach and dramatically framed by jagged cliffs.
Exceptional attention to detail is demonstrated throughout the Cayo Hotel Concept. The property has been meticulously designed to blend seamlessly with it surrounds and embrace Cretan architectural design. Interiors have been paired by Milanese designer Gian Paolo Venier who took his inspiration from the culture and natural landscape of the island- where possible combining local artisan’s craftmanship with modern furnishings, fittings, and cool neutral tones. Even the selected materials for the project are those rich in the history of Greece, white marble, volaka marble and terracotta. All of which have been handpicked to provide guests with a sense of connection to their surrounds. Throughout, the property exudes bohemian characteristics underpinned by a level of comfort and luxury that is often difficult to find. Accommodation options are plentiful, with many room categories having the option of additional beds or cots- lending itself to families and friends travelling together as well as couples. With so much room to roam guests will relish the incredible outside space and panoramic views from every aspect.
For those seeking a flop and drop vacay with plenty of rest and relaxation there are plenty of swimming opportunities in situ. The hotel boasts three swimming pools, two are large and beautiful where you can bathe under sunny Cretan Skies or cosy up poolside on a voluptuous lounger with a good read. Beyond the pool, is Cayo’s spot on the beach, located just 250m from the hotel and if you don’t fancy stretching your legs, the hotel shuttle runs from the morning into the evening- it’s a wonderful place to unwind while being serenaded by the majestic sounds of the sea. And if you are looking for some respite from the sun, a visit to the well being centre will be the ultimate rejuvenation remedy, pick from one of the many treatments listed on the spa menu or unwind in the Turkish bath. There is also a fitness centre and studio for those who prefer not to let their holiday stand in the way of workout rituals.
A stay at the Cayo Exclusive Resort allows guests to be as well looked after as they like and as independent too. So often the conception with resort hotels is that with everything you could possibly need at your fingertips there is very little reason to leave. The same of course can be said for the Cayo Exclusive Resort which offers residents opportunities to dine in four different restaurants and two bars all of which offer exceptional cuisine with many ingredients seasonal and sourced from local eco-friendly farms or produced in the hotel’s own organic garden. However, Cayo is committed to supporting the local Cretan culture and a sustainable approach to tourism. To this end, the team encourage guests to enjoy the local tavernas in Plaka and explore the wider region, taking in a climbing experience, hiking, water sports and diving.
No matter your interests, the Cayo Exclusive Resort and Spa will provide the ultimate relaxation vacation. The position makes it easy to pick up the pace and venture effortlessly beyond the hotel perimeters. It is however the wonderful team locally on site, who deliver a friendly and attentive service. Proud and hospitable, they are eager to provide a relaxed atmosphere and unforgettable experience that makes it so hard to leave.
NB. NEW: Accommodation Tax and Climate Resilience Tax, effective from 01/01/2024 ( this is applicable to all 5* hotels in Greece). The fee is 10 euros per room per night payable directly by the guests to the hotel, upon arrival. The hotel reserves the right to not accommodate guests who refuse to pay the CR tax. Please kindly note that if the government occupancy tax rates change, the prevailing tax rates at the time of the guest stay will be charged accordingly.
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A gorgeous boutique hotel perched by the water’s edge with just 12 suites and 4 villas, an idyllic beachside escape
Once a simple guesthouse, the Likya Gardens Hotel has been totally transformed into a beach front boutique hotel comprising of just 12 spacious suites, two 2 bedroom villas and two 3 bedroom villas.
Likya Gardens surveys, the Bay of Kalkan and looks out across the inky waters to Hotel Villa Mahal on the far side of the Bay. The stunning and quiet waterfront location is ideal for couples seeking a peaceful escape with plenty of privacy.
Likya Gardens and Likya Beach Club prides itself on offering the highest levels of service to select guests.
Boasting one of the best locations in Kalkan, this reinvented boutique property is reached via a small lane which to Kalkan’s westerly shore, and has a secluded position overlooking the sea, yet it is still possible to walk into the main part of town. The boutique hotel is spread across the hillside and offers the opportunity to relax either by your private pool or by the sea, with an attentive and discreet service provided by hotel staff.
All but 6 rooms have their own private swimming pool. New for 2022 are four chic- beachside style villas complete with their own private swimming pools. Built over two floors with the bedrooms on the first floors. In addition, there are 4 new deluxe pool rooms, situated in the gardens with their own plunge pools and those delightful sea views. All the rooms are spacious, light and airy and have a wonderful laid back feel.
In the original building there are 6 rooms without pool, each has a balcony with sea views and complimentary use of the hotel’s private waterfront and bathing platforms. In the main building there is the Penthouse Jacuzzi Suite with its gorgeous views and its own-roof top Jacuzzi and the Signature Pool room on the ground floor, is always a favourite choice with our regular guests.
Breakfast is served in a shaded area at the Likya Beach Club and features a delightful Mediterranean buffet and some daily specials. Light lunches are available at the hotel’s private waterfront known as the Likya Beach Club. A short walk back along the coastal road will take you to a plethora of wonderful restaurants in Kalkan. Alternatively both the Likya Pavilion, Likya Residence and Asfiya Sea View hotels are close by and both have renowned restaurants.
Pretty steps lead down from Likya Gardens Terrace to the waterfront below where there are private cabanas – one for each of the villas – to enjoy the beachfront in utter seclusion. They are inspired by the Caribbean and give a hippy chic beachfront vibe that is instantly relaxing. The whitewashed, wooden cabanas are individually decorated and each has a sun lounger as well of course die-for views out over the Mediterranean.
The waterfront beach club offers easy access to the sea with sun-loungers, diving platforms and parasols dotted here and there. There is towel and waiter service to the beach club and cabanas with light refreshments including snacks and cooling drinks.
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Lures Hotel
The Lures Hotel, where glistening Mediterranean waters reach the rocky Kalkan shores, a heaven of blissful seclusion; elegant, endlessly social and yet the suites are also perfectly private.
Dominating the hillside above Kalamar Bay, The Lures Hotel boasts unrivalled widescreen views over the Mediterranean and it’s islet neighbours, Mouse and Snake Islands. The hotel is effortlessly chic and has been meticulously designed over the past ten years. While large and impressive, it has just 52 rooms each has been pioneered to embrace the local regional spirit. Decor is fresh, neutral tones, cool tiled flooring, expansive windows and high vaulted ceilings give rise to a feeling of light and Mediterranean living.
Large sculpted grounds provide plenty of serene spaces to unwind and make the most of outdoor living in the alluring Turkish Climate under balmy skies. The expansive gardens are sea-facing, teeming with bougainvillea as well as fragrant and exotic plant life. There’s no shortage of bathing opportunities, a large state- of – the -art swimming pool takes centre stage and is the perfect spot to inhale the inspiring sea vistas. Just footsteps away is the hotel beach club, this classically elegant setting is a sanctuary to rewind and renew while listening to the rejuvenating sounds of the sea. There are even a splattering of cabanas each voluptuously furnished in a nautical vibe ideal for those seeking solitude and privacy by the water’s edge.
The Lures offers a variety of dining experiences created by known chefs from across Turkey. And we expect in the years to come, as the hotel becomes more established that it will develop a firm foodie following. The restaurants feature a fusion of Mediterranean and Turkish specialities as well as some international favourites. There is also a sophisticated restaurant with a steak culture which will suit those who relish the very best.
Make the most of your stay with well-being experiences that reset the mind. The hotel features a superb spa with indoor pool, hammam, sauna, steam rooms and expansive treatment menu. The Fitness Centre is fitted with state- of-the-art training equipment and provides the perfect sanctuary for those in need of an active distraction.
Surrounded by your best people in a second to none location, with all you could possibly need, there is little reason to leave. But in case you do wander, Kalkan will tick all the boxes, delivering everything you need for an idyllic Mediterranean escape.
Adult Only ( Children 12+ welcome in July and August and 16+ during other periods).
Please note the hotel welcomes non-residents to use the restaurants and bars. Whilst the hotel will only accept residents over 16 years to stay in the hotel, the beach club and restaurants are welcome to non-residents of all ages.
Please kindly note the hotel occupies a steep hillside position.
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Villa Dolicha
Luxury villa in a Superb location. Villa Dolicha is a splendid villa on Kefalonia, with arguably some of the best views in Greece.
This is a truly stunning property, and perfect for a family, with 3 well appointed bedrooms, a spacious living and dining room and fully equipped kitchen.
The highlight of Villa Dolicha however, has to be the expansive terrace with its shaded dining area, perfect for barbecues on balmy summer evenings, and of course the huge infinity pool with mesmorising views out to sea and over the island of Ithaca and beyond.
For those guests wanting to sample the delights of Fiscardo Harbour, it is only 10 minute walk in to town, and the pretty beach of Embilisi is also nearby, making its location hard to beat.
Guests at Villa Dolicha have the added bonus of using the private entrance into the five star Emelisse hotel where they are more than welcome to use the facilities including the famed restaurant and many treatments available at the Spa.
If you prefer to stay at home, it is even possible to arrange for massage and beauty treatments at the villa, or perhaps a private chef for an evening to prepare a mouth-watering meal in the comfort of your own home.
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LIKYA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA
One of our guests favourites in Kalkan, Turkey
Arguably the best hotel in the region, the stunning Likya Residence and Spa is a luxurious adult-only retreat, yet just a short stroll from the heart of the charming harbour town of Kalkan.
All of the light, airy and incredibly spacious rooms and suites offer unrivalled sea views and have a large balcony or terrace, a superb spot to sit and watch the sun go down over the deep blue Mediterranean.
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Tailored FOR YOU
Bespoke holidays, to fit your exact requirements
Whether you are simply looking for accommodation for a few nights, or want an off the beaten track tailor-made holiday, the team at The Discerning Collection can fulfill your every need.
We can arrange flights from any UK airport on any day of the week, transfers or car hire, accommodation (including specific rooms), and many other services such as various jaunts and excursions, meals in some of the best restaurants in town! We are totally flexible and are here to ensure that you book the holiday that you want.
Simply give us a call on 01784 817 720 to experience our friendly and knowledgeable service first-hand.