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
Savings of up to 40% plus a complimentary meal
Immerse yourself in the refined elegance of this chic sanctuary, where relaxation envelops you from the moment you arrive. The attentive and convivial service ensures your every desire is effortlessly fulfilled
Boutique, bijou and perched in a peaceful location, it very much lends itself to couples seeking a laid back escape. The hotel has the most wonderfully chilled ambiance and atmosphere, the owner has kept things delightfully simple allowing the spectacular surrounding nature, dramatic views over Selimiye bay and mountainous back drop to provide the magic. The general manager Erinc and his wonderful partner Bea have worked hard to create a convivial atmosphere akin to staying with old friends, their attention to detail and hospitality creates an intimacy that is hard to tear yourself away from.
It is instantaneously evident that Boho Garden’s world is all about kicking back and escaping from the crowds to relish pure peace and tranquillity. And outside nature does all the talking, the fragrant garden and unfettered terrain is bursting with all the spoils of the med; a plethora of abundant fig, almond and pear trees stand next to gnarled ancestral olive groves. All of the wonderful fruits are made into delicious local jams that you will have the pleasure of sampling at breakfast and they even produce their own olive oil, it doesn’t get more local. The focal point of life is the verdant garden where two large swimming pools are very much the place to gather. The only interruption is the occasional splosh of a guest diving in for a refreshing dip. Adjacent, is the tasteful Tikki Pool bar which serves an array of cooling drinks and pool lunches throughout the day and by nightfall it adopts a cool cocktail vibe.
The hotel boasts 18 individually styled rooms with either garden or sea views. The Nature and Patio rooms are beautifully put together, each enjoys private outside space. For those looking to indulge, the Loft Suites are crowned with stunning free standing baths and jacuzzi tubs which have unbeatable sea views. Outside, these suites enjoy a shared garden with wonderful scenic landscape views and plenty of cosy corners to curl up with a good book.
Located just moments from Selimiye, Boho Garden is perfectly positioned to wander out and explore all this region has to offer. Sea worshippers will adore the glistening turquoise water and one or two chi-chi beach clubs have all the services you could possibly need for a truly tempting afternoon by the water’s edge. Boats leave daily to explore this stunning coastline, revealing a plethora of secluded coves and secret swimming spots that are only accessible by Captains in the know. While staying at Boho Garden you might also want to take the opportunity to explore the stunning countryside, the Carian trail is an 820km walking route that ventures into some of the lesser known regions in Turkey- the landscape here is also peppered with classical ruins that date back to the Hellenistic period.
Understated elegance permeates through this bohemian sanctuary leaving you relaxed from the moment you arrive. The entire concept is extraordinarily well done. Naturally serene environs are complemented by an intimate ambience, Boho Garden is the perfect place to escape, rejuvenate and relax.
Summer 2024 Family Friendly
Please kindly note the Boho Garden Hotel is family friendly but due to the rooms only being doubles it does not lend itself to families.
Out and About, Service Note: The hotel team are super hospitable and where possible they will do their utmost to fulfil requests such as whisking guests down to the seafront for dinner, or pick up and drop offs from local beaches.
Special Service Note: please kindly note the restaurant will close on 15th October 2024
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Last-Minute Luxury: Exclusive October Savings at Mavi Koy, Kalkan’s Finest Villa!
Simply the finest address in Kalkan… Mavi Koy enjoys a fantastic position directly on the water’s edge
Multi-layered gardens and terraces wind gently down from the substantial house to the astonishing seafront where steps and diving platforms provide access to sea swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear shallows.
It has the largest private waterfront of any house in Kalkan with breakfast served here every morning on a waterside terrace set away from the main house.
The large, private waterfront is yours alone to while away the hours overlooking the inky blue waters and pop in for a cooling dip. Long, lazy days can be spent playing table tennis or pool, hopping in the villa’s kayaks and diving into the turquoise sea from the private terrace – there is little reason to leave.
The huge villa has six en-suite bedrooms spread out over three levels (4 with their own access), all of which have balconies or terraces with glorious sea views.
The main house has a gorgeous open plan kitchen, living and dining area with doors opening out onto a lovely large terrace with outside dining area and fantastic sea views. Additional doors from the living room open up on the side to the large freshwater pool with a pretty terrace ideal for entertaining. Hammocks are dotted through the gardens and there is a Romanesque pergola for al fresco dining. There is an outdoor Jacuzzi to revive weary muscles.
Enjoy your breakfast in the spacious and private seafront terrace where you can relax on scattered cushions and sun beds in the shade of the olive trees.
For those who enjoy water sports, a local company will happily pop over with a boatload of water sport toys. Or simply enjoy the spectacle of the boats of all shapes and sizes meandering in and out of the harbour throughout the day.
Kalkan harbour is just a ten-minute walk along a newly created footpath which leads from your door along the shore into the centre. It has a prime position for nights in and out of the villa, falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
*Large parties might like to take Villa Mavi Deniz as well which is conveniently located next door (4 bedroom villa sleeps 8).
Please note that due to the steep, hillside location and many steps, this property is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
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Save 10% when you book to stay at the Pavilion this summer OR 7 nights for the price of six in October Plus added benefits
Likya Pavilion
Seaside action and total relaxation on Kalkan’s sparkling shores. The Likya Pavilion is an adult only, blissful sanctuary to unwind and renew.
The Likya Pavilion is an elegant and sophisticated boutique hotel with a stunning location overlooking the sea, on the Western shore of the Bay of Kalkan. It stands apart by its inordinate amount of space and the beautiful gardens, while each of the 10 suites with private pools are more akin to private villa than hotel room. It is ideal for couples who can enjoy the privacy of their own villa with full hotel services.
Cool architecture combining local wood and stone is offset by stunning secret gardens hidden between alleys and hedgerows in the most idyllic seafront setting. It feels like being on top of a plateau and ensures far reaching seascapes over the Bay of Kalkan. The Pavilion exudes laid-back, beach chic vibes with leafy gardens offset by bright pink bougainvillea – the stylish suites are virtually hidden within the grounds and wonderfully secluded.
The complimentary, private beach club – shared only with like-minded guests from The Likya Gardens – is a leisurely 5-10-minute stroll down the lane. Here, hippy-chic steps lead down from the Waterfront Terrace to the seafront. There is direct access to the sea with loungers, parasols and diving platforms scattered at intervals. There is a waiter and towel service to both the beach club and the private cabanas with a range of healthy, light snacks, fresh juices and cooling drinks.
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Save up to 30% when you book by 30th September ( All prices are offered on a half board basis)
St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas
A stunning luxury 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 a wonderful spots to relax with a book, or for the more energetic, why not enjoy the many water activities on offer including diving lessons on hand from the water sports.
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 and Club Suites, as well as the 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 Elemis Spa with the pioneering technology of Elemis Biotec; children’s club, cinema, games room and boutique, there are certainly enough facilities to keep all the family entertained.
This boutique hotel and villas offers 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.
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Autumn Specials Are Here: Save up to 30 % when you book your October getaway now!
Cayo Exclusive Resort & Spa
The Cayo Exclusive Resort and Spa is a seriously elegant design hotel. The property enjoys unprecedented space in each of it’s 70 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 two large and beautiful swimming pools 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.
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Enjoy autumnal savings at the Likya Gardens
Likya Gardens
A gorgeous boutique hotel perched by the water’s edge with just 12 suites and 4 villas, an idyllic 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.
Boasting one of the best locations in Kalkan this reinvented boutique property is situated only a short 12 minute stroll along the coastal road from Kalkan harbour and nestles behind the Yali Beach club.
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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.