BESPOKE HOLIDAYS DESIGNED EXCLUSIVELY FOR YOU

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 UK experiences and some Winter Sun in Tenerife to the Discerning Collection.

Portugal
Turkey
Greece
Sicily
Morocco
Mallorca
Malta and Gozo

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

GG-BAYS-AND-ISLANDS-2000
Private Islands and Bays
Tailor-made-holidays-menu
Tailor Made
Holidays
Winter-Sun-Holidays-Discerning-Collection
Winter Sun
Featured Image
Hotel Rooms with Private Pool
Pool Suite Mandalina Featured Image
Adult Only
beach-holiday-turkey-discerning-collection
Beach
Cultural-holiday-Morocco-Discerning-Collection
Cultural Discovery
Romantic-break-Discerning-Collection
Romantic Break & Honeymoons
Discerning-collection-family-holidays-turkey-banner
Family
gulet-1280x720
Luxury Cruising and Gulets
yoga-holiday-discerning-collection
Activity & Adventure
spa-holidays-discerning-collection
Spa
Villa Pax Featured Image
Private Villas and Apartments with Pool

Discerning EXPERIENCES

We are delighted to introduce our exciting new programme of truly memorable bucket list experiences. Designed to allow you to discover natural wonders and unique cultural experiences year round and in a wide choice of destinations, which include, trips to Iceland, Norway, Scotland and closer to home Cornwall. On our Discerning Experiences you will travel in style, enjoying the finest hospitality and our renowned personal service.

School Holiday AVAILABILITY

Private pool of Luxury two bedroom villa at Domes of Elounda

5% and 10% Discounts

Domes of Elounda
Elounda, Crete
A luxury haven with fabulous views over the mysterious Spinalonga Island

Located between the small fishing village of Plaka and famous Elounda, the Domes of Elounda, Autograph Collection is a spectacular haven of serenity and tranquility that sits at the entrance of the Mirabello Bay with fabulous views over the UNESCO protected islet of Spinalonga.

This luxury resort is made up of 118 suites and villas and all are nestled on an amphitheatre that leads down through bougainvillea and hibiscus rich gardens to a lovely, natural sandy beach set in its own mini eco-system. There are a number of accommodation types making it ideal for both families and couples and includes family suites and private villas, many with their own pools and of course those fantastic sea views. Many of the luxurious suites boast private heated outdoor Jacuzzis or pools with sea views whilst the stylish interiors offer sumptuous Ottoman style bathrooms with whirlpool baths and rain-showers. The hotel underwent a renovation in 2020 and all the Domes Suites, the Domes Lobby, Grand Dome Bar and Tholos restaurant were redesigned aligning it to the beautiful design of the Residences and elavating the whole resort to a higher luxury level.

For those looking for relaxation, the hotel’s top spa complex offers extensive treatments based on ancient Greek methods within a Zen environment. There is a state-of-the-art fitness centre as well as an open air fitness area for yoga and pilates classes. Children are well looked after with the hotel’s kids club and creche and of course the private sandy beach. However, equally the resort offers adult only areas for those looking for peace and quiet.

For those staying in the Domes Private Residences, the huge Domes Luxury Residences and Domes Luxury Villas, the ‘Haute Living Room’ which offers exclusive club level services is an amazing benefit. (please see our facilities section for further details).

During the warm summer evenings, live classical music floats out of the main restaurant and the elegant Grand Domes bar has delicious cocktails to sip as the sun sets over the Island. Mouth-watering seafood awaits you at the “Topos 1910” waterfront restaurant or try the resorts sleek new upmarket Steak restaurant Blend, located by the pool. In addition a whole new area called ‘The Core’ has been devised to offer an array of pop up shops, food carts, entertainment and cultural areas (please see our facilities section for further details). This stunning resort really does have something for everyone and offers exceptional service and standards that makes this a fantastic choice for your holiday.

On requet
To redeem these offers you must book by 2nd May

VIEW DETAILS

Asfiya 702

Save up to 20% this May at The Asfiya Sea View (prices from £859 per person)

Asfiya Sea View Hotel
Kalkan, Turkey
A modern boutique hotel with sea views from every angle and in an exceptional location, within a stones’s throw of the centre of Kalkan

***NEW FOR 2023; We are thrilled to announce that the Asfiya Sea View is under new management for the summer 2023 season and will be run by the reputable and delightful Likya Residence team.

Tiered down the hillside in an enviable location just a short stroll from Kalkan’s old town, sits the impressive Asfiya Sea View Hotel.  With only 34 stylish en-suite rooms, 15 have their very own plunge pools, 3 rooms have direct access to the communal swimming pool, and all enjoy breath-taking sea views.

Most rooms can be made up with twin or double beds, and some of the rooms can sleep up to 3 guests, we even have a few which can be interconnected via a main door making it an ideal choice for families. Recently the private pool rooms in the 700’s block have been extended and their large terraces are now decked out with comfy sunbeds as well as lovely rattan furniture.

The focal hub of life at the Asfiya Sea View is the large pool and terrace. Replete with voluptuous cushioned day beds and parasols. Adjacent is the laid-back pool bar which serves an array of cooling drinks throughout the day and by nightfall is a popular sundowner spot. Since the opening of the hotel, wonderful improvements have been made to the communal areas, and there is now an excellent restaurant on the terrace which is said by some of our guests to be on a par with the Likya restaurant, which is praise indeed. The restaurant is is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Asfiya Sea View has built up a loyal following of repeat guests many of whom most regularly comment on the service. We know that the exemplary new management team from the Likya Residence will work tirelessly to ensure your every need is taken care of and if ever anything is missing all you need to do is ask. With everything you could possibly need at your fingertips you don’t even have to venture out if you don’t want to.

Our guests who are resident in the Asfiya Sea View are invited to use the nearby Yali Beach Club throughout their stay, simply show your room key and complimentary access will be granted. The beach club is now under new management and is run by the successful crew behind one of the harbour’s best restaurants, Marina. Yali is easily accessible on foot and is just a 10 minute stroll downhill from the Asfiya Sea View Hotel. Parasols and day beds are scattered on rocky platforms and waiter and towel service is available to your day-bed. The menu has an excellent a choice of small plates ideal for sharing as well as  main events and seasonal salads. There is a super choice of refreshing beverages such as freshly squeezed juices, beers and signature cocktails- to name a few.

 

 

£859 per person
Subject to hotel and flight availability

VIEW DETAILS

Breakfast can be taken overlooking the private waterfront

Save £1,000 on a stay this May

Mavi Koy
Kalkan, Turkey

Mavi Koy

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.

£4,500 plus additional guests at £350 per person (29th April- 26th May 2023)
Subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time

VIEW DETAILS

Relax by the water's edge at Su Kenari

Last chance!!! 20% Special offer available on all stays in April, May and June 2023

Villa Su Kenari 2, 4 & 6 bedroom villas
Kalkan

The Su Kenari villas are a cluster of 3 individually styled villas (2, 4 and 6 bedrooms) located in a quiet corner of Kalamar Bay. Each of the villas boast their own sea facing swimming pool and magnificent private waterfront setting with bathing access. The Su Kenari concept is a refreshing surprise to the Kalkan villa scene, the villas provides a strong sense of place and blend seamlessly with the surrounds.

Good to know, while the villas can be secured individually, it is extremely well suited for multi-generational- families and groups of friends travelling together. There is lashings of space for entertaining and together twelve well-appointed bedrooms.  This property has been carefully created to provide a comfortable and luxurious escape.

 

 

2 beds £1,410 / 4 beds £3,020/ 6 beds £3,920 all prices are per week
Offer can be withdrawn at any time and is offered on a first come first served basis.

VIEW DETAILS

Villa Ozma fabulous sea views

10% Early Booking Offer on all dates across the season

Villa Ozma (5 bedrooms sleeps up to 10 guests)
Kalkan, Turkey
An utterly splendid luxury villa,ideal for a larger family or group of friends

Villa Ozma has to be one of the most remarkable villas we have seen in Kalkan and we are thrilled to be able to include it in our portfolio of luxury Turkish villas.

No expense has been spared to ensure that every aspect of this exceptional villa offers utmost comfort, with huge rooms and high quality fixtures and fittings, and of course it has been designed to make the most of the fabulous sea views from all angles.

The 5 spacious bedrooms are split over 3 floors, all with large stylish en-suite bathrooms and a furnished terrace or balcony to relax and marvel at the stunning views. There is a beautifully appointed lounge, kitchen and dining area with plenty of space for 10 guests to relax, and the high spec kitchen has beautiful granite work tops and all the mod cons you could wish for.

Naturally, it’s the outside space that is of paramount importance on a villa holiday – leading out through the floor to ceiling windows from the lounge, is the stunning terrace and pretty garden, complete with shaded dining area for 10 people, a built in brick barbecue and of course, the wonderful infinity pool with utterly breath-taking views over Kalamar Bay.

Villa Ozma is ideally positioned peaceful spot on a quiet road, around a 20 minute stroll into the vibrant harbour town of Kalkan, and the popular Kalamar Beach Club is less than 5 minutes downhill, also a popular choice for the kids wanting to try their hand at some of the many water sports available.

£4,050 per week (May)
Offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at anytime. Enquire now for more information.

VIEW DETAILS

Villa La Vie dusty sunset

Special Prices across the entire season, including school holidays!!

Villa La Vie ( 5 bedrooms sleeps up to 10 guests)
Kalkan, Turkey

Villa La Vie

Pitch up at Villa La Vie, Kalkan, to escape or get the party started. A recently renewed 5 bedroom property, sleeps ten guests, with stunning bay vistas and conveniently located within a ten minute stroll from Kalkan harbour.

Oozing a laid back and comfortable ambience Villa La Vie is the perfect base to explore Kalkan and the wider region. If you are simply looking to flop and drop, spending your days enjoying the spectacular poolside setting and bay view vistas Villa La Vie has all the amenities to make your stay a memorable one. For those curious minds looking to experience the local scene, you don’t need to stroll far to reach one of the many beach clubs that ring the bay and downtown Kalkan is close enough for you to pop in and out of the action as and when you like.

Refreshed for the 2023 season, Villa La Vie boats five spacious bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Rooms are light and airy mixing fresh and colourful fabrics with contemporary furniture. Four bedrooms are double, ideal for couples, and one twin bedroom is perfect for friends sharing or children. Floor to ceiling glass bedroom windows imbibe the widescreen views and give way to five extensive furnished terraces providing plenty of private areas so you can be as social or independent as you like while enjoying a little slice of paradise and perhaps a glass or two of wine!

The open plan kitchen, dining and living space is a good size and the kitchen is fully fitted with all you could possibly need to rustle up a storm. The inside area lends itself to lingering comfortably on cooler days at the end of the season. Bifold glass doors provide a sense of inside, outside living and make it effortless to drift between the two spaces.

Boasting magnificent views to sea, the hot-blood orange sunsets provide the perfect back drop for family days and nights in. A gorgeous covered veranda practically provides respite from the intense heat of the high season sun and is the perfect spot for long leisurely lunches or alfresco suppers. There is also a good-size barbecue ideal for grazing around with your best people.

Among its finest features are two outside jacuzzi’s and the swimming pool takes centre stage in the garden. The surrounding manicured pool deck and fragrant terraces are beautifully dressed with a scattering of day beds and parasols, the most serene setting to rejuvenate under blissful skies.

The owners of Villa La Vie have a real passion for service and hospitality. To this end, the small touches and enhanced service they deliver we feel transforms a holiday here from a classic villa stay to something more special and as a guest it leaves you feeling relaxed from the moment you arrive (visit useful information and details to learn more).

In addition to the magnificent views excellent en-plein- air facilities and comfy sleeping quarters. There are also several toys and enhanced facilities providing all the components for a relaxing and entertaining summer holiday. A games room and ping pong table will provide hours of entertainment for in-house tournaments. For those looking to indulge in wellness, and take life at a slightly slower pace there is also a sauna and hammam!

Kalkan is a superb choice for a summer holiday. Once a quaint fishing village, today it has grown into an elegant harbourside town attracting a discerning clientele. The town rises from an picture-perfect seafront setting and it has retained much of its traditional charm due to conservation restrictions. Small and niche, Kalkan is celebrated for it’s Ottoman Greek architecture, petite pebble beach, boho beach clubs, authentic Thursday market and especially famous for its rooftop restaurants serving decadent cuisine.

Villa La Vie is an absolute crowd pleaser. An impeccable choice for several families taking a holiday together, or a large group of friends. Spacious, modern and leaving you wanting for nothing this is as close to perfect as it gets.

£1,990 per week (April)
Offer can be withdrawn at any time and is offered on a first come first served basis.

VIEW DETAILS

Latest NEWS

Views from room 305 at Asfiya Sea View

Exclusive May Offers

With the summer season fast approaching now is a great time to take advantage of some last-minute offers that we are fortunate enough to have been given exclusively.

READ MORE >

Yoga image blog

Activity and Adventure, Yoga with Amanda11th May, 7 nights

One of our favourite trips of the season is the biannual Yoga Trip to Kalkan where 20 or so of our guests partake in a relaxed and informal week long holiday with yoga/pilates. This year the venue is the brand new luxury boutique hotel, The Lure.

READ MORE >

amanda kalkan new

Yoga with Amanda at The Lure Hotel, Kalkan

We are delighted to announce that our annual yoga retreat is returning week commencing 11th May 2023. Join us for a week’s spring stay at The NEW Lure Hotel, Kalkan. A brand new, luxury hotel located on the pristine shore of Kalamar Bay.

READ MORE >

The Lure crystal clear seas blog

NEW FOR 2023: The Lure Hotel, Kalkan

We are thrilled to introduce The Lure Hotel, Kalkan. Having only recently been released on sale, we are confident that this adult only retreat will be enormously popular.

READ MORE >

A New Era of The Likya Residence: The Upgrade Story

We are delighted to inform our valued guests that our most celebrated hotel in Kalkan is currently under a renovation process ahead of the 2023 season

READ MORE >

kalkan-2

Turkish Tourist Visas are now FREE to UK citizens!

Exciting news for all of our guests! As of 2nd March 2020 Turkey will abolish the tourist visa charge of $35 pp

READ MORE >

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.

Find out more >

Play Video

WATCH VIDEO

Feedback FROM OUR CLIENTS

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.

SIGN UP TO OUR NEWSLETTER

If you’d like to be added to our database to receive emails with news about Discerning Collection holidays and services, please submit your detail below.