When we first began sending guests to Turkey back in 1988, the accommodation we offered was located in some of the country’s more unspoilt resorts — places like Ölüdeniz, Kalkan and Kaş. At the time, this consisted largely of simple ‘pansiyons’ or guest houses — often converted farmhouses or even old stables with just a handful of bedrooms, no pool, and a short stroll to the water’s edge.
In those early days, local farmers owned much of the land near the coast. As tourism began to grow, more entrepreneurial buyers acquired these plots and gradually developed them, initially creating slightly more comfortable pansiyons, often with small pools. As British tour operators began to introduce the region to a wider audience, accommodation evolved further — becoming larger, more refined, and with modern comforts such as air conditioning becoming the norm.
Ölüdeniz, once one of the most beautiful and untouched resorts in Turkey, has since grown into a far more coercial destination. Kalkan and Kaş, however, have managed to retain much of their original charm, thanks to careful development and a more considered approach to tourism.
One of the defining characteristics of both Kalkan and Kaş is their lack of traditional sandy beaches — something that, rather than hindering their appeal, has helped preserve their character. Instead, these harbour towns have flourished with discerning travellers drawn to their elegant villas, boutique hotels, and relaxed yet refined atmosphere.
Today, the style of accommodation reflects this evolution — with beautifully designed private villas and boutique hotels, typically small in scale and rich in character. Properties such as the Likya Residence Hotel & Spa and the Asfiya Hotel are long-standing favourites, while villas like the Likya View Villas offer privacy alongside easy access to the harbour, just a short walk away.
Another defining feature of the region is its exceptional dining scene. Kalkan and Kaş are home to an abundance of restaurants offering beautifully prepared dishes, attentive service, and sweeping sea views — all contributing to the area’s enduring appeal.
In recent years, both destinations have continued to evolve thoughtfully. In Kalkan, the addition of the Likya Boutique — a collection of duplex suites, each with its own private pool and sea views — has further elevated the standard of accommodation. In Kaş, properties on the peninsula offer similarly refined stays, often with direct access to the water and a strong emphasis on service and setting.
What remains unchanged, however, is the spirit of these places — a commitment to quality, character, and a more considered style of travel that continues to draw guests back year after year.
Explore our holidays in Kalkan
