A Note from Discerning Collection HQ
It’s been a busy and exciting season here at Discerning Collection HQ, and we thought it was time to share a little of what we’ve been up to. This autumn, the team packed their bags and headed to Turkey’s stunning Lycian Coast – not just for sunshine, but to refresh our travel knowledge, strengthen relationships with our partners, and exchange new ideas for an even more inspiring 2026 season.
Welcoming New Faces
We’re delighted to have welcomed three new team members this year – Lily, Adwoa, and our Brand Ambassador, Vivienne Mottershead.
Lily joins us as Admin Manager, assisting with ticketing, accounting, and the many day-to-day details that keep everything running smoothly. Adwoa supports our marketing team, helping bring our destinations and properties to life across our social channels.
Vivienne Mottershead brings her creative flair and brand insight to the Discerning Collection, most recently curating our beautiful new guest beach bags for Summer 2025 and assisting with brand development.
Meanwhile, Viv, Beata, Laura, and Holly remain in their familiar roles, working hard behind the scenes and on the ground to ensure everything runs seamlessly – with many of you meeting Laura locally in Kalkan or speaking with Beata in Reservations as you plan your next trip.
Together, this talented team combines fresh ideas with years of experience, united by a shared passion for creating exceptional travel experiences.
Exploring the Lycian Coast
Our familiarisation trip took us from the marina town of Gocek to Fethiye and along the coast to Kalkan, where so many of our guests return year after year. Along the way we stayed in a variety of boutique hotels and villas, exploring new room categories and updates so we can offer first-hand insight when planning your next trip.
We enjoyed site visits to guest favourites such as D Resort Gocek, Yacht Classic, The Hillside Beach Club, The Lures Hotel, Likya Gardens, Likya Pavilion and the Oasis Hotel, as well as several of our private villas, ensuring our product knowledge remains as fresh and detailed as ever.
Between inspections, we took time to sample local restaurants, explore coastal villages, and capture new photography and social content – so keep an eye on our Instagram for glimpses of the trip.
A Week of Inspiration (and a Little Sunshine)
Our stay wasn’t all sunshine and sea views (though there were plenty of those). We also dedicated two full days to strategy meetings with our Managing Director, Chris Mottershead, exploring how to refine the guest experience, introduce new ideas, and continue growing as a boutique brand while staying true to what makes Discerning Collection so distinctive.
While Turkey remains a flagship destination, this year has seen exciting developments further afield too. We’ve introduced the island of Losinj in Croatia, expanded our boutique hotel collection in Crete, and launched a handpicked selection of boutique hotels in the Maldives. Our Sri Lanka portfolio continues to grow too, offering tailor-made itineraries that combine wildlife, wellness, and culture – all with the same personal touch our guests know and love.
We’ve also expanded our villa offering in Turkey, ensuring even more choice for returning guests seeking private stays with exceptional views. And as always, attention to detail remains at the heart of what we do – from the destinations we feature to new guest goodies suggestions for summer 2026.
Every discussion – and every destination – shared one goal: to make the 2026 season our most inspiring yet, filled with authentic experiences, personal touches, and holidays that truly exceed expectations.
Looking Ahead to Summer 2026 and Beyond
With fresh ideas and renewed energy, we’re already shaping the 2026 season – refining itineraries, introducing new properties, and continuing to deliver the seamless, personal service that defines every Discerning Collection holiday.
While Turkey’s Lycian Coast remains at the heart of our story, our horizons are widening, and we can’t wait to share more from our growing portfolio across Crete, Croatia, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives.
If you’re dreaming of a return to Kalkan, Fethiye, or Gocek – or looking to discover somewhere new – we’d encourage you to enquire early, as many of our most-loved properties are already in high demand for 2026. Enquire now: info@discerningcollection.com
