If you, like us, are feeling tired, bloated and desperately in need of some sunshine following the festive period, then the D-Resort Gocek might be just what the doctor ordered. Situated in the sleepy Turkish sailing village of Gocek, the hotel has its own spa, private beach, and even bicycles on hand to pootle about on - all set against a beautiful mountainous wooded bay. If you’re feeling adventurous, the local area has loads to offer too. The historical town of Kalkan is just over an hour’s drive away and home to incredible ancient rock tombs which are carved into the rock face. Or take a boat from Gocek’s marina and spend the day sailing around the 12 islands off the coastline. And it won’t take you long to get there. Only four hours direct from London, Dalaman International Airport is only half an hour’s drive away, so you can be lying on D-Resort’s private beach with a gin and tonic in hand within 45 minutes of getting off the plane. Here are five reasons why it’s the perfect place to unwind…
1. You Can Stare At The Sea All Day Long
The hotel’s private beach is a mere ten minute walk along the coast (or a five minute bicycle ride) and when you get there it’s totally worth it. You can either lie on a sunbed on the beach, or choose to do what we did, and get up early enough to bagsy one of the double sunbeds situated at the end of three jetties. They are positioned facing the sea, and we found ourselves staying there all day. At lunchtime we would order beers, water, and wine to the sunbed along with the delicious seafood pied (Turkish pizza) and octopus pizza they serve.
2. You Can Dine On The Water
The hotel has its own waterside restaurant boasting a Teppanyaki chef if you fancy a night off from Turkish food. The best bit? Many of the tables are situated on a jetty on the sea. By night there are lights in the water so while you eat you can watch the local sea life. When we were there we saw tiny baby sharks and a stingray.
3. You Can Watch The Sun Set From The Jacuzzi
The hotel’s onsite spa is huge and offers everything from a traditional Hamman to a massage in the couple’s therapy room, if you’re with a partner. The best bit is the rooftop Jacuzzi, where you can relax with a book once you’ve had your treatment and watch the sun go down.
4. You Can Get Everywhere By Bicycle
Gocek is pretty small and easy to get around by foot but the best way is by bike. D-Resort offer complimentary bicycles outside the hotel and we used them to cycle down to the beach, as well as to explore the marina and the town. The town is stunning and set against a mountainous drop, and there are lots of little restaurants and bars on the water.
5. Spend The Day Out At Sea
Being a sailing town, one of the best ways to spend the day is out on a boat. We hired one on which breakfast and lunch were both provided, and spent the day sailing between the 12 islands off Gocek’s coast. It’s the perfect way to unwind – sunbathing on the roof of the boat, before jumping in the sea for a quick deep, and some boats provide kayaks so you can explore the beaches on the islands.
You can fly direct to Dalaman from most UK airports. We flew with Turkish Airlines
With thanks to www.gototurkey.co.uk