10 minute read
TRAVEL
TURKEY: Best of the southwest
Road trip along the country roads of southwest Turkey and experience luxury resorts, mountain wine tasting and epic natural wonders
Turkey has so much more to offer than hot air balloon festivals and hammam spas (although both are worth checking out). The country is rich with natural beauty, friendly faces and hints of luxury nestled amongst wallet-friendly experiences. Bodrum is a four-and-a-half-hour plane ride from Dubai and flyDubai offers convenient holiday packages for those looking for a short break. Despite a turbulent summer, including vicious fires and a recuperating travel industry, the country remains resilient and ready to welcome tourists. But, as lovely as Bodrum is, there’s more to see than just the one city. What’s On recommends renting an affordable car (for roughly Dhs250 per day) and taking three or four days to explore more of what the local area has to offer...
STAY To ease yourself into your adventure, HERE begin with barefoot luxury at the new Mett Social Living Resort, Bodrum. It’s a beautiful hotel with Dubaistyle touches to make you feel right at home, with jaw-dropping ocean and mountain views and Dubaiexported dining concepts such as Mood Rooftop and
Isola. The 72-room resort also has 31 luxury villas, which are perfect for friends looking to get away as a group. With chic, beach-inspired interiors the rooms act as an instant relaxation button as you watch the yachts bob on the ocean from your balcony. For those who want to experience a traditional hammam treatment, Moi Spa is the ideal place to scrub your stresses away. Rooms start from Dhs1,396 per night. q mettsocialliving.com
EAT A highlight of your HERE stay at Mett will be lunch at Folie Restaurant and Sea (a concept by the team behind Drift Beach
Dubai). The Provençal menu is heaving with quality ingredients and fresh, irresistible dishes. Set on an over-water deck, you can hear the tide crashing below. A DJ and live entertainment in the form of dancers and a saxophonist, bring up the vibe in the afternoons.
The staff are not only well-versed in their menu, but also excellent conversationalists. Make a day of it and book a sun lounger or cabana on the adjacent platform and soak up the sun, dipping in and out of the sea. q @foliebodrum GO After a relaxing couple of nights in Mett, we suggest HERE hiring a car and heading off for the beautiful (occasionally bumpy) road towards the stunning Pamukkale. Here you’ll find a collection of thermal pools that have been around for thousands of years, and once used by Ancient Greeks. Pamukkale means ‘cotton castle’ and is a reasonable description for the beautiful white and blue surrounds, which might just take your breath away. One night here is enough, as local accommodation is basic, but if you can brave an early start, the gate opens at 6.30am and then you’ll also be able to see the local hot air balloon rides above.
Spend an afternoon here
Make your way to the ‘Turkish Maldives’, formally known as Lake Salda. The lake is huge, and beautiful, with a countless number of blue hues running through its glistening shore. Beneath the surface is hydromagnesite mineral – a dark mud known for its dermatological properties – so, if you fancy a free spa treatment, get stuck in.
DRINK Next up HERE on our road trip, head back west towards Alaçati. The idyllic coastal town is perfect for wandering through pretty streets, filled with colourful doorways and
Vespas parked outside boutique shops. Find a cute cafe with a table outside and watch the world go by. After, make your way up the beautiful winding mountain road to Ayda Winery and Vineyards for a local wine-tasting experience, where you’ll also be able to have dinner overlooking the lush vineyards. q @aydawinery
LAST STOP Heading south, drive down to Ephesus to explore the Ancient Greek city. Built in the 10th century BC, visitors can tour the space for around Dhs50. Now ruled mostly by cats, Ephesus’ structures have stayed mind-blowingly intact, and you can almost visualise exactly how it would have been to live there more than 2,000 years ago. It’s another spot worth arriving early for to beat the crowds and get some great snaps in the iconic Library of Celsus.
How to get there
FlyDubai has direct flights from DXB Terminal 2 to Bodrum, with return fares starting from Dhs1,600 for economy and Dhs6,000 for business class. At the time of writing, vaccinated passengers do not require a PCR test to enter Bodrum, but a PCR test is required to return to Dubai. Your hotel will be able to help arrange (but always check the latest travel requirements). Flights operate on Tuesdays and Fridays. Visit q flydubai.com for more.
Exclusive paintings, sculptures and photography from award-winning international artists.
Painting by Jassim Al Awadhi
Photograph by Anthony Lamb
The 50th Anniversary Arabian Falcon Navigator Clock by David Galbraith
Liddington Clock by David Galbraith
WIN!
SILVER TIER MEMBERSHIP ON THE ATLANTIS CIRCLE APP AND THREE FUN EXPERIENCES
Fans of Atlantis, The Palm restaurants and Aquaventure will love The Atlantis Circle, a new mobile app-based programme that rewards members with a range of discounts and exclusive offers across the entire property. To celebrate its launch, they’re giving away two Silver Tier memberships for one year to two lucky What’s On readers. This will entitle you to a 25 per cent discount at all participating restaurants at Atlantis, The Palm, exclusive invites to product launches and events, a complimentary birthday dinner for two and much more. To sweeten the prize even more, each winner will receive three Atlantis, The Palm experiences: a day at Aquaventure, a Dolphin Bay experience and a watersports activity of choice, to be enjoyed anytime throughout the year. To be in with a chance of winning, first sign up to The Atlantis Circle app, and then enter below…
q Once you’ve signed up to the app, for your chance to win go to whatson.ae/win
WIN!
A FOODIE EXPERIENCE AND STAY IN CONRAD ABU DHABI ETIHAD TOWERS
The five-star Conrad Abu Dhabi Etihad Towers is offering one reader and their partner a one-night stay for two in a deluxe king room. Inclusive of breakfast for two at Rosewater and a delightful fashion afternoon tea in Observation Deck at 300, the prize also includes brunch for two at Nahaam, which, judging by our Abu Dhabi reporter Miles, is the bees knees (see page 56 for his review). Terms and conditions apply.
q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
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A FAMILY GETAWAY TO MARJAN ISLAND
DoubleTree by Hilton Resort & Spa Marjan Island has a brilliant prize to give away to a family of four. You’ll get a two night stay in a glorious Bay Club room, featuring a king-size bed, a sofa bed, work desk and spacious bathroom with a bathtub and stand-up shower. Best of all, you’ll enjoy the all-inclusive package, which covers breakfast, lunch, dinner and drinks. This will be one family trip you won’t forget in a hurry, that’s for sure.
q For your chance to win, go to whatson.ae/win
LASTMINUTE TRIP
Does SLS Dubai live up to its sky-high expectations?
It’s unlikely that SLS Dubai has escaped your notice. The 75-storey hotel debuted in Dubai back in April, and has been the talk of the town ever since, thanks to its sky-high infinity pool, larger-than-life brand personality, and restaurants that don’t know the meaning of a ‘slow night’.
The location
The location of the hotel has divided public opinion, with some believing that the Business Bay spot is tricky to get to. In actual fact, the hotel is easy to reach – if you’re coming from Al Khail Road – and easy to visit nearby landmarks (The Dubai Mall, DIFC, Dubai Opera etc.), too.
The look and feel
When you first arrive, the vast stainglassed window at the end of the welcome area sets the tone for the brand. SLS is a lifestyle concept, with fun injected into all of its decor, with characterised animals like a masked monkey, giant rubber duck and ladybirds dotted throughout the hotel.
The lobby is located on the 71st floor, so we whizz up in the artfully designed elevator and as the doors separate, we’re greeted with a jaw-dropping view of the city. A ruby check in desk distracts us from the huge windows and the fun begins.
The rooms
Our room is full of character, with a huge balcony terrace and outdoor seating overlooking Dubai Design District. Views are a recurrent theme throughout the hotel, and even the bathroom has floorto-ceiling windows so we can bathe with a view of Burj Khalifa. There’s plenty of space, with a huge pink bed taking centre stage and a sofa accompanied by a marble coffee table – we’d feel right at home, if our home was this chic.
The facilities
Ciel Spa is a haven of comfort, with a huge plunge pool in the relaxation area and plenty of sun loungers set up on the 69th floor terrace. A variety of treatment packages are available, including a Sip & Glow offer which includes a rejuvenating mask and glass of fizz to get you in the staycation spirit.
Despite high winds on the day we visit, the pool atop SLS Dubai is something very special. With a prime view of the world’s tallest building, the spot has been taking Instagram by storm, for good reason. We position ourselves on a daybed and enjoy the upbeat tunes pumping throughout the day.
The food and drinks
Restaurants Carna and Fi’lia are often championed at What’s On, and a staycation at SLS Dubai is the perfect opportunity to try them. The former is a stellar steakhouse with prime Dubai views, while the latter offers elevated Italian cuisine with that home-cooked feel (and yet more stunning views). For a late night party vibe, we swing by S Bar, where a resident DJ keeps Dubai’s who’s who toetapping until the early hours.
The room rates
During September, room rates start from Dhs680 for a signature king room with balcony, plus taxes and fees. There are a wide range of room types available, from studios to one bedroom apartments and duplex suites, depending on your budget.
a SLS Dubai, Business Bay, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 607 0757. sbe.com/hotels/slshotels/dubai
