TRAVEL
which is surrounded by rows of Mediterranean olive trees, provides a calming setting. Designed as a ‘home from home’, it’s easy to relax and unwind here, with plenty of room to flop down on the four-poster beds or cosy up on the sofas; if only my home even remotely resembled this place. Handmade rugs and throws decorate the Turkish marble floors and even the bathroom offers tranquillity with a rain shower and a large bath tub from which I enjoy the views of my private garden. The cottages are well-equipped for the cooler months too, with traditional Turkish mangal charcoal fireplaces and heated floors and pools. The resort has its own three-storey library, spa, wine cellar, tennis court and art gallery, as well as a generous selection of four dining areas. The kitchen is able to offer an ever-changing seasonal menu of Turkish, continental and Asian-inspired dishes due to the variety of microclimates in Turkey. Expect an impressive selection of seafood, mouth-watering home-baked bread
Opt for a ‘blue voyage’ of the azure seas on a gulet – a traditional Turkish wooden ship
The resort offers a plethora of trips for anyone who is feeling restless. It’s worth wandering off to Labranda, an ancient archaeological site in the mountains, as few people go so it’s fantastically uncrowded and it comes with a delicious picnic breakfast. Other activities include: riding through Dagbelen Village, hiking along the coves of Gümüslük, touring historic sites such as the Temple of Apollo or the ancient city of Priene, and golfing. And for those who want to make the most of the azure seas, I recommend a fishing or sailing trip off the Bodrum peninsula. If you are doing the latter, opt for a ‘blue voyage’ on a gulet – a traditional Turkish wooden ship – that heads east to Göcek and beyond before returning to the home port in Bodrum. If all this isn’t enough to lure you and the children, the resort is offering special packages to families staying for a minimum of two nights up until 31 October. Two children under 12 are invited to stay in their parents’ suite and eat for the duration of their stay with the compliments of Aman. A round trip of transfers from Bodrum Milas Airport and daily breakfast are also included. Surely an opportunity not to be missed. amanresorts.com
and traditional mezze. Friendly staff are on-hand for requests and are more than welcoming. For special occasions, guests can enjoy a meal at the additional dining pavilions, which are located higher on the hillside and offer spectacular panoramic views. I opt for casual dining one evening at the resort’s beach club, which is a short 500-metre stroll down a winding path lined by pine trees. During the day, the club is a delightful place to rest on the sun loungers and enjoy a tipple from the tantalising cocktail menu, while the rest of the family enjoy the complimentary watersports. Small sailing boats, canoes, paddle boards and snorkelling equipment are provided with instruction from staff. There is no better way to test the turquoise waters – I even manage to remove mojito from hand and join in.
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