Med-Inn

Laid-back beach hotel with pool, jetty and large colourful rooms, 40 minutes from Bodrum

Turkey's beach scene can be showy, extravagant and a bit over the top, but not here. Just 40 minutes from Bodrum, and 10 from its airport, this serene boutique hotel with a private beach is laid back and family-friendly, with views of the Bay of Gulluk to stir the soul. It's somewhere to relax and take time out, rather than dodge off-shore paparazzi.

In a quiet spot so untouristy that taxi drivers often find it hard to locate, Med-Inn has become a well-kept secret to those in the know. They don't tell their friends about the pool, the large breakfasts, the lush Mediterranean gardens and the 26 beautifully coloured suites: it's all too good to share. There's plenty of space for families, friends and lovers who like to lounge, and many visitors find its easy-going attitude so addictive that they return year on year. We're looking forward to visiting, to enjoy its VIP members' club feel, take a gulet around the islands of the bay, go on daytrips to the ruins of Ancient Greece, and eat fresh fish as the sun sets into a perfect aquamarine sea.

Highs

• Great for families, especially older children and teenagers - there's plenty of space in the suites, a relaxed ambiance, and a pool
• The jetty with its white-cushioned loungers is very chic
• Delicious fresh seafood in the restaurant in high season
• Quiet and laid-back, with a warm welcome
• Good value for money, considering the spacious, stylish suites which all have sea views and private balconies

Lows

• Only open late April-October
• It's quite a long way from other places of interest (Bodrum is 40 minutes' drive): you might want to hire a car
• The menu in the shoulder/low season is limited, and it's 4km winding drive to Gulluk's restaurants
• The exterior of the 6-storey building isn't that attractive, and there's some ugly development nearby, but that's soon forgotten when you clock the view