Villa Mandarin
Faralya, Turkey
In the unspoilt wilds of seaside Faralya, a luxurious but laid-back hotel offering a romantic little hideaway with a homely touch
Around a hairpin bend, on a mountain backroad, this small,
perfectly formed hotel peeps at the Mediterranean through pine and
olive trees. Behind its secretive stone walls, there are 2 villas;
one old, one new (the latter was custom built, in traditional
style, in 2007), set in lush gardens, a profusion of fruit and
flowers, sprays of bougainvillea spilling over balconies. You will
be greeted by Aysegul, the charming general manager, and Pacha, the
big soppy dog, and shown to one of 6 lovely rooms.
The villa’s owner Ghislain is well-travelled (born in Izmir,
his father was French, his mother British), but this is where his
heart lies. And he invites his guests to make themselves at home.
In the lounge, help yourself to a drink and watch the chef
preparing dinner - a parade of Turkish dishes - in the open-plan
kitchen. On a terrace by the pool, on your verandah, watch the sun
go down over the Bay of Fethiye to a light drift of, say, classic
Billie Holiday (Ghislain is keen on jazzy-bluesy music, antiques,
real fires, old leather chairs). Wake up to the natural joys of
Faralya - a string of rustic hamlets, pine forests and rocky bays,
Mount Babadag, beautiful Butterfly Valley. It’s only 10
minutes' drive from Olu Deniz, but a world away from the
package-tour crowds.
Reviewed by Lesley Gillilan
Last updated 16 March 2012
Highs
- The stunning scenery - this is one of the most unsullied corners of Turkey’s southern coast
- The walk down to Kabak beach - through pine-scented woodland, down steep cliff paths, to a magical little bay
- Spacious, luxurious rooms with kingsize beds, spa baths and verandas or small, private gardens
- Delicious and generous 4- or 5-course dinners included in the price
- Dining outdoors on a warm evening under a starry sky: candles on the tables, the air perfumed with jasmine and oleander, a hum of cicadas... divine
Lows
- Full pre-payment at the time of booking and strict cancellation policy
- The rather-hairpin drive to Faralya - not recommended for novice hire-car drivers with a nervous disposition
- Not the place for noisy night owls: there’s no night life to speak of, other than a quiet drink after dinner. Guests tend to retire early
- Though rich in walks and wildlife, Faralya is off the beaten track in terms of guide-book attractions. You will want transport although there are regular minibuses during the day from Fethiye to Faralya via Ovacik and Oludeniz
- The sheer glass, bare-all bathroom doors - we kept walking into ours!
