A weekend in Faralya

If someone asked me my favourite place in Turkey, the area of Faralya would be pretty high up on the list. Located about 15 km south of Ölüdeniz, Faralya is a little piece of heaven on earth. As the area is still largely unspoilt apart from some boutique hotels and small villages, it is peaceful, remote and natural with unspoilt beaches and pine-clad mountains.

For our last little getaway of Summer 2019, we drove from Izmir to Faralya. We arrived where the hotel had instructed us to park in their carpark and rung them. Within a few minutes we were greeted by a member of staff that came to pick us up in an off-road vehicle. We then begun the 15 minute descend on a dirt track down the side of the mountain until we reached the hotels perched on the bottom of the mountain next to the bluest Mediterranean Sea.

We stayed at 2 hotels that are situated next door to one another so you can use the facilities of both if you’re staying at one which is really nice because even though they are so close to each other – their vibes are very different!

Breakfast was in true Turkish style with so many dishes to choose from. All consumed while overlooking the sea which is the perfect way to start any day.

I fell in love with both hotels as soon as I arrived. There is such a sense of peace and you feel really connected to the nature around you as the only noises you’ll hear are the sounds of the birds or the waves crashing on the rocks below. The mountains are behind you, the sea is infront of you and you are sandwiched between them which is my favourite place to be!

There was 2 swimming pools to choose from (as well as a beach) My favourite was the pool on the lower deck, it was so beautiful overlooking the sea.

Both nights I had the sea-bass and although this is a big statement to make – it was the best fish i’ve ever eaten!

 

After a night we moved over to another hotel and my personal favourite….

It has such a beautiful layout. It didn’t have a beach as such, just rocks and ladders where you can jump straight into the sea. The hotel blends seamlessly with the surrounding nature and the rooms are in the form of 14 wooden tents with straw roofs dotted around. 

These are not just any tents though, they are luxury tents with a beautiful wooden interior and a giant, comfortable bed so it felt way more glamping than camping! Our tent was number 5,5 and it had an amazing view over the sea, a jacuzzi on the balcony and it was located right next to the swimming pool.

It was one of the most romantic spots i’ve been to with amazing sunsets, the clearest sea, delicious food and when the sun has disappeared and the light has dimmed it’s so cozy with candle lit walkways and a cinema under the stars.

Breakfast is a glorious feast prepared with local products, organic fruits, and vegetables from the hotel’s own garden.

Last year I saw a photo on Instagram and it was then that I saved it to my “Must Visit” list. (The photo was of their sea jacuzzi or the Mermaid Pool as I call it!) So it was only right that I bathed in it and enjoyed the view with a drink… 🙂

On our final day we went out on a cute wooden boat. They offer 4 hour tours which sail you along the Faralya coast to Kabak beach, the blue cave, a few others bays and then finish at Butterfly Valley which is one of the most well known and popular beaches in the area.

My favourite bay was one that was only accessible by boat or a very long trek down the mountain so we had the place all to ourself and spent ages snorkelling around the crystal clear water.

On the way back to the hotel the captain took us to a really unique spot where we stood on the front of the boat and had a shower in the water falling down the mountain and into the sea. It was freezing but amazing!

This is not a hotel you come to for entertainment but it’s perfect for nature and peace lovers, those that like to do yoga or when you just want a break from the world. Although we were only there for 3 days, I left feeling completely relaxed and I can’t wait to go back one day when i’m in need of a break from real life.