Do you know the feeling of wanting to turn your back on your busy schedule? Enjoying a break from everyday life, surrounded by beauty, nature and tranquillity does not necessarily mean long-haul travel and jet lag. A truly wonderful destination is closer than you think.
Maybe it's this gorgeous September day. Maybe it's the powerful rays of the midday sun. I am instantly transfixed by the almost unreal beauty before me. I am standing on the terrace of D-Hotel Maris on Turkey's Datça Peninsula, where rolling green hills and vast mountain ranges meet the deep blue of the Aegean Sea in a breathtaking spectacle of nature. It is not the Caribbean, Mauritius or Bali that welcomes me here, but an elegantly designed five-star hotel of the Dogus Group, just a short 4-hour flight from Zurich. It lives up to its membership of the Leading Hotels of the World consortium with its premium offering and first-class service. Moreover, the fantastically secluded location on the picturesque and rugged headland and, as they say, Turkey's most beautiful bay, make a stay here unforgettable.
A little wistfully I leave my comfortable sun lounger by the pool which, from its prominent position, offers a magnificent panoramic view that seems to transition almost seamlessly into the vast expanse of the Mediterranean. However, I want to experience more of the diverse range offered by D-Hotel Maris and, for example, visit one of the five private fine sandy beaches to which guests are chauffeured by golf car or shuttle boat. Whether you are looking for an activity programme or relaxation, everyone can find their dream beach here. For those seeking absolute peace and quiet, there is a secluded beach where mobile phones and jumping children are sought in vain. The hotel's own yacht lies at anchor off the main beach. The imposing two-master as well as motor yachts take guests out for day trips. I can certainly recommend a trip to the small offshore islands. The hotel's helicopter is also available to provide guests with a perfect overview of the area. It can be booked for tours or for transfers between the hotel and Bodrum or Dalaman airport in order to shorten the otherwise nearly 2-hour journey. After many fascinating impressions, I retire to my room – one of a total of 200 at the resort (a presidential suite and a villa are also available) and take pleasure in the luxurious ambience. What do the coming days have in store? The spa, tennis, the gym, culinary delights in the five restaurants and certainly a sundowner at the Coliseum bar which is located spectacularly on the tip of the heavenly Datça Peninsula.
