Our Featured PROPERTIES OF THE WEEK
This week’s favourite holiday properties for the ultimate luxury getaway.
Where to next? We have curated some inspiration to cover all sorts of stays and guests. Peruse what’s trending now. We’ve cast around for hotels, villas and gulets which we think will offer standout holidays in summer 2024.
Hand-picked UNCOMMERCIAL DESTINATIONS
We specialise in uncommercial holiday destinations in Turkey, the Greek Islands of Crete and Kefalonia, Mallorca, Sicily, Malta and the year-round exotic destination of Morocco. We continue to seek out and offer new discerning experiences in other destinations and this year are delighted to introduce new regions in Morocco, bucket list expeditions and also luxury voyages at sea- worldwide.
Friendly, PERSONAL SERVICE
We are a truly specialist tour operator offering unique boutique hotels, private villas with pools, rural retreats and select apartments in unspoilt resorts. Whether you’re looking for a suite built within caves, a romantic rooftop terrace or your own private infinity pool…we’ve got a great selection for you.
We have extensive first hand experience of the properties we feature, have time to help guests choose specific rooms or villas and, having built up great relationships with all the owners, can offer a truly personal service to enhance your holiday. Thankfully, many of our guests agree as we have a huge number of very loyal repeat guests.
But don’t take our word for it… to see genuine reviews from Discerning Collection guests click here.
Holiday TYPES
Discerning EXPERIENCES
We are delighted to introduce our exciting new portfolio of truly memorable experience holidays. Designed to allow you to discover natural wonders and unique cultural experiences year round and in a choice of destinations. Our current experience holidays include; a yoga and lifestyle holiday in an eco lodge in Morocco this November, tailor made itineraries on the Amalfi coast, Tuscany, Puglia and Matera and landscapes of Turkey which combine Cappadocia and Istanbul. Our Discerning Experience holidays have been created to allow you to see a facet of the destination not usually unavailable, while traveling in style and enjoying the finest hospitality as well as our renowned personal and attentive service.
School Holiday AVAILABILITY
Affordable stays this May and June at the Asfiya Sea View Hotel, Kalkan
A modern boutique hotel with sea views from every angle and in an exceptional location, within a stones’ throw of the centre of Kalkan
Tiered down the hillside in an enviable location just a short stroll from Kalkan’s old town, sits the impressive Asfiya Sea View Hotel. With only 34 stylish en-suite rooms, 15 have their very own plunge pools, 3 rooms have direct access to the communal swimming pool, and all enjoy breath-taking sea views.
Most rooms can be made up with twin or double beds, and some of the rooms can sleep up to 3 guests, we even have a few which can be interconnected via a main door making it an ideal choice for families. Recently the private pool rooms in the 700’s block have been extended and their large terraces are now decked out with comfy sunbeds as well as lovely rattan furniture.
The focal hub of life at the Asfiya Sea View is the large pool and terrace. Replete with voluptuous cushioned day beds and parasols. Adjacent is the laid-back pool bar which serves an array of cooling drinks throughout the day and by nightfall is a popular sundowner spot. Since the opening of the hotel, wonderful improvements have been made to the communal areas, and there is now an excellent restaurant on the terrace which is said by some of our guests to be on a par with the Likya restaurant, which is praise indeed. The restaurant is is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Asfiya Sea View has built up a loyal following of repeat guests many of whom most regularly comment on the service. We know that the new management team from the Likya Residence will work tirelessly to ensure your every need is taken care of and if ever anything is missing all you need to do is ask.
Our guests who are resident in the Asfiya Sea View are invited to use the nearby Yali Beach Club throughout their stay, simply show your room key and complimentary access will be granted. Yali is easily accessible on foot and is just a 10 minute stroll downhill from the Asfiya Sea View Hotel. Parasols and day beds are scattered on rocky platforms and waiter and towel service is available to your day-bed. The menu has an excellent a choice of small plates ideal for sharing as well as main events and seasonal salads. There is a super choice of refreshing beverages such as freshly squeezed juices, beers and signature cocktails- to name a few.
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Affordable luxury in May
Mavi Koy
Simply the finest address in Kalkan… Mavi Koy enjoys a fantastic position directly on the water’s edge
Multi-layered gardens and terraces wind gently down from the substantial house to the astonishing seafront where steps and diving platforms provide access to sea swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear shallows.
It has the largest private waterfront of any house in Kalkan with breakfast served here every morning on a waterside terrace set away from the main house.
The large, private waterfront is yours alone to while away the hours overlooking the inky blue waters and pop in for a cooling dip. Long, lazy days can be spent playing table tennis or pool, hopping in the villa’s kayaks and diving into the turquoise sea from the private terrace – there is little reason to leave.
The huge villa has six en-suite bedrooms spread out over three levels (4 with their own access), all of which have balconies or terraces with glorious sea views.
The main house has a gorgeous open plan kitchen, living and dining area with doors opening out onto a lovely large terrace with outside dining area and fantastic sea views. Additional doors from the living room open up on the side to the large freshwater pool with a pretty terrace ideal for entertaining. Hammocks are dotted through the gardens and there is a Romanesque pergola for al fresco dining. There is an outdoor Jacuzzi to revive weary muscles.
Enjoy your breakfast in the spacious and private seafront terrace where you can relax on scattered cushions and sun beds in the shade of the olive trees.
For those who enjoy water sports, a local company will happily pop over with a boatload of water sport toys. Or simply enjoy the spectacle of the boats of all shapes and sizes meandering in and out of the harbour throughout the day.
Kalkan harbour is just a ten-minute walk along a newly created footpath which leads from your door along the shore into the centre. It has a prime position for nights in and out of the villa, falling asleep to the sound of waves lapping the shore.
*Large parties might like to take Villa Mavi Deniz as well which is conveniently located next door (4 bedroom villa sleeps 8).
Please note that due to the steep, hillside location and many steps, this property is not suitable for guests with mobility issues.
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7 nights for the price of 6, PLUS 5% early booking discount
Luxury hotel in its own private bay, a fabulous choice for both couples and families
We are thrilled to include the elegant beach resort, Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye to our portfolio. Surrounded by sweet-smelling, pine clad mountains in a private bay, the location is undeniably breathtaking. Although larger than our selection of small, boutique hotels in Turkey, we couldn’t resist this superb hotel with vast array of facilities, making it a wonderful holiday choice for both couples and families alike.
With 330 elegantly furnished rooms and suites, some are perfect for couples whilst the larger suites can comfortably sleep a family of four, most rooms have a balcony or terrace and many with splendid sea views.
There are 3 private beaches, the main ‘Blue Flag’ beach offers a wide range of water sports for all the family, whilst Serenity and Silent Beach offer serene, quiet space for adults only. There is also huge swimming pool overlooking the pretty bay . There are plenty of great activities for youngsters, a kids club and also activities for older children and teens.
You are simply spoilt for choice when it comes to dining at the Hillside Beach Club, the main buffet restaurant offers a wide variety of Turkish and international cuisine to suit all tastes, there is also the romantic Pasha on the Bay on the waterfront, not to mention the Beach Bar and Restaurant, with it’s relaxed and informal dining by day, and by night it is transformed in to an elegant, Italian restaurant, an idyllic spot to dine al fresco on a balmy summer’s evening. (these 2 beachside restaurants are weather dependent)
The Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye is an exceptional choice for a Turkish holiday and caters for all tastes, whether you are looking for a romantic escape, or a family summer getaway with plenty of activities, this superb hotel never fails to impress.
Please note that due to the hillside location of the hotel, this property is not suitable for guests with reduced mobility.
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Super savings this spring at Villa La Vie
Pitch up at Villa La Vie, Kalkan, to escape or get the party started. A recently renewed 5 bedroom property, sleeps ten guests, with stunning bay vistas and conveniently located within a ten minute stroll from Kalkan harbour.
Oozing a laid back and comfortable ambience Villa La Vie is the perfect base to explore Kalkan and the wider region. If you are simply looking to flop and drop, spending your days enjoying the spectacular poolside setting and bay view vistas Villa La Vie has all the amenities to make your stay a memorable one. For those curious minds looking to experience the local scene, you don’t need to stroll far to reach one of the many beach clubs that ring the bay and downtown Kalkan is close enough for you to pop in and out of the action as and when you like.
Refreshed for the 2023 season, Villa La Vie boats five spacious bedrooms and seven bathrooms. Rooms are light and airy mixing fresh and colourful fabrics with contemporary furniture. Four bedrooms are double, ideal for couples, and one twin bedroom is perfect for friends sharing or children. Floor to ceiling glass bedroom windows imbibe the widescreen views and give way to five extensive furnished terraces providing plenty of private areas so you can be as social or independent as you like while enjoying a little slice of paradise and perhaps a glass or two of wine!
Kalkan is a superb choice for a summer holiday. Once a quaint fishing village, today it has grown into an elegant harbourside town attracting a discerning clientele. The town rises from an picture-perfect seafront setting and it has retained much of its traditional charm due to conservation restrictions. Small and niche, Kalkan is celebrated for it’s Ottoman Greek architecture, petite pebble beach, boho beach clubs, authentic Thursday market and especially famous for its rooftop restaurants serving decadent cuisine.
Villa La Vie is an absolute crowd pleaser. An impeccable choice for several families taking a holiday together, or a large group of friends. Spacious, modern and leaving you wanting for nothing this is as close to perfect as it gets.
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Let's get loud about Lujo
An indoor-outdoor playground bursting with the finer things in life and all on golden sandy shores under brilliantly blue Bodrum skies…
Sequestered away in a quiet corner of Bodrum, every inch of this extraordinary hotel hideaway exudes highly polished, meticulously finished luxury amenities and facilities. This really is a diamond for those who relish the absolute best.
Lujo has 721 sleeping quarters; rooms, suites, swim up rooms, private villas and all complete with joy advisors who are your very own in situ hosts, there to help and provide local information as required. Whether you are seeking an adult-only suite, or a villa for the whole family, Lujo promises a truly unforgettable experience. Each of the rooms from the beautiful lead in up to the presidential suite are finished to an exceptional standard, all beds are draped in cool, luxury linens. Interiors are filled with light, natural stone and other richly textured materials create a soothing atmsophere and with all the modcons and luxury facilities you could dream of.
The most difficult decisions you will make while resident are whether you will recline poolside or beachside. Lujo boasts three fabulous beaches and numerous swimming pools, even an aqua park that the children will love and not forgetting those who are still young at heart. If you like to do more than laze by the pool will enjoy the enormous choice of watersports, there is also a well equipped gym and endless activities for those who like to keep up with their training regime while in holiday mode. Available sporting activities include; tennis, boxing, beach volleyball, dance classes, cross fit, table tennis, hammock yoga, cycling and many more.
After all that activity you will have worked up an appetite that Lujo will more than satisfy. Guests visiting Lujo are encouraged to take advantage of the ultra-all-inclusive option as there is nowhere nearby to wander out to of an evening. Restaurants are beautifully presented taking in the stunning surrounds and furnished in keeping with the concepts. Restaurants feature; Turkish, Asian, Mediterranean, European and International cuisine so there will be something for every guest to wax-lyrical about.
A well executed family holiday can be difficult to get right. With adults seeking a rejuvenating escape, and children craving a dynamic adventure; trying to strike the balance can leave either party feeling short-changed and frustrated. Thankfully, Lujo seems to have mastered the art of family-holidaying. There are glorious adult only enclaves as well as children’s spaces jam-packed with activities and workshops so our littlest loves are entertained too.
Whether you are looking to get the party started or kick back and have all the decisions made for you by the superb on site joy advisors guests will be justly rewarded…
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Chase the sun this winter with the Discerning Collection…
A simply superb 5 star experience within the Abama Resort complex, located in the Guia de Isora region in Southwest Tenerife. These delightful one, two, and three bedroom suites have a tranquil and peaceful and ambience attracting a discerning clientele. Overseen by its Michelin starred chef, Martin Berasategui, the Melvin restaurant compliments the exquisite offering here in Abama resort.
All the suites have large gardens or open terraces from where you can enjoy wonderful views. The modern interiors have been meticulously designed to blend perfectly into the natural environment where the resort is located, where open spaces coexist in harmony with the gardens, outdoor terraces and the magnificent landscape that surrounds the suites. The floor-to-ceiling windows fill the rooms with natural light and offer breath-taking views across the Atlantic Ocean or beautiful gardens.
There’s tennis, golf, 4 swimming pools all heated, its own private beach which is a 15 minute walk away or 5 minutes in the complimentary shuttle bus, yoga, pilates classes and massages and all the usual facilities of a 5 star hotel. There is also a gourmet shop at Abama Terraces, offering a wide range of local artisan products and an exquisite selection of wines.
Puerto de la Cruz is 23 miles from Las Terrazas de Abama Suites. The nearest airport is Tenerife Sur Airport, 16.2 miles from the property.
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Latest NEWS
LIKYA RESIDENCE HOTEL & SPA
One of our guests favourites in Kalkan, Turkey
Arguably the best hotel in the region, the stunning Likya Residence and Spa is a luxurious adult-only retreat, yet just a short stroll from the heart of the charming harbour town of Kalkan.
All of the light, airy and incredibly spacious rooms and suites offer unrivalled sea views and have a large balcony or terrace, a superb spot to sit and watch the sun go down over the deep blue Mediterranean.
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Tailored FOR YOU
Bespoke holidays, to fit your exact requirements
Whether you are simply looking for accommodation for a few nights, or want an off the beaten track tailor-made holiday, the team at The Discerning Collection can fulfill your every need.
We can arrange flights from any UK airport on any day of the week, transfers or car hire, accommodation (including specific rooms), and many other services such as various jaunts and excursions, meals in some of the best restaurants in town! We are totally flexible and are here to ensure that you book the holiday that you want.
Simply give us a call on 01784 817 720 to experience our friendly and knowledgeable service first-hand.