We just returned from our first time to Kalkan (and Turkey) and I wanted to get this out while it was still fresh in my mind!
The transfer from Dalaman was swift, we had a private transfer with Exclusive Escapes as we were the only ones going to Kalkan from our flight from Bristol. I enjoyed the journey and the unexpected, lovely view of Kalkan bay when we rounded the bend.
To our horror it begin to rain on the way and then again when we got to the hotel. It was a shock as I had been reading the forecasts for weeks and it was wall to wall sunshine. The next morning though normal service was resumed and it was gorgeous thereafter.
We booked a pool suite at the Regency as it was our silver wedding anniversary and I have to say it was absolutely amazing. The room was huge, light and with a minimalistic design, with views to die for. I could look out over the whole bay whilst having a shower!
We didn't do much during the days as we wanted to enjoy our suite, lying on the large terrace and dipping in and out of the pool when it got too hot. We did walk into the harbour a few times and also did a trip on the Regency motor cruiser, round the coast and to Kekova, stopping for a lovely lunch on the way with plenty of Efes and Angora, hic... We were also booked on the gulet cruise but decided that two full days at sea were too much in just seven days so we cancelled that.
Where we drank:
Mostly at the Moonlight and Utopia bars, great for people watching, and what a lot there were, a constant stream of them heading past. What I liked was that everyone made an effort to look nice, it was a real fashion parade to behold!
Where we lunched:
Stayed close to the Regency: Johnnys - Johnny the turkish pirate has a great little place, basically just a shack but with lovely views and good, reasonably priced food and drinks. Also Bread and More, they do a very nice homemade quiche and the guys here are real characters and jokers!
Where we dined:
Night 1 - Moonlight terrace. We didn't realise we had to have chosen from the a la carte earlier in the day so had to eat off the set menu. The food was very good though (loved the stuffed peppers and vine leaves) and they gave us our first introduction to turkish coffee (I'm now addicted, lol)
Night 2 - Sade. We had booked this in the morning, they only had one table left so we didn't have any view. Got to say I was a little disappointed with it. We had booked on the strength of the TA reviews and whilst the steak was nice, it was just steak, no chargrill or woodsmoke flavour to make it special. That is just my preference however.
Night 3 - Chillies. The food wasn't bad, but the complimentary pide and puffy bread were delicious
Night 4 - Aubergine. A very slick operation and nice food, however the harbour at night was not for us, too noisy and busy, we preferred the little street and restaurants above
Night 5 - Regency barbecue. This was our actual anniversary and we were surprised and touched when the staff and chef brought us a little heart shaped cake decorated with sparklers and edible silver balls whilst announcing our names over the loudspeaker. The food, music and dancing was fab
Night 6 - Ozalp. Out early tonight and I was lured in by a particularly handsome waiter (sorry OH, but there was some real eye candy in Kalkan!) who gave us the best table at the front as it wasn't booked until 9pm. The hot mezes here were lovely
Night 7 - Saffron rooftop. This had the best view of our stay, we were high up and right at the front because we were the only ones in there! It did fill up more over the course of our meal though. I think this was my favourite meal, garlic mushrooms with cheese and giant barbecue prawns, yum..
So the burning question, will we return? Possibly is what I will say. Mainly because our hearts are already with Thailand (7 times in 8 years including 2012 and already booked for 2013) but never say never, I agree it really is a special place.
But I can say we had a perfect holiday in Kalkan and I am so happy we picked it for our special day, it will be remembered for a long time.
And lastly, thank you to all you forum regulars, I am so glad I found you - it has been part of my holiday experience reading all your posts and gaining knowledge, you're better than Trip Advisor in my opinion
All the best
Heidi
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