Holiday Reviews
We invite every traveller who books a holiday via us to send in a review. Because we don't run the holidays they're completely independent and unedited... remember to read between the lines though, as two people on the same trip can have different views!
Read our review policy
Kalkan village accommodation, Turkey, independent reviews
 Reviewed 2 Sep 2009 by Lesley Rhodes |  |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Relaxing in the lovely garden with the dogs & cats & doing fairly ordinary things like going to local markets & cafes. Enjoying Deborah's delicious breakfasts on the balcony with the sea in the distance. The sea is so beautiful around this area & it is easy to find places good for sun bathing & swimming, both by boat & local bus. Visiting remains of Ancient Lycia was fascinating but too hot in August to appreciate these in full. The cottage is delightful & we would have spent more time there if we had had a longer holiday.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Suitable for those who like the mountains but with opportunity to visit ancient sites, local markets & wonderful beaches. We managed without a car thanks to lifts to the local village from Deborah & Yurfut & using local transport. It was too hot for trekking in August but there are opportunities for great walks along the Lycian Way & just rambling around the villages. Deborah's friend, Tricia Emptage, has written a good guide to the area both ancient & modern. The Secret Garden, a collection of lodges surrounded by greenery, in Lower Islamlar will allow guests having a light meal/drink to use their swimming pool.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Food was bought locally & we ate at local restaurants & cafes. Water was heated by solar panels & a mountain spring wound through the garden to water the plants. The owners are involved in village life & are campaigning for recycling, neutering of local dogs & local public transport.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We had a lovely relaxing time away from crowded resorts & package holiday places and were looked after very well at the cottage. It was wonderful to be able to be in the sea or swimming pool every day.
| Reviewed 24 Jun 2009 by Pamela Benjamin | |
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Eating a delicious Turkish style breakfast on the terrace of the accommodation with magnificent views down the valley and out to the sea followed by a successful walk along the Lycian Way with more stunning views and lots of goats! The day would end with a very tasty evening meal in one of several trout restaurants for which Islamlar is rightly famous.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
If you want a piece of real Turkey rather than the sanitised tourist environment then this accommodation and Islamlar could be it as the cottage is a delightfully rustic environment in the heart of a village community. It is a short walk up a rough track which is unsuitable for anyone with mobility issues. Whether you want a day at the beach or a walk in the hills or to soak up the rich Lycian, Roman and Byzantine culture this accommodation makes an ideal base.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?
Yes, we ate local food all of the time and bought items in the local shops. Our water was from the local mountain springs which were just amazing.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
We very much enjoyed our stay and will keep in touch with Deborah. Hopefully we will return some day.