Here are some great links to discounted flights from UK to Dalaman, Turkey
| Flights to Dalaman Airport | ||||||||||||||||
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I’ve finally got a spare 10 minutes to write to you properly just to thank you for the opportunity to stay at your beautiful villa. All our party are unanimous is saying it is one of the best ever holidays if not THE best. As we were such a diverse age range I think this was a feat in itself (ha ha).
Obviously because your pre-holiday pack and communications are so very good you already feel you know exactly what you are getting but it doesn’t fail in any way to live up to your expectations. Stunning setting and such a nice couple Richard & Kym on hand to greet you. I am a fairly seasoned traveller to Turkey but still appreciated this touch and they couldn’t do enough to welcome you and explain all the fixtures and fittings etc and to even have a jug of cool water in the fridge which was much appreciated. This personal level of service extended throughout the holiday and although we didn’t have to ring them other than once it was reassuring to know someone with local knowledge was available seemingly 24/7.
The patio was a huge hit with our 2 older ladies as it is so much cooler under there and when the afternoon breeze gets up it was just right for them. We were v lucky with the weather although there was a mini heat wave for a couple of days getting up to 44degrees which the locals told us is more August weather.
Although we didn’t do many trips this time I can definitely recommend Ozalp Tourism. We had used the public boat up to the beach to test the water (pun) with Benjamin but as expected he wont stay still at the moment and so we felt a little unsafe letting him on any longer boat trips. Our 2 old dears however did charter a boat for an 1/2 day excursion and gave it top marks. We all went on the trip to Fetihe Market with stops at the ‘Ghost’ town and Olu Doniz as well as the Gold Centre and Turkish delight factory. Apart from not finding the villa and me having to ring Dale it all went smoothly and the guides were very funny and informative of the local area and customs. Afterwards we again couldn’t pass their shop without kisses and handshakes all around with Benjamin again treated like a prince (better hope his blue eyes never fade or his blonde hair darken – ha ha)
Overall I commend you for the beautiful design of the villa and I notice the construction company used it on a half page advert in the Dalyan Times so they must also highly rate it (ha ha). It has been an absolute dream to deal with you both and also Richard & Kym and so good to see 2 such nice young couples doing so well for themselves.
All our very best wishes and speak again soon
Peter, Sharon, Shirley, Betty and the little star aka Benjamin
]]>Take advantage and book for 2011 at the same price as 2010
Plus, for existing Villa Louise visiters you can benefit from a lower deposit when you book your stay.
Remember to book before 1st November!
]]>October is a popluar time for couples but, given the villa’s size, it is priced for a group or family staying. To also allow a party of 2 to enjoy the peace, privacy and space that a villa offers, we are introducing a low occupancy rate for couples during the month of October . For this October two people can stay at the villa for just £396. This equates to a £234 discount from the existing weekly rate of £630.
]]>it stays that way, until at least the end of the summer!
What we were doing!
The BBQ is now complete. It was late though, so we only got the one chance to use it
ourselves. The rib-eye steak and vegetable skewers were great!
It’s pretty big, has an area for plates etc, a swivel light for night use and has 2 grills.
The lower to cook on and the higher one for keeping food warm.
We have left BBQ utensils and a BBQ grill cleaning utensil too.
The 4th downstairs bedroom is now open and furnished! We had trouble getting a bed,
so decided (as the room is not often used) to use a sofa/day bed. This allows it to be
used as a quiet seating area for guests. As it’s the smallest room too, it’s instantly cool
as soon as the air con goes on.
The sofa-bed can then be used as a single bed and, if you need it, extended into a
double. The double bed just leaves room to walk around the bed, with a bit more
floorspace by the wardrobe, and is then a box room essentially.
The seat of the sofa-bed is good quality and feels just like a fairly firm mattress.
There are pictures of the new BBQ and the 3 room set up options for the 4th bedroom
on the web site, or at this link: http://www.dalyanholidayvillas.co.uk/villa_louise_gallery.htm
In the garden; a dead plant was replaced with a pomegranate tree. The back wall has
been lined with young shrub plants, to eventually provide a tall shrubbery at the back
of the house. Four new plants were planted by the BBQ, to provide an attractive backdrop.
These were chosen to provide height to the garden, as this area has no view and doesn’t
affect the sun in the garden.
We have installed 2 smoke alarms, which are rarely found in Dalyan. We brought them
over with us, and they’re the type used by the fire brigade. Once installed they are tamper
proof and have a 10 year life.
The inside has been painted and generally spring cleaned and spruced up, with a few
(too dull to mention) running repairs and maintenance.
We’ve added a full size Scrabble this year together with some more books, DVD’s etc.
We now have a collection of around 35 books, 65 DVD’s and 20-ish CD’s.
We have added a few new bits and pieces to the villa:
- In the family bathroom, there is now a shelving unit, bench and wooden towel rail
- We have replaced all the sun/water-damaged lounger cushions with, more practical, waterproof cushions
- We were told that larger numbers of guests could do with more table space on the terrace, so we have added another table
- There is a new floor lamp in the living area for more ambient lighting
- There is now a guest book for everyone to write their comments in.
- New lights on the outside wall….these were the lights we originally wanted, but wereunavailable when needed. As 2 lights had failed beyond repair, we decided to just replace them all.
What we weren’t able to do
The BBQ and 4th bedroom were the priority so it was just a couple of little things we couldn’t
quite complete in time.
The most annoying- the kitchen unit handles! When new, they looked the part but have
tarnished very quickly. We were in every hardware shop in Dalyan and couldn’t get
replacements the same size. The only option is for us to buy them in the UK and bring them
back with us. Hence the reason there are a couple missing!! We have them to compare sizes.
Mirrors were meant to be hung in the twin and 4th bedroom but for one reason or another, this
just didn’t happen (we’re taking our own drill over next time!) There are table mirrors in these
rooms though, with larger mirrors in the bathrooms and a full length mirror in the hallway.
The perimeter walls could do with a lick of paint – but we didn’t know this until we arrived and
just couldn’t get it quoted for and done in time.
Holiday Tip
We (well, Louise) discovered something by a eureka moment this time in Dalyan. This tip only
applies to those who wear nail varnish!
Thinking it was the heat that melted her nail varnish, she was taking off and re-applying nail
varnish almost daily! Then discovered that liberally spraying deet spray over the feet and ankles
was actually the culprit. By applying with hands (more carefully), it stopped straight away. The
melted nail varnish is a nightmare, as it remains sticky, staining shoes, clothes, linen etc. Don’t
know if anyone else has ever had this and it may be the particular deet we use (Boots own brand).
Dalaman Airport
We just found out while we were in Dalyan that, from 1st January 2010, Dalaman airport has
applied the 100ml liquid rule.
This means no more taking water through and, just as in the UK, keeping any liquid items in
a small plastic bag.
You may do what we do; buy bottles of spirits on a deal in Duty free and bring a bottle home
with us. No more! (unless you pack them in the hold baggage)
The procedure at the airport has changed a little. As you come in, all your bags – and you – are
scanned. You can keep your water/liquids at this point. You then check-in and at passport control,
you are scanned again. This is the point you show the plastic bag with liquids/gels etc separately
and all water/liquids over 100ml must be binned at this point. This additional scan means you’re
no longer scanned at the departure gate.
Link below is to the rules on this, from the Dalaman airport web site.
http://www.atmairport.aero/Dalaman_en/yolcu_hizmetleri_sivimaddeler.php
The airport has a whole area of extra seating now, some of it even comfy sofas and easy chairs!
You can now follow Villa Louise on Facebook;
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Villa-Louise-Dalyan/113308568704473
For those of you staying at the villa this year, we hope you have a fantastic time, and look forward
to hearing of any feedback you may have.
At the end of the season, we would hope to send out a small survey (just a handful of questions)
to those that have visited. In particular, those in larger groups. We have only stayed at the villa in
a group of 4 at the most and would be interested to hear of how the villa is used by you, and if
anything is lacking in that regard. This year we added the extra terrace table due to that kind of
feedback, and it is always helpful.
We are mostly booked up for this season now, but currently have a couple of great last minute
deals on pockets of availability. We’ve seen some great last minute flight deals. So please do
get in touch if anyone fancies a break at the villa this year.
Bryden & Louise
]]>Last updated at 3:25 PM on 5th May 2010
The villa is equipped with all the mod cons, but life outside moves at a slower pace. Turkey produces almonds — a fifth of the world’s supply — pots of honey and piles of pomegranates. Women clad in wide-brimmed white hats and flowery harem trousers ride past the villa on tractor carts.
My friend Isabel and I find bee-hives by accident when we run down the track only to find ourselves at the epicentre of an ominous buzz. We beat a swift retreat.
Even so, wildlife is a good reason to visit this abundant region. Birds, from herons to storks, abound on the delta, bordered by the sea on one side and lake Koycegiz, a natural harbour, on the other.
In between are narrow reed-lined waterways. On Iztuzu beach, a 15-minute trip from Beyaz by car, turtles nest.
Here the sand is compact, charcoal in colour and the sea is choppy. You won’t find a sunlounger, but that’s part of the attraction. It’s virtually empty and surrounded by wilder, dry and rocky landscape.
A drink in a roadside cafe — a sort of treehouse teetering on the mountainside — provides low-key refreshment. Stalls selling homegrown honey line the route home.
Our nearest market is 42 miles away in Fethiye [Bryden: Correction, there is a market every Saturday in Dalayan] , a breezy port full of carpet and jewellery shops.
The market is off the main drag and you have to follow your nose before you get to the good stuff. Here a roly-poly woman fries spinach pancakes on hotplates. We try everything from roasted sesame coated nuts to salty feta.
We return laden with goodies and set about marinading what we think is beef (English is not spoken widely) in spices. Interesting, if chewy — perhaps it was goat.
Fish proves a better option. Midweek, we try it barbecued aboard a private boat we hire for a day from Dalyan to explore the delta. The excursion offers a closer look at the Lycian tombs high in the cliffs.
We are dropped off at a jetty to tramp around the dusty heat of ancient Kaunos, a site which is still being excavated. The top of the 2nd-century BC amphitheatre provides a panoramic view over the area.
Some of the Doric temple columns have been rebuilt in marble, so you can see how they might have looked in their fuller glory. We virtually have the place to ourselves.
Back in Dalyan we find a lively eatery where the action happens around the oven. Fresh flat breads and sizzling meats are a speciality, and cocktails are served with half a banana skewered on the rim of the glass. Novel.
The atmosphere is buoyant, and later the villa provides the ideal place to lounge off our meal. The billionaires know their stuff — this is definitely the way to live.
In Turkey, bathing en masse seems to be a past-time. Perhaps Cleopatra started the trend. If the number of ruined baths attributed to her are anything to go by, it seems she bathed with abandon — all the way along the Turkish Coast.
At the Sultanye thermal baths, ten minutes upriver from Dalyan we sign up for soft skin — which means covering ourselves in mud, standing around in grimy puddles and waiting for it to bake. We wash it off in one of the thermal sulphur pools. These can reach 40 degrees and, it’s claimed, cure all sorts of ills.
Glowing, we return to the boat and chug about on the delta amid reedy lanes. The area is part of old Lycia and there are 4th-century cliff tombs built high into the rock. These hold the Lycian kings. At night they are lit like candles eerily suspended in blackness.
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The pool is crystal clear, looking forward to jumping in next week!
Here is a close up of the BBQ
Going to be 2.5 metres tall! and is 2.5mtrs wide.
The side area will have a door where we have a place to store things. Plus a table area (70x120cm) so you can sit around drinking a beer while talking to BBQ MAN (or woman)
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No longer a secret!
We’re just getting things spruced up at the villa for the start of the 2010 season.
Work is just about to start on the lining of our loft, which will then open up the 4th
bedroom, downstairs, which is currently being used as storage for linen and the cleaner’s
things.
We’re now looking into the furniture for that bedroom which we’d rather keep in line with
the other bedrooms, but a suitable and attractive bed frame currently eludes us & we search on!
Work will also hopefully begin on the large stone barbecue, which we think will be the most
useful addition to the villa. The stonework involved is really quite an art form the builders
take pride in, so we’re excited to see the finished article. Sometime in Dalyan, art takes over
function, and we’ve seen barbecues where the grill is built in! How you clean it escapes us!
So, we’ve tried to think of every eventuality in the design; having a light and a work top area
being 2 issues we think are often missed.
If anyone out there has used this type of barbecue and has advice on good or bad design issues,
please do let us know.
Once all the work is complete, the villa will have an intensive spring clean and the pool and garden
will be cleaned and ready for guests.
Discounts
At this point we have a couple of weeks free towards the start of the season, but outside the English
school holidays, and are considering any discounts that may apply as the dates approach. As subscribers
to the Villa newsletter, we like to offer you first refusal so please do get in touch if these dates
are of possible interest to you and we can offer you the discount before we advertise elsewhere.
Available dates:
Between 4th and 12th June
Between 26th June & 14th July
We will probably advertise the June dates and if the July dates remain, they
will probably be advertised during June.
So please do get in touch a.s.a.p. If you’d like to take advantage.
So keep an eye on our web site, and we’ll be in touch again on our return with all the updates.
Kind Regards
Bryden & Louise
For tourists heading to this region especially for a historical journey through the area, a favored route is the following:
The Beçin, Bodrum, Keramos and Marmaris castles; the Bodrum Mausoleum, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World; the Mars Temple; the Myndos, Knidos, Amos, Telmessos and Caunus city ruins; the Patara, Labranda, Pinara and Stratonikeia ruins; the Lycian rock tombs; the ancient city of Lagina; the Leton Temple and the Bodrum Museum, with its rich collection of treasures found underwater.
The ancient cities of KAUNOS and KAYAKÖY
Boats leave regularly from Dalyan taking tourists to the ancient city of Kaunos. A 10-minute walk from the dock where the boat anchors will bring you to the site of the ancient city’s ruins. Some people visit this site by private yacht, anchoring at Delikli Island and making their way by a little boat to the docks here.
As a port city, Kaunos was historically important in terms of trade. As the sea around it filled with alluvium over time, this city lost its special role as a port city. When the Persians took over Anatolia, the city came under the control of Mausolos. And when Alexander defeated the Persians in 334 B.C., the city was ruled first by Princess Ada, then Antigonos and later still Ptolemaios.
Kayaköy, an ancient village close to Ölüdeniz, has been labeled a World Friendship and Peace Village by UNESCO and attracts a great deal of interest from tourists and photographers from all over the world. Tourists arrive by car and bus and can take guided tours of the historical areas of interest. The history of Kayaköy actually stretches back as far as 3000 B.C., and visitors who come here have the chance to see sarcophagi and tombs that belonged to the Lycian civilization.
In the first nine months of 2008 alone, Kayaköy was visited by nearly 55,000 local and foreign tourists.
The province of Mu?la has a 1,100 kilometer Aegean shoreline, which boasts some of the world’s most jagged, uneven coastal features, with all sorts of large and small bays, gulfs, outcroppings, tiny islands, villages and, of course, the ports of Bodrum, Fethiye, Marmaris and Güllük. Some of its finest landscape is in the Gulf of Gökova: This is a gulf of unparalleled beauty, with forests and fruit orchards that lie just behind the shorelines almost like lace around a piece of fabric. This is one of the most physically beautiful corners of Mu?la, with its islands, sand and sea. Also worthy of note is Ölüdeniz: About 15 minutes from Fethiye, the sea is unusually clear here. Yachts are forbidden from entering Ölüdeniz in order to keep its waters as clear as possible. At Babada?, which features peaks as high as 1,800 meters, you can parachute from the cliffs all seasons of the year.
DALYAN Strait and the IZTUZU Beach.
Dalyan, which is located in the district of Ortaca, has an extremely unusual ecosystem thanks to the Dalyan delta, formed as a result of thousands of years of tectonic movement here.
The Dalyan delta is surrounded to its east and west by forested mountains and was formed by the 12-kilometer-long strait that connects Lake Köycegiz to the sea. This strait is lined by reeds on both sides, making it look like some sort of labyrinth.
The Dalyan Strait reaches the sea at the famous Iztuzu Beach. This beach stretches for five kilometers, and its sands are constantly changing due to the unusual tidal patterns here. This is also a site where the famous Caretta caretta sea turtle lays its eggs seasonally.
Tourists visiting Dalyan also have a chance to see the so-called King’s Cemetery, which is an extension of the ancient city of Kaunos. There are 167 stone tombs located here.
Of course, the phenomenon of yacht tourism is also alive and well in Mu?la, as there are 131 villages along the Mu?la coastline, each more beautiful than the next.
When it comes to yacht tourism, places like Göcek, Fethiye, Marmaris, Dalaman, Ekincik, Datça, Hisarönü, Gökova and Bodrum all stand out. The three marinas located in Marmaris alone have the moorage to anchor 3,000-4,000 yachts. And the four marinas in Göcek have always at least 1,000 yachts in them, in winter and summer. More than 100,000 yachts and boats make their way in and out of the Bodrum, Marmaris, Yal?kavak, Turgutreis, Fethiye and Göçek marinas every year.
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