Villa Kaktus

Four-bedroomed Villa Kaktus ticks boxes on your wish-list for a luxurious holiday escape. Beautiful location? Check. ‘Luxe' facilities? Check. Serene ambience? Check. Check. Check. Set in a peaceful and secluded area of Kalkan on Turkey's stunning Turquoise Coast, it boasts panoramic coastal views, and if you swim right up to the edge of the pool, you'll have a bird's eye view of town and sea below.

The substantial property has undergone a complete renovation and is decorated with modern and light furnishings, dotted with the right amount of vibrant colour and traditionally Turkish features. There is more than a nod to the Ottoman style seen in Istanbul's lavish palaces. The pool is probably the main standout feature – large, and complete with an explorable cave, waterfall and two waterslides. We must give honourable mentions to the terrace with cushioned loungers and chairs, and the beautiful kosk too – a shaded area that's complete with a hammock, cushions and a classic Turkish Kilim (rug) – for a relaxing place to while away the afternoon.

Oh, and if that's not enough, the main pool feeds into an indoor pool (with a retractable roof) too. Inside, you'll find the open-plan contemporary living and dining area with plenty of places to sit, alongside a fully-equipped kitchen with a breakfast bar. The four bedrooms (two doubles and two twins) are en-suite, and the double bedrooms are coastal facing with showers, balconies, and one has a Jacuzzi bath within the bedroom itself for a truly tranquil and luxurious experience.

Extra features at this state-of-the-art villa include a games and cinema room for children (and adults), a sauna and a gym. There's also a lush garden surrounding the property, two BBQ's (one stone built and the other free-standing) for dining al fresco, alongside an indoor and outdoor kids play area, including a tree house and climbing wall. Couple all this and the amazing vistas, and you can see why Villa Kaktus is popular. If you can bring yourself to leave (we'll forgive if you don't), Kalkan town, with its array of rooftop restaurants, lies just a few minutes' drive away.

Features

The Villa
Interior:

• Salt water heated indoor pool has retractable roof and walls, with a swing, sand, waterfall and relaxation area
• Cinema room, can be used as a children's bedroom (up to 4 children)
• Full size Hamam (Turkish bath), masseurs to be booked and charged as extra
• Sauna
• Large fully-equipped gymnasium
• Games room
• Secondary kitchen
• Open plan living room and beautiful fully fitted kitchen with breakfast bar
• Separate TV room with large comfortable sofas
• Double Master bedrooms with jacuzzi bath, ensuite bathroom, double shower, balcony
• Double bedroom with ensuite bathroom,double shower, balcony
• 2 twin bedrooms with ensuite bathroom
• Hairdryers
• Roof terrace and roof-room

Outside:

• Saltwater outdoor pool with two slides and a waterfall which conceals an explorable cave
• Poolside bar
• Poolside shower
• Sunbeds
• Alfresco dining table
• Kosk
• Barbecue
• Rock garden, herb garden, fruit trees
• Play area, Tree house, climbing wall, swing, slide
• Automatic gates with space for 3 cars
  Other:
• Cold water jacuzzi
• WiFi, Mesh network system
• USB ports throughout
• Security alarm system and external CCTV
• Satellite TV

Location

Villa Kaktus in a secluded area of Kalkan and overlooks the turquoise coastline. The old fishing town (a short drive away) is a treasure trove of narrow streets, whitewashed houses and inviting boutiques. It also has a Thursday market selling everything from handmade rugs to fresh produce, Look out for Turkish specialities like gozleme (thin dough crepes) with cheese and spinach fillings.
By night guests relax in harbourside bars and rooftop restaurants serving a variety of delicious cuisine.

The villa is also within driving distance of several beaches as well as serviced beach clubs. Popular choices include Kaputas Beach with crystal-clear waters and Patara Beach, a 12-mile long stretch of shoreline that's also a National Park. Both have crystal clear waters that are ideal for swimming. There's also the opportunity to take part in water sports like sea kayaking and scuba diving, and you can jump on boat trips from the harbour, stopping at crystal clear coves and eating a hearty lunch cooked by your captain. From Kas you can take a boat to visit the small island of Kekova where you can snorkel and explore the part-sunken ruins of Dolchiste, an ancient town which was destroyed by an earthquake during the 2nd century.

For more outdoor exploring, there are lots of walking and hiking routes in the area. The best known, and arguably most scenic, is the Lycian Way – a 310-mile tying-together of goat tracks and paths, which will lead you to unspoilt beaches, lush forests and soaring peaks, and stops at the ghost village of Kayakoy near Fethiye, where you'll find abandoned Greek buildings.

To immerse yourself in the rich local history, you can visit the ruins of the Lycian capital at Xanthos or the ancient lighthouse or government chambers at Patara, said to be the place where democracy started and most definitely the birth place of St Nicholas who later became bishop at nearby Myra. The lively bohemian town of Kas is a 30-40 minute drive from Kalkan, while the seaside resorts of Fethiye are a one-hour drive away with plenty more restaurants, shops and fascinating cultural sites to explore. Fish lovers just have to visit the fish market, where one of the surrounding restaurants can cook your purchase, simply delicious.