Kumlubuk Maris Boutique Hotel

Couples and families seeking a truly relaxing base right by the sea, far from the hustle and bustle of the busy resorts, yet with a dash of style and sophistication, need look no further than this delightful boutique hotel. Heading south from the busy town of Marmaris, it literally feels like you gradually leave the stresses of modern life behind, passing first the popular resort of Icmeler, then the more laid back bay of Turunc, before the road takes on a distinctly rural feel, finally reaching the sleepy hamlet of Kumlubuk, scenically set on a sweeping bay backed by rugged, pine-clad hillsides.

We first featured Kumlubuk years ago, when the Maris Hotel was a fairly basic little hotel that appealed to us due to its privileged position and friendly atmosphere. A few years ago, it was taken over and transformed into a rather more stylish boutique property, reducing the total number of rooms in order to create more comfortable accommodation, most of which is in spacious suites. More recently, the original owners have decided to operate the hotel themselves once again, so that it now combines upgraded accommodation with the personal service and the warm and friendly atmosphere of a real family-run concern.

There are just 48 spacious rooms and suites, which are attractively appointed with solid-wood furnishings and quality fabrics. All the rooms have sea-facing balconies and are equipped with LCD TVs with satellite reception and DVD players, air-conditioning, mini-bars, safety deposit boxes and telephones. Hairdryers and bathrobes are provided in the modern en-suite shower rooms. Suites are approximately 50 sqm in size and have queen-size beds in the bedrooms, plus the option to sleep a third person in the living room, as well as boasting two balconies facing the hotel's virtually private beach. The Major Suites are larger still and have king-size beds and a large Jacuzzi tub off the bedroom in addition to the separate shower room.

Whilst the accommodation has been transformed since our early visits to Kumlubuk, the bay itself has barely changed over the past couple of decades and remains as gloriously peaceful and unspoilt as it has always been, making it the perfect choice for unwinding completely and recharging those batteries. After breakfast - which is usually served on the terrace, weather permitting - the most pressing decision is whether to bed down for the day on one of the comfortable loungers on the sand-and-shingle beach bordering the hotel's subtropical gardens, or to relax by the large swimming pool. Given the small number of guests catered for by the hotel, and the sheer amount of space available, neither the pool nor the beach ever seems to get crowded. Light meals are available during the day and a tempting selection of freshly prepared dishes are available for dinner, made all the more enjoyable by the lovely views from the restaurant area.

Should you occasionally feel like a change of pace, the pleasant resort of Turunc is a 5 Km taxi ride away, whilst Marmaris can be reached by water-taxi in around 30 minutes, a worthwhile trip for anyone interested in retail therapy, but just as enjoyable for the journey itself. Those who prefer exploring on foot can ramble amidst the fragrant pines, perhaps towards the remnants of the ancient Hellenistic theatre of Amos, just half-an-hour's walk away.