Kumlubuk Maris Hotel

Couples and families seeking a truly relaxing base right by the sea, far from the hustle and bustle of the busy resorts, need look no further than this unpretentious, family-run hotel. Heading south from the lively 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.

With just 48 rooms and suites, the Kumlubuk Maris Hotel is small enough to have a very personal and easy-going atmosphere, fostered by your friendly resident host, the ever-obliging Dursun and his team. The rooms themselves are fairly simply furnished but they are spacious and uncluttered, and all have sea-facing balconies although views may be partially obscured by the mature vegetation. All have en-suite shower rooms as well as air-conditioning, a small fridge, and a safety deposit box. Suites have a double bedroom plus the option to sleep a third person in the living room. The Premier Suites are slightly larger than the standard suites and have a Jacuzzi tub off the bedroom in addition to the separate shower room.

Unlike the ever-growing resorts nearer to Marmaris, Kumlubuk has barely changed over the three decades or so since the hotel first opened, 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 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.