Doga Apartments

Idyllically situated down a small country lane, this delightful cluster of eleven apartments offers the perfect solution for those who wish to enjoy the rural beauty and timeless tranquillity of the Kaya Valley at its best, but who do not wish to depend on a hire car. For in spite of the air of peace that reigns so supremely at Doga Apartments and the unspoilt countryside views that can be savoured from the property's extensive grounds, they are just a short walk from Kaya's main street where you will find a selection of atmospheric little restaurants as well as a couple of mini-markets for all your day-to-day essentials. The local dolmus service, linking Kaya with Ovacik, Oludeniz and Fethiye also stops nearby, so if you occasionally feel like a change of pace from Kaya's restful ambience, it is easy to pop down to Oludeniz for a dip in the sea or to Fethiye's colourful market for some serious shopping.

The handsome stone buildings that make up Doga Apartments date back nearly 200 years and have been expertly restored, using local stone, gleaming wood, ceramic floor tiles and smart marble. Named after flowers, all the apartments comprise a bedroom (with either a double bed or twin beds), a shower room, a living room with sofa beds for up to two further guests, and an open plan kitchen with a 2-ring hob, a fridge and a kettle. There are also some apartments with two bedrooms ( a double and a twin) for larger families. Modern additions include air-conditioning in all the bedrooms and washing machines in each apartment, but the interiors also retain plenty of traditional charm and a few quirky original features. Upper-floor apartments have wooden balconies, whilst those on the ground floor have their own terrace areas.

Doga's gardens are full of mulberry, almond, pomegranate and olive trees, as well as flowering shrubs adding dashes of colour and scenting the air with their sweet fragrance. The good-size swimming pool is set slightly apart from the apartments, so that those having an early swim do not disturb those enjoying a well-deserved lie-in, and there is a shallow paddling pool for children. There are plenty of loungers by the pool for sunbathing, whilst for those who prefer to snooze in the shade there are hammocks in the trees, and a couple of traditional kosks - small wooden pavilions with kilims and cushions - from where you can admire the lovely mountain views. A pool bar is on hand for those not wishing to prepare their own breakfast and to supply snacks, light meals and refreshing drinks throughout the day, so those just wishing to relax need spend very little time away from this haven. That said, it would be a shame not to explore some of the surrounding area on foot, for there is excellent walking country right on your doorstep.