Mandarin and Mango Boutique Hotels

Situated just south of the stunning Butterfly Valley, the sleepy hamlet of Faralya is an idyllic retreat for guests wishing to stay in unspoilt surroundings, relax in unperturbed peace and perhaps indulge in a few nature-based activities. Opened in 2007, Mandarin was designed to be a rather luxurious and yet delightfully informal hideaway from which to enjoy the natural splendours of this region and according to the loyal clientele that the hotel has built up since then, these objectives were certainly met.

With just eight guestrooms divided between a converted villa and an attractively designed stone building, Mandarin offers a very personal atmosphere, and the peacefulness of its rural setting is further enhanced by its adults-only policy (children under the age of 12 years are not accepted). As Mandarin's reputation had grown, the hotel felt the need to expand its range of accommodation whilst being mindful not to spoil the intimate ambience that attracted guests in the first place, and to this end, its sister property, Mango, opened in the summer of 2015 just across the lane. Mango comprises an additional eight rooms, as well as two rather special small villas with their own private pools, and shares all of Mandarin's appealing attributes.

All the rooms in both hotels are extraordinarily spacious and equipped to the highest standards, blending unique hand-crafted furnishings created from reclaimed wood from old buildings near the Black Sea coast and traditional Turkish rugs with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, CD/DVD players, fridges and of course air-conditioning. The vast majority of the rooms are equipped with super-kingsize four-poster beds (two of the rooms at Mango have twin beds instead) and each room has a large Jacuzzi suitable for two people, as well as a well-appointed marble shower room with a hairdryer. Each room also has a furnished balcony or terrace, with views towards the sea from the upper-floor rooms. Free WiFi is available in all the rooms and throughout the grounds, and finishing touches include a hospitality tray complete with a kettle and a selection of herbal infusions, tea and coffee.

In addition to the double rooms, Mandarin has two suites converted from an original villa. The upper-floor Deluxe Suite comprises a bedroom with twin beds and a living room with a double bed; and its Jacuzzi is situated on a large shaded terrace. The Junior Suite on the ground floor has a similar layout, with a single bed in the lounge in addition to the twin beds in the bedroom, and its own enclosed garden with Jacuzzi. On the top floor of Mango, the penthouse room is especially spacious, and its Jacuzzi is situated on the large terrace with panoramic views towards the sea and the mountains.

For those seeking even more space and privacy, the new pool villas standing to the side of Mango's grounds are perfect. These are two semi-detached, split-level suites, each standing in its own garden with a private pool, Balinese bed and a pair of sun-loungers. On the ground-floor of each villa is a sitting area with comfortable sofas and a fireplace, an open-plan sleeping area with a single bed, a two-person Jacuzzi and a shower room. Stairs lead up to an open mezzanine with a large double bed and a further shower room.

Guests staying at Mandarin and Mango are welcome to use the grounds and facilities of both hotels. Mandarin's rectangular swimming pool and large outdoor Jacuzzi are embedded within wonderfully mature gardens, whilst the larger freeform pool at Mango is surrounded by an attractively landscaped terrace with beguiling views down towards the coast. There are numerous charming corners for relaxing in the grounds of both hotels, and for cooler evenings each hotel has a welcoming lounge area. Whilst the accommodation has been designed on a grand scale, the ambience is relaxed and personal, deliberately eschewing any formality. Your resident hosts go out of their way to make guests feel at home and to help them get the most out of their stay.

Days get off to a good start with a wholesome Turkish breakfast including homemade jams and eggs from the hotels' own chickens cooked to order. The five-course evening meals, focusing on traditional recipes and fresh local produce really are an event that guests enjoy lingering over, so we strongly recommend the pre-booked half-board option, which also includes complimentary tea and pastries in the afternoon. Many guests rarely feel the need for additional meals during the day, but for those who enjoy lunch, a menu of light meals and snacks is available. Depending on weather condition and occupancy levels, meals are either served in the dining room or on one of the terraces.

In spite of Mandarin and Mango's rural setting, a hire car is not strictly necessary, for there is a local taxi and the dolmus service (up to 10 times per day depending on the season), which serves both the famous resort of Oludeniz, just 10 kilometres away, and the bustling town of Fethiye can be flagged down. Those hiring a car or using local taxis can reach the sandy beach of Kidrak in around 10 minutes, whilst Kabak beach is a similar distance in a four-wheel drive vehicle (or a 10-minute drive plus 15 minute walk). Confident swimmers can bathe off the rocks at Aktas, around 20-30 minutes walk away.

For those wishing to explore the wealth of archaeological sites, or visit some of the areas natural attractions, and would prefer to be driven, the staff at Mandarin and Mango can pre-book a car and driver and for those who would prefer a lazy day's cruising, a gulet can also be pre-booked. Keen walkers are also kept happy with plenty of scope right on their doorstep, as the hotels are situated on part of the route of the famous Lycian Way. This makes Mandarin and Mango the natural venue for our guided walking holidays in spring and autumn, and we also arrange special weeks for guests interested in photography , Turkish cuisine and even learning Argentine Tango. Any group activities involved in these tours take place in the spacious function room set slightly away from the hotel grounds so that other guests are in no way disturbed. This function room can also be used for other activities such as bridge or yoga, so if you are planning on travelling as a group or club, please enquire about the availability of this space.

Their peaceful and picturesque setting combined with their intimate atmosphere makes Mandarin and Mango perfect venues for small groups to rent for special celebrations, such as weddings, anniversaries or family reunions. If you are interested in renting either or both hotels in their entirety, please contact us to discuss the possibilities. We can even put you in touch with a local wedding planner if you plan to tie the knot in this magical setting.

Whether you are planning a truly relaxing break making the most of this tranquil setting, or a more active holiday exploring the surrounding countryside and nearby historical sites, Mandarin and Mango are the perfect retreat for nature lovers who also value a touch of luxury, authentic local cuisine and a genuinely warm welcome.