Terra Villas

This cluster of four individually designed, stone-built villas enjoys a truly secluded position amidst fragrant pine forests on a hillside overlooking the bay of Gokova, approximately 1 km from the small hamlet of Atakoy, and 6 km - less than a 15-minute drive, from the laid-back beach resort of Akyaka, which boasts a good selection of restaurants, shops and a few bars catering to a well-balanced mix of Turkish and international holidaymakers. Not only do the villas feel thoroughly removed from the hustle and bustle of the busier coastal resorts, they are also very private from one another, thanks to the mature vegetation that surrounds them.

The villas were designed as a refuge from the stresses of modern urban life, offering a tranquil haven in which to relax and to recharge the batteries. Each has its own attractively designed freeform swimming pool surrounded by a sun terrace, a shaded terrace for al-fresco dining, and beguiling views down to the Gokova Valley and the distant bay. Whilst suitably rustic in style - with partially exposed stone walls, wood panelling, pitched or sloping ceilings and open fireplaces - the villas offer a good level of comfort. The open-plan kitchens come complete with fridge-freezers, hobs, small ovens, microwaves, washing machines and dishwashers, and each living room has satellite TV with a DVD player and a radio/CD player. All the bedrooms benefit from air-conditioning, which also serves as heating for occasional cooler nights in early or late season.

Terra Nova and Terra Ultima each have two bedrooms (one double and one twin), as well as a living room with open-plan kitchen and a shower room. Terra Incognito has steps leading up from the living area to an open gallery with a double bed, and to a separate bedroom with twin beds. Terra Punto has just one double bedroom so is only suitable for a couple.

The owners of Terra Villas, Ulla and Ali, are charming hosts and are a mine of information of places to visit in the surrounding area. You may be loath to spend too much time away from the peaceful and scenic surroundings of your own villa, but using the hire car included in your holiday package here there is much to be explored in the Gulf of Gokova and beyond. For a complete change of pace and to indulge in some retail therapy, you can visit the bustling coastal resort of Marmaris or the far more authentic regional town of Mugla, both around 30 km away. Further afield, fascinating archaeological sites include Knidos at the end of the rugged Datca peninsula, Caunos near Dalyan, and even Ephesus and Pamukkale can be visited within the scope of a day's outing, provided you don't mind an early start. The bustling town of Bodrum with its ancient amphitheatre, its crusader castle and archaeological museum is about 2 hours' drive away from Terra Villas.