A visit to D-Resorts Turkey and you need to head there yourself

The crossroads between West and East always has a mystique about it and bazaars but there is another side. The modern up to chill-out and the second spa with a person on the decks that the decks ’till facet that’s making great inroads with travelers the world over. I thought I’d better check it out.

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Quicker than forcing down to Devon out of London or the immigration queue to enter America, the flight to Dalaman in Southern Turkey is easy and simple with Monarch (additional leg room accessible). D-Resort Grand Azur, my destination has been a brief drive from the airport. I checked in my package on 5^th flooring and was around the swimming pool with a cocktail until you state Turkish delight.

Here is. The sea a local group playing with Ed Sheeran numbers in the moonlight weather the following day. Happy days.

After an superb breakfast that would place any five star resorts to shame I headed out to Marmaris, the closest city. Once a sleepy fishing village that I visited over twenty years past it’s now been changed into a slick St. Tropez of Turkey. The super yachts are moored along the 7km of winding volcano glistening in the morning light waiting like loyal pets anticipating their owners to take out them. I could smell a late breakfast from a few and the noises of preparation from other people. Another day in heaven.

The D-Resort Grand Azur is the spot to stay at. Views of the ocean, roof top bar and steak restaurant, wrap around contemporary design (think curved Modernist) and lush gardens with plenty of space around the pool and also 324 rooms and suites (lush by the way, think Mad Men wooden interiors, together with my own personal balcony and sea view) it could hold its own. A very comfortable hotel with a cocktail and super friendly staff never.

The room that is marbled didn’t offer many clues about what was about to occur. At the centre of the chamber a hexagonal arrangement beckoned me.

I was wearing trunks and lay vulnerable and nervous. The first portion of the ritual that is Turkish would be to soften you up. Water of temperatures was thrown over my body in a way that was random. All good so far.

I hear the sound of sand paper on wood and I flip onto my front and feel a rubbing sensation. I realised they are connected. I was being meticulously scrubbed as a stubborn stain in a noodle dish. Head to toe.

By today the words running around in my mind were ‘every sinew of my being’. Respite was at hand. The other sluicing of the lathering and water began. I am washed over like a baby softly with a kind of massage thrown in. As fast and abruptly as it started it was finished. More water is poured over me then poured over me and I am instructed to stand up, and the revenge. Stone cold water is poured over my mind and makes its way into each crease and shape of my body forcing it into glow.

But it’s not all around. I had been led to refreshment that was given and a rest room. Called back. What had I done?

I’m led to another area. I lie back on a bed and receive an aromatherapy massage. I’m so delighted that this entailed no pain whatsoever that I almost fall asleep. My muscles are relaxed, my mind is composed and a reluctance to move a inch is complete body bliss, the last result.

My second stop is D-resort Göcek a hour drive away. 103 rooms at a series of modern buildings divided by gardens, if the Azur was good then this really is superb. At just 20 minutes from airport its place is ideal.     The rooms here have beds with curtains offering a sort of beach. Its appearance is softer with lots of blues and lotions. Stone flooring with elegant rugs and massive couches to watch TV from or sip on a drink on the balcony (with sea view of course).

The hotel has two cool venues for eating. Restaurant is on a pontoon sitting over the Aegean Sea with spacious walls and roofing in the summer. Scrubbed wood, meals that is relaxed away lunch with friends or family , seriously great food also. The second is placed upon a cliff like an eagle’s eyrie. This is where you’ll find Q Lounge. Together with Japanese/Peruvian fusion food someone on the decks ’till late it is difficult to beat. Get there as the sun’s going down to enjoy the view and languish in this place’s design. It is open to the elements, on various degrees and is fitted with banquets of hard timber (with cushions) and rock flooring.

As you’d imagine, the head of Clearing one the next day might not be as difficult. The hotel owns its own yacht, which you can take out with a few buddies and crew to explore the 12 islands that are neighboring. Drop anchor, take a dip and have a spot of lunch and a glass or two of wine to ease you.

There’s a spa and I went for a massage. She did a fantastic job of relaxing soul and my body with no possibility of pain in any way! The spa rooms are underground and very spacious and fashionable. Shadows and candles abound.

It was my last night, and so I thought a steak would be in order. Fortunately kebab the Günayan, butcher and steakhouse were to help. Eating out in Turkey is a way of life, you can observe the meat being prepared or just settle back and revel in the fantastic wine list. I had an excellent meal, using a fillet steak which has been to die for and kebabs. Just when I thought I could not eat out any more came Katmer in the middle and nuts on top. Delicious.

This travel showed me how life could be horses for courses. The D-Resort Grand Azur has been a vacation pit stop. Recharge your batteries, head in to town, take in the nightlife and pad around your package at the evenings. The D-Resort Gocek is another beast altogether. Classy, contemporary, up to calm and peace and the minute spa if you would like it or dance away the night at Q Lounge. With you to transfer over the site and they have their own private beach for that essential after lunch nap. The area makes you feel special and cared for. You can do it all or do nothing. I wonder what I will do on my next visit?

D-Resort Grand Azur Turkey is available all year round.   Standard Sea view rooms start from #120 per night for half board.   D-Resort Grand Azur is the only resort in Marmaris to offer half and full board ensuring flexibility. www.dresortgrandazur.com.tr/en/home.aspx

 Rates at Turkey D-Resort Gocek start from 448 EUR in a Standard Garden View room. Rates are per room per night on a B&B foundation. Book on line at www.dresortgocek.com.tr

Monarch, the scheduled leisure airline, works flights to Dalaman from Birmingham, London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford, Manchester and London Luton airports, with fares, such as taxation, starting from #54 one way (#101 yield). For further info or to reserve Monarch flights and Monarch Holidays please see www.monarch.co.uk.