09th October 2009
Nigel/Jan
What a great holiday we experienced in your home in Kalkan.
The climate was near perfect with daily temperatures hovering between 26 -30 degrees -clear blue skies, a gentle breeze and low humidity - doesn't get much better anywhere in the world!
All four of us were impressed with every aspect of your villa -its position; its stunning terrace; a magnificently equipped kitchen and very comfortable and spacious bedrooms. Access to the hotel facilities added to our enjoyment and made it very difficult to tear ourselves away from this paradise to visit anywhere else!
Thanks from us all - we certainly revised our views on holidays in Turkey and look forward to the opportunity to visit Kalkan again.
Mr & Mrs L
Devon
03rd September 2009
Dear Nigel and Jan
From the initial contact enquiry about the Kalkan Manzara to our safe return journey back to England we felt completely cared for and looked after.
The last five years or so we have always taken holidays in self catered apartments as we prefer the freedom of being able to do what we what when we want to. So many apartments vary in their facilities and also the management provided on your arrival, during your stay and on exit.
Nigel was superb from the off, giving me tips on how to get the most of our holiday, google mapping the location so we knew exactly where we were in relation to Kalkan harbour and giving tips on bringing a £10 note each for our visas at the airport also bringing UK sterling to change when we got there to gain the best rate rather than loosing a percentage to our greedy banks in the UK.
We choose to book a transfer through Elena and Sedat, recommended by Nigel and the price was comparable, if not cheaper than getting a taxi. It started our holiday off on the right foot. Arriving at Dalaman it was very hot and we were tired from the flight. Our driver picked us up from arrivals, took us the short walk to a lovely, clean, large air-conditioned car and transported us the 1 1/2hrs drive to Kalkan. He was good enough to stop off for 10 mins for us to get a fab turkish coffee and then literally delivered us to the apartment. The driver and a man at Patara Prince resort took our cases up to the apartment and left us to settle in. We felt quite special for people who were "self catering!"
The apartment itself is lovely, all you could possibly want from a holiday. The welcome pack literally gave us all the basics and more for our week with some lovely touches that I do not want to spoil for people who are going to stay, put it this way I came back with more goodies than I would from a hotel, and I am not talking about the towels or dressing gowns, which I of course left.
As frequent stayers in self catering apartments I had brought all the basics that I though I would need, salt and pepper, tupperware boxes for picnic lunches on the beach etc. All of these things were already there with flasks and all sorts of containers to load up with goodies for the beach.
Thank you also for your discount card for the Patara Prince resort. We enjoyed a lovely meal in restaurant on our first proper night, both having the catch of the day, which was so fresh, and a few drinks in the piano bar when we had quieter nights back at the apartment. The discount made our money go further and was a real bonus. I also thank you for thinking of putting a BBQ on the balcony, what a brilliant idea. We stocked up on the first day from the butcher and grocer in Kalkan (both very good and so helpful) and enjoyed a couple of nights having our dinner on the balcony.
Kalkan harbour is a lovely place to go to in the evening and we managed to get ourselves ready in time to catch the last water taxi and go for a drink before heading to the lovely restaurants. The 3 restaurants we went to in Kalkan were all superb with very attentive staff. The only thing we should have done was book in advance as the best tables were all reserved, something to remember for our next visit!
We enjoyed the beach at Kalkan with the water taxi over from the resort in the morning and we did take your advice and take the Dolmus (small local buses) to Patara beach and Kaputas beach, as we did not feel the need to hire a car. This was a cheap and fun way of getting around. I am pleased to say the picture on my screen saver at work is still of Kaputas beach which will keep me going through the winter. We loved it there so natural and untouched. The steps up at the end of the day worked off any goodies I had eaten during our picnic!
I really could go on forever as we had a wonderful holiday. On holiday we enjoy exploring, relaxing on the beach, eating in wonderful restaurants with good food and wine, wandering around the shops, chilling on the balcony watching the world go by and feeling safe and welcome, this place ticked all the boxes.
Nigel was even on hand during our stay with a text message half way through to make sure we had everything we wanted. On leaving the apartment we had someone to take us down to the hotel with our cases to spend the last few hours relaxing before the transfer arrived to take us home. From beginning to end it was effortless, just as holidays should be.... but often are not!
Thanks again and we will be sure to return.
Kind Regards
Danielle and Keith
London
13th July 2009
Dear Nigel & Jan
My partner and I stayed at Kalkan Manzara in July 2009 and from the moment we arrived had everything we needed for a perfect and relaxing holiday. The apartment was fully equipped to a high standard for cooking delicious meals using fresh local produce from the market or for those evenings when we chose to eat out we had a wide selection of excellent restaurants on Kalkan's waterfront.
The apartment is set within a well-planned and beautifully maintained private resort. The apartments balcony is very large and is private with beautiful views across the bay. There are lots of activities both within the resort, in Kalkan town itself and nearby (Saklikent Gorge has to be seen). In summary, I would highly recommend Nigel and Jan's apartment to friends and family
Best Wishes
J & T
London
30th June 2009
Dear Nigel and Jan
You may recall that when we first made contact 5 or 6 months ago after days and days of Internet searching, we asked you if the photos on your website were a true reflection of your apartment and it's surroundings - well, you lied when you said "yes" because the reality is far, far more beautiful and spectacular than any photograph can ever convey. From your luxuriously appointed, modern apartment to the breathtaking views of Kalkan bay which we never tired of.
Heidi and I only had a few of "big" holidays together before we had children (and none since!). Our first was our honeymoon! and most recent was 8 or 9 years ago! both of which were in Turkey and whilst they wonderful holidays there was always something that wasn't quite right. As you know this holiday was the celebration of our 15th wedding anniversary and Heidi's 40th birthday - we can honestly say it was as near to perfect as it could be. Starting with your wonderfully thoughtful touch of the pretty purple petals sprinkled on the bed and a birthday card for Heidi - thank you!
We very quickly discovered the wonders of the Patara Prince facilities from the high quality restaurants to the abundant choice of places to sunbathe the days away - who needs a beach when you can dive into the crystal clear med from your own sun terrace? Whilst the lure of Kalkan, lit up at night, tempted us to eat out on a few of occasions, we were delighted to find sufficient shopping facilities in the town during the day to fulfil our desire to self-cater - I could not resist making full use of your B-B-Q (it's a man thing!). Oh and by the way you were right the Trio is a fabulous restaurant!
Once again we'd like to thank you so much for allowing us to enjoy the use of your apartment - it was the icing on the cake of our best holiday yet!!
Mr and Mrs H
10th May 2009
Dear Nigel & Jan,
We had the most wonderful holiday staying at your fabulous apartment, which had everything you could wish for, the decor throughout was excellent.
We never tired of the wonderful views, which were ever changing.
It was even more stunning than the pictures on the web site showed. We would not hesitate to recommend this apartment to any of our friends, the facilities on site were excellent and it was a good location for accessing places of interest.
We long to go back and only wish we had gone for two weeks.
Kindest Regards
B & S
Torquay
08th April 2009
Hi Nigel,
The villa was first rate. The kitchen was much better than mine!!! Could we do a swap?
The resort itself was pretty much closed while we were there, but it wasn't a problem as we were out and about every day. We visited Patara, Saklikent & Tlos then we went to Kas - that road made Bruce wish he had the Porsche! And from there we went to the sunken city - Kekova is it? and on Sunday we went to Letoon and Xanthos. In between we relaxed on the veranda and we went down to the sea a couple of times - did you know that there were 487 steps up from sea level? Mostly ate at Aubergine which was very good - the Robbie Williams look a like waiter was good fun too.
On the way back to Dalaman, we called in at Olu Deniz and didn't like it one bit so we went to have a look at Gocek just in case we decide to do a yacht charter at some point.
Hope to go back to Kalkan next spring - we were concerned that the weather wouldn't be much better than here, but we had a brilliant week and all the places we went were virtually deserted too - couldn't be better.
Thank you for all your help.
Mr & Mrs M,
Devon
16th October 2008
Dear Jan & Nigel,
At last we have found the perfect retreat in a lovely apartment with all mod. cons.
We sometimes sat for hours on the terrace overlooking the busy Kalkan harbour with its backdrop of mountains.
The excellent facilities on the Patara Prince site meant that we had a nice lazy holiday, or we visited Kalkan town via. the water taxi and ate in their numerous first class restaurants.
We'll be back over and over again.
Mr & Mrs P.
Devon
01st October 2008
Dear Jan & Nigel
We are already missing the sunshine and warmth of Kalkan.
We had a fantastic holiday and your apartment was the icing on the cake. I challenge anyone to find a more stylish and comfortable one bedroom apartment in all Kalkan. So much thought has been lavished on its decor and furnishings, the superbly equipped kitchen, gorgeous shower room and comfortable bed etc.. All this and a spacious terrace with the most stunning views over the bay and Kalkan. Enjoying a meal or drinks on the terrace watching the boats sailing by and at night the twinkling lights of the town was magical. On top of all this one also has wonderful sea bathing and the beautiful gardens and facilities of the Patara Prince resort.
We left with regret but are looking forward to our return to paradise.
Thanks again.
Mr & Mrs G
West Sussex
18th August 2008
Hi Nigel,
We were looking for somewhere we could relax and enjoy the sun for a precious week's holiday and Kalkan Manzara at The Patara Prince Resort was the perfect location. It was all as beautiful as the website had led us to believe. The apartment itself is in a very good position with stunning views from the private balcony and terrace. We had everything we needed to self cater, whilst having the luxury of eating out whenever we wanted.
We were looked after very well with a welcome pack on arrival and someone on hand to answer any questions we had. We loved the sympathetic design of the resort, being built on different levels and using the natural stone. Everywhere there are beautiful flowers and scented climbers. Kalkan itself is an attractive destination for a holiday, and the apartment was everything we had hoped it would be.
Would love to go again- for longer next time!
Mr P Essex.
13 August 2008
Hi Nigel & Jan,
Just a note to THANK YOU so much for allowing us to stay in your fabulous apartment.
I must say we had high expectations going out there after seeing the photos and comments on your web site, and I can honestly say we weren't disappointed, in fact it was better than we could have ever wished for.....perfect! The whole apartment was quality, from the sumptuous fluffy white towels to the excellent kitchen facilities, there was honestly nothing we were lacking. The welcome pack on arrival was a great bonus, allowing us to settle in and get our bearings before we needed to worry about food and drink.
The view from the spacious terrace was awesome and the sunsets were spectacular! The resort itself was ideal with its choice of pools and restaurants, and although very steep, the little bus that ran up and down the resort all day was a god send in the heat of the day! A highlight was the boat taxi that took us into Kalkan every night, with its fabulous choice of roof-top restaurants, shops and quaint cobbled streets.
We can't wait to be sat on the terrace again, watching the sun go down and the lights of Kalkan come to life!
Thanks again.
Mr & Mrs H & the two boys.
Rochdale
04th July 2008
Hello Nigel & Jan
After a busy and stressful period we decided to get away from it all for a week in the sun.
We would normally book in to a good hotel, with at the least, 4 stars. This time we decided to look for something that offered the same facilities with the option of retreating to a base that gave us our own space. Sometimes the crowds and more organised aspects of Hotel life can impinge on your relaxation time.
We picked Kalkan in Turkey (recommended by friends) and a quick search on the net through up Kalkan Manzara. A quick phone call and short spell on the net for flights and it was booked.
We were impressed. The apartment was superb, well decorated, clean and very well appointed. The ensuite shower room with rainfall shower, of real note. Views were magnificent from the private balcony.
The facilities of the hotel were open to us. The pools and terraces leading down to the sea were great. The restaurants were also very good and all the staff friendly. All the time we were aware that we were in a nice secure area.
We did venture down to the local town, with its picturesque harbour. The locals were really friendly and again you really did not have to look far for your shopping and good restaurants.
To be honest this might be a self catering type home but the package offers so much more. We will be returning and would recommend it to anybody!
Mr & Mrs M
Germany
25th June 2008
Nigel, Jan and Ryan,
We had a fantastic holiday in your beautiful apartment in Kalkan.
You had thought of everything, from a fabulous welcome hamper to a juice making machine - fresh orange on the balcony, overlooking Kalkan bay!
The restaurants in the resort were very good but the short evening boat trip to the many eateries in Kalcan centre is a must. A great relaxing holiday, we will certainly be back!
Mr & Mrs R
Burley in Wharfedale
30th September 2007
Hi Jan & Nigel,
Had a fabulous time, your penthouse is gorgeous, what an amazing place. Thank you for the hamper, it was a lovely surprise. The views were spectacular & we loved having breakfast on the terrace every morning, watching the boats go by.
Ellie & Sedat were lovely, & made sure we knew that they were always available should we need them.
Did loads of things, water skiing, had a real Turkish Bath & massage at the Hotel, went on a jeep safari, hiked up Saklikent Gorge, went to Patara ruins & kaputas beach. Ran out of money at the market, there was so much to buy!
The food was excellent, both at the Hotel & in Kalkan. Enjoyed the complimentary drinks & the Pide bread at some of the restaurants. Couldn’t believe how friendly everyone was.
We really enjoyed ourselves & will definitely return again, it was well worth the journey, as it keeps the masses away.
Thank you again.
Yours truly,
Mr & Mrs C, Devon
11 November 2007
Dear Jan and Nigel
Thank you both very much for letting us rent your apartment at Kalkan Manzara. We had the most relaxing holiday ever. We found your apartment was lovely, clean and comfortable and very well fitted out. It was lovely to find the lovely welcome hamper when we arrived, that set the scene for our fantastic holiday. You have obviously put a lot of thought and loving care into the apartment, we wanted for nothing. The views from the apartment are magnificent. We especially enjoyed lazy mornings in bed watching the beautiful gulets go by. So beautiful and the 'put put' sound of their engines so relaxing. At the other end of the day it was lovely to sit on the balcony with a glass of wine and watch the sun set over the mountains. Kalkan was enchanting at night with all the lights from the hillside right down to the watersedge.
The facilities provided at the Patara Prince resort to be an added bonus. What was especially nice was that it was well managed and we were able to relax and enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this lovely location just stones throw from the apartment. It was a relief to have a choice of pools to escape. The sun terraces were inspirational. I enjoyed the peace and tranquillity of just lying on a sun bed, watching the boats on the water and uninterrupted view of the bay and Kalkan and when it was really hot it was nice to be by the sea with a gentle breeze to keep us cool.
We found the service provided by the resort to be very good too. Loved the little bus that takes you up the hill from the pool area, definitely preferable to walking up the hill after a hard days sunbathing!! How thoughtful! The waiters also made us feel very special, providing an excellent poolside service.
Kalkan we thought to be lovely. Lots of lovely shops and restaurants, we ended up eating out most evenings. In fact we did not venture much further than Kalkan which was most unusual for us.
We must also thank you for the ‘information’ file that you provided. We found this to be very informative, to the point and well presented. Another little touch that made our holiday all the more enjoyable. Thank you once again and can we come back again soon.
Yours faithfully
Miss E, Plymouth
