Kalkan, Southern Turkey - in the words of one of our Directors
We all have a right to expect our hard-earned holiday to be as described in the brochure/on the website. Unfortunately this is not always the case with many of us experiencing first hand that brochures can sometimes be a little liberal with the truth.
At Southern-Turkey.co.uk we pride ourselves on ensuring that your holiday experience is at least as good as you expect, whilst striving to exceed your expectations at every opportunity. That is why we have a Company Director based permanently in Kalkan. Unlike the holiday rep's we all know from holidays past, Kate McCullagh has full autonomy to make on-site decisions as and when they are required.
What would usually happen if you've booked a cultural excursion and the guide calls in sick two hours before departure? By the time your holiday rep has been found, called their manager, who has called back to the UK for a decision you will be on your way, minus guide. Unfortunately such problems can and will happen but, unlike most companies, we have the ability to take these challenges in our stride and respond immediately at a local level.
Such is our commitment to our clients that we have also sent another Director, Philip Salt, to Kalkan to experience one of our holidays 'from the customers point of view'. Below is a brief extract from a lengthy report that confirmed Kalkan, and our chosen accommodation, as the perfect choice for a quality holiday in this fascinating country:
"Whilst my visit was short and passing through a modern Dalaman Airport hassle free and on my 1 hour 30 minute journey to Kalkan, I realised that I had arrived in a very beautiful part of this large country.
Stunning and breathtaking mountain scenery and a beautiful coastline made the transfer to this jewel-in-the-crown resort a pleasure in itself. We even stopped for a short coffee break at a service area complete with swimming pool!
As we climbed the last part of the mountain road there was the sign - Kalkan. Over the top and below us was the unspoilt paradise glistening in the late afternoon sun, with the blue azure waters of the Med beckoning.
As we approached the picturesque town, with its cobbled streets, hilly climbs and quaint buildings all adorned with the glorious bougainvillea, we then arrived at the accommodation and were met by Ahmet Oklu and Kate.
Hotel Dionysia, Hotel Diva, Diana Apartments and the Villa Diana are all located together and did not need to be sold to me. In an ideal location, with the Bar Terrace on the roof of the Hotel Dionysia, the beautiful swimming pool linking the hotel Dionyisa to the Villa Diana and the Diana Apartments and Hotel Diva adjacent, I realised that any brochure on this small complex would not do real justice.
My apartment was spacious with a vestibule entrance, large lounge, dining and kitchen area, large bathroom and separate large bedroom, spotlessly clean and well equipped. These 3 star properties are definitely at the top end of that rating.
Kalkan is adorned with excellent restaurants, shops and bars, none of them being tacky or attracting the wrong clientele. Excellent and well presented food is on offer from local to international cuisine, accompanied by good wine at affordable prices.
I had lunch and dinner on Wednesday up in the mountains, superb food at unbelievable prices - all local produce with fresh farmed local trout."
Philip Salt - July 2007