A luxury escape to Turkey, with Simpson Travel.

Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to experience the stunning Turkish resort of Kalkan, courtesy of Simpson Travel. As a guest alongside 11 other travel agents, I was hosted by the wonderful Hannah and Marianne, who guided us through Simpson Travel's exquisite collection of exclusive villas and hotels.

From the moment we arrived, it was clear why Kalkan is such a beloved destination. The resort itself is simply beautiful, with its whitewashed houses cascading down to a sparkling turquoise bay. 

Our Kalkan adventure kicked off on our first morning with a truly delightful visit to The Regency Kalkan. We sampled the amazing breakfast on offer, and I have to give a special mention to the owner, Nuri, whose omelettes are superb! The entire staff were super attentive, making us feel instantly welcome.

We received a tour of the hotel and instantly got the warm, authentic feel of a proper family-run business. You don't have to look far to see why guests return year after year, some have been coming for an astonishing 23 years! It’s easy to understand their loyalty; the views of the harbour and the bay from the hotel are honestly some of the very best you’ll find in all of Kalkan.

The hospitality doesn't stop there. We were lucky enough to sample the complimentary perks offered to all Simpson guests: a revitalizing experience in the traditional Turkish hammam (a must-try!) and the chance to enjoy their complimentary boat trip. These added touches truly elevate a stay in Kalkan from a nice holiday to an unforgettable experience.

Next on our tour was Korsan Suites. This lovely accommodation offers a different, more intimate feel—it's a beautiful, boutique apartment building with just eight rooms. It’s also perfectly located, offering easy walking distance right into the heart of Kalkan resort. Despite the change in scale from the hotel, we received the same incredibly warm hospitality; this is a standard through all Simpson properties.

The suites here are ideal for families or friends travelling together, offering a mixture of spacious two and three-bedroom suites. Each suite is designed for luxury and relaxation, featuring a private jacuzzi, and guests are even treated to a thoughtful welcome meal upon arrival. It’s clear that Simpson Travel and their partners ensure every detail is taken care of.

Then came our accommodation. Wow! We had the pleasure of staying in a magnificent 5-bedroom Simpson Signature villa, part of the exclusive Eden Collection. Gloriously set in this evolving landscape, our villa truly felt like a jewel in the Eden Collection crown, a testament to Kalkan’s commitment to raising the bar ever higher in luxury travel.

Every villa in this collection lives up to the promise: we enjoyed stunning views, spacious accommodation, and sleek, contemporary interiors. Beyond the beautiful bedrooms, the villa offered an incredible amount of space for relaxing and entertaining, including a dedicated TV room, an outdoor games area, and an expansive terrace with truly panoramic sea views. This is villa living at its absolute finest.

Beyond our own luxurious stay, the rest of our itinerary was filled with tours of other Simpson Travel villas across Kalkan. It was fascinating to see the scope of their offerings: each property was completely different, offering something uniquely appealing—from traditional Turkish stone houses perfect for couples to modern, sleek family retreats with infinity pools. Whether you seek an intimate hideaway or an expansive clifftop luxury residence, it's clear that Simpson Travel curates a villa that perfectly fits every desire.

One of the highlights of our trip was the excursion to Patara. This site beautifully combines history and nature. We spent time wandering through the spectacular ancient Lycian ruins, and then relaxed on the legendary Patara Beach—Turkey's longest stretch of golden sand, which is wonderfully protected as a nesting site for the endangered Caretta Caretta turtles. It was a truly memorable day out.

Spending time in Kalkan has been a genuine pleasure. It's a resort that effortlessly combines traditional charm with understated luxury. With its vibrant harbour, winding cobbled streets filled with bougainvillea, and fantastic rooftop restaurants, Kalkan is a place that captures your heart. Having now experienced the incredible quality and warm service offered by partners like The Regency Kalkan and the unparalleled luxury of the Simpson Travel villa collection, I can wholeheartedly recommend Kalkan for an unforgettable Turkish escape.