D-Resort Gocek

To experience Turkey’s Turquoise coast is to enjoy the hidden Mediterranean, a predominantly unspoilt, rugged coastline covered in pine trees with secluded coves and postcard-perfect sandy bays. It’s the Mediterranean that you probably thought no longer exists.

D-Resort Gocek is in the quiet sailing village of Göcek, a small community that is renowned for its exclusive yet understated marinas. Dotted around the beautiful bay are some of the region’s best yacht and superyacht moorings.

Just 100 metres from the harbour this recently opened luxury resort & spa has a boutique ambience yet has 2 stylish restaurants and 103 elegant rooms spread over 10 architect-designed buildings positioned throughout the gardens which are punctuated by waterways, swimming pools and meandering paths.

What to Expect

The D-Resort is much more luxe than I expected, with its cool, contemporary, uncomplicated aesthetic blended with spot-on service and high-quality detailing.

The site was formerly the Swissotel, a mid-range family property that has no comparison to the new D-Resort Gocek, which has been completely remodelled and repositioned.

The ten individual buildings in cool grey (by architect Hasan Mengü) echo the colour of the bark of the local twisted olive trees planted throughout the property, and contrast perfectly with the saturated colours of the immaculate gardens and pools. There are varying room types, but all have a summery, almost nautical vibe.

Although most definitely luxe, this is not a pretentious hotel. The team are welcoming and natural and the property is very family-friendly. It seems to be meeting the growing demand for upscale accommodation for international visitors exploring the Turquoise Coast on sailboats, gulets and superyachts, with a mix of clientele including couples, families and small groups of friends.

Whether sailing or relaxing aboard a gleaming superyacht, one of the best ways to enjoy the summer is messing about in boats; and when it comes to the Mediterranean, it’s now all about the Aegean…less crowds, more stunning scenery, less bling and more sophistication.

This is where the D-Resort fits in, with its easy access (walking or by golf cart) to the harbour and marinas, the gateway to this exceptional coast.

Check In and Welcome

I flew Turkish Airlines to Dalaman arriving late evening. The airport is only about 20km away and it’s served by a number of international airlines offering direct and indirect services from Europe and further afield. D-Resort had arranged an airport transfer, and the driver was waiting for me at the main entrance. He drove me the less than half hour journey to the resort.

My luggage was taken for me upon arrival and I was welcomed into the light and informal reception. The smiling staff were smartly presented in turquoise suits. Check in was swift and friendly and then I was escorted to my Deluxe Pool access room and explained a few details of the room by the receptionist with humour and warmth. I felt very welcome.

The Room

The resort’s 103 guest rooms, including 16 suites, are divided into a surprising 13 types, so take a look online before booking to find the right one for you. They range from romantic attic rooms and suites, to superior, grand superior, deluxe, deluxe pool side, junior suites and premier suites, also with pool access if required.

My room for the night was a Deluxe Room – Pool Side. At over 35 square metres it felt spacious, although it was not as big as the Grand Superior or Suites that all come in at over 50 square metres.

The room had a large four poster bed (which was super comfortable, with its deep, indulgent mattress), desk as well as seating area with sofa. The large floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opened out onto a private terrace that went directly to a shard swimming pool. There are a number of pools on the property and this one ran the entire length of this building, so all the ground floor rooms and suites had access to it.

The terrace was well furnished with chairs, deck chairs, and low tables. There were storm lanterns with candles and also subtle lighting.

Back inside, the interior was light and bright with white washed contemporary wooden furniture, including the four poster bed, draped with muslin. The sofa was dressed with a beautiful Turkish cotton throw.

There was no welcome amenity in the room, but complimentary water and tea and coffee making facilities and a well-stocked mini bar.

There was a large desk, ideal for using the laptop and there were plenty of above furniture sockets.

The double wardrobe included a safe big enough for my laptop and beach/pool towels.

The lighting was simple but with the different abundant sources from integrated halogens to various lamps it was easier to create the ambiance I wanted. There were also candles provided if you wanted to get all romantic.

The bathroom was in local, smart grey matt effect, textured marble. It was compact though and had no tub or bidet. There was a generous range of Molton Brown toiletries, and the towels were beautiful, authentic Turkish cotton with an elegant stripe design that echoed the authentic, high quality striped bedlinen.  I was told that all the linens were from the Turkish district of Buldan, world famous for is exceptional hand woven textiles.

The building was about 3 minutes’ walk from the main hotel block were breakfast was served.

Rest of the Hotel

The Spa

The resort is spacious with good facilities; the most notable of which must surely be its D-Spa. This 1,500 square metre wellness centre is in a dedicated building where there is also a Techno-gym equipped fitness studio on the ground floor. Below ground are the posh changing rooms, with digital lockers, furnished with slippers, disposable underwear for massages, thick robes, plenty of towels as well as toiletries. There is a salt water vitality spa pool, and heated spa area with saunas and steam room.

I had a massage provided by one of the Balinese therapists, trained by ESPA. The treatment room was on the upper level, where I also got to take a look at the two double treatment rooms for couples, which also have small pool/baths.

The whole spa ritual was delivered with poise and grace including a cool, jasmine scented refreshing towel upon arrival at the spa, together with a cinnamon and hibiscus tea.

The massage was highly professional and very enjoyable.

The spa was another real surprise for me. It’s world-class and truly lifts the D-Resort into the luxury category.

The Beach

For those that want to keep active, the hotel offers bicycles to explore the resort and village, as well as water sports from its private beach.

In addition to the pool side sun beds there are also plenty of sunbeds at the hotel’s beach, a short walk away or the team can take you there in one of the resort’s golf buggies. The small beach is of white sand and looks out to the marina, and the Aegean.

Dining

Also at the beach is the hotel’s ‘Breeze Restaurant’.  It’s an elegant space built of white timber, constructed out over the water, so from the tables you can see the beautiful clear sea. Sun and shade options were available for seating – it’s open for lunch and dinner serving Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine as well as having an authentic Italian wood burning pizza oven!  There is also a bar here.

From here guests can also charter D-Resort Gocek’s luxury speedboat.

Over-looking the beach, marina and islands from a vantage point up amongst the pine trees I saw construction for a new space that I was told will be the Q Lounge – promising to be an Asian inspired lounge bar serving cocktails and light bites.

Breakfast

Breakfast is served in the resort’s other eatery, the Olive Tree Restaurant in the main building. It has large outside covered terraces on two sides with garden and mountain views as well as inside seating.

The buffet is generous with sophisticated presentation.  Gourmet coffees available to order, together with a la carte hot dishes. Hot and cold buffet includes international favourites, as well as local delicacies such as Gocek’s exceptional local honey, tasty olive oil and sweet treats such as Turkish delight and Halva.

What made it special?

This is undoubtedly a luxury resort yet it has a relaxed, friendly, Mediterranean atmosphere. The guests were a mix, from stylish to informal families. The setting is glorious, secluded yet close to the marinas and steps away from the village. The team are genuine, from the General Manager who greeted guests personally to the waiting staff and spa team.

Finances

Rooms start from £190 per night for a deluxe room including breakfast and taxes.

Would I recommend it?

The property has enough to keep couples and families happy for a holiday, with spa, sports, beach and water sports and excursions. Many people were using it as a start or end base for upscale yachting vacations too. I really liked it for its unpretentious style.