Ah, the Turkish Riviera. Turquoise seas, lush sunsets, and white sandy beaches full of lobsters; AKA burnt British tourists in search of cheap package holidays in Dalaman. But thankfully, not at the Yazz Collective. Set in a remote part of this thankfully undeveloped pine-clad peninsula, this lovely little spot is only accessible by speedboat. Yes, it’s another private hideaway, but the difference is this is not marketing puff—it is actually private. Its Bohemian meets modern Med beach umbrella façade is an ode to 70s Amalfitana, and with all the mountains and caves about the place, castaway privacy is epitomised through and through—a reason why it’s a favourite anchoring point for high-end billionaires to moor their yachts (Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates included.
Beyond all the money, money, money fluff, this collective is remarkably laid back. Loungers and all manner of poofs dot every sandy corner, and there’s an air of California cool the moment you hit the slick sea-facing, floral-strewn pool. This mish-mash of styles and timeless European summers is a testament to the sorcery of co-owners Mehmet Can Uzun and Timur Savci, the latter of Turkish period drama fame, The Magnificent Century. Their vision was to create something “organic,” “flawless,” and “new” and bring an air of modern Turkish living to this part of the busy Fethiye coast. It’s European beach club vibes to the max, minus Peggy Gou (though I did hear the DJ bash out a couple of classics to my glee).
The overall aesthetic the boys want to convey is blatant from the get-go: the feeling of exclusivity. The 16 guest houses, designed by Barcelona-based Turkish architect Fahrettin Aykut, do the job thanks to the cove’s abundant flora, fauna, and gigantic limestone cliffs that surround them. The design takes its cue from your quintessential whitewashed LA pad: spacious and minimalist interiors, elegant, muted sitting areas, giant walk-in wardrobes, and muslin curtains that deliver prime Insta content come the fluttering summer winds. It is all very “wellness” with spa-like digs that ooze earthy neutrals and copper finishes. The outdoor shower is rather lovely, too. Advice: ask for one at the back so you are as secluded as possible.
As for the food, it is seafood, lush grub made to look good on a plate. And it’s actually good. The eco-credentials don’t really go beyond the obvious veggie and herb gardens (where much of the greens on your plate come from), but there is an emphasis on seasonality and locality that gives this spot extra green brownie points. The tomatoes, olives, onions, garlic, and corn are also grown here for that added layer of Cabbage Patch freshness. As with anything, Turkish cuisine has its excess rules. Wood-fired pide, lahmacun, and pizza numbers are huge, and the fillet steak I had was bigger than my head (and that’s small). All sorts of crustaceans grace the menu, including giant lobsters and whatever the fishermen give chef Gökçen Yıldırım to boil, fry, or oven-blast on the day. The Turkish breakfast loaded with cheese is bloody delicious, too.
What’s there to do? Most guests and passers-by opt to laze until they die of heat stroke on the beach. But if you are like me and get bored of all the DJ sets and getting fat by way of boozy calories, the sea is your friend. A private boat tour of the peninsula at sunset was a favourite. Hidden coves, rock formations, dramatic vistas, and giant fish I mistook for a pod of dolphins keep you company, as does the setting sun and a bottle of champagne balanced by a medley of healthy fruits (total BS, but it made me feel better about myself).
This obviously was not enough, and as the concierge said, the Yazz way was to “curate my own idea of luxury,” I did. The next morning, I was whisked over to the mainland for a bike tour of the peninsula with local company Atlas Pedal, minus the Velcro. To be succinct, the views were knockout. Think mountains, gulfs, vintage ships, and the bluest water you’ve ever seen. The only let down was the copious amount of rubbish, a real problem in this part of the world.
Despite the trash, it’s a lovely part of the world, and had it not been for a cancelled flight courtesy of British Airways, I would have seen more of it.
Top Takeaways
Location: Fethiye, Turquoise Coast, Turkey
Rating: Five-star
The vibe: Exclusive beach club meets LA meets Italy meets classic European summer—and sexy people, too.
Food + Drink: Excessive modern Mediterranean. Pack some debloaters.
Amenities: Bar, Restaurant, Gardens, and Spa.
Our Favourite Thing About the Hotel: The people. They were hilarious.
What’s Nearby? Fethiye and Dalaman, but don’t go there.
Any personal neighbourhood recs? This is it. The spa is rather lovely. Thai massages can be booked in a bunker, in a tree overlooking the sea. Don’t be a prude and get it all out.
Rooms: 36
Pricing: From about 560 USD per night, including breakfast.
Closest Airport: Dalaman Airport
