Villa Elmali

In Turkey, fishing is everyone's favourite pastime, wherever they happen to be. And as the hopeful person heads off to the water, fishing tackle in hand, it's often to the familiar cry of "Rasgele!" A quirky Turkish word meaning random, for English speakers it can be roughly interpreted as, "May you be in the right place at the right time."

Here at Gökçe Gemile we also like nothing more than a spot of fishing ourselves and we're certainly in the right place. With such idyllic surroundings, it's a great way to unwind, meditate on the meaning of life and with the excellent possibility of catching a delicious meal at the same time!

We have all the necessary simple fishing equipment for our guests to fish from the rocky coves. But should you choose, you could also spend a few peaceful hours, or even a whole day, fishing at sea on our speed boat, complete with skipper. We are pleased to say he is very knowledgeable about these waters, the art of fishing and the cunning ways of fish.

The rocky coastline and the clear, deep water make this area a popular feeding area for various fish species. You may be lucky enough to catch some tasty bonito (palamut), a few mackerel, or even a grouper, if luck (or should we say "rasgele") is on your side. It all depends on the season, sea conditions, the weather, the moon… and some element of chance. Whether you are a beginner or experienced, planning to go alone or with your family, the captain will advise you on the type of fishing that suits you.

While we can't always guarantee you a catch, if the trip is successful then the team will grill the fish back at the clubhouse and serve them to you for dinner that very evening; there is after all, nothing better than a beautifully grilled, perfectly fresh fish. Having said that we can baked, fry or BBQ them, should you wish.

If there are no fish, don't worry. There are many local fishermen hereabouts to help us out with some of their catch.

Good luck and may the fish be with you!

The southwest coast of Turkey, famous for the Turquoise Coast and the Blue Cruise, offers some of the best sailing in the Aegean and Mediterranean, if not the world.

The epic beauty of the dramatic coastline around Gökçe Gemile and the Gulf of Fethiye is no exception. The hidden bays and monumental scenery, the deep blue waters and steady wind conditions, make for a truly unforgettable day's sailing.

Sailing experience

At Gökçe Gemile we have our own 42.2 ft Jeanneau Sun Odyssey yacht, so can quite literally sail into the sunset, in style! With our experienced crew, guests can be sailors for a day, have a go at sailing, learn some of the skills involved, eat their meals on board and have a whole heap of fun.

Sailing is a wonderful way to experience not only the breath-taking beauty of the coastline with its backdrop of rugged mountains, but also the magic of the deep blue waters. Guests may even have the chance to see dolphins at play, a rare Mediterranean Monk Seal or ponderous Loggerhead Sea Turtle.

Listening to the boat cut through the water; watching the sun go down and feeling the wind, sun and salt on your hair and skin; what better way can there be to experience the joy of being alive than a day's sailing?

Private gulet tours

On the other hand, guests can have an exclusive and very lazy day at sea on a traditional gulet (a traditional wooden boat), hired solely for their own use and with a full crew and service provided.

The gulet cruises to several different bays, giving guests the opportunity to swim, try their hand at fishing, or just relaxing on the comfortable deck area.

Speed Boat hire

To experience the joys of being at sea in a different way, our guest can hire a speed boat. There is a range of boats for hire: from a small basic speed boat that does not need training or any previous boating experience.

There are three different standard speed boats for hire at this level, with capacity for 2, 4 and 6 people. These have 30, 60 and 75 hp engines, respectively.

Our team will give basic training, teach guests how to use the necessary equipment and make sure there is sufficient fuel for the agreed trip. Lifejackets, a GPS, charts, maps and other equipment required on the boat will also be provided.

To hire an advanced, luxurious speedboat a captain's licence is required or the boat must be skippered by a qualified member of the Gökçe Gemile team.

Scuba diving aficionados well know that the deep, clear waters of Gökçe Gemile bay are the best in Turkey. But they are also a great place to get a first scuba-diving experience too and at Gökçe Gemile we are able to offer our guests the ultimate scuba diving experience.

Exploring the underwater secrets of Balaban island, the extraordinary geography of the coastline, the unspoiled environment and diversity of aquatic wildlife makes it a diving experience to remember.

As we work closely with a team of highly-trained master divers from a well-respected local company, we are also able to offer a full range of diving courses from PADI and CMAS: from the Discover Scuba course for beginners to speciality courses for experienced divers.

If you like a stroll, a brisk walk or perhaps a more strenuous trek, don't forget to pack your walking boots, hiking poles and a hat when you come to stay at Gökçe Gemile. You see, you don't have to go very far to find the most awe inspiring trekking country.

Quite literally, Gökçe Gemile has an abundance of glorious walks, brimming over with nature and wildlife, right on its doorstep. You just have to walk through the gate and you will immediately find yourself surrounded by of some of the most beautiful countryside, spectacular walking routes and extraordinary history in the Mediterranean.

In this part of Turkey hardly anywhere is flat but once you negotiated a trail you are almost guaranteed to find a break-taking view waiting for you. There is also a wealth of flora and fauna and many plant species are endemic to this part of Turkey. If you come in the early summer expect to be bowled over by the wonderful array of wild flowers and trees heavy with blossom.

The start of the Lycian Way is within a few kilometres of Gökçe Gemile and there are plenty of way-marked trails through the forests and countryside, which are full of wonderful nature, all of which is on an impressive scale.

If you are interested in history as well as walking, visit the abandoned hillside settlement of Levissi, in the Kayaköy valley. Here, back in 1923, the Greek Orthodox Christian community who lived in this small town were (as in the rest of Turkey) compelled to leave, as were the Muslims of Greece, in what has become known by historians as the Population Exchange. It was in Levissi that the British author Louis de Bernières was inspired to write his classic novel, Birds Without Wings.

You may want to bring your binoculars too, as there will be many opportunities for a spot of bird watching.

Guests wishing to explore the wild landscape in this part of the world can request the Gökçe Gemile concierge service to organise a trekking expedition, where guests will be accompanied by a qualified and knowledgeable guide.

This is a wild, rugged and remote part of the world. If you do choose to venture out alone, always tell someone where you plan to go, dress appropriately, take plenty of water and never forget to carry your mobile phone with you.

Kayaking is a great way to explore the bays, coves and islands of Gökçe Gemile on the water. With no sound, apart from the gentle splashing of paddles, kayaking leaves not even the lightest footprint on the bay's pristine environment. Discovering the coastline by kayak also has opportunities for exploring hidden caves and other extraordinary natural phenomena carved out by the weather and the waves over millennia, places that it is impossible to see in any other way.

Sitting quietly in your kayak, your ears will gradually become attuned to the silence. You will hear the sounds of birds and the water and experience the feeling that silence really is golden! You will also be close to the water and if you peer into its clear blue depths, you may be fortunate enough to spot fishes and other marine life feeding on the rocks, and once in a while, a massive sea turtle, or even catch a glimpse of an endangered Mediterranean Monk Seal. But only if you are really lucky.

At Gökçe Gemile we have two kinds of ocean-going kayaks, single and tandem. So you don't necessarily have to do all the paddling and steering yourself! Guests will also be provided with life jacks and a basic course on safety; after all, kayaks do occasionally capsize.

Kayaking safaris

If you would like to explore further, we offer kayaking safaris. Accompanied by an experienced guide, a minimum of two guests can venture further afield to explore the wonders of the Gökçe Gemile bay. The safari includes a picnic lunch. With the peace and tranquillity you'll experience, we like to think it's paddling through paradise.

In recent years stand-up padding boarding (SUPing) has become an increasingly popular water activity across the world and at Gökçe Gemile we can completely understand why. So, if you fancy yourself as a SUPer, why not have a go while you are here?

Admittedly, the fitter you are the better, as getting started does take a bit of practice. But here, in the warm, calm, clear waters of the Gökçe Gemile bay, is an ideal place to learn. Once balanced, feet comfortably astride the board and paddle in hand, it can be an incredible way to explore the remarkable coastline in this area.

Not only is stand-up paddle boarding a wonderful way to experience the tranquillity and nature of your surroundings, it is also a great way to exercise.

SUPing is seen by many as the ultimate total body workout and it is so much more fun that puffing away in a crowded gym. SUPing is a low impact exercise that combines balance, strength, and endurance; even when you are standing still. It can be a great way to nurture your tan too.

You never know, you may fall in love with SUPing. We wouldn't be surprised.

Stand-up paddle boarding safaris

At Gökçe Gemile we offer our guests the ultimate SUP safari. Accompanied by an experienced guide, a minimum of two guests can venture further afield to explore the wonders of the Gökçe Gemile bay. The safari includes a picnic lunch. The safari includes a picnic lunch. With the peace and tranquillity you'll experience, we like to think it's paddling through paradise.

Gokçe Gemile is a wonderful place to practice yoga as its tranquillity and beauty makes it ideal for unwinding and shedding the stress of busy lives. Just imagine starting the day with a yoga session, while looking out over the spectacular beauty and amazing nature of Gökçe Gemile's surroundings. Should you wish, we can arrange for a highly trained yoga teacher to visit you for yoga sessions in the total privacy of your own garden. Our yoga teacher is also a fully trained Reiki practitioner. All you have to do is tell us which method you prefer.

Hatha Yoga

This method includes yoga postures (asanas) and breathing exercises (pranayama), a practice that helps your mind and body to be at peace. It can help increase flexibility and strength, as well as improving the circulation and cardio-health. It is also beneficial for detoxifying the organs and improving posture, while balancing the body and mind, easing anxiety and reducing depression.

Ashtanga Yoga

This method includes synchronizing breathing with a progressive sequence of postures. The process creates intense internal heat and copious, cleansing perspiration, which detoxifies the muscles and organs. The outcome is better circulation, a stronger body, and a calmer mind. This method is suitable for those with experience of yoga.

Yin Yoga

A slow-paced style, with this method poses are held for five minutes and even longer. This is to apply sufficient stress to the connective tissue – tendons, fascia and ligaments – to enhance circulation in the joints and improve flexibility.

Reiki Therapy

Reiki is a Japanese system, which based on the concept of the "life force energy" that flows through us, which is seen as the source of life. Although it is spiritual, it is not a religion. If this life force energy is low, then we are more likely to succumb to sickness or stress. On the other hand, if it is high, we are more likely to feel happy and be healthy. Reiki heals the whole person, including the body, emotions, mind and spirit. It has many beneficial effects, including relaxation and calm feelings, security and wellbeing. Many Reiki users and clients report astonishing results. Natural and safe for everyone, Reiki is an uncomplicated method for spiritual healing and self-improvement. When used in conjunction with other medical or therapeutic techniques, it is an effective way to alleviate side effects and promote recovery.

Hair & Beauty Treatments

At Gökçe Gemile we are able to offer a range of hair care and beauty treatment services for our guests. If you would like a pedicure, a manicure, hair cut, wash, blow dry or some other hair treatment, please let us know. We work closely with several respected establishments in the area and can arrange for one of their beauticians or stylists visit you in the comfort and privacy or your own villa. For hair and beauty treatments, prices are given on request.

Spa & Massage Therapies

We offer a range of spa and massage therapies, which are carried out privately in the peaceful environment of Gökçe Gemile: either in one of the private coves/beaches, in a shady wooded area, or if required, in the privacy of your own villa. Also, we only provide male therapists for male guests and female therapists for female guests. For spa and massage therapies, prices are given on request.

Snorkelling

Snorkelling is a relaxing way to explore the water around the beaches and coves at Gökçe Gemile. The unusual geological features of this part of the coast means there are plenty of wonderful places to explore. We provide fins, masks and snorkels both of which are hygienically cleaned after each use.

Tours & Excursions

While many of our guests never want to leave Gökçe Gemile once they've arrived, others are keen to get out and about. Some of the most popular places to visit and things to do include:

Fethiye, Yeşilüzümlü and Cadianda: A bustling, colourful and lively harbour town 30 minutes drive from Gökçe Gemile, Fethiye has many shops, cafes and restaurants. There is also the lively central Fish and Fresh Produce Market (always open and with many fish restaurants), the huge Tuesday Market and the Farmers' Market on Fridays. Culture and history buffs will no doubt come across the several Lycian rock tombs that are dotted about the town, including the tomb of Amintas, which is carved into the cliffs. Fethiye also has a small but interesting archaeological and ethnographic museum. From Fethiye, a pleasant 30 minute drive into more mountainous terrain takes you to Yeşilüzümlü, and an additional 30 minutes' drive will bring you to the peaceful and remarkably untouched ruins of the 3000 year old city of Cadianda.

Ölüdeniz and Babadağı: The 1,988 metre summit of Babadağı towers above Ölüdeniz and those in the know say it has some of the world's best and most exhilarating paragliding. Fly tandem from the 1,700 take off in the safe hands of a experienced pilot and you will spend about 30 or 40 minutes soaring silently above the mountains, the turquoise waters, the crescent shaped beach and sheltered lagoon, and with breath taking views of the dramatic and beautiful coastline beyond, before landing on Belcekiz beach. Then you will have seen for yourself why this part of Turkey is considered to be so exceptional.

Dalyan and Iztuzu: The 2 hour drive to Iztuzu beach, is worth every minute. The beautiful sandy beach stretches over 4.5 km and the water is relatively shallow for some distance. It is rarely crowded, even at the height of the summer season. This is particularly good for the many female Loggerhead Sea Turtles, who annually visit the beach to lay their eggs. Behind the beach there is DEKAMER, a research and rehabilitation organisation set up by academics from Pamukkale University, which is well worth visiting. As well as taking care of injured and poorly sea turtles, the hard working teams monitor sea turtle hatchlings and adult Loggerheads, adding vital knowledge to the literature on this vulnerable species. The road between Iztuzu and Dalyan, which takes about 30 minutes, will take you past bio-diverse wetland areas and brackish lakes. This delta is important environmentally, as is the Dalyan river that flows over it. Above the river are some photogenic Lycian rock tombs and a little further upstream there is a ferry that will take you to the ancient city of Kaunos, in Caria. In fact, the Dalyan River denotes the border between Lycia and Caria. Daily boats cruise through the reedy lower reaches of river, stopping off for lunch at one of the many trout restaurants.

Saklıkent Canyon: At 300 m (980 ft) deep and 18 km (11 miles) long, Saklıkent Canyon is a remarkable natural phenomenon well worth visiting, especially when the weather is sweltering on the coast. This is because the gushing torrents of waters that flow from the gorge are absolutely freezing. This is because it snow melt that has been percolating through the limestone bluffs on its way from the highlands. But once you're over the shock of its iciness, it is an absolutely delightful way to cool down. Dotted along the river bank, restaurants have built platforms over the water where guests can sit comfortably, eat fish (trout) and keep cool at the same time.

Xanthos/Letoon: A little under an hour's dive by car from Fethiye lies the incredibly significant ruins of Xanthos. Just over the modern day border between the provinces of Muğla and Antalya, Xanthos was once the capital of Lycia. The Lycian Civilization is acknowledged as one of the most important Iron Age cultures of Anatolia. Nearby Letoon is the cult centre of Xanthos, where, in the sanctuary of Letoon, three temples are dedicated to Leto, Artemis and Apollo. In Greek mythology Leto was the mother of Apollo and Artemis, their father was Zeus. This site, together with Letoon, are both on the UNESCO World Heritage List and well worth a visit.

Patara: A 90 minute drive from Gökçe Gemile, the spectacular 18 km beach at Patara is another important nesting ground for Loggerhead Sea Turtles in the area. The environmental importance of the beach, backed by dunes, is complemented by the historical significance of the archaeological site of Patara. As a result of their importance so far large-scale development has been avoided. In ancient times, Patara had a large natural harbour, which eventually silted up. At its peak, the city was famous for its temple and oracle of Apollo, which was said to be second in importance to the oracle of Delphi. The city of Patara is said to have been founded by a son of Apollo and also the birth place of St. Nicholas, who became the Bishop of Myra (Demre) and is also known as Santa Claus.

Dining at Gökçe Gemile is usually informal, but the food is always delicious and service is second to none. All our food is sourced locally whenever possible and we get all our fruit, vegetables and other produce, such as eggs, bread olive oil and other condiments, from our wonderful villagers, farmers and local markets.

While our guests are staying with us, we ask them to think of Gökçe Gemile as their home and to let us know in advance what they would like to eat, so that everything can be freshly cooked according to their requirements.

These meals are served to our guests on the private seating platforms overlooking the sea or for added seclusion, in one of the coves

Breakfast:
Served on Gökçe Gemile's beautiful main beach, or in one of the secluded coves (with your feet dabbling in the water if you like), breakfast at Gökçe Gemile includes a massive range of Turkish and Mediterranean options. We use only the finest seasonal, fresh produce, all of which is locally sourced from the nearby village or farmers' market, if at all possible. Our guests tell us that the Gökçe Gemile breakfast is a feast in itself and one that sets you up for the day.

As everything is fresh and cooked to order, we request that breakfasts are ordered a day in advance.

Lunch & Snacks:
An extensive range of mouth-watering lunches and appetizing snacks are served to our guests on the beach, either on the shaded seating areas overlooking the sea, or for added privacy, in one of the exclusive coves. Cooked with consummate culinary skills by the Gökçe Gemile team, the focus is on traditional home-cooked Turkish, Aegean and Mediterranean dishes and use fresh, local ingredients.

Evening dining
As one of the most important elements of the Gökçe Gemile philosophy is privacy, for evening meals – after 7pm – we adhere to the principle of only one party dining on the main beach at any one time. This ensures that each party will have the opportunity to enjoy the experience of being our exclusive guests. So please make sure you discuss your dining requirements with our concierge service either before or on arrival.

Barbecue dining
The Gökçe Gemile team prepares and serves delicious barbecues, fishy feasts, or a range of traditional Turkish or Mediterranean themed dishes on request.

Preparation for the barbeques is an art in itself. Carefully selected cuts of succulent beef or lamb – sourced from the local farmer – are rubbed with local herbs before being marinaded in a special sauce for the whole day, just to make them even more mouth-watering, tender and juicy. The meal includes a selection of meze and salads.

Many of our guests tell us they love fishing, so we give them the chance to catch their own dinner! The Gökçe Gemiler team then prepares, grills and serves the catch with a selection of mezes and salads, followed by desert and fruit. In the event that there is no or not enough fish from the fishing trip, we buy fresh fish from local fishermen.

For these choices we require at least two day's notice

Seafood dining
For guests requiring dining on a more lavish scale, we call on the services of the finest seafood chef in the region. He arrives, together with his team and a selection of sensational seafood starters and meze, as well as an enormous range of beautiful seafood, including lobster, tiger prawns, calamari, octopus and fish. He transforms these into a gastronomic banquet; one that truly has to be seen to be believed.

Seeing all our guests de-stress, take it easy and relax, gives us great pleasure because it is key to our philosophy. So, to ensure our guests can do just that, we've come up with our brilliant Full Board & Drinks option for parties taking all three houses – or when there are no other guests staying at Gökçe Gemile – and it's proving to be a very popular choice.

For those of you whose idea of heaven is putting your feet up by the pool, chilling out by the sea, or making the most of the many activities Gökçe Gemile has to offer, until the sun drops below the horizon, it's an ideal option. On the other hand, for other guests it may simply mean having a break from cooking. Either way, the appeal of Full Board & Drinks at Gökçe Gemile is certainly catching on with our guests.

Imagine for a moment… You'll be able to spend your holiday relaxing in the secluded paradise of Gökçe Gemile, happy in the knowledge that your meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner, will all be cooked by our talented team in the Gökçe Gemile Clubhouse Kitchen.

And, should you want a cooling glasses of fresh fruit juice, or a reviving cups of coffee or tea while you're on the beach, no problem; one of our Gökçe Gemile team will be there to make them for you, as the Full Board price also covers all soft drinks, fresh fruit juices and hot drinks throughout the day.

Also included in the Gökçe Gemile Full Board and Drinks option are three delicious meals for every day of your holiday; that's breakfast, lunch and an a la carte three course evening meal, as well as deserts and fruit. All we ask is that you give us advance notice of what you would like us to cook and where you would to eat it. Meals are taken either on the main beach or, should you choose, in one of the secluded coves.

From families with young children or ever-hungry and thirsty teenagers, to busy city couples needing to unwind, this choice is the perfect way to ensure everyone is relaxed and contented. We think our Full Board option is one of the many wonderful jewels in the Gökçe Gemile crown.

Our paradise of Gökçe Gemile is after all the perfect place for a holiday and doing as little, or as much, as you like, while being treated like royalty in the most beautiful surroundings, is the whole reason coming here.

For some our guests, eating in the privacy of their own villa and having the services of a House Helper is a preferred option, especially if they have babies or young children. On request, a female member of the Gökçe Gemile team, who is from the nearby village, will come to your villa on a daily basis.

For many families the day is a constant round of tidying up, washing up and cleaning, whether or not they are on holiday. But here at Gökçe Gemile we want to give our guests a break from all that and this is why we have our very own team of Turkish Mary Poppins. Our wonderful ladies are House Helpers, all expert in the arts of tidying, washing up, cleaning and washing – all those jobs we tend to call "chores" and are only too pleased to hand over to someone else when the opportunity arises!

As any family coming to Turkey with young children will know, Turkish people adore children and love the chance to play and interact with them. Our House Helpers are just the same, and will be pleased to help with child care and babysitting, on request.

Given free reign of the kitchen, your House Helper, who is a talented cook, will also prepare delicious traditional home-style Turkish village meze and main dishes, according to your requirements. She will also do food shopping, if asked. This option enables you not only the chance to relax and eat at your leisure but also to learn about some of our wonderful local recipes.

Any Turkish home-style cook will, as a matter of course, make the most of the lovely fresh, seasonal, local ingredients that grow abundantly in this part of the country. Our House Helpers are no exception and the food they cook is simply delicious, as well as being healthy and nutritious.

One of the many great things about traditional Turkish cuisine is the variety of dishes served at the same meal… No "meat and two veg" in this part of the world… Turkish tables are always packed with plates and bowls brimming wonderful food and when cooking for guests, the Turkish cook will pull out all the stops.

From soups to meze to wonderful deserts – prepare to be amazed and inspired! And of course, with all our lovely fresh vegetables and olive oil, there are always lots of salads. Cooked to perfection, vegetable dishes will regain their appeal even for the most hardened carnivore. But there's no need to worry, although vegetables are an integral part of any meal in this part of Turkey, there are plenty of tasty meaty dishes too. And we haven't even mentioned wickedly wonderful baklava and all those other moreish deserts…

When academics studied some extraordinary examples of longevity in Turkey, it was attributed to the wonderful village milk, from which delicious cheese and yogurt are made. But we think the mouth-watering fish, grass fed meat, fruit, vegetables, olives and wild herbs, to name just a few examples of the country's abundant produce, must help too.

For many of our guests, particularly mums, having the daily services of a Gökçe Gemile House Helper is a really special bonus, transforming an already wonderful holiday experience into a truly brilliant one.

For guests who wish to dine out while staying at Gökçe Gemile there is a huge number of different options from which to chose; in Fethiye, it's fair to say there is something to suit all tastes and appetites.

For example, in Kayaköy, which is just a short drive away, there are several well-known barbeque restaurants, where you can cook your own cutlets or other cuts of lamb, or tuck into a dish of succulent slow-roasted lamb. These "kendin pişir kendin ye" establishments are extremely popular with Turkish people and usually very lively.

In Fethiye and the surrounding villages there many popular restaurants and lokanta that serve tasty traditional Turkish cuisine, fish and kebabs. One of the best known and popular places to eat is at one of the numerous restaurants in the fish market. Bustling with the buying and selling of fish during the day, the market is transformed into a spectacular venue at night, when the air is full of music, and the restaurants are full of diners, chattering and laughing.

There are also restaurants featuring cuisine from across the world; there's everything, from British style steak houses to Thai and Chinese cuisine, and from Italian pasta to Indian curries. It's no exaggeration to say that Fethiye has more choices in terms of world cuisine than many of Turkey's large cities.

The Gökçe Gemile concierge service will be happy to advise you according to your preferences and organise chauffeur-driven transport.