SUNGLASSES, SHORTS AND CHIC RESORTS

The Turkish Riviera begins in Bodrum. The country’s premier resort swaggers with a sunny joie de vivre. Its seafront promenade is a procession of open-air restaurants, cafés and clubs. Istanbul’s high society has long had a love affair with the surrounding bay. Boho beach bars and sun-kissed coves make it Turkey’s answer to St Tropez. 

PICTURE PERFECT PENINSULA

The Bodrum peninsula is more Costa Smeralda than French Riviera. Imagine a coastline sprinkled with deserted islands, lonely beaches and über-chic resorts. Türkbükü is the country’s ritziest enclave, the preserve of models, actors and all-night clubs. Gündoğan is quieter but equally sophisticated – a favoured escape for Turkey’s political elite. For libertines Gümüşlük is the destination du jour. Its lazy line of fish restaurants edge the Aegean. It’s also the only place on the peninsula where flip-flops outsell Tod’s. 

COSMOPOLITAN COCKTAIL

Kaş rolls the best of the Mediterranean into one cosmopolitan package. It’s back-dropped by Roman ruins, set with Italianate piazzas, and dotted with Arabian sheesha cafés. Handsome Greek restaurants serve up grilled octopus and stuffed squid. The only toast to modernity is Kaş’s breath-taking new marina. It opened in 2011 complete with white stone buildings and a colossal swimming pool.

THE AESTHETE’S CHOICE

If Turkey is the new Riviera then sailing is the new way to experience it. The glorious luxury sailing yacht Panthalassa is perfect for unhurried, elegant cruising along any coast.  Filled with light and designed by world famous architect Foster + Partners, Panthalassa epitomises modern chic.  Sleeps up to 12 guests in 6 beautiful cabins.

LUXURY YACHT PANTHALASSA