Our flight from Istanbul was delayed by 90 minutes. We arrived at the Villa Kirmizi Lale after midnight. The manager, Yusuf, was on hand to help with luggage and give us an orientation.
The villa is on a par with a 4-star hotel. Very clean, comfortable and safe, with all required elements to ensure a comfortable and safe stay. The owner, Felicity, is justifiably very proud of her villa and it shows in the presentation.
The villa can comfortably sleep 10 guests and with a party of only three was incredibly spacious.
For those who like a real physical challenge, the villa sits on top of a punishing hill. You can accept the challenge and be rewarded by a refreshing dip in the pool or you can decline and take a cheap taxi ride. We accepted and felt fitter at the end of our trip.
Kalkan is well situated at the foot of the Taurus mountains. It is a virtual sun trap for the sun worshipers. Temperatures (late June/early July) varied between 31 and 43 degrees with bearable humidity.
Highly recommend the Saklikent Gorge jeep safari. Buy some water balloons at the first stop and carry water in any vessel you can find. The reason will become quickly apparent and was incredible fun!! The food was basic but the overall experience was great! Horse riding in Patara was cool but do take care to wear long trousers as horses take you past fields with what looks like thistle. It is very rewarding to take a jeep or taxi ride into the mountains and visit the nearby villages like Bezirgan. Very, very tranquil and a good way to de-stress.
Nightlife is very good for families. The restaurant owners are not too pushy and the service was fair to good. Recommend Gusto, Aubergine, Linekers' (for dog lovers), Seaport and Sunset (with a great view over the harbour and water).
A special mention for those who like a huge satisfying, healthy breakfast, there is a great little bakery with seating area on the main street down a few shops from the Anka supermarket.
Overall, we agreed that Kalkan is in our top-2 places to visit for guaranteed weather, food, service and amenities. Villa Kirmizi Lale rates as our number 1 villa accommodation, to date.