Blue Health, the latest buzzword in the world of wellness, centres around the idea that being near water can actually make you feel better. Have a read of Belle Amatt's piece on Why We Feel Better By The Sea to find out the science behind it. But never, and I don't say this lightly, have I seen a more beautiful oceanscape than at D-Resort Göcek, where the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean and the Mediterranean wrap around countless green islands, while also playing host to an impressive number of boats. The Turkish Riviera once again proves it is one of the most spectacular yet underrated coastal destinations on the globe. And D-Resort Göcek certainly makes the most of the view.
A private white sand beach is where, if you're anything like me, you'll spend most of your time. The sandy part proves particularly popular with families and kids, building sandcastles, of course, while the long stretch of decking, my personal favourite spot, serves more as an unofficial adults-only area. The views are unmatched from whichever deckchair takes your fancy, though nothing beats the front row. Unless, of course, you choose to book a boat trip on the resort's very own Sundowner, where you can go off exploring every tiny island, hidden cove and stretch of deeper ocean.
And you don't even have to pull yourself away from the sea to eat. While you can order to your lounger from the beach bar, the D'Breeze restaurant overhangs the water, serving up a mix of fresh fish, seafood and key Turkish and Greek dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The pide and traditional Turkish lahmacun were two of my favourites that, yes, I had every single day and will be attempting to recreate at home, though I'm sure it won't come close. And if you keep your eyes peeled in the greenery that surrounds it, you might even be lucky enough to spy a tortoise or two. Not to mention the turtles that sometimes lay eggs on the beach.
For a livelier evening, Q Lounge is nestled into the side of the cliff, serving Japanese and Peruvian cuisine with a DJ and even a dance, if you're lucky. Otherwise, the heart of the hotel, the rooms, Olives restaurant, gym, spa and reception, sits just a ten-minute walk (or three-minute golf buggy ride) from the beach, next door to the small town of Gocek, where you'll find a number of restaurants, coffee shops and sweet stores. A third-generation jeweller was my particular favourite, where an unassuming exterior reveals a treasure trove of natural gemstones, glass beads and strings of pearls. Five necklaces and a very kindly gifted Tiger's Eye were added to my carry-on home.
But while the beach view absolutely acts as the focal point, there is a surprising number of activities for those who don't quite want to just lounge around. From mid-October to mid-November, you can try your hand at harvesting, helping to collect olives, oranges and lemons straight from the groves. Bikes are on site so you can go off exploring, and there's no shortage of bookable activities, from hiking and tennis to sailing and day trips to other beautiful destinations nearby: Butterfly Valley, the Ölüdeniz lagoon and Saklıkent Canyon included. And that's not to mention the fully kitted-out Technogym, the pilates and aerial yoga classes, and the spa, where I had an incredible massage from a very lovely woman who helped work out some very serious shoulder knots.
So whether you're an adventurer, a sea lover or simply someone who wishes to sit on a sun lounger from dawn till dusk with great food and an even better view, D-Resort Göcek is firmly on my long weekend suggestion list. And with October standard room rates starting at 276 euros per night, just in time for harvest season, you might even spy me on the lounger beside you.
