Kepler Marin - One visit Wow, seriously, this place in Cesme Marina makes the best cocktails we've experienced in a long time while travelling through Turkey. Come for the food, but be sure to stay for the cocktails! Again that warm, fun and friendly Turkish service shine through, and you will enjoy the banter with the team and the attentive service. We enjoyed perfectly cooked mouth-watering juicy steaks, simply divine. The menu is well rounded, including various meat and seafood dishes, and the hot spicy chicken wings were a treat. We loved the style of this restaurant/bar, the great vibe, views of the calming marina and tunes in the background. We noticed several digital nomads working away while having a coffee and enjoying the view, which was very laptop-friendly. You are blessed with a very creative mixologist who is prepared to go outside the box and make some unique tasting cocktails; you will stay for two or three (each)! They also have a very dependable wine list with a variety of options. You will be impressed by the pricing for the quality of food and meals and exquisite cocktails using high-quality spirits. Kepler Marin is located in the heart of the charming Cesme Marina, a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the surroundings and nearby shops.

Medellin Lounge - One visit We were strolling home via the marina and came across Medellin Lounge. We were loaded up with our weekly groceries, and being tempted by live music, we just had to drop in and have a drink and listen to the band. We were warmly greeted by the band and the staff as we entered, and they happily made us cocktails not on the menu, and they tasted amazing. The live music duo was upbeat and created an atmosphere. I must say, wow, the best bloody mary I've had in ages; think freshly squeezed tomatoes with the perfect spice level; we came in for one and just had to stay for more. The gin fizz was generous too and well balanced. We only popped by for a drink and the local Turkish music, so unable to comment on the food this time. Pricing is very reasonable, and unfortunately, we didn't check the wines available as it was more of a pub vibe. We truly loved the vibe and energy from the band and staff. A fabulous place and a perfect live music venue with ample seating to view and enjoy the live music.

Studio apartment with an amazing view in Cesme - Four nights An Airbnb with uninterrupted 180-degree views in Cesme, Izmir. Most fabulous views and sunsets over the Aegean Sea with Chios, a Greek island, as the backdrop. You are moments from the private beach from your front door, it's a beautiful haven to soak up the views, and during summer, it would be perfect for chilling down in the sea. The apartment is perfect for a couple, clean and tidy and fully equipped for a short or long stay. You have everything you need to cook and stay at home to enjoy the magical sunsets and views whilst relaxing on the wrap-around balcony. Uğur, the host, is an absolute delight and is always full of positivity every time you meet him, and he is always available for any questions or requests. We had the most lovely week staying on the coast, enjoying the culinary delights, and spending time in Cesme Marina. You are only a 7-minute walk to all essential shops and a 20-minute walk to the marina and the castle. You will love the Turkish energy of the people in the area, and you can also enjoy live music at Medellin during the evenings after experiencing excellent seafood at nearby restaurants. We recommend Ferdi Baba and Kepler Marin. If you are looking for a getaway to bring you calmness and joy, this is your destination. It always blows my mind that Greece is just in the background, about 1 hour by ferry if you are looking for an adventure or your next destination.

Ferdi Baba Restaurant - Çeşme Marina - One visit Ferdi Baba Restaurant is one of the best seafood restaurants in Çeşme Marina, Turkey. Perfect for a slow lunch whilst enjoying the view of the charming marina and fortress. With comfortable chairs and tables by the calming marina with a distant view of the old fortress, you can also cosy up by the warm fire if you visit at the beginning of the season. Friendly service that was not pushy and allowed us the time to sit and relax and enjoy the views of our new destination. The focus in the restaurant is the catch of the day, and they have a large selection of freshly caught fish, all served with a minimum of fuss. What is it about the prawns in Turkey, again big and juicy! They have an extensive range of hot and cold starters, and the grilled cheese was delicious. The fresh fish was divine, and they were very accommodating and were able to do one serve filleted from a delicious fish. Wayne even managed to find a tasty main course with prawns that made him (the non-fish eater) happy. After devouring your meal, you are presented with a complimentary fruit platter, a perfect end to a lovely lunch. As Ferdi Baba was only just opening for the season, the wine selection was just getting started, but there was enough choice of local wines to keep us satisfied; you pop inside to view the selection and find the perfect match for your meal. The pricing was very reasonable, and you will be delighted with your choice and will thoroughly enjoy your meal. Ferdi Baba Restaurant has continued to branch out over the region and now has four restaurants to enjoy. Ferdi Baba is located in the heart of the charming Cesme Marina. It is quaint and tucked away in a cove and a wonderful place to wander around and enjoy the surroundings.

MITU Alavya Hotel - Two visits MITU is an exquisite restaurant located in the stunning boutique Alavya Hotel, Alacati. The hotel's interior oozes style, and you are greeted as you walk in with a selection of fine local delicacies in the boutique delicatessen. As you continue, you'll be greeted with the main restaurant and bar, tables scattered throughout the restaurant, a cosy lounge nook by the log fire, or you can move into the idyllic outdoors on the private terrace overlooking the magnificent pool. The menu will be sure to satisfy you. The food was prepared expertly and was delicious; you will be pleased with the dining experience and your choices. You are welcomed with freshly baked bread and olives accompanied with olive oil from their garden. The homemade meatballs (kofta) were heavenly, followed by and local selection of desserts. They host an impressive wine list of high-quality Turkish wines, including all our favourites from Chamlija and a small selection of champagnes to begin your culinary journey. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do cocktails this time; however, the bar was very inviting. They were a very professional and friendly team, all with excellent knowledge of the menu and wine list, and attentive during our slow dining. MITU previously shared their home with the fabulous Agrilia Restaurant , which after six years, has now moved to a new location in Alacati.

The ‘Nazar Boncuğu’ Pearl of the look (The blue evil eye) is believed to absorb bad energy and protect. You will find these beautiful blue amulets hanging throughout Turkey. They are also gifted; Sally received a bracelet from a new friend on the first night they met as a reminder of their new friendship.

Kose Kahve - One visit Köşe Kahve is the perfect Sunday brunch cafe in the heart of Alacati, full of locals and weekenders. During the warmer months and high season, you will want to get in early to beat the crowds. The team is friendly, and the service is very efficient. We loved the team's full personalities and how they enjoyed bantering with the guests and having a laugh. You are spoilt with a lovely outdoor seating area on the cobblestones to soak up the sunshine and beautiful surroundings, or you can also choose to cozy up indoors by the warm log fire. The menu is very extensive and affordable, something for everyone. We ordered the burgers a cheeseburger and couldn't go past the chicken schnitzel, and they were substantial. Our suggestion would be to start with one to share. Never before would we bother to mention the water, but this is worthy. Your sparkling (yes water) is accompanied by a crystal glass full of freshly cut fruit, seriously almost a mocktail. Coffee and freshly squeezed juices and lemonades were a treat too. The atmosphere and decor had a cozy Mediterranean vibe, and it was complete with the team's energy.

GAIA Alacati - Four nights GAIA Alacati is a perfectly located modern and cosy design hotel. It was filled with a charming team with warm and friendly energy. The atmosphere is cosy and welcoming, designed to relax and enjoy with the guest in mind. After strolling through the beautiful cobblestone streets of Alacati, you can come back to relax either in the beautiful outdoor space or by the fire. Very reasonably priced for the quality of the hotel, the rooms are beautiful, spacious and have heavenly beds. The team are beautiful, very kind and bubbly. Very attentive to make sure your stay is exceptional. Breakfast was one of the best we have had in a hotel for a long time. The full Turkish spread was enough to keep you going all day. Or you can opt for a la carte, more Wayne and Sal style (so a long lazy lunch still works), and the eggs were cooked to perfection! You can settle by the fire in the evening for a high-quality spirit, coffee or wine surrounded by other guests from different parts of the world. The location really is perfect, moments from all the restaurants and shops of Alacati old town. You will fall in love with Alacati, it is magical, a stunning village on the Aegean Sea, and GAIA hotel is the ideal getaway to enjoy the beautiful old town, architecture, cobblestone streets and culinary delights. The locals' energy is infectious, and you are warmly welcomed everywhere you visit, and you are spoilt with choice with the dining scene.

Kostovac Boutique Homes - One Week This brand new Airbnb ticks off all the boxes for those wanting a luxury stay in the snow in Kopaonik. You will be mesmerised by the beauty and the endless views. The cabin is modern, very spacious and beautifully designed. During winter you are engulfed in snow and truly experience a nature stay, along with the fresh country air and peacefulness. Completely private. Spoilt with views to Kosovo, Albania, Montenegro, and sunsets & sunrises each day. The kitchen is fully equipped with everything you need to stay and enjoy the space, you have a supermarket within 5 mins walk to purchase your essentials and a five-minute taxi ride or drive to a larger market and the ski fields. The property is perfect for a couple, or a family with 2 kids. The hosts are warm and friendly, very responsive and the property was a five star clean. You will not be disappointed, we would have extended longer if available, it was magical.

Salon Galata - One visit Salon Galata is a quaint bistro restaurant at the foot of the Camondo stairs, known to be the most eclectic staircase in the city heading to the Galata Tower in Beyoğlu, Istanbul. The Camondo stairs were supposedly built to facilitate the transport of Camondo’s children to their school and as a shortcut for Camondo to reach Bankalar Caddesi quickly. Service was genuine and kind, the wine list was great, we were fortunate to find our favourite Chamlija wines again. Unfortunately, there is room for improvement with the food to make it a five-star rating. A suggestion would be to upgrade the quality of the meat and sprinkle a little extra love on the desserts would be a great start. There is a beautiful warm dining area on the terrace and a cozy dining area inside. This is a restaurant with great potential based on its location in the bustling neighbourhood of Karakoy, design of the establishment and friendly team.