What to do in Göcek, Turkey: Where to stay, eat and drink
Turkey is a super popular destination for summer sun, and it’s easy to see why. It’s a country packed with colourful culture, delicious traditional food, and gorgeous architecture. Away from its bustling cities, Turkey offers some world-class beaches and rugged landscapes. But in the summer months, it can get pretty busy with tourists. If you’re looking for a bougie beach getaway sans the crowds, allow us to introduce you Göcek…
Where to stay
D Resort Göcek
Located between the town centre, a gated residential area, and the beach, D Resort Göcek is a luxury hotel resort boasting 103 en suite rooms and suites. Depending on your vibe, you can book one of six pool access rooms, which allow you to walk out the back door of your room and directly into a private pool (no waking up to put a towel on a sunbed). There are also rooms with views over the marina, or suites if you’re looking to be able to spread out.
The rooms are minimalist in an understated-yet-luxury way, furnished with super soft 4-poster beds and more types of pillows than we knew existed. The decor plays up to the resort’s Mediterranean surroundings, decking out the room in marble floors and cool white linens.
Spread out across its gorgeous gardens (where ingredients for their signature cocktails are sourced), D Resort Göcek has plenty to keep you entertained. As well as the private pools, there’s also a communal pool and hot tub located near the reception, plus reflection pools provide a great space to lounge and take in the views. If you’re looking to get your sweat on, there’s a well-equipped gym in the wellness centre, with Turkish saunas in the basement to round off your workout. If you’re after a little more zen, the resort offers aerial yoga classes for an additional fee, as well as a range of spa treatments, from facials to massages.
Where to eat
D'Breeze
Located at the resort’s private beach, D'Breeze is an open-air restaurant serving contemporary Mediterranean and Turkish dishes. Don’t worry if you’re not staying at the resort, the restaurant is open to the public and is a popular choice among the residents of the yachts that have dropped anchor in the bay. Casual.
D’Breeze has stunning views across the marina and out to sea, complete with a small pier with the best seats in the house at sunset. Plus, you can watch schools of fish swim by in the crystal clear water.
The food is pretty meat and fish-heavy, so your options are slightly limited if you’re veggie or vegan. But fear not, as there are a range of salads available on both the lunch and dinner menu packed with fseasonal veggies and leafy greens.
If you’re a dessert person, we highly recommend the baklava cheesecake, a fun play on the classic Turkish dessert: a rich baklava base topped with creamy vanilla cheesecake and served with ice cream. Follow it up with a cup of Turkish chai while drinking in the stars over the bay for the perfect way to end a beach day.
Q Lounge
Tucked into the side of the mountain overlooking the beach, Q Lounge offers breathtaking views across Göcek Bay. The most popular seats in the house are along a tree trunk repurposed as a bar that juts out over the cliffs — perfect for a romantic meal as the sun sets.
This eatery serves up modern sushi and Japanese dishes, as well as a range of signature cocktails. The set menu gives you a great selection of sushi and sides — pro tip, the garlic-charred edamame beans are to die for.
What to do
Relax on the beach
Did we mention D’Resort has a private beach? Tucked into the bay, this white sand beach is available to anyone staying at the resort as well as local residents. There are sun-loungers that can be booked for the day. Beach staff to bring you snacks and drinks, and of course, a slice of clear water for you to cool off in.
The beach is about a 15-minute walk from D’resort, or you can catch one of the regular golf buggies that ferry guests there. Alternatively, you can borrow a bike from the hotel to make the 5-minute cycles.
Explore Göcek town
Aka a fishing town with a population of just under 5,000. In the summer, the town comes alive with tourists, and the quaint high street is the perfect place to grab some souvenirs and catch a glimpse of local life. The range of shops includes trendy clothes shops, Turkish jewellers, traditional sweet stores, and of course, souvenir shops.
Just past the high street is a row of restaurants, cafes, and bistros that look out over the marina and offer everything from fresh fish dishes to Turkish coffees. This is where the tourists who’ve charted super-yachts come to dine out, so if you’re looking for a man in finance (6’5, blue eyes) this might just be the place to reel one in.
Take a bay-to-bay yacht tour
Göcek Bay is a super popular spot for yachters to chill out and explore, and you’ll spot plenty of yachts and their residents from the private beach. But there’s no need to get jealous if you want to get a taste of the lifestyle (without having the yachting budget), as renting a boat (whether from the resort or elsewhere) is easy. Sip bubbles from the front deck while you soak up the views (and sun) before going for a dip in the clear blue waters.
Yacht tours will need to be booked with the resort in advance.
Go for a hike in the pine forests
If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly and on dry land, take a guided hike of the surrounding pine forest-covered hills surrounding the bay. Whether you’re looking for a challenging two-hour sweat, or more feeling a gentle 1-hour stroll through the trees before hitting the pool, it's completely up to you.
Temperatures can soar in the summer months, so it’s worth setting your alarm early and heading out during sunrise. We promise the views will be worth it, too.
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