LUX November 2017

LUX - November 2017 9 Breakfast at Murat Reis is a great way to start the day, with a calming atmosphere offered to all guests availing themselves of the breakfast buffet, which includes a superb selection of fresh cheeses, breads, fruit, cereal, pancakes and sweet pastries, served with tea, coffee, water and juice. Lavishing in the splendour of the hotel’s views of the crystal-clear sea, diners can choose to eat either in the restaurant or sit in the warm sun, enjoying the warmth whilst protected by discreet glass panels. At meals guests can truly appreciate the wonder that is the hotel’s staff, who are both discreet and diligent in their roles, ensuring that every plate is cleared away promptly and any water, fresh dishes and utensils are provided when required, leaving guests free to unwind and enjoy the rapturous delights being served. Alongside the superb array of amenities provided at Murat Reis, guests can also venture out into the glories of the Turkish landscape and explore nearby towns and countryside, enjoying wonderful views and great attractions. A 10-minute car journey is all it takes to reach the town of Ayvalik from the hotel. There you will find the marina with dozens of boats all ready to take you on a tour of the surrounding islands, or you can even take one to the Greek island Mytillini in under an hour. Should you wish to explore the town, you will find a focus on local, family run shops, bars and restaurants, providing visitors with the chance to indulge in true hospitality, far removed from the commercial offerings of tourist hotspots. As such, the town is a great place to mingle with the locals and makes for an enjoyable day trip for those seeking a true taste of Turkey. Another great location for an invigorating trip is the neighbouring island of Cunda, (Pronounced J-under). Walking the streets of Cunda is a great way to immerse yourself in the culture it has to offer. There are cobbled Murat Reis Ayvalik: A True Turkish Delight With its stunning bays, sandy beaches and magical atmosphere, the guests who come to spend some time in this region fall in love with every single detail of Ayvalik. As a hotel which combines luxury and comfort, Murat Reis offers a welcoming atmosphere, and aims to ensure that every guest has a break they will remember forever. Upon arrival guests are guided into the tastefully decorated lobby by welcoming, attentive staff, who are only too happy to assist you to your room or show you the hotel’s facilities. Each room comes equipped with a selection of fruits and snacks, as well as a bottle of red wine, so that you can refresh and revitalise after your journey. The bathroom offers state of the art facilities for when you need to freshen up, with Murat Reis branded soaps and gels to use to refresh and revitalise your skin. A fairly priced mini bar and safe are tucked away behind a beautiful wooden framed built in storage unit. The balcony on many of the rooms overlook either the sea or the forest, offering a truly breath-taking way to start each day. There are a selection of rooms for guests to select from, with a variety of gorgeous, panoramic views, as well as a number of bungalows for those seeking a home from home in which to relax and enjoy their holiday. Overall, the hotel features 91 spacious, luxurious rooms and suites, a luxury villa and deluxe sea view suite. The resort features specially decorated rooms, comfortable and chic concept and breath-taking natural views. Within the wider hotel there is a vast array of amenities for guests to utilise, ensuring that your stay is always hassle-free. More practical options such as a laundry and suit pressing service will leave you able to enjoy your time at the hotel, whilst more decedent treats such as the hotel’s in-house spa will leave you feeling fully refreshed and revitalised. Having a wonderful architecture, D-SPA welcomes every guest with its professional team who have a lot of experience in the special therapies and massages. There is a range of treatments available to meet your specific needs, with a steam room, a sauna and a relaxation room free to use for guests. Although relaxing is definitely on the agenda at Murat Reis, if you simply cannot abandon your workout regime, then the hotel’s D-Gym is also open throughout the year. You can work with professional trainers and benefit from the well-equipped gym area to ensure you stay on top form and burn off the sumptuous meals you indulge in at the hotel’s restaurant. These meals are fit for a king, and cater to all tastes and preferences. Dinner at the Olea Restaurant & Terrace is à la carte and includes starters, side salads to share, mains and desserts. The food is superbly prepared from the tomato soup to the sirloin steak, and there is a variety to choose from, allowing guests to indulge in a world of delicacies. Ayvalik is famous for having a wonderful cuisine mostly cooked with local olive oil, including a variety of delicious fresh fish species and appetizers. Murat Reis offer both local and international tastes to suit every palate. In addition, guests may stop by at the hotel’s 3 beautifully located bars – the Deck Bar, Lobby Bar and Pool Bar - to enjoy the beautiful sunset or the day whilst sipping a refreshing cocktail. Bolstered by glorious natural surroundings, Murat Reis Ayvalik is a Turkish paradise, which combines modern service and facilities with old fashioned luxury and decadence to create a genuine slice of luxury on the Aegean coast. “ Turkish coffees that will help to completely immerse you in the island’s relaxed atmosphere.” streets and alleys to explore, filled with local businesses offering everything from trinkets to homemade condiments, restaurants serving all manner of locally caught fish, and specialty Turkish coffees that will help to completely immerse you in the island’s relaxed atmosphere. Additionally, just a five-minute drive from the hotel is Seytan Sofrasi. This is an area atop the mountains that has a restaurant and drinks area that overlooks what is referred to as The Circle. You can’t see Murat Reis from this but you can see Cunda Island and the circle of land that surrounds the sea. It’s the perfect location to see the sunset just before 7pm and take in the beautiful scenery that Ayvalik has to offer. The English translation to this is “table of the devil” named after an old story which you can read about while you wait for the sunset. Anyone seeking culture and an exploration of Turkish history will not be disappointed, as there is also the museum to visit, showcasing miniature models of some of the renowned ships that have sailed the Turkish seas as well as old diving equipment, model steam engines and old tools used in day to day life such as medical equipment, cameras and typewriters. The museum has English translations, making it ideal for tourists looking to learn more about the wondrous paradise in which they are relaxing. Ultimately, it is the combination of stunning views, bountiful amenities, and exceptional hospitality that makes Murat Reis Ayvalik the ideal destination for an unforgettable experience which is both relaxing and fulfilling. To find out more, or book a trip to this stunning establishment, visit their website: http://muratreisayvalik.com/en