We arrived at Mavi Deniz close to midnight and were met by Andy (the owner’s son) and his reception staff. Check –in formalities were over very quickly after which we were shown to our very spacious and very clean room. We were pleased to find a clean fully functional bathroom, Refrigerator (with a complimentary bottle of water), air conditioning, a security box and the balcony we had requested.
After a very good night’s sleep we woke early, had a look out from our balcony; fabulous view then being really hungry had a quick shower; loads of hot water… and made our way down to breakfast which was served on the terrace overlooking the pool area with views of the sea beyond. Andy was on hand to welcome us and answer any questions. We enjoyed a very filling and tasty Turkish breakfast, after which we decided to have a quick explore of the village which is just a couple of minutes’ walk away. Too hot for much walking so very soon back and relaxing on one of the many sunbeds. There are quite enough to go round either around the pool or on the beach which is just a few steps away. We found the beach and the water both very clean, the beach sunbeds and shades were free the 1st week but were charged at 3.5TL/day in the second week (they are the property of the municipal and this small charge pays for maintenance).
We were half board so have no information about lunch or afternoon tea but imagine it to be equivalent quality to the breakfast and dinner. We enjoyed fresh squeezed orange at the pool bar very refreshing.
Dinner at 20:00 was just right allowing maximum time on the beach or by the pool and just cool enough to feel like eating. Dinner is also served on the terrace; a soup, mezze with salad then a choice of BBQ or another hot dish; then to round off fruit or cakes, tea or coffee. Wine is available but as my wife doesn’t drink I didn’t bother; besides I felt I need to top up with water after a day in the sun.
Our meals, in fact the whole of our stay was made more enjoyable by the superbly attentive staff with who we developed very good relationships. As this is predominantly a Turkish hotel, we were aware of a German couple but believe we were the only English. I ask the staff to try to teach me some basic Turkish phrases, this became a game played out at every meal and meeting which was fun and further strengthened our bond. I miss the bright eyed smiles of all the staff and hope they realize what a difference they made to our holiday.
Turunc is a pretty bay very busy with boat tours coming and going. We were happy to eat at the hotel so didn’t try any of the many café, restaurants or bars in the village. Interestingly the main street is closed between 18:00 and 00:30 which makes evening strolling very pleasant. We took a couple of boat tours which made for an interesting day out and not at all expensive.
There is live music in many of the bars which ends at 01:00 so everyone gets some sleep MD Hotel is at the quiet end of the village so an early night is not a problem, though, the hotel does have a watch dog and occasionally guest will wind him up and set him barking but if you are using the air-con the door will be shut so you shouldn’t hear him. It didn’t bother me.
Would we go again? Yes we would and so long as you can climb and descend a few steps we would recommend it to you.