The Boydas Beach Hotel ~ Tilkicik Koyu, Yalikavak, Bodrum, Turkey.
Tel.: 0252 385 22 79
Fax: 0252 385 22 80.

As you approach Yalikavak, over the spine of the hill, where you find a row of windmills, there is a breathtaking view of the whole area including the bays of Tilkicik, Pasa and Agacbasi - and the lower deep green bay of Yalikavak itself. The name Yalikavak apparently means poplars by the sea but the abundance of trees are actually not all poplars. However, they do attest to the fact Yalikavak does have a very good supply of fresh water, hence all the greenness.

Combining traditional charm with modern hotel comforts, Yalikavak is the favourite choice of many discerning visitors. My particular favourite is the Boydas Beach pictured above.

The small shops in the traffic free town centre have benefited from sensitive restoration and conversion, and many interesting and unusual souvenirs  can be found. A former water cistern has been converted into a small art gallery which exhibits  the works of both local and well known artists.

The gleaming yachts and beautifully painted fishing boats in the harbour are a delight to watch from one of the relaxed and friendly waterfront cafes. The restaurants of Yalikavak have not yet succumbed to international cuisine, but offer some of the freshest and tastiest local cooking in the area with fresh fish a speciality. 

Having visited Yalikavak with our friends Phil and Lisa in 1999 we were so impressed that we all returned to the same Hotel 2 years later. There were many of the same staff who remembered us and made us really welcome in a way the Turkish people always do, nothing seems too much trouble. The entertainment at the Hotel is the only downside with the Animation team working overtime in the amphitheatre to impress us with their own brand of strange Turkish humour. All was not lost though as we had enough characters staying in the Hotel to keep us amused. There was Fred the cockney long distance lorry driver and his brother in law "Trigger", yes the absolute double of the Only Fools and Horses character in every way. Then was was Pete from Dartford, known affectionately on this site as "Fat git from Dartford". With his lovely wife Tracy and daughter Kate, Pete was up for anything when he could stay awake.  Highlight of the week had to be when Pete asked us to film him on the jet ski. As he shot off at great speed into the distance we put the camera down only to miss the great plume of water that erupted as Pete made his first turn, downwards. Sadly the Southern lardie didn't drown but we all pee'd our sides laughing at his attempt to impersonate a sperm whale.
The Village itself is reached by taxi which was an experience all of it's own. Normally all four of us piled into a taxi (we are not the smallest people around, Phil is 6' 4") and squeezed Ian (Lisa & Phil's son) onto our knees and held on for dear life as our Turkish driver raced into town. At about £2.00 a trip including the tip was very good value.
The shops are really nice and you don't get too much hassle, but the golden rule is touch and you will be hassled to buy. The restaurants are excellent with the quayside fish restaurants the best and most expensive. You can select your own fish from the displays and enjoy a drink or two whilst the chef prepares your meal.
Trips and excursions can be booked from a number of shops and you will find them a fair bit cheaper than the ones your holiday rep will offer. I took the trip to Ephesus in 99 and thoroughly enjoyed it.
Swimming from the beaches is very safe and the snorkelling is pretty decent although you may need to swim near the rocks to spot the decent fish life.
A trip to the Halicarnassus Night Club in Bodrum was superb. Janice and I took a Gullet boat trip out into the bay for a moonlit supper before the boat docked right outside the club in Bodrum. The club itself is reputed to be the largest outside night club in Europe. The laser show was fantastic and the music varied and loud. There is a different dance show each night with dancers from all over the world including a brilliant troupe from Russia. We returned to the Boydas Beach Hotel by Dolmus and slept half the next day away.
The Market in Yalikavak was another experience not to be missed. You could buy a pair of top brand jeans for around £12.00 depending on your haggling skills. Another bargain was a packet of ten pairs of Lacoste black cotton socks for around £3.00 which were really good quality although the Lacoste logo's fell off in the wash!!  Not to be missed are the cotton towels, these are probably the best towels you will ever buy although you have to know the top quality ones they are well worth buying here. It is a well known fact that you don't need to bring many clothes when holidaying in Turkey as they are so cheap you can virtually take a case full home.
 


                                  
                           The magnificent Mosque in the town Centre      Market day is always special in Turkey - The linen and cotton is excellent quality

Other recommended Hotels :      The Adahan
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