PEERING out from the taxi, I discover that rows of citrus groves have given way to towering wooden trunks. The charming Turkish Datça countryside is vast and unspoiled, inhabited by a seemingly endless forest of pine. Between the trees, I spot a signpost announcing our arrival. And then it appears, D Maris Bay, nestled high up into the hillside. The property sits like a marble-clad fortress, majestically guarding the bay beneath.
I’m welcomed by a dozen generous smiles, and led to the terrace beyond a glowing wall of glass. Here, overlooking the bay, I discover a boundless panorama of dazzlingly turquoise waters and pristine white-sand beaches. Rolling rocky mountain ranges lace the entire horizon. The scenery, undoubtedly the hotel’s raison d’etre, is utterly captivating. They have to drag me from the terrace to continue the tour.
Panoramic view of D Maris Bay
Guest room at D Maris Bay
The concierge leads me proudly to my bedroom, and is amused by my reaction, which takes shape as a sizeable gasp. The décor is sumptuous and elegant, with warm-hued travertine and rich dark wood, ornamented with subtle Arabic details. Floor-to-ceiling windows lead to a private balcony, where the same backdrop somehow appears even more hypnotising. I spot a capacious bathtub overlooking the mountains, which I begin to fill without a moment’s hesitation.
The following morning, I open my curtains to find paradise flooding through. Ambling down to the bay, I spend the day hopping between the hotels many beaches, taking to the water by speedboat. We arrive stylishly to Maris Beach, a gorgeous, secluded cove with perfectly fresh crystal-clear waves. Reserved exclusively for suite guests, the beach plays soft tropical beats and serves punchy frozen cocktails which we sip from the heavenly shade of our cabana.
D Maris Kitchen
Zuma x Silence Beach
The eating comes in exceptional variety at D Maris Bay, with an impressive selection of world-class delights, Nusr-et, Aurora Capri, and Zuma, to name a few. For dinner, I dine at the latter, enjoying a touch of sophistication with casual Japanese elegance. The plates seem endless, as I devour impossibly delicate miso black cod and melt-in-your-mouth seared tuna in a tangy ponzu sauce.
I take lunch the following day at D Maris Kitchen, serving signature regional Aegean dishes which enchant with every bite. Each is astoundingly fresh and masterfully balanced in spice; kofta with smoked yoghurt, and sweet pistachio baklava, sandwiched with fresh clotted cream.
Maris Beach
After merely a mention of yoga, the concierge arranges a sunrise session on the deck, where sweeping views of the bay send me into a blissful daydream. The serenity continues at the Dior pool club, which oozes the subtle elegance of the French Riviera. Thoughtful details are the bedrock of D Maris Bay; each experience is masterfully curated, and every interaction is deeply considered. The staff are immensely warm, and before long, it feels like a family affair.
As a centuries-old departing ritual, they pour water behind our car, a gesture of good wishes for our journey ahead. Soon, we disappear back into the forest, but my memories of the bay will remain for many years to come.
by Jay Alexander
For more information and reservations, visit www.dmarisbay.com, or contact info@dmarisbay.com.