Inside D Maris Bay, an elite coastal retreat on the Turkish Riviera.
We recently wrote about Argos in Cappadocia, one of Turkey’s top luxury hotels and among the coolest boutique luxury hotels in the world. To get a sense of the country’s wide array of luxe hospitality options, it’s also worth visiting D Maris Bay, which, though owned by the same parent company as Argos, couldn’t be more different. Both more than earn their five star-ratings, in completely different style.
While Argos is open year round, D Maris Bay operates seasonally, from April to November. Located on a stretch of coast known as the Turkish Riviera, where the Aegean and the Mediterranean meet, on the Datça Peninsula, it is extremely popular with the superyacht set, and for good reason.
Set high up on a pine-clad hillside, D Maris Bay has its own yacht club, and “boasts breathtaking views, nestled between towering mountain ranges and lush forests…. [It] looks out onto wide swathes of white-sanded beaches, a scenic cove and an archipelago of islands.” Designed to be “restorative and serene,” the hotel boasts that the “raw beauty of D Maris Bay surrounds the senses–and a palpable river of calm runs throughout.”
In contrast to Argos, D Maris bay is a contemporary über-luxury resort seemingly made entirely of granite and marble. The design and layout were created to make the most of the captivating sea views, while interiors are “modern, smart, bright and airy… [with] stylish architecture that rises to meet the challenge of the location’s natural splendor.”
It’s designed to be an elite escape, and thus is understandably off the beaten path. It’s not meant to cater to everybody; bur rather to those with the taste and disposable income to appreciate and afford it. D Maris Bay’s aim is to “exceed all expectations, with spectacular and breathtaking views, small islands, luscious pine forests, volcanic mountain ranges, crystal clear waters and five stunning natural private beaches.”
“Our philosophy revolves around providing unparalleled experiences for guests, rooted in meticulous attention to detail, personalized service, and a deep understanding of internationally renowned brands whether they embody retail experience or culinary excellence,” the property’s dapper General Manager Vito Romeo tells us.
“Ever since its conception, D Maris Bay has been committed to creating a house of brands that attract both hotel guests and yacht owners alike. Each partner at D Maris Bay is carefully selected from a worldwide portfolio of well-known brands and uniquely created local concepts to attract and appeal to a wide range of guests and their interests. We continue to form and present exciting and relevant partnerships and collaborations to ensure we provide guests with the very best in luxury, experience, and exclusivity.”
High-end food and beverage is of prime importance. There are several world-class dining concepts on property, including a branch of Zuma, the upscale, London-based Japanese restaurant that’s giving Nobu a run for its money. And “all is enveloped by D Maris Bay’s defining characteristic: warm, generous and welcoming Mediterranean hospitality.”
The resort offers 159 luxurious guestrooms including 37 suites, a duplex presidential suite, and an exclusive 3,300-sq.-ft. villa with a 4,800-sq.-ft. garden, ocean views, and a private pool overlooking the sea and mountains. The two-bed, two-bath setup has a combined living room and dining room, a fully equipped gourmet kitchen, a private hammam, and a sauna.
In addition to Zuma, D Maris bay’s dining venues include the Nusr-Et steakhouse, from the famed Turkish chef known as “Salt Bae”; La Guérite, a beachside Mediterranean culinary experience which also has branches in Cannes and St Barths; D Maris Kitchen, a brasserie with local tastes; and Manos, a high-energy Greek restaurant that’s straight out of the Greek Islands.
In addition to the five beaches, some only reachable by boat, and each catering to a different mood, be it seclusion or more of a party atmosphere, the lower terrace of the hotel has large swimming pool with canopied sun loungers overlooking the yachts in the bay, with its own bar as well.
Mytha Spa is D Maris Bay’s exclusive concept “tailored to rejuvenate the mind and body” with a “unique selection of treatments that will leave you feeling refreshed, relaxed re-energized.” Along with a series of personalized treatments, there is an indoor vitality pool and heated swimming pool the spa. There’s also a beachside treatment room for those preferring the outdoors.
“The best time to visit D Maris Bay would undoubtedly be during September, as this period offers a sublime climate that is neither too hot nor too cold,” Romeo says. “During this time, nature is at its peak, with vibrant blossoms adorning the landscape and creating a picturesque setting.
“The sea temperature is perfect for swimming and water activities, providing an ideal balance between warmth and refreshment. Additionally, the weather is generally pleasant, with clear skies and gentle breezes adding to the overall ambiance.”
He adds that, “D Maris Bay tends to be not as densely populated during this time, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the tranquility and serenity of the natural surroundings. It’s truly a time when the harmony and beauty of nature can be fully appreciated, making it an ideal period for a memorable and rejuvenating ‘Baydreaming’ getaway at D Maris Bay.”
Like Argos in Cappadocia, D Maris Bay is owned by D-Hotels, the luxury hospitality holding of Istanbul-based Doğuş Group, one of the largest private-sector conglomerates in Turkey, with a portfolio of 250 companies in several industries, including luxury car dealerships, luxury fashion and watches boutiques, restaurants, cafés, construction companies, radio stations, media, marinas and more.