Discerning Collection

11/02/2025

Going, going… nearly gone! Our May Yoga retreat at Lures is almost fully booked! If you’ve been dreaming of a rejuvenating escape in Kalkan, now’s the time to secure your spot. With twice-daily sessions of Yoga and Pilates, expert guidance, and plenty of time to relax, this is your chance to reset and recharge. Limited spaces left—DM us for details! Or call us: 01784 817720

A rare opportunity to experience yoga by the sea at Kalkan’s most exclusive coastal retreat—no single supplements͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏‌ ͏

05/02/2025

Likya Residence 2025: A Discerning Collection Favourite, secure your stay with 10% off this February. DM us to book, or call us: 01784 817720 and email us [email protected]

A Kalkan classic, unchanged and much loved, enjoy an exclusive 10% saving - book by 28th February

31/01/2025

We invite you to rediscover the Asfiya Sea View Hotel and be part of its transformation. Whether you're returning to see the changes firsthand or experiencing this boutique hotel for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you. Call us: 01784 817720 or email us: [email protected]

Under New Management | Thoughtful Enhancements | Special Offers

22/01/2025

Tekanda Lodge isn’t just a base—it’s a story worth staying for. Perfectly positioned on a hilltop along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, this exceptional boutique hotels offers seamless connectivity to the wonders of Galle, Ahangama, and the palm-fringed beaches nearby. Whether you’re seeking adventure or a serene spot for rest and relaxation, Tekanda is the ideal choice.

But what truly sets Tekanda apart is its story. Once a thriving coconut and tea plantation, it has been lovingly reimagined into a sanctuary that celebrates nature, community, and culture. Half of the estate has been rewilded, creating a flourishing ecosystem, while its organic farm nurtures cinnamon, tea, and coconuts. The lodge itself, built from sustainable materials, blends seamlessly with the surrounding rainforest, embodying eco-conscious luxury at its finest.

Why we adore Tekanda:

🌱 Community-Driven Vision: The Tekanda Foundation empowers local women and children through education and vocational programs, including Sri Lanka’s first Girls Cricket Academy.

🌱Sustainability Meets Sophistication: Powered by solar energy and sourcing water from a filtered well, Tekanda Lodge is as kind to the planet as it is to its guests.

🌱A Place to Pause: From lounging by the pool with breathtaking views of Koggala Lake and the Indian Ocean to sharing long, leisurely meals in the open-plan dining space, every moment here is designed for relaxation and reconnection.

Tekanda Lodge is where thoughtful design, sustainability, and the untamed beauty of Sri Lanka come together to create a unique and unforgettable guest experience.

📩 Contact us to include this extraordinary escapee in your bespoke Sri Lankan adventure.

21/01/2025

Disembark the train in Haputale, where the cool mountain air carries a sense of calm, and rolling emerald hills stretch endlessly before you. This is Sri Lanka’s enchanting tea country—a land where the climate is cooler, restorative, and imbued with hues of a bygone era still evident today.

Here, we recommend guests indulge in a stay at a beautifully restored planter’s bungalow, converted into a boutique hotel brimming with history dating back to the colonial period. With breathtaking views over tumbling terrain and manicured tea plantations, it exudes an air of elegance and tranquility. From the veranda, watch playful monkeys perform their acrobatic displays while you savour the idyllic stillness of this highland haven. The accommodation is nothing short of first-class, complete with the refined luxury of your own personal butler.

🫖 Begin your day with a visit to the Dambetenna Tea Factory, where the legacy of Sir Thomas Lipton lives on. This historic estate, where the concept of ‘Ceylon Tea’ was born, offers a fascinating glimpse into the artistry of tea-making—a journey back in time to the golden era of Sri Lankan tea.
🫖 From there, venture to Lipton’s Seat, a breathtaking vantage point offering sweeping views of verdant plantations and mist-shrouded valleys. It’s a place to pause and reflect, immersed in the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
🫖 As the day draws to a close, return to your individually styled suite. Relish the simple pleasures of high tea on the veranda, accompanied by a glass of champagne, as the golden light bathes the surrounding hills. Take a refreshing dip in the infinity pool overlooking the plantations, before dining on an exquisite five-course meal crafted to perfection.

This is tea country as it should be experienced—steeped in history, wrapped in luxury, and imbued with hues of colonialism.

Contact us to include this in your bespoke Sri Lankan adventure.

20/01/2025

For us, the only way to explore the backstreets of Anuradhapura is to embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure through this UNESCO World Heritage site. Once the beating heart of Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization, Anuradhapura is a living testament to over a millennium of history, culture, and tradition.

🚲 Pedal past sacred stupas, ancient ruins, and serene reservoirs, all while navigating picturesque jungle paths and the buzz of local tuk-tuks and buses. This is history brought to life—a myriad of sounds, sights, and sensations that engage every sense.
🚲 After an invigorating ride, the experience culminates with a private alfresco lunch in a charming thatched house by the river. Surrounded by lush vegetable gardens and jungle, enjoy an array of freshly prepared regional dishes crafted by a local family, accompanied by the enchanting melodies of live classical music.
This rare and unforgettable experience captures the essence of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and hospitality in one extraordinary journey.

Contact us to include this exclusive adventure in your bespoke Sri Lankan itinerary.

19/01/2025

For true nature enthusiasts, few experiences rival the raw beauty of Sri Lanka’s wilderness. Deep in the heart of Gal Oya National Park—a region blissfully untouched by tourism—lies a world where time stands still, and nature takes centre stage.

🐘 Begin your day with a tear-jerking boat safari across one of Sri Lanka’s largest lakes. Glide through tranquil waters as the morning mist rises, and if fortune smiles upon you, witness elephants swimming gracefully between islands or bathing along the shore—a moment so rare it feels plucked from a David Attenborough documentary.
🐘Later, join a naturalist for an evening animal monitoring walk, contributing to vital conservation efforts as you track and study the local wildlife. This hands-on experience offers an intimate connection to the region’s thriving ecosystem.

This isn’t just a journey; it’s a privilege—a chance to experience the wilderness in a way that few ever will. Far from the crowds and tourist trails, you’ll find moments that will stay with you forever.

Contact us to include this unforgettable experience in your bespoke Sri Lankan adventure with the Discerning Collection.

18/01/2025

Few places on Earth rival Sri Lanka’s kaleidoscope of contrasts—where ancient ruins whisper history, lush landscapes give way to golden beaches, and exotic wildlife roams amidst vibrant flavours and timeless traditions.

For those who don’t know, we launched Sri Lanka as part of our bespoke portfolio back in November. This enchanting island has quickly become one of our most exciting destinations, and we offer you the opportunity to see the best of Sri Lanka in a manner and style otherwise unavailable, with exclusive access to unique experiences and always staying in sublime boutique hotels where the service and attention to detail is first class.

Sri Lanka offers a captivating blend of:
✨ Timeless ancient history and vibrant cultural heritage
✨ Majestic landscapes and rare, exotic wildlife encounters
✨ Pristine beaches and the art of exquisite island cuisine
✨ Elegant boutique hotels and unforgettable private experiences.

Perfect for winter escapes, Sri Lanka promises sun-drenched coastlines, serene tea country, immersive wildlife adventures, and flavours that linger long after you leave.

Stay tuned—we’ll reveal some of our favorite experiences from our handcrafted itineraries over the coming days, offering inspiration for your next discerning adventure.

17/01/2025

As January unfolds, we’re here with a gentle reminder: many of our exclusive offers are set to expire by the end of the month. What is available today may not be tomorrow, so we encourage you to secure your perfect escape now to avoid any disappointment. Enquire now: [email protected] or call us 01784 817720

Take advantage of exclusive early booking benefits and better availability before it's too late

11/01/2025

We are thrilled to offer our highly anticipated Yoga Retreat in May 2025 at the exceptional Lures Hotel in Kalkan. Having launched this retreat in December, the response has been overwhelming, with places already filling quickly. After the success of last October’s retreat, we are once again hosting this rejuvenating escape in a truly stunning location—an opportunity not to be missed. Enquire now: [email protected] or call 01784 817720

Experience the Discerning Collection difference, with expert yoga tuition, luxury accommodation and the best of Turkish hospitality - limited spaces

10/01/2025

Settled on a verdant hillside overlooking the Ionian Sea, the Irida Boutique Hotel is where sophistication meets serenity. With just 17 individually designed suites, each boasting a private terrace or balcony and sweeping views of Paxos and Antipaxos, this intimate boutique hotel promises a highly personalised stay within moments on foot of Parga- so you can dip in and out as and when you like.
☀️ Start your day with a bespoke a la carte breakfast served on your private balcony.
🏊 Loaf and lounge by the infinity pool, framed by fragrant oleander and endless sea vistas.
🍹 Unwind at the Four Elements Bar & Lounge, a haven for sunset cocktails and breathtaking Ionian panoramas.
🌊 Explore picture-postcard Parga, just moments away—beaches, Venetian history, and seaside tavernas await.
Family run and owned, designed with love and unparalleled attention to detail, Irida Boutique Hotel is becoming a firm favourite with our Discerning guests.
📍 Discover the magic of Parga with the Discerning Collection

08/01/2025

Tiered into the hillside and surveying the serene expanse of Kalamar Bay, The Lures Hotel offers a first-class setting with widescreen sea views. Steps meander through sculpted grounds, leading to the chic beach club at the water’s edge—a stylish space where elegance and sophistication know no bounds. From the spacious suites, each adorned with Mediterranean-inspired accents, to the infinity pool with panoramic vistas that are nothing short of exceptional—it is a boutique hotel for those who relish the best. Drift off in the infinity pool while taking in uninterrupted sea views or unwind in one of the private cabanas at the beach club, where dedicated waiter service ensures you never need to leave your daybed.

A decade in the making, The Lures is a masterpiece, brought to life with meticulous attention to detail. Offering a rare combination of elegance, exclusivity, and indulgence, the hotel provides everything you could want, including seamless access to Kalkan’s Old Town via the hotel’s boat and land shuttle service. Furthermore, the surrounding region is steeped in natural and historical phenomena, worthy of exploration. Discover the untouched beauty of Patara Beach—a nature reserve and nesting site for loggerhead turtles—or step back in time and explore the ancient city of Patara, one of the principal cities of Ancient Lycia. For adventurers, Saklikent Gorge—the second longest gorge in Europe—is the perfect place to spend an exhilarating day wading through icy-cold waters and climbing through the gorge.

Contact us for more information: 01784 817720 or email us [email protected]

06/01/2025

As the January blues settle in, there’s no better time to turn your thoughts to sun-drenched escapes on the pristine shores of the Mediterranean. At Discerning Collection, we believe in rewarding those who plan ahead with more than just peace of mind. Our early booking offers invite you to secure your summer stay—whether that’s a secluded villa, an elegant boutique hotel, or the timeless charm of a private gulet cruise at more attractive prices. Book before the end of January and enjoy:

✔️ Greater availability to secure your first choice of property
✔️ Exclusive savings that make planning ahead so much more rewarding.

From the lesser-travelled shores of Turkey to the idyllic islands of Greece, our handpicked collection is designed to suit couples, families, and friends alike. Wherever you choose, you’ll enjoy the same exceptional service that defines every Discerning Collection holiday.

Our Early Booking Offers are concluding this month so we encourage you to book before January ends to enjoy; better choice, better value, and the pleasure of knowing your summer holiday is on the horizon.

https://discerningcollection.com/special-offers/

04/01/2025

After the festive indulgence, isn’t it time for something to look forward to? If sunshine and wellness are calling, our thoughtfully curated Yoga Retreats on the tranquil shores of Kalkan are the perfect answer. Following the glowing success of last October’s retreat, these restorative escapes are returning to the elegant Lures Hotel in Kalkan this May and October.

Bookings have been filling quickly since their launch in December. With uninterrupted sea views, beautifully designed suites, a serene infinity pool, and exceptional spa and beach club facilities, the Lures Hotel is a place where relaxation and rejuvenation are effortless.

Our seven-night retreats include:
🧘‍♀️Flights, private transfers, and luxurious accommodation (with no single supplement)
🧘‍♀️Daily yoga sessions led by expert instructors
🧘‍♀️A hammam experience
🧘‍♀️Breakfast each morning and a welcome dinner
🧘‍♀️The attentive support of our dedicated concierge

While yoga is at the heart of your stay, there’s ample time to enjoy the hotel’s indulgent amenities or explore the charming harbour town of Kalkan. Stroll its cobbled streets, browse boutique shops, or linger over a waterside lunch—it’s a retreat you can shape entirely to your pace.

Spaces are limited, so we recommend reserving your place soon. Call us 01784 817720 for more information.

02/01/2025

As the new year unfolds, there’s no better time to look forward to your next memorable holiday. Whether you're planning a grand celebration with loved ones, a rejuvenating yoga retreat, a family adventure, or a peaceful stay in an adults-only sanctuary, our carefully curated collection offers something truly special for every Discerning Collection guest.

Curated with care, delivered with expertise- let us help you make this year's travels truly exceptional

23/12/2024

As the festive season arrives, we’d like to take a moment to thank our special guests and partner suppliers for their support this last year. Whether you’ve joined us for a memorable escape or worked with us to create unforgettable experiences, we are truly grateful.
From all of us at The Discerning Collection, we wish you a joyful Christmas and a peaceful New Year. Here’s to more adventures in 2025.

21/12/2024

With the new year rapidly approaching, take a moment to explore what’s new in our Turkey Villa Holidays Portfolio for 2025. This autumn, we’ve expanded our collection to offer even more inspiring options across this beautiful destination for friends, families, couples, and groups.
Villa holidays are often the favourite way to experience Turkey—offering the privacy and flexibility of your own space, where you set the pace and rhythm of your stay. Whether you’re seeking a serene waterfront pad with direct sea access, a characterful townhouse, or a sleek modern villa with a private pool, each of our hand-picked properties has been thoughtfully selected to suit your needs.
Our knowledgeable local team is always on hand in situ to make every moment effortless—whether it’s arranging in-villa dining for a special occasion, securing a reservation at an exceptional restaurant, or planning an unforgettable day at sea. Let us ensure your 2025 villa holiday is seamless, relaxing, and as special as it should be.