THEBEACH Summer 2014 | Page 4

2 MAGAZINE | THE BEACH BELCEKIZ BEACH A panaromic view of the resort beach locally known as “Belcekiz” and the “blue lagoon” in the background C oming over the hills from Fethiye your first glimpse of Oludeniz is a spread of vibrant shades from light to turquoise to azure blue surrounded by the perforated greens of the hills beyond, and a dazzling stretch of sands which bend round to the most photographed ‘lagoon’ in the world... except that it is not a lagoon but a well sheltered inlet, which allows just the right amount of water to flow in and out...as it has done for generations. Early sailors found refuge from the storms, later traders bartered their wares, and maybe even your mother bedded down here with her backpack as she journeyed east. But Oludeniz has changed again. You are now in one of the most popular resorts in Turkey and she will not change again. Nature has stamped her mark on Oludeniz. No high rises for her, no large nightclubs, but a choice of sophisticated hotels to suit all tastes. Some are all-inclusive, some boutique style and some more simple family hotels. You may be served a Mediterranean style continental breakfast...but you will also find a sign which advertises ‘English breakfast’! Slip down between the surrounding hills to sit on the beach with your favourite book. Listen to the sound of the sea lapping through the shingle, then hear the swish of a glider as an excited passenger touches down on the promenade to be welcomed back to the earth. Stroll up the beach to one of the beach cafes attracted by the thought