Whilst much of northern Europe has been battling severe storms and record rainfall, and North America has endured what felt like the onset of a new Ice Age, here in south-west Turkey we have already been enjoying clear blue skies and daytime temperatures approaching 20 degrees C/68 F! All around us, the first wild flowers of spring are beginning to turn the fields into brightly coloured carpets, whilst the blossoms of the almond trees are filling the air with their sweet scent.

So why not join us for an early-season break here in this delightfully unspoilt corner of the Turkish coast? Naturally, we cannot guarantee beach weather every day, but this is a lovely time of year for experiencing the picturesque countryside at its most verdant, exploring the nearby archaeological sites without the peak-season crowds, or simply unwinding and enjoying leisurely lunches in the sunshine. We are already down to our last available room over the Easter weekend, and some dates in May are filling up fast due to our special Walking and Photography Weeks, but there is still some availability throughout spring, so please contact us on +90 252 6421002 or by email to [email protected] , or visit our website, www.villamandarin.com, to book.

Walking along the Lycian Way - guided walking weeks

Whilst Mandarin's rural and scenic location makes it ideal for keen walkers at any time of year, our specialWalking Weeks in spring and autumn are perfect for those who prefer to walk in likeminded company, and with the benefit of a guide who knows the local area intimately. For a supplement of just €110 per person added to the normal accommodation cost, we offer five full-day walking excursions, including picnic lunches and transportation where required.

There are just a couple of places left on our walking weeks commencing on 28 April and 6 October, but there is greater availability on 12 May and 13 October.
For an impression of some of the majestic landscapes to be enjoyed on our walking weeks, take a look at ourFacebook photo album with pictures from last autumn's tours (including some of our four-legged guide, Pasha!).
Kabak: the best little beach in Turkey?

Mandarin Boutique Hotel enjoys an elevated hillside setting with views across the countryside down to the sea, but there are several unspoilt beaches within easy reach. The nearest of these is the rocky cove of Aktas which can be reached on foot and which is ideal for snorkelling with its crystal-clear waters. But it's nearby Kabak - a 5-minute drive or bus ride from Mandarin followed by a 15-minute walk - that recently had the honour of being proclaimed "the best little beach in Turkey" by renowned travel writer Jeremy Seal in the Sunday Times. Please click here for his article (please note that only subscribers to the Sunday Times website will be able to read the full-length article).

More culinary memories of Mandarin
As always, we like to finish our 'come and visit with us' articles with a couple of recipes from Mandarin's kitchen. Our half board arrangement includes not only our traditional Turkish breakfast and five-course dinners, but also complimentary tea and pastries in the afternoon. Here are both a sweet and a savoury snack that you might enjoy as part of Mandarin tea-time. Afiyet olsun! (Bon appetit!)

Dereotlu Biberli Pogaca - Pastries with dill and red peppers

Ingredients:
1/2 cup of plain yoghurt
1 cup of olive oil
2 eggs
1 tsp salt
1 bunch fresh dill
2 red peppers (capsicums)
3.5 cups of plain flour
1 tbsp baking powder

• In a large bowl, add the yoghurt, olive oil, salt, one whole egg and the white of the second egg, setting the yolk aside for later. Beat to a fluffy mixture.
• Finely chop the dill and the red peppers and stir into the mixture.
• Mix the flour with the baking powder and gradually add it to the mixture through a fine sieve. Stir until all the ingredients are combined well into a firm dough.
• Roll out the dough to roughly the thickness of a thumb and cut out rounds using a cookie or scone cutter. Brush with beaten egg yolk and place on a baking sheet.
• Bake in a preheated oven at 180 degrees C for 30 minutes.

Sultan Lokumu - Sultan's Delight


Ingredients:
1 cup of plain flour
125 g unsalted butter
1 litre milk
1 cup of sugar
2 tsp vanilla essence
1/2 cup whipping cream/double cream
2 tbsp sugar for the cream
250 g desiccated coconut
1 cup of chopped walnuts
• In a large saucepan, melt the butter and stir in the flour to make a roux.
• Gradually stir in the milk, add the cup of sugar and half the vanilla essence and cook until the mixture starts to thicken, stirring constantly.
• Cover the base of a large baking tray with the desiccated coconut, and pour in the custard mixture. Leave to set in the fridge for 4-5 hours.
• Whip the cream to soft peak stage, then add 2 tbsp of sugar and the remaining vanilla essence and continue whipping to firm peaks.
• Spread the cream over the cooled custard and sprinkle on the chopped walnuts.
• Cut the mixture into 4-cm wide strips and carefully roll them up into small roulades.

GETTING THERE
The international airport at Dalaman is 80 kilometres away and is served by regular flights from all major UK and European airports, as well as offering several daily links with Istanbul for those making connections from further afield.

For more information, please visit www.villamandarin.com, email to [email protected] or call +90 252 6421002.