Calis Beach and Fethiye Turkey Discussion Forum

Calis Beach Forum => Calis Beach Questions and Information => Topic started by: Scunner on November 03, 2018, 13:24:36 PM

Title: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 03, 2018, 13:24:36 PM
We stayed for the first time at Jiva Beach Resort down towards Koca Calis end. All inclusive, it was superb. 5 bars from 24 hour bar (very classy looking) to beach bar (new this year), you were never far from a refresherism   ;) I've always found AI in Turkey to be very restricted on drinks - beer, votka, brendi, wine and of course Raki. But here they had a wide selection included, a very good Baileys alternative, schnapps, lots of cocktails etc.

The rooms are lovely and very clean - we had a first floor pool view which is about mid range, the ground floor rooms are more expensive with swim up pool, above are the smaller attic rooms. Plenty of towel swan activity, especially on our anniversary and the twins' 18th birthday.

The hotel set up two long tables decorated and manned with drinks waiters for what turned out to be around 30 of us for the girls' birthday party - friends on holiday at Jiva like us, friends who came for a couple of nights for the party and friends who got an evening pass to share the event with us. Jiva staff did us proud and provided cakes, happy birthday music etc - it was fantastic.

The variety at meal times was amazing, although we don't do the whole AI 'everything is here so no need to leave' experience. In fact, apart from the birthday I think we ate in the buffet three times for dinner (in a 10 day holiday) and possibly 5 times for lunch. There was the buffet for lunch but also an a la carte restaurant called Paprika, where you could get wonderful pide, chicken iskender, burgers, pizza, chicken and chips etc - if it was a restaurant in Calis itself it would be packed.  We tried one of the speciality a la carte restaurants in the evening (Turkish one) and the food never stopped (or the wine :D ) and again top, top quality.

We used Jiva Beach as a base and it was a surreal experience at times - this beautiful, friendly, classy oasis which could be anywhere in the World but just down the road is familiar Calis Beach.

Enough of the hotel.

We found everything so cheap compared with recent years. Back to the old days (almost) where you couldn't get rid of your spends. A taxi from Jiva to the bridge (or back) was £2. Our traditional blow out meal on Birthday/Anniversary Eve at Mancero - with the likes of T bone steaks etc, daiquiris, wine, desserts, you name it - appeared on my credit card statement at £63 for 4 of us. Two lovely birthday cakes from Mancero - thanks Ray   :).

Boat trip with Ali with amazing lunch, beers, wine etc...£21 each.

We also did another excursion with the amazing Animal - last year's Wet & Wild safari was brilliant (much to my surprise) so 10 of us went out and did the "Up, Down, Speed" day. This was stunning - up to the launch area on Babadag looking down on the lagoon at Olu Deniz, down to Kayakoy for a wonderful lunch with wine tasting at the Lebessos Wine House, over to Gemiler Beach for the most stunning speedboat trip and beach stop before returning to Jiva, knackered. All that (pick up 8-45am back for about 6-45pm, a full, full day) - for less than £30 each...I highly recommend this man, his tours are jam packed, always something going on...

It was fantastic to spend time with so many friends - and to see Calis and Fethiye busy and bustling again, like it used to be. Our last few visits have been worrying - literally being the only people as far as the eye can see in Paspatur for example. It's great to see traders and restaurants doing good business. Some told us it was the best season in over 10 years at least.

Still, while we walked along the prom back to Jiva on a couple of occasions, as you get further down the prom you find restaurants  open, but completely empty. Even more disappointing, the staff sit there and don't even look up, let alone try and coax you in. But in general, places were relatively busy for what is the last knockings of the summers season.

Probably our best holiday in Calis ever. Non-stop but we crammed so much in.

Jiva Beach is fab - I had to go to reception and book for 2019 while we were still there   :)

I'll post some photos from my phone (because it's easier) in a reply below.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 03, 2018, 13:36:12 PM
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/b2e5f3f2131c7d3185035299ef7a3601.jpg)
Our Pool View at Jiva Beach Resort


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/3f12f691e742392a1ea386aa348bc113.jpg)
Birthday/Anniversary Eve Meal at Mancero


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/ab2cfe0970af7d550482e5e2d779fa94.jpg)
Possibly the most intricate towel art (on our anniversary)


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/52f3f0bf7bb63cb0798926a0a7cdccb3.jpg)
Olu Deniz from Faralya Road


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/bf64833803fe7a41e1c2c27f33c9c6b6.jpg)
Birthday Cakes Arrive at Jiva Beach


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/aed25a7265e18bd466c25b77e6d05ceb.jpg)
Speedboat around Gemiler Bay


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/49a926970d20147e37f3c5f9d28fc4ea.jpg)
Kayakoy revisited


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/2468401a13eb577236404cbeb535dfdf.jpg)
You have to have a sunset photo right? (After boat trip)


(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20181103/8d407dbdc98b0a07faf4cb7d8cd2b1d8.jpg)
Lunch on Animal Tour day at Lebessos

Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Highlander on November 03, 2018, 15:35:37 PM
Great stuff   :)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Bluwise on November 03, 2018, 16:28:47 PM
Thanks for that.  I must have a nosey around there, looks really nice.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: badger on November 03, 2018, 18:32:19 PM
Good blog Keith,rebooking for 2019 after a great holiday this year says it all 😎
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Diverbaz 1 on November 03, 2018, 18:52:27 PM


Thoroughly enjoyed our time there.  Looking forward to next year (if we are invited  :) ). I thought you might have put the "other" towel display on.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Karennina on November 03, 2018, 19:06:20 PM
Im so pleased you all had a lovely time and the girls enjoyed their 18th...you have summed it up perfectly re the oasis part...we had 2 nights there last weekend was only meant to be for 1 but due to a mix up i had booked the honeymoon room for a belated anniversary night, we were given a swim up room and then the honeymoon room with a discount of around £85 when cost of both rooms were added up so we just had to have the 2nd night stay...they were clearing up ready for end of season which felt a bit sad  :-\ fab piccies
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 03, 2018, 19:07:47 PM


I thought you might have put the "other" towel display on.

I had to ask Steph what you were meaning.

Would make a great quiz that :D
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: rusty on November 04, 2018, 02:12:55 AM
Glad you had a lovely time at Jiva, we keep meaning to buy an evening pass to go in there!!
We did use their bar about 5 years ago before it went all inclusive, which was very handy being as we are staying at Sunset next door!!
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: stoop on November 04, 2018, 16:54:14 PM
Great stuff! I've heard nothing but good reports about the Jiva. We have met a few and know one or two who have stayed there.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: swindsor on November 06, 2018, 08:55:26 AM
Lovely holiday review.  I love review posts!
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Dennis Vint on November 06, 2018, 19:32:36 PM
Great review Scunner.........possible future stay.

One question - I know that it's the end of the season but did you experience any trouble with mozzies?  I ask because the hotel is built very close to still water and is a perfect environment for the wee beasties, more so in summer.    :)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 06, 2018, 22:44:45 PM
It is difficult to understand Dennis - this was possibly the worst piece of land along the bay front - you can see it in this post by Stoop in a Google Maps 2008 aerial photo, just down from the yellow pin below Seaside (actually Sunset): http://www.calis-beach.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20145.msg59069#msg59069

I remember in winter you couldn't even pass along there on foot due to the amount of water flowing out from that point, down the beach to the sea. It cut your route off completely. You used to have to wait for a friendly local to stop and give you a short lift across in their car or van    :) The land was swamp - no good.

There was no great problem with mozzies during our holiday, well no more than any other hotel in Calis in October. I have absolutely no idea how they started with a swamp and ended with a lagoon (as they call it) with lily pads (apparently very difficult to establish), ducks, moorhens, fish, terrapins etc. It looks lovely and clean and nature is definitely flourishing there.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Dennis Vint on November 07, 2018, 09:00:48 AM
Thanks for your reply Scunner.  I had visions of a permanent battle to ward off the little devils, but if it's good enough for you then it's good enough for me!   ;D
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: stoop on November 07, 2018, 12:14:55 PM
It is difficult to understand Dennis - this was possibly the worst piece of land along the bay front - you can see it in this post by Stoop in a Google Maps 2008 aerial photo, just down from the yellow pin below Seaside (actually Sunset): http://www.calis-beach.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=20145.msg59069#msg59069

I remember in winter you couldn't even pass along there on foot due to the amount of water flowing out from that point, down the beach to the sea. It cut your route off completely. You used to have to wait for a friendly local to stop and give you a short lift across in their car or van      :) The land was swamp - no good.

There was no great problem with mozzies during our holiday, well no more than any other hotel in Calis in October. I have absolutely no idea how they started with a swamp and ended with a lagoon (as they call it) with lily pads (apparently very difficult to establish), ducks, moorhens, fish, terrapins etc. It looks lovely and clean and nature is definitely flourishing there.

Funny enough most of the 'swamps' are actually full of clean water and wildlife. One near us (the apartment block that has sunk and is under water 24/7 - 365 days a year has fish swimming quite happily in the water. I even got the environmental health (through MUSKI) out to check it as I was worried about contamination, etc. They came, took samples and declared the water clean and not a health threat.

But the Jiva have made a great feature of a natural pond and all credit to them. It just shows what can be achieved with some thought and a decent engineer.


(https://i.postimg.cc/tZvtxgVG/Koca-Calis-2018.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/tZvtxgVG)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 07, 2018, 18:02:50 PM
Yes I agree, it is amazing they didn’t fill it in, and they have made a central feature of it.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: stoop on November 08, 2018, 09:58:26 AM
Yes I agree, it is amazing they didn’t fill it in, and they have made a central feature of it.

Yes - we all thought “mozzies” but it’s probably no worse than anywhere else. In fact I think they have fountains there? Moving water which is nice and clean is not the best for mozzie breeding.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: julesbob0303 on November 11, 2018, 00:36:45 AM
A great review and photos Keith!  Glad you enjoyed our recommendation - unlike the other place we recommended to you!!!   :)   :)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 11, 2018, 10:43:37 AM
It was a different experience to your last recommendation. People were nice and there were things to do :D
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: julesbob0303 on November 11, 2018, 13:56:16 PM
It was a different experience to your last recommendation. People were nice and there were things to do :D

See you there next year!!   :)    :)  (The Jiva, not the other place!  :) )
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 11, 2018, 14:24:40 PM
Booked already and flights will be also, hopefully around 05:30 this Thursday  :)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Trevor Smith on November 12, 2018, 19:27:25 PM


We also did another excursion with the amazing Animal - last year's Wet & Wild safari was brilliant (much to my surprise) so 10 of us went out and did the "Up, Down, Speed" day. This was stunning - up to the launch area on Babadag looking down on the lagoon at Olu Deniz, down to Kayakoy for a wonderful lunch with wine tasting at the Lebessos Wine House, over to Gemiler Beach for the most stunning speedboat trip and beach stop before returning to Jiva, knackered. All that (pick up 8-45am back for about 6-45pm, a full, full day) - for less than £30 each...I highly recommend this man, his tours are jam packed, always something going on...
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 12, 2018, 21:50:13 PM
Wish I'd said that  ;)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Dennis Vint on November 13, 2018, 13:43:31 PM
Well Scunner, I've taken the plunge after your review (and several others) and booked the Jiva Resort for a week in early October next year in a Corner Suite for my party of three people.  I do hope that it lives up to its reputation..........it certainly looks great on the web sites.

Now seeing if we can get in at the Delta for the second week of our break (again, this will be a first visit for us after spending many happy breaks at Tugay, The Oykun and other apartments).    :)
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: trixe12 on November 13, 2018, 14:44:39 PM
I stayed at Jiva in May 2018 of this year and its a lovely hotel and plenty of food to chose from, my only problem was the mozzies I got around 17 of the flipping things and it has left me with awful scars on my legs from the lagoon. I was worried about going back in October this year we stayed in a apartment this time  but only got one bite.  enjoy your hols   Trixe
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 13, 2018, 15:15:19 PM
Well Scunner, I've taken the plunge after your review (and several others) and booked the Jiva Resort for a week in early October next year

Well Dennis,I look forward to meeting you there/then.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Dennis Vint on November 13, 2018, 20:01:51 PM
That's great Scunner.  My dates are 6th to 13th October so if they coincide with yours I'll look out for you.  If you see a tall, handsome virile young man with a full head of wavy hair............you've got the wrong man, ha ha!   ;D
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Scunner on November 13, 2018, 22:40:36 PM
I stayed at Jiva in May 2018 of this year and its a lovely hotel and plenty of food to chose from, my only problem was the mozzies I got around 17 of the flipping things and it has left me with awful scars on my legs from the lagoon. I was worried about going back in October this year


We honestly didn't have much of a problem with them in October - we did think we would. I generally only get a bite or two (and got those this time) but Mrs Scunner can get savaged, but she only got a couple too.
Title: Re: Calis Beach Review - October 2018
Post by: Steve A on November 13, 2018, 23:11:02 PM
Funny how it goes with mossies,got about 20 bites on legs September last year ,a few in May,not one this September