Review of Villa Istanblue I wanted to write a fair and honest review of Villa Istanblue, and after spending time there, I’d describe the overall experience as “just okay.” The villa has potential and charm, but it currently falls short in several key areas and feels more like a basic rental than a thoughtfully maintained holiday home. At first glance, the interiors look decent—furnished mostly with basic IKEA pieces—but closer inspection reveals a lack of care. Several lampshades were broken, curtains were coming off their hooks, and both the sofa and rugs were noticeably tired and worn. While the kitchen was reasonably well stocked with cutlery and crockery, there were no dish cloths, tea towels, or even a small bottle of washing-up liquid—simple essentials that would make the first morning more comfortable. There was also no mop provided. The bedding was disappointing. Some base sheets had small holes and weren’t crisp or clean-looking, and one bed was missing a top sheet entirely. The upstairs bedroom is very limited in space due to the sloped ceiling—it’s really only suitable for one person. The outdoor area is where the villa really starts to show its age. All of the outdoor cushions were badly marked, and the L-shaped sofa is in desperate need of replacement. The four metal loungers are cheap, and the back supports were cracked and broken. The two wooden loungers could use repainting or replacing, and again, the cushions were heavily marked. The pool towels were extremely faded and well past their prime. That said, the standout feature of our stay was Altan. He was absolutely outstanding—responsive, helpful, and genuinely apologetic for the issues we raised. He resolved what he could quickly and with great care, and his efforts were much appreciated. In fact, we chose not to raise some of the other concerns during our stay simply because many of them couldn’t be fixed immediately. What really highlighted the villa’s shortcomings was visiting two friends who were staying in nearby properties—both were not only better equipped and maintained but also significantly more affordable. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t recommend Villa Istanblue to friends in its current condition. It has a lot of charm and real potential, but it’s clear that more investment is needed. As it stands, it feels like a rental focused more on generating income than providing a high-quality guest experience. In my view, it’s not up to the standard I’d expect from properties in Altan’s portfolio. ⸻

We have just returned from a fabulous week at Villa Rainbow in Kisla, Kalkan that we booked through Kalkan Escapes. The Villa was perfect for us, clean and ideally positioned. We loved the infinity pool and its brilliant views across the bay. Altan from Kalkan Escapes was fantastic, from my initial enquiry to organising transfers and meeting us at the villa at a late hour when we arrived, he couldn’t have been more helpful and kind. My two children (15 and 17) will no doubt return. Neil

We had an amazing stay for 8 nights in Villa Victoria. The villa is beautiful with a stunning view which can be seen from 3 of the bedrooms and the main living area of the villa. The villa is in a central location and taxis were very easy to get. Altan was extremely helpful and gave us great restaurant, take out and beach club recommendations and he was very responsive. We also arranged airport transfers with Altan’s help and had no problems. We would definitely stay here again.

Ten adults stayed in Villa Alkan in Kalkan, for the first 2 weeks of June, for a special birthday holiday. The Villa was fantastic and the views were stunning. We couldn't have hoped for more This was our third visit to Kalkan, and our best Villa by far. Kalkan is a special place. We had amazing support from Altan at Kalkan Escapes, before and during our stay. Nothing was too much trouble and he was super-responsive. This was a great help and reassurance for us throughout our holiday. I can't recommend Kalkan Escapes enough!! They ensured we had a perfect holiday. Thank you Altan, we hope to see you again soon. Mary

We loved our stay at Villa Samira 4. Great location, we walked into town every night & got a taxi back. The Villa was well equipped, with everything you needed. Lovely pool, with sunbed area in the shallow end. Would happily return.

The Villa has wonderful views of Kalkan. A short drive or taxi ride will take you into town. We found the Villa to be perfect for our group, with everything you need. The garden is a little overgrown and not usable but ample space around the pool. We had a couple of small issues that were not dealt with hence only 4 star rating.

We had a wonderful week at Waters Edge. . We liked the property and would like to rebook next year. By way any small improvements we would suggest nicer towels for bedrooms, a larger shady area for the dining area - maybe a retracting canopy? Mosquito smoking and wasp traps would also be good. However the best part of the trip was the help and organisation you gave us. From transfers shopping and restaurant bookings, the Gulet all expertly done. I will certainly be booking through you again. You couldn’t have been more helpful! Thank you!.

We have just returned from a week in this amazing Villa in Kalkan. Cannot fault anything…. They have thought of everything. This huge villa has 5 impressive size bedrooms and each with its own bathroom. There is a games room in the basement as an added bonus. They even have 2 washing machines. Also, the location is 5 mins taxi ride to the centre. Altan (host) was very helpful and understanding , especially on our last day. We will definitely be returning!

This was our 5th time in Kalkan. This villa is way better than others.. close to center and also u can ask breakfast or bbq to the villa. Quite place and good view. Thanks to everyone

We’ve just returned from a fantastic week at Lion Villa in Kalkan, and we can honestly recommend it 110%! From the moment we booked, Atlan was amazing, keeping in touch throughout the entire process, arranging airport transfers, travel cots and being available during our stay for anything we needed. Nothing was ever too much trouble. We were a group of 12 adults and one toddler, and the villa suited us perfectly. It’s incredibly spacious, with large bedrooms and generous kitchen, dining and lounge areas. Outside, we loved the variety of communal spaces, from the swimming pool and sun loungers to the outdoor seating, dining area and BBQ spot. It was ideal for relaxing both day and night. The villa is about a 15 minute walk to the local shops, pebble beach and restaurants, or just a 5-minute taxi ride (approx. £4 / ₺220). Atlan also put us in touch with a lovely local taxi driver, Muhammat, who was friendly, reliable and always happy to help. The pool and outdoor areas were cleaned every morning and the views over Kalkan were simply stunning, both during the day and at night. We've all agreed that the villa, the service and the location were absolutely brilliant. We would definitely return again!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay. The villa is incredible. It really feels luxurious. Whilst the kitchen needed to be somewhat better equipped, our requests for items were responded to immediately. The villa would still benefit from ice trays as sometimes the supermarkets had run out of ice, a larger bin under the sink for 10 and outside (every day this outside one was emptied which is a great service)another oven shelf and we found the dinner plates, although good quality, were too heavy for the dishwasher. The machine dispensing very large bottles of water is a great asset, along with the delivery of the water, which was greatly appreciated. The village manager, Umit, was very helpful and obliging and Kalkan Escapes’ agent, Altan, was exceptional with his care of us. The villa is well located as getting a taxi back is very cheap and has an incredible view. If we were to visit Kalkan again we would not hesitate to rebook this villa and would 100% recommend it to anyone.

The family has recently returned from a week's holiday in this Villa and what a Villa it is you won't be disappointed. Huge villa with loads of space for the whole family. Stunning views over Kalkan the pool is really big and the staff clean and maintain it each morning. The games room is a great addition. Altan the manager was so helpful and knowledgeable. Kalkan itself is a great holiday location we cannot recommend this Villa and Kalkan escapes highly enough.