The world is about to discover one ofTurkey's best kept secrets as Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announces plans for a new resort property in Cesme, near Alacati. The picturesque Aegean town, located on the coast ofTurkey's Izmir province, has long been a favourite of the Turkish elite drawn to the area's rich culture, cuisine, vineyards and therapeutic thermal springs.
Kathleen Taylor, president and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts,
yesterday inIstanbulsigned a formal agreement with Dilek Sabanci, Chairman of Dilek Gayrimenkul Yatırım ve Turizm A.S., announcing development plans for the new resort property.
Four Seasons Resort Cesme, expected to open in 2016, will attract a mix of domestic and international luxury travellers drawn to the region's breathtaking beauty – both on and offshore. Steeped in history, the region boasts several archeologically significant sites including the ancient city of Ephesus - home to the famed Temple of Artemis, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World and the well-preserved Library of Celsus. The region is also known to sport and adventure enthusiasts as one of the world's top windsurf and kitesurf destinations.
"At Four Seasons we always strive to bring our guests the best, most remarkable experiences, and we feel privileged to do so with the addition of this unique luxury resort to the region," saidKathleen Taylor. "Dilek Gayrimenkul shares our vision for the property - one that unites the natural beauty of the site and heritage of the region with the exceptional service that characterizes all Four Seasons properties. We are confident that working together, we will create an unrivalled luxury experience for guests in Cesme."
The Cesme Peninsula has evolved in recent decades to become one ofTurkey's most prominent centres of tourism with a number of hotels, marinas, clubs, restaurants and recreational facilities.