Perhaps Aphrodite never really left Datca. Among the ruins of Knidos, housing the remains of the ancient Hellenistic city, you can still see the foundations of the temple that once housed her elusive form, described by Pliny as the greatest statue in the world. Stroll inshore, hand-in-hand, amidst abundant bougainvillea, pretty pink cobblestones, and enticing little lanes.

Elixir Art is the perfect base for exploring the delights of the Datca Peninsula, an area replete with colourful tradition. The sleepy Datca peninsula itself has delightful beaches, gloriously exotic fauna and graciously soaring mountains. Old Datca town has lovely old stone houses, with the symbolic windmills of Datca a presence in themselves.

At Orhaniye, you can walk on water, crossing the bay via the submerged spit of sand known as the Maiden's Sand. For shopping, the town of Marmaris is only 40 minutes away.

There is even a Greek island, Symi, glistening in the azure across the water, just 45 minutes away by hired boat. Better still, Orfoz, voted the finest seafood restaurant on Turkey's Mediterranean coast, is a mere 50 metres walk down the coastal path from your hotel.

Tours
For a truly unforgettable night out, try Elixir Art's unique Sunset Tour. Our speedboat will whisk you along the coast to Sogut Bay, where you will be met by a car that takes you up the cliff road to the Manzara restaurant. The name means "view", and you will understand its provenance as soon as you take your seats for dinner. The food is great, but the eagle's eye view of the sun slipping below the horizon is stunning, while the moonlit cruise home is equally enthralling.

Treks
Here's the ideal way to enjoy a rural trek. Guided by Asim himself, you take the path to Bozburun, a walk of about 25 minutes. From the cobbled lanes of the village and the charming marina, you walk on along the coastal path to a ruined Roman village. Just beyond is a lovely, secluded beach. The whole trek takes about two hours and involves no more than a few gentle slopes. Best of all, as you relax on the beach, the Elixir Art speedboat cruises to the shore, bringing with it refreshments and taking you on an invigorating five minute sprint back across the bay.