Written by Bec Loades in Travel on the 23rd March 2022

In need of some peace and quiet away from the typical tourist crowds? Then why not consider a blissful cruise onboard a traditional - yet luxurious - Turkish gulet. After the last couple of years spent in the tumultuous throws of a global pandemic, the idea of sitting on a packed beach might not appeal to many of you, but you can’t deny that being waited on hand and foot, whilst you lay back with your mates - taking in the beautiful vistas of the Turkish coastline - is nothing short of idyllic. When you think of a cruise, you might automatically think of a packaged holiday on a huge ship, with a tiny room, and kids screaming down the corridors. Although that might be fun for some (particularly the kids…), a trip on a gulet is quite the opposite and will certainly whet your appetite for a slice of the high life!

So, what’s a gulet? Well, the heritage of a gulet can be argued as Italian or Turkish, however, the majority of gulets were, and are, actually built in the coastal towns of Bodrum and Marmaris. The production of gulets started to increase in the 1970s due to the rise in tourism and the boats were used to ferry sun-seeking visitors around the Turkish coastline. The most common gulet consists of two masts, however, the larger gulets (stretching to over 50 metres in length) can have three. If you’re not entirely sure which gulet you are looking for for your 5-star cruise, Turkey Luxury Gulet provides expert advice to talk you through everything that’s on offer and will find you your perfect sailing match for your trip. There are over 1000 gulets on offer to charter in Turkey, and they only offer a selection of the best. Plus, they have a 24/7 concierge service on hand during your entire holiday.

With over 17 years of experience, the company will help organise a personal schedule adapted to all your needs for a spectacular cruise. Your daily activities can vary from total relaxation to some nature and cultural exploration, or some adrenaline-pumping watersports. Waterskiing, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and kayaking are all available. There’s plenty on the gulet to keep you entertained, such as the jacuzzi, indoor sauna, and massage rooms. However, to make the most of the stunning local environment, you can step ashore for a coastal walk or check out the sites, such as the Bodrum castle, the picturesque port city of Marmaris, or the Byzantine ruins of Gemiler Island. There is so much to see and do around the Turkish coast, it will be a hard decision as to what not to pack into your itinerary. Just be sure to leave plenty of time to visit the local antique and textile stores and, of course, the numerous picture-postcard beaches, bays, and diving spots. Thanks to the experts' knowledge, you’ll probably be the only ones there! Flippers, snorkels and masks are all provided for, and with the crystal-clear waters you’re bound to spot some amazing underwater wildlife. Keep an eye out for the turtles!

The fleet of gulets ranges from offering enough space for four to sixteen people; perfect for a ‘double date’ or a proper group celebration. Onboard you can expect a private crew of at least 3 people (including a captain, a chef de cuisine, and a sailor), with the largest gulet consisting of 6 members. Check out the Meira (which takes 12 guests and is one of the most expensive available) to get a real idea of what to expect - it’s pretty spectacular. As soon as you step onto any of the chartered gulets, everything will be waiting for you; including your spacious cabins equipped with a double bed and private bathroom, WiFi access, satellite TV, and indoor and outdoor dining.

Sure, this isn’t a ‘shoe-string budget’ holiday, but it will certainly be one to remember and one your nearest and dearest will be talking about for some years to come. If spending your summer break basking in sunshine - surrounded in pure style - is your thing, a luxury Turkish gulet will not let you down. More importantly, this is an opportunity to really explore some of Turkey’s most unique destinations with the help of experts who know the country’s glorious coastline inside and out. Plus, be prepared to fill up your Insta-grid with glistening blue waters and endless blue skies. Pack your Orlebar Brown swimshorts, your Gucci sunglasses, and get ready to spoil yourself.

We put the focus on Luxury Gulet Cruises, Boat Charters, Luxury Yachts, and Personalised Routes for this article on Why You Should Consider a Luxury Gulet Cruise For Your Next Holiday.