World’s most romantic beach?

In Turkey, love is a beach, but not just any old beach. The roped-off stretch of sand lying before us on Sedir Island is arguably one of the most protected in the world. Here, legend would have it, the Roman general and eternal suitor, Mark Antony, displayed his undying affection for Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt by creating a beach just for her, using barges full of sand ferried from her home city, Alexandria.
Whether you believe the story or not – and you have to agree it’s a good one  geological experts have discovered that the sand doesn’t exist anywhere else in Turkey and that northern Egypt was its most likely source.
Under a law passed only last year, the precious golden grains have been cordoned off to preserve them. Sunbathing on what has long been known as Cleopatra’s beach is forbidden, so ignore the warning signs at your peril.

A security man has even been posted to make sure no-one puts their feet in it or, worse still, attempts to carry some of it away. And, there he sat, the sentinel of the sands, with only a few hens and a cat to keep him company.
I tell you all of this because the beach –and the island’s ancient ruins – was a focal point of a six-hour cruise we took on board a gulet, a traditional broad-beamed wooden sailing vessel.
Only six other guests from our hotel joined us, and their convivial company helped to make it one of those extra special days that live long in the memory. Sun on a turquoise sea, shoals of fish swimming below us, soft mood music playing, and a terrific lunch cooked and served by Mustafa Gullu, the boat’s co-owner. It’s what holidays should be about…
Starting point for the voyage was the beach resort of Akyaka, our base for a week-long stay. Pronounced Ak Yacka, it sounds like a new, noisy dance craze. The only “music” it makes, however, is soft and easy on the ear.

Nestling at the head of the Gulf of Gokova, and framed by the visually stunning Sakar Tepe mountains, the village is an hour’s drive from Dalaman airport, and only 30 minutes to the nearest big resort, Marmaris. Yet the difference between Akyaka’s laid back, rustic charms and the hustle and bustle of its neighbours is astonishing.
Lush forests of pine and towering eucalyptus tumble down the mountain crags which echo to the sound of numerous fresh water streams splashing their way to the sea.
Our hotel, the splendidly named Ottoman Residence, is a 10-minute stroll along the river from the village centre. The four-star, 39-roomed boutique hotel has been specially designed by its owner to fit snugly into the surroundings.
Reminiscent of an Ottoman Han  a traditional Turkish overnight inn the building is mainly constructed from pine with ornate carvings throughout. High ceilings let cool air circulate.
Rooms lead off from walkways overlooking a central courtyard with a superb water feature. Our first view after our arrival left us overawed.
A stylish patio and swimming pool area leads to a garden where guests can lounge on jumbo-sized cushions in a eucalyptus-shaded garden, watching boats slide by, or listening to birds singing from dawn till dusk. It takes relaxation to another level of tranquillity. Source – This is plymouth