do this health & wellness_ turkey
T u r k i s h D e l i g h t s
Tatyana Leonov learns to breathe deeply and nourish mind and body in a serene oasis of wellbeing on the Turkish coast.
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This page: Award-winning Zuma Restaurant is one of six at the resort; enjoy a signature ESPA treatment at the Spa. Opposite page: Travertine bathroom; Deluxe Sea View Room and view from the infinity pool.
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ome of the finest destinations are hidden so that only the savvy traveller knows about them. They may be hard to get to, but that’s a big part of the
attraction. D-Hotel Maris in Marmaris on Turkey’s Datça Peninsula at the intersection of the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, is one such place. For Australians, the voyage involves a flight to Istanbul, a flight to Bodrum and a helicopter or luxury car transfer to the resort. D-Hotel Maris offers ‘Bodyism’, a holistic approach to wellness that was founded by celebrity trainer James Duigan. “Our sole purpose is to change people’s lives,” he says. Bodyism is a program that specialises in creating lean bodies and overall health through customised exercise programs and a range of supplements and health drinks with ongoing program support to its worldwide members. It’s provided at outlets in London, Maldives, Capri and Turkey. At this resort, there is no need to leave and the choices are hardly onerous. Which of the five private white-sand (imported from Egypt) beaches should I lie on? Will I have Italian or Japanese for dinner (the hotel has six restaurants including the award-winning Zuma)? Cycling or waterskiing in
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“ Our sole purpose is to change people’s lives ... A long time ago, we identified that any change that happens in the body has to happen in the mind first. ”
the afternoon? Or just relax in my room? Those opting for a complete Bodyism holiday wear a special wristband so that when dining they’re presented with a Clean and Lean menu, incorporating natural and unprocessed proteins, fats and vegetables. But James is also flexible and realistic. I relish dessert, so he tells me to own it. The day begins with outdoor yoga. We breathe deeply as rays from the rising sun salsa over the cove below. We go sightseeing in nearby villages and atolls on one of the hotel’s yachts. I cycle in the mountains, rewarded by spectacular views. I also indulge in a therapeutic ESPA skincare treatment that leaves me feeling more rejuvenated than I thought possible. At the end of the week, I want more. James says, “Be kind to yourself”. That means applying Bodyism to my lifestyle at home. It may also mean returning to D-Hotel Maris. The writer flew Emirates from Sydney to Istanbul; then to Bodrum on Turkish Airlines. Rates at D-Hotel Maris start from €188 (about A$277) per night. Bodyism is a customised service with pricing dependent on guest preference. See more on this story at luxurytravelmag.com.au/65
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