Kumlubükü Yacht Club

Ahmet Özkal, known as “Hollandalı Ahmet” (Dutch Ahmet), laid the foundations here in 1974 and began running the place as a restaurant in 1981. The family describes it as one of Turkey’s first yacht clubs. He died in 2013, and his wife Şirin Özkal, who first came to Kumlubük in 1984, now runs it with the next generation. Chef Ali Arslan has led the kitchen for about 40 years.

The menu pairs Turkish meze and grills with a Japanese side. Start with meze such as yoğurt ezme, lakerda (cured fish) or anchovies with chilli sauce, then move on to grilled octopus, fried calamari or prawns in garlic butter. The fish soup is made with grouper. For meat, the slow-cooked lamb shank needs at least 30 minutes, so order it early. A separate sushi menu covers nigiri, maki and sashimi sets.

The club has a licensed T-shaped pier with room for 15 to 20 boats, in 3.5 to 4.5 metres of water, plus 18 mooring buoys laid in about 15 metres. Water and electricity are on the pier, staff help with lines, and meals can be sent out to boats. Mooring and buoy fees are charged. You can also anchor off the beach and come in by tender. For guests staying in Marmaris, the club runs a return boat shuttle on request.

The club opens from mid-May to mid-November. Booking is recommended in high season, by phone or email. Through the season it holds themed evenings and a Sunday breakfast, so ask what is on. The ruins of ancient Amos stand on the headland above the bay, a short walk from the beach.