Alavya

Since opening in 2014, this stylish boutique hotel has appeared in boldface on countless hot lists and “where to go now” round-ups. But that doesn’t mean you’ll feel any immediate recognition with the destination — unless, of course, you’re a European-born jet-setter with your own sailboat, in which case, you know exactly what the Izmir peninsula is all about. For the rest of us: Alavya is located in Alaçatı, 45 miles east of Çeşme — which, in turn, is a coastal city on Turkey’s Aegean coast, some 400 miles southwest of Istanbul. It’s an upscale regional hot spot with Ottoman roots — think historic stone houses, white boats bobbing in the harbor, old windmills and rolling vineyards — and Alavya, when it opened, immediately became the town’s top lodging.

The hotel occupies six of these village houses, joined together and restored by a team of architects and designers to offer 25 individually decorated guest rooms. The rough-hewn original stonework still features prominently, particularly in the rustic but elegant Classic Collection rooms, with tall arched windows and old-fashioned fireplaces. Some of these come with private patios; all have sleek bathrooms made with white Carrara marble. More luxurious, but perhaps lighter on local character, are the Premium Collection rooms, lined with blonde wood and decorated with contemporary artwork. Many have private open-air terraces. At the top of the line are suites and a pair of spacious lofts, Turquoise and Jade.

Guest rooms aside, Alavya’s one of those places where the luxury is in the finer details, like the fact that you can have breakfast whenever and wherever you like: poached organic eggs on your own patio or freshly made yogurt with fruit in the café, you name it. Later on summery days, the hotel’s lush backyard, shaded with verdant trees — and featuring a house DJ, Mediterranean small plates and free-flowing, locally produced wine — is an irresistible venue for whiling away the evening. Free-spirited style plus substance, and a subtle air of exclusivity that makes you feel like you’re somewhere special: it’s enough to make you say (sorry!) Alavya.