Interview with Aysin Uzel

About Aysin:

As our TripWix boat and gulet ambassador for the Republic of Turkey’s Aegean and Lycian coastlines, Ayşın is our specialist when it comes to all things nautical in and around the “land of the eternal blue”. The passionate and multifaceted Ambassador identifies herself as a “vacation organizer” putting into practice her public relations and business administration background and more than 15 years of experience working in the tourist industry. Her successful yachting company stands as testimony to her talents.

Find out more about this charming woman and how she can craft the most incredible gulet experiences for you and your companions.

How would you describe your profession?

I established my own company in 2012 chartering private yachts, particularly gulets – which are traditional Turkish sailing boats – for navigating around the Turkish coastline and the Greek islands. We select the most suitable gulets, sailing yachts, and motorboats from our portfolio to tailor experiences, especially for our guests’ expectations, organising any outdoor activities they may wish to try and taking care of all the details. Our philosophy is to create and maintain long-lasting relationships with our clients by focusing on the preferences and needs of our guests, aiming to surpass customer satisfaction.

What are you passionate about?

I love my job and do it with a lot of passion. I love sailing and being with people, always looking for ways to make them happy. Sport is an essential part of my life; long-distance running and rowing are my favourites and I am a Pilates teacher. I love cooking, too, and I’m told I am a good chef!

In what ways is your destination great for someone with your passions?

You can find so many things to do. I live in Bodrum, so early in the morning before work, I like to jog on its beautiful beaches. After work, I love to swim in the sea. On the weekends, there are plenty of gastronomy classes, and from time to time I like to take art classes, which you can do with famous local painters. Of course, I also make time for sailing and go out on the water with friends and family on the weekends or going diving to explore some of the many reefs and caves nearby.

Why do people love your country so much?

The Republic of Turkey has such an incredible history dating back more than 5,000 years and you will find vestiges of ancient civilizations making a fabulous bridge between past and present. The coastline offers so much more than other beach destinations and the locals really know how to stay faithful to their traditions. At the same time, destinations like Bodrum, Marmaris, Fethiye, and Göcek are also very cosmopolitan and sophisticated – which makes them great for visitors who want a luxurious, yet authentic, experience.

Will foodies be happy visiting the Aegean and Lycian coastlines?

Yes! These coastal towns are famous for their rich and traditional cuisine that uses a variety of herbs and is almost synonymous with great fresh seafood and refined local mezzes serving raki, the local traditional alcoholic beverage. You will find a number of fancy restaurants as well as grass-root options.

What is the shopping like in your destination?

Shopping is a real pleasure. Leather goods, Milas kilims rugs, silver jewelry, the world-famous Turkish sandals, sponges, handmade peştemals (loincloths), seashells, and different types of spices are the most popular shopping items.

When is the best time to visit?

You can sail throughout the year, though the long spring and summer season is the best time to visit to try out many of the activities. The sea is so blue and clear, the skies are clear and sunny and the people are so kind. At any time of the day and night, there is always something going on here, no matter the season.

What are the local highlights?

There are so many wonderful things to do:

   In Bodrum

• Visitors must take at least one boat trip before leaving the city; even better, a cruise with an overnight stay, or island hopping. A few days or more on a gulet will be unforgettable.
• Visit Bodrum Castle and the Underwater Archaeology Museum located onsite.
• I highly recommend visiting the local markets that are set up regularly.

   In Marmaris

• Marmaris has breathtaking beaches that stretch 5 miles from the center to İçmeler.
• Marmaris castle with its museum is one of the best cultural places to visit.
• Nearby Dalyan is a wonder of nature where the sea meets a lake. Here you can enjoy a mud bath and visit the ancient city of Counos

   In Göcek

• Göcek’s beautiful waterfront offers an abundance of great restaurants and bars. Local life revolves around its bustling town square which is full of vibrant shops selling antiques and crafts.
• The bay is surrounded by pine-covered mountains and is excellent for sailing.
• 12 stunning islands to explore with excellent beaches and spots for snorkeling.

   In Fethiye

• Fethiye lays claim to a glorious heritage. It was here that Telmossos – one of the most important ancient Lycian cities – once towered over the landscape.
• Butterfly Valley is one of the most impressive natural wonders found locally. The valley is home to many species of butterflies and endemic plants.
• The fabulous Oludeniz (Blue Lagoon) is only 10 minutes by car with its long sandy beach and crystal-clear waters. Great for activities such as paragliding, parasailing, and microlight flights.