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Best TUI Blue family hotels in Turkey: kid-friendly resorts recommended by families

Planning a sunny escape with the kids? Here’s our pick of the best TUI Blue family resorts in Turkey, as recommended by Mumsnet users.

By Lucy Cotterill | Last updated May 31, 2024

TUI Blue Ephesus Turkey

Rich in culture and history, with beautiful beaches, fantastic food and child-friendly resorts, Turkey ticks a lot of boxes for family holidays. And if you’re looking for a fun and faff-free option, it’s worth considering a TUI Blue Resort. But where are the best hotels? We’ve consulted the Mumsnet holiday forum for tips and recommendations from real families that have stayed at a range of TUI Blue hotels. 

TUI Blue holiday packages include flights, transfers, accommodation, entertainment, kids’ clubs and food and drink, which makes booking a holiday simple and stress free. When you reach your resort you can simply switch off, enjoy your surroundings and spend some quality time with your kids in the sun.

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront hotel, a hotel with impressive pools or a resort with a short transfer from the airport, we’ve researched the best TUI Blue resorts in Turkey that are rated and recommended by Mumsnet users. 

We've also got the lowdown on the best TUI all-inclusive resorts to consider for your next break, including the best TUI Blue resorts in Greece and Spain, all featuring top tips and recommendations from Mumsnetters.

1
Best overall

TUI Blue Palm Garden, Manaugat, Antalya

What we like
  • Gorgeous grounds and lawns

  • Award-winning hotel

  • Three restaurants and kids’ bar serving non-alcoholic cocktails

  • Fun pool with five water slides 

  • Very clean and highly rated staff 

What we don't like
  • Swimming pier and deep waterbed less suited to younger or less confident swimmers 

  • Large resort so may be less suited to those with mobility issues 

What Mumsnet users say
Fivemoreminutes1 · Stayed + rated
“Tui Blue Palm Garden in Turkey is within walking distance of a little village with a few places to eat and souvenir shops etc… There’s also good public transport to some towns - it only took us 20 minutes to get to Side and I think even less than that to get to another town. As a vegetarian, I had lots of options and I’m certain that many of them were vegan too.”
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Our verdict

It’s rare to find a hotel that has so many positive reviews on TripAdvisor. With 1500+ excellent ratings praising the hotel’s location, facilities and staff, Palm Garden makes an obvious choice as our top pick TUI Blue hotel in Turkey. 

Located on the stunning Turkish Riviera, the resort sits on a headland with well maintained grounds spanning a substantial 80,000 square metres. Families will love the almost instant access to a sand and pebble beach and while the swimming pier will appeal to older children and teens, it's worth noting that the water bed is relatively steep, so it may be less suitable for younger children or less confident swimmers.

When it comes to facilities, kids will be spoilt for choice, from the large pool with five water slides to the outdoor play area, tennis courts and mini golf course. The children’s pool bar is likely to prove a big hit as kids can pick up soft drinks, frozen yoghurt and non-alcoholic cocktails as often as they like during the day.

In Palm Garden’s buffet restaurant there are live cooking stations, theme nights and BBQ evenings on the beach, while the Levante a la carte restaurant offers more luxurious formal dining - you get one visit included each week when staying seven nights or more.

The jewel in the crown? The kids’ clubs that run six days a week so that parents can take a well deserved trip to the resort’s relaxing Turkish baths, safe in the knowledge that their children are making new friends and taking part in fun activities tailored to their age. 

Nearest airport:  Antalya Airport (35 miles)

2
Best for pools

TUI Blue Family Tropical Dalaman, Turkey

What we like
  • Stunning beachfront location

  • Huge choice of pools for the whole family 

  • Range of kids’ clubs for children from babies to teens

  • Short transfer time

  • Child-friendly section at the buffet restaurant 

What we don't like
  • Reviews suggest entertainment programmes may be best suited to those with young children 

  • Water slides don’t operate all day 

  • Some reviewers feel the all-inclusive alcohol is of poor quality

What Mumsnet users say
Phos · Stayed + rated
“Tui Blue Tropical in Sarigerme. Amazing for that age. Going for our 4th visit in two years soon.”
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liketurtles21 · Stayed + rated
“Second Tui Blue Tropical! Booked our second visit for next year already!”
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Our verdict

Thanks to the short 20-minute transfer time, TUI Blue Tropical makes a popular choice for families with young children so that you can start your break almost as soon as you touch down on Turkish soil. Located right on Sarigerme’s beachfront, it has a prime location with spectacular views across the bay.

Pools are a huge attraction at this family-friendly resort. There are three pools just for the kids, as well as a sheltered baby paddling pool - perfect for those taking those tentative first splashes. 

We love the large lagoon pool with water slides, which is surrounded by tropical palms and a poolside bar serving drinks and snacks. The indoor pool is great for a bit of shade and the quiet pool is perfect for those seeking a more relaxing swim. 

The resort provides varied entertainment for both children and adults. During the day, the kids’ club offers age-appropriate activities for children aged 3-11, including pool games, tennis, volleyball and football; while in the evening, there’s a range of comedy, sketch nights and live music on offer. 

There are five restaurants to choose from, with a variety of speciality a la carte restaurants including Indian and Italian cuisine. The main buffet restaurant has a whole section tailored specifically for children, so even the fussiest eaters won't go hungry during their stay. 

Distance from airport: Dalaman (7 miles) 

3
Best with a waterpark

TUI Blue Ephesus, Kusadasi, Izmir

What we like
  • Complimentary access to a large water park

  • Private beach

  • Excellent kids’ clubs  

  • Area showcases traditional and modern Turkey 

What we don't like
  • Only two on-site restaurants so the main restaurant can get very busy 

  • You may struggle to tear the kids away from the waterpark 

What Mumsnet users say
Zola1 · Stayed + rated
“Another vote for TUI Blue. Went to Tui Blue Ephesus in Izmir last year and that was really good, took four children aged 18 months to 12 years and they all had a great time.”
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Our verdict

With a prime location on Turkey’s west coast, TUI Blue Ephesus in Kusadasi offers the ideal mix of modern and traditional Turkey. You’ll find cobbled streets, mosques and old-school tavernas combined with a beautiful beachfront and bustling town full of vibrant bars and restaurants. 

In addition to the outdoor pool and shallow children’s pool, guests also get free unlimited access to the Aqua Fantasy Waterpark, packed full of high-speed water slides, racing lanes, corkscrews and a wave pool. Adrenaline junkies will love the Viper, Screamer and X-Treme flumes while the waterpark’s lazy river provides a more sedate experience for younger children. 

As well as trips to the private beach, children will love the high-quality kids’ clubs and daytime activities including watersports, family football and tennis. 

Dining is a relaxed family affair. There’s an all-inclusive buffet restaurant with a range of familiar dishes in a designated children’s section. Guests also get one complimentary visit to the on-site Taverna, an a la carte restaurant serving delicious local cuisine.  

Distance from airport: Izmir Airport (40 miles)

4
Best beachfront hotel

TUI Blue Family Pascha Bay, Alanya

What we like
  • Kids’ splash pool/waterpark 

  • Great location for exploring 

  • Beachfront playground

  • Excellent kids’ club and baby creche

What we don't like
  • Long transfer time (private transfer recommended)

  • Some reviews highlight that a nearby hotel is a little noisy at weekends 

  • Entertainment could be better

What Mumsnet users say
snowballsinhell · Stayed + rated
“I've booked TUI Blue Pascha Bay in Alanya. The facilities for the children are exceptional - including a baby club for my two-year-old. My nine-year-old loves it so much - so many clubs and classes, including cookery. Mini waterpark on site. The rooms are lovely, weather is beautiful. We've booked for five of us for July.” 
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Our verdict

There’s nothing quite like waking up to the sound of the sea, and you can’t get much closer to the ocean than the TUI Blue Pascha Bay. With a prime beachfront location right on the Turkish Riviera, the hotel is just steps away from an expanse of soft golden sand. And there’s good access to public transport for those wishing to explore the nearby resort of Alanya.

In addition to the high quality kids’ clubs for children aged 3-11, Pasha Bay offers plenty of day time activities to entertain the kids including volleyball, tennis and football. Children will also be instantly drawn to the pool and children’s pirate themed waterpark, with a selection of slides, a splash zone and tipping bucket (ideal for drenching unsuspecting parents.) 

After a full day of water-filled fun, children will love the varied buffet options at the all-inclusive restaurant, or families can tuck into a variety of Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine at one of the two à la carte restaurants. 

Distance from airport: Antalya airport (70 miles)

5
Best for food

TUI Blue Sensatori Akra Sorgun

What we like
  • Wide choice of dining options

  • Swim-up rooms available 

  • Stunning sunset views 

  • Three outdoor pools 

  • Beachfront setting

What we don't like
  • Some areas of the hotel are reserved for adults only 

  • More premium restaurants may appeal less for families with picky eaters, although the hotel does cater well for allergies. 

  • Pool area is smaller than some other TUI Blue resorts

What Mumsnet users say
Snowcandle · Stayed + rated
“The Sensatori Akra Sorgun in Side, Turkey is gorgeous. Didn’t have young kids with us but lots there and very family friendly. Check out the reviews on TripAdvisor.”
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Our verdict

A stunning spot on Turkey’s south coast, the TUI Blue Sensatori Akra Sorgun is a resort that stays true to Turkey’s Roman history, scattered with old town ruins yet close to a more modern waterfront harbour. Directly on the beach and opposite Sorgun Forest, Akra Sorgun is just a 15-minute bus ride away from the shops, bars and restaurants in Side, a town claimed to be loved by Cleopatra.

A TUI Sensatori resort, Akra Sorgun boasts all the benefits of a TUI Blue hotel, including excellent facilities, pools, kids’ clubs and entertainment, but with a greater variety of restaurants that run around the clock. With six restaurants to choose from, guests can expect a luxurious and authentic dining experience, while still having plenty of choice for children.

In addition to the all-inclusive buffet restaurant, families can have three visits each week to the resort’s a la carte offerings including Safran’s Turkish-inspired dishes, Ocean bar’s seafood menu, Olive’s Italian spread, Aquabar’s grilled meat and fish. There’s also Tarcin for fancy fine dining (it needs to be pre-booked and a cover charge applies).  

Nearest airport: Antalya Airport (43 miles)

What is a TUI BLUE hotel? 

TUI Blue hotels are designed specifically for families, with plenty of activities and family-friendly facilities to help families spend quality time together during their holidays. With large pools, extensive entertainment packages and varied dining options, they also include complimentary kids’ clubs (grouped by age) for children from 3-12 years.

For those looking for slightly more sophisticated dining options, five-star TUI Blue Sensatori hotels offer all the benefits of a TUI Blue resort with additional a la carte restaurants included in your package.

Read next: The best family city breaks - child-friendly destinations as recommended by Mumsnetters

What’s included in the price of a TUI BLUE hotel stay? 

The exact package will vary depending on the resort, however, most TUI BLUE packages are all-inclusive, including meals and snacks at the main buffet restaurant, as well as soft drinks and a selection of alcoholic options. Most TUI Blue stays also include one complimentary visit to the on-site a la carte restaurant, and depending on the resort, this could be one other choice (usually the Taverna) or a selection of cuisines to choose from. Reassuringly, responsible drinking is encouraged at these family resorts, so you can expect some limitations on the amount of alcoholic drinks served. 

Most TUI Blue resorts offer an extensive entertainment package including kids' clubs, sports facilities and evening entertainment free of charge, although some specific activities (such as sports and equipment hire)  may incur an additional charge.

Read next: Where to stay in Lanzarote with kids - we've rounded up the best hotels

Do all TUI BLUE hotels feature kids’ clubs?  

While TUI Blue hotels are designed for families, they also understand that grown-ups deserve a bit of a break too. With each resort offering a range of childcare options, from the baby creche (chargeable) to free kids’ clubs for children aged 3-11, they are a great way for adults to get some alone time while children make friends and enjoy age-appropriate activities. 

Teenagers aren’t ignored either, with a less structured Hangout for children aged 12-16 providing some independence and the chance to meet other teens during their stay

Read next: The best family hotels in the Algarve, as rated by Mumsnetters

What’s the best TUI BLUE hotel for families in Turkey?

TUI Blue Palm Garden is our top pick for the best TUI Blue resort in Turkey. With a great location, this award-winning hotel appeals to guests young and old, with excellent facilities, a fun pool with slides and a good choice of dining options. This hotel is also praised for its customer service and kids’ clubs, making it a great all-rounder for the majority of families. 

Read next: The best family-friendly hotels in Croatia, as recommended by families

How we chose our recommendations 

We know that there’s nothing like a personal recommendation so we first headed to the Mumsnet forums to find tried and tested recommendations of  TUI Blue family resorts in Turkey. We then did some online research, looking at the family hotels that had won awards or featured in ‘best choice’ lists, reading expert and customer reviews. Having collated all that information, we then narrowed our list down to the best TUI Blue family hotels you can visit in Turkey right now.

About the author 

Lucy Cotterill is a Mum and Content Writer at Mumsnet, specialising in baby/child and lifestyle product reviews and roundups. Having written product reviews on her own blog Real Mum Reviews since 2012, Lucy loves to research and explore the pros and cons of products, scrutinising reviews and consumer feedback to help people make confident purchases.

Loving nothing more than a well-earned holiday with her children, Lucy can regularly be found scrutinising the Mumsnet holiday forums and TripAdvisor to seek out the best deals on family holidays.

Originally from a HR background with a degree in Business Studies, Lucy developed a real passion for blogging and writing when her children were young and went on to write for several online publications including US parenting site Pregistry and the Evening Standard. When she’s not manically tapping the keys of her laptop, Lucy loves nothing more than to cosy up with her Kindle and enjoy the latest thriller, or compete in Nintendo Switch rallies with her daughters aged six and 10.

Why you should trust us

We work hard to provide honest and independent advice you can trust and we spend hours scouring the Mumsnet forums to find hotel recommendations that real parents rate.

Transparency is really important to us and that's why we're always upfront about where we find our suggestions. We write about accommodation that we feel offers the best value to most parents and hotels that our users would recommend to their own friends and family.