Why a Turkey holiday won’t break the bank with bargain 5-star all-inclusive hotels and Maldives-style beaches
BOAT trips past waterfalls, sunset cocktails on Bali beds, a round of golf followed by terrace beers – sounds like pretty much the perfect recipe for holiday success.
And when your destination is Antalya, Turkey, that menu of break bliss won’t come with a terrifyingly high price. It’s luxe for less.
The seaside resort on the Turquoise Coast promises — of course — sandy beaches, warm seas and temperatures in the high 20s from April until October.
But the resort is much more than that, with theme parks, an historic old town, ancient ruins and professional golf courses created from reclaimed wetlands.
My home for the week is the 5 star Gloria Serenity Resort in the smaller neighbouring resort of Belek — set on its own private beach and backed by pine forests it oozes glamour and style.
For those who like to keep active, there’s seaside yoga and exercise classes, a state-of-the-art gym and not forgetting the hotel’s three on-site golf courses.
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But there’s also a Maldivian-style beach, pier and three pools set in landscaped gardens as well as an indoor pool. Plus, there’s access to the water park at the neighbouring Gloria Golf Resort.
The indoor pool is just one of the delights of the hotel’s spa, perfect for serious pampering with sauna, steam room and Turkish hammam. My massage was spot-on after a day of yoga and fitness classes and a gym session.
From the off, it’s clear this is no ordinary all-inclusive (and I’ve sampled dozens over the years).
We arrive past midnight but are served a sit-down dinner in the lobby restaurant before being whisked up to our spacious bedrooms.
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There are wooden floors and warm tones — my room featured a large bed, sofa bed and chairs and a huge bathroom with Jacuzzi. I was also lucky enough to enjoy both pool and sea views from my balcony.
Villas at the resort can sleep up to five and come with direct access to the pool or gardens from large terraces. There are eight restaurants — two buffet and six a la carte speciality restaurants to enjoy.
During our stay, we dined at the River Landing fish restaurant and Le Jardin Printemps, the French restaurant, both of which offer outdoor dining overlooking the river.
As a vegetarian, some of the menus are short on options for me, but the “nothing is too much bother” attitude means the waiters fetch me mains from the other a la carte restaurants. We’re served a feast every evening, with a selection of mezze followed by a three-course dinner.
The buffet restaurants stood out for the sheer choice on offer, too. And enjoying an after-dinner cocktail or three was easy with eight bars to choose from. My favourites the Dock’s Pier Bar on the beach and the Wurlitzer Karaoke bar.
For many golfers, the resort’s three courses are a draw but they are very definitely not the only ones worth visiting in the surrounding area. I’m treated to a lesson at the nearby Cornelia Golf Club, by one of Turkey’s most prominent professional golfers, Cahit Kaya.
Cahit also runs his own youth academy, hoping to take the sport to grass roots levels in the country, and his passion for putting Turkey on the map for the game is apparent.
I’m not much of a golfer, but I thoroughly enjoy getting his take on things on the 27-hole championship course designed by English golf legend, Nick Faldo.
Laid-back luxury
And from what I’ve seen of the resort, being a non-golfer shouldn’t put you off.
You could easily sunbathe a day away while your partner, friends or family members enjoy a round or two.
In fact, the course we play at is attached to the Cornelia De Luxe Hotel and as we scoot around on golf buggies, we pass a relaxing beach, busy pool area, kids’ water park and at least a couple of enticing bars.
But its Land Of Legends in Antalya that would definitely get the kids’ vote.
This vast resort features not just a hotel but a theme park, water park and huge shopping and dining area.
We dine at Nemo, a seafood and sushi restaurant with sharks circling the huge fish tank in the centre of the lounge.
The menu includes a mouth-watering aubergine dish and you must try the chocolate pudding.
With full tummies we explore the area, with nightly lights show, entertainment and a canal with gondolas through the centre of the shopping avenue and promenade. With more than 150 shops it will definitely keep mum busy while the kids do the rides.
Antalya’s old town is a delight to stroll around with its atmospheric Ottoman architecture and winding lanes.
There are stunning views from the city cliffs of the Roman-era harbour and from here, you can jump on good-value boat tours that will guide you round the surrounding stunning coastline, including hidden gems like the waterfalls around the bay.
We lunch at Arma, an old town restaurant with a lovely terrace looking down on to the harbour. It’s popular, so book in advance and make sure to try the fresh fish — particularly the sea bream.
We also visit Side during our trip, a fascinating seaside town with an amphitheatre, temples and other ancient ruins which were recently uncovered underneath the modern town.
You have to pay for access to the museum and amphitheatre, but you can see Apollo’s Temple and many of the ruins by simply walking down the street.
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Antalya and its neighbouring coastal gems are proof you don’t need to splash out many thousands for laid-back luxury just like those in pricer Greek and Italian resorts.
With all-inclusive deals that promise to take the worry out of holiday spending, you can relax and properly pamper yourself.
GO: ANTALYA
GETTING / STAYING THERE: Seven nights’ all-inclusive plus at the 5H Gloria Serenity Resort is from £1,353pp including flights from Stansted on April 16.
Includes 22kg baggage allowance and return transfers. See jet2holidays.com.
OUT & ABOUT: Jet2 also offers trips to experience Antalya by night (£38pp/£19 child), a private boat tour (£880pp, minimum six people), or the Perge Aspendos and Kursulnu Waterfall (£58pp/£29 child).