TURKEY
TURKEY
Turkey has the ethos of Arabia combined with the stunning beaches of Europe. Surrounded on three sides by three different seas, its shores are lined with bays, coves, ports, islands and peninsulas. The castle that presides over Bodrum has been in evidence throughout the changes in the town’s fortunes. Once the place of exile for dissidents, the town is now elegant with palmed promenades, sophisticated marina eateries, plus preserved whitewashed houses. For the culturally inclined there are two original Wonders of the World near Bodrum, the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus and the remains of the Temple of Artemis at the huge Greek and Roman ç city of Ephesus.
Old and new is evident in Antalya where at its core is the wonderfully preserved old city district of Kaleiçi with its Ottoman houses and Roman harbour. Its growing popularity as a beach resort makes it the most visited resort on the Turkish Riviera. Emperor Hadrian is not just famous for a wall as here the entrance to the city is marked by the 130AD Hadrian’s Gate. This has stood the test of time but other structures of the city are less permanent as the world’s biggest sandcastle competition takes place at Antalya's Lara beach from May to October.
Black Sea
Bafra
GEORGIA
Samsun Bursa
ARMENIA Ankara Izmir
IRAN Bodrum Marmaris
Dalaman
Antalya Belek
Marmaris is a livelier town than most in Turkey and although some of its cultural past is not as obvious as other resorts, the immediate surroundings and pine clad hills are spectacular. The town also makes a good base for gulet cruises and diving in pristine waters. If you would like to try a quieter side of Turkey head for the rugged and relatively unvisited peninsula of Bozburun and make sure you try the pine honey.
Mediterranean Sea
TURKEY Flight time: 4 hours Time difference: GMT +2 hours Possible Airlines: British Airways, Turkish Airlines, low cost carriers Months
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Istanbul
Aegean Sea
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Temp ºC 14
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Rain mm 76
46
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SYRIA CYPRUS
IRAQ
TURKEY - BODRUM
KEMPINSKI HOTEL BARBAROS BAY This luxurious hotel is situated on a cliff top in a secluded location, with a long stretch of sandy beach, approximately 15 minutes’ drive from the town of Bodrum and is the perfect place to unwind. From the private beach all of the family can swim in the crystal clear warm sea or take advantage of the water sports on offer such as water buggies, windsurfing, parasailing and sailing classes. If the sand does not appeal, the stunning infinity pool gives way to a spectacular view. Spend a day at the exclusive spa, a complete haven where you can relax and rejuvenate with holistic, tailor-made treatments based on a Far Eastern approach to wellness that aims to balance body and mind.
Restaurant and Bar, plus the Barbarossa Beach & Seafood restaurant, there is absolutely no danger of repetition or going hungry. After dinner retire to your stylish and spacious room, with floor-to-ceiling windows and a balcony or terrace, from where you can soak in views across the deep blue Aegean Sea and the hotel’s private bay. Suites provide extra space for families or romantic couples and come with a host of added benefits to complete a truly special experience.
BEACH
FAMILIES
SPA & RELAXATION
Facilities: 173 rooms & suites, 2 pools, spa, gym, golf, water sports, kids club (4-12 yrs) 6 restaurants, 1 bar Transfer time: 30 minutes’ drive from Bodrum airport Price guide: from £1,040 low season and £1,860 high season per person, £3,280 low season and £7,105 high season per family, 7 nights, B&B. Half board available at extra cost
This luxury beach resort close to Bodrum town has superb dining and great facilities for couples and families alike.
For families, there is the opportunity for adults to relax while little ones have a great time at the complimentary Kempinski Kids Club, all under the watchful supervision of trained educators and animators ensuring that their fun is constructive, educational and safe. The hotel’s restaurants cater for all cravings and preferences. Olives Restaurant brings together the best of the varied regional Turkish cuisine with delights such as mantisi, small meat filled dumplings served with yoghurt. At the kids restaurant, Pirates of Barbarossa, a healthy buffet is served and supervised games and activities are organised. With contemporary South East Asian fare served at Saigon Club and Italian at La Luce, the Pool
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TURKEY - BODRUM/FETHIYE
MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BODRUM As the name suggests, this well known hotel brand originated in Asia and no other region of the world does relaxation in paradise quite like Asia, so it is quite apt that the location of this exclusive getaway is on a stretch of the coastline known locally as Cennet Koyu - Paradise Bay. Luxurious sun loungers and daybeds are placed along the two private white sand beaches however, if gardens are where you find your peace then you can read in a hanging chair in the olive garden while enjoying a cake from the Mandarin Cake shop. At the outstanding spa you could have a specialist oriental treatment in a cabana overlooking the peninsular, experience a Turkish ritual in the private bath rooms or simply relax in the expansive spa pool. Evenings bring pre-dinner drinks at the utterly trendy pontoon bar followed by exquisite Asian, Turkish or Italian gastronomy in the fine dining restaurants.
D-RESORT GÖCEK Perfectly positioned on the edge of the town overlooking the marina, the D-Resort Göcek has a contemporary but very comfortable style. Its attractions are having three large pools and the benefit of being just a short walk or cycle ride away from a secluded sandy beach with crystal clear water. The resort has bikes available for guests to borrow and ride the flat pathway along the waterfront leading to the beach, marina and the town itself, providing an excellent way to get around. After a morning cycling, The D-Spa is the perfect way to soothe and relax in the afternoon. Spacious treatment rooms, a vitality pool, two saunas and a steam room are complemented by a gorgeous outdoor relaxation garden with a plunge pool on the top floor surrounded by mountain views.
Although a perfect and relaxing break for adults, kids are not forgotten with a play room for toddlers and games room for the older child, while outdoors there is a kids pool and play equipment. A gentle slope into the calm and clear waters at the beach make it seem as if it was made for children. This resort is a new edition for Mandarin Oriental and looks set to become one of the most talked about resorts in Turkey. This little piece of the Orient with Turkish inspired elements is perfect for a luxurious retreat in Europe.
BEACH
SPA & RELAXATION
Facilities: 109 rooms, suites, villas & apartments, 5 pools, gym, spa, tennis, water sports, 10 restaurants & bars Transfer time: 45 minutes’ drive from Bodrum airport Price guide: from £2,160 low season and £3,560 high season per person, 7 nights, B&B
Dining at D-Resort is superb; the main restaurant serves a mixture of local and international dishes, either in the restaurant or on the terrace overlooking the gardens. The romantic Breezes Restaurant set beside the beach has a stunning setting overlooking the sea and serves fresh seafood as well as sushi and teppanyaki. D-Resort Göcek is our recommended holiday for groups of girlfriends looking for a spa weekend or couples in search of a sunny break with a bit of local life nearby, good food and plenty of restaurants within walking distance.
SPA & RELAXATION
COUPLES
Facilities: 103 rooms & suites, 3 pools, gym, spa, tennis, 2 restaurants, 2 bars Transfer time: 20 minutes’ drive from Dalaman airport Price guide: from £815 low season and £1,195 high season per person, 7 nights, B&B. Half board available at extra cost
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TURKEY - MARMARIS
D-HOTEL MARIS Although it sounds clichéd this hotel really does have the wow factor. The setting of the D-Hotel could not be more spectacular; overlooking the uninhabited Rabbit Island the main hotel sits on the cliff top with incredible views over a bay, with no less than five white sand beaches and secluded coves. Taking full advantage of the surrounds, the deluxe rooms have a gorgeous balcony with sea views and a huge sunken bath overlooking Rabbit Island which is perfect for couples. You can select a room to enjoy the sunset or sunrise depending on whether you are an early bird or prefer a romantic sunset cocktail.
Dining at the D-Hotel Maris is a highlight and ranges from Turkish and Ottoman, to Italian, locally sourced dry-aged steak, seafood and sushi. Many of the restaurants are located at beach level, although our favourite, Zuma, is in the main hotel building. This open-fronted restaurant with a huge terrace offers an evening of delicious sharing plates and fantastic cocktails, with funky lounge music playing in the background.
COUPLES
BEACH
Facilities: 202 rooms, suites & villas, 3 pools, gym, spa, tennis, water sports, kids club (6-18 yrs), 5 restaurants, 6 bars Transfer time: 1 hour and 30 minutes’ drive or 25 minutes’ seaplane from Dalaman airport Price guide: from £995 low season and £1,695 high season per person, 7 nights, B&B. Half board available at extra cost
The colour of the sand and the sea in the bay makes it seem more Caribbean than Turkish. If you feel the need to get away from it all there is the ‘silent’ beach where mobile phones and music are not permitted, or alternatively there is the bay beach with a fun beach bar. All of the beaches have a small bar and are fully serviced. The large D-Spa uses ESPA products for the wide range of treatments on offer, plus it also houses a large gym and runs daily spinning, Pilates, yoga and stretching classes. There are personal trainers on hand to help with specific training programmes, and a ‘Clean and Lean’ Bodyism programme which combines nutrition and exercise to achieve the ideal body weight and muscle mass. The D-Hotel Maris surpasses all expectations; the location is completely breathtaking, the staff are superb, it has endless facilities and you will eat like a king.
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TURKEY - ANTALYA
GLORIA GOLF RESORT The name of this resort may suggest the ethos is all about the golf but to the contrary, this is one the most comprehensive family resorts we have in our portfolio. Any child at Gloria will be hard-pushed to be bored and without leaving the resort you will find family fun for all. There are two kids clubs that make your average European kids club look inadequate, plus a water park with eight slides ranging in suitability for babies through to adults wanting to unleash their inner child. The wide sandy beach offers space for children to run around and play while the pontoon makes a great spot for sunbathing. Dining with children in expensive restaurants can be a chore, but with the resorts all-inclusive option you really do not have to spend anything extra, and you have every corner and flavour of the world covered within the nine restaurants.
KEMPINSKI THE DOME A perfect spot for couples, whether celebrating a special occasion or simply taking time to enjoy each other’s company. You will appreciate the attention to detail and eagerness to please from the staff, as the guest services really do make any stay a special one. Sometimes it can take a few days to unwind on holiday, but spending some time in one of the largest spas in Turkey and experiencing a combination of massages, thalassotherapy and a Turkish hamman is sure to de-stress you from the start. The rooms and suites are decorated in Seljuk style and offer a tranquil and comfortable place to relax, however if you want to ensure ultimate peace just request a quiet room and the hotel will be happy to oblige. For extra privacy the two and three bedroom villas with a pool are dotted around the golf course and give an option to unwind with family and friends. www.baileyrobinson.com +44 (0) 1488 689700
If you have a larger family with three or more children, the Executive villas are perfect as they have two en suite bedrooms and a large living room where you can easily accommodate an extra two children. They are dotted throughout the well-manicured gardens so privacy is maintained. Happy children make happy parents and a great family holiday experience; a time the kids will be talking about for years to come - for all the right reasons.
The unspoilt and private beach is best enjoyed lounging on one of the pavilions, while the expansive lagoon style pool is an impressive place to sit and relax with a cool drink. Included in the dining options is Traders Spice which has an interactive show kitchen, and dining à la carte is included as part of your all-inclusive price once per week. The buffet in the main Lale Restaurant however is not to be dismissed with a lavish offering and service to match. This sophisticated all-inclusive resort on the beach is full of Turkish charisma.
SPA & RELAXATION
BEACH
Facilities: 183 rooms, suites & villas, 4 pools, gym, spa, tennis, golf, water sports, kids club (4-12 yrs), 4 restaurants, 5 bars Transfer time: 30 minutes’ drive from Antalya airport Price guide: from £1,200 low season and £1,570 high season per person, 7 nights, half board. All inclusive supplement available at extra cost
FAMILIES
BEACH
Facilities: 515 rooms, suites & villas, 8 pools, gym, spa, tennis, golf, water sports, crèche (1-3 yrs), kids club (4-12 yrs), 9 restaurants, 9 bars Transfer time: 45 minutes’ drive from Antalya airport Price guide: from £1,390 low season and £1,950 high season per person, £3,750 low season and £5,130 high season, 7 nights, all-inclusive
TURKEY
TURKISH GULETS There is no better way to experience truly amazing coastline and find the hidden Turkey than in the privacy and comfort of a gulet. It is superb to meander past the forest-clad mountains and explore the secluded bays of this unforgettable area. The majority of bays in this region are accessible only by sea and you may be fortunate enough to have them completely to yourself. Many remnants of Turkey’s rich heritage are to be found among these bays, with cultural sites scattered throughout the region. A cruise provides the opportunity for complete relaxation, while at the same time allowing you to see a beautiful and culturally rich part of the world in a manner that few people are able to.
Well-researched, flexible itineraries are designed to show the coast at its best, well away from the madding crowd. The Fethiye region boasts the fascinating long since abandoned ‘ghost town’ of Kayaköy, the stunning gorge of Saklikent, literally translated as ‘hidden city’ and the famous beach and blue lagoon of Ölüdeniz. The lagoon is a popular site for those learning to scuba-dive and the snorkelling will not disappoint.
COUPLES
FAMILIES
Price guide: from £1,945 low season and £2,675 high season per person, based on 10 people sharing the Alize gulet, 7 nights, all-inclusive
A range of gulets sleeping 8-16 guests in twin and double rooms are available. Prices include fuel for 3-4 hours cruising per day and an option of full board with or without drinks.
Göcek lies on a natural harbour protected by the wooded foothills of the Taurus Mountains; it looks out over the numerous islands and sheltered bays of this beautiful gulf. Enjoy being away from the crowd, alone with your thoughts, communing with nature and spending time with friends, while cruising the waves with the breeze bustling by. The Yassica Islands in the Gulf of Fethiye are one of the most romantic places in Turkey, ideal for spending quality time with a partner and photographing gorgeous sunsets. Only accessed by a piyade (small boat), CarettaCaretta (turtle) beach is a perfect place to take a dip, before meandering the beautiful delta. Dalyan was once a sleepy farming community and is now increasingly a tourist destination, but it has managed to retain its peaceful, almost laid-back atmosphere. It makes an excellent base for exploring the surrounding fertile waterways, in particular Lake Köycegiz and the turtle nesting grounds at Iztuzu Beach.
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