When all-you-can-devour gastronomy meets traditional hammam rituals, you know it – you’ve touched down in Turkey. This corner of Europe doesn’t shy away from five-star hideaways and once-in-a-lifetime experiences, and it’s about time you experience it all on an Indulgent Escape. Here are the best places to do so…
Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection
Side, Antalya
Welcome to Acanthus Cennet Barut Collection, the sea-facing, wellness-giving haven that puts the small town of Side on the Indulgent Escapes map. The stays here begin with swish rooms that weave exposed white bricks into their subtle décor. All rooms come with either a balcony or terrace, making getting out of the cloud-like bed a breeze. After your already-included breakfast, frame your tropical-feel days around the impressive poolside that’s going to win over adults and children. When a spa pampering calls, make your way over – it's traditional in its treatments, but modern in design.
When you’ve exhausted the menu of relaxing rituals (this might be harder to accomplish than you would expect – it's long), retire to the sandy shores that go hand in hand with perfectly lined sunbeds. Prefer the shade of the leafy kind? Just a step away from the champagne sands, the pristine garden is dotted around with more plush sunbeds and palm trees towering over them.
The crème de la crème of this holiday hideout has to be the range of restaurants on offer, though. From flavourful Italian cuisine to ocean-inspired seafood and a patisserie serving delights that simply melt in your mouth, these restaurants are more than just beautiful places to savour exceptional dinners.
Cullinan Belek
Belek, Antalya
Keen golfers, families, self-confessed foodies, spa enthusiasts and couples all come together at Cullinan Belek. Well, just about. With ten pools, a sprawling golf course, and 15 restaurants on-site, Cullinan Belek feels more like a luxurious small town rather than a five-star hotel. The second-to-none facilities are tailored to every escape here and so is the room selection. Between family rooms with a whirlpool and duplex swim-up options, and even private villas located on the pristine greens, there are options are to suit you.
Golfers have a package wrapped up and ready for them if they opt for one of our golf holidays with rounds included. But don’t pass on the opportunity to get stuck into racket sports or calming yoga here either. For those without rest days on the calendar, the well-equipped gym is available throughout the day too. Whether you fancy a refreshment of the bubbly or fizzy kind, the impeccable assortment of 17 bars serves everything from flower-decorated cocktails to artsy lattes and ice-cold beers. Where to even start on the range of cuisines on offer at the 15 restaurants? Simply enjoy.
NG Phaselis Bay LifeStyle Resort
Kemer, Antalya
Spread across a bay-hugging shore, NG Phaselis Bay LifeStyle Resort is a divine place to unwind inside and out. Indoors, warm beige tones seamlessly blend with darker exposed bricks, creating a homely but rich atmosphere. Other shared spaces boast large, bright windows, adorned with lush greenery that breathes in more life to the rooms. But don’t look away just yet, interior aficionados, as the scenes to feast your eyes on don’t end there. Let the spacious, modern and oh-so swish rooms lure you in not only with their ultra luxurious feel, but with serene forest or sea views too. The choice is yours…
When you’ve explored all corners of this relaxing resort, stride to the magnificent beachfront – it’s worth it even if just for the vistas. The two spanning-the-horizon beaches are lined with sunbeds, guaranteeing a plot under the Turkish sun for everyone. If those mountains scenes awakened the thrill-seeker in you, try windsurfing or one of the other water sports activities available on the shore.
Oh, and the luxury-seeking families haven’t been forgotten here either – the on-site waterpark might catch even the adults’ attention. The swirling slides and splash park palm trees for the smallest ones means every age is catered for. Lastly, what’s a family holiday without some much-anticipated dinners together? At NG Phaselis Bay LifeStyle Resort, you always have a choice of six à la carte restaurants, a patisserie and snack bars.
Lujo Hotel Bodrum
Guvercinlik, Bodrum
Shades of emerald greens and azure blues intertwine at Lujo Hotel Bodrum, sandwiched between the verdant hillside and twinkling sea. Soak in every moment here, as the staggering views that could easily fill all Bodrum postcards are just the beginning. Lujo Hotel has clearly set out on a mission to make this an experience for all the senses, so when your eyes have had a feast, it’s time to treat the taste buds. Seven restaurants ranging from Italian to Asian and everything in between are all set in unbelievable surroundings. After what we’re sure will be a spectacular dinner, enjoy a drink or two at one of the many on-site bars – beachside or on the terrace? That’s up to you…
Back in the characterful rooms, a palette of warm browns paints a pretty sight – one that you won’t be able to wait to back to after an activity-filled day. If a go-slow type of morning or afternoon is on the cards, relish some lounge time on your sea-facing balcony.
Titanic Luxury Collection Bodrum
Guvercinlik, Bodrum
Step inside Titanic Luxury Collection Bodrum and you’ll be greeted with exquisite facilities, bespoke rooms and a vast view of the Turkish Riviera. It all starts with your carefully chosen room, which you can select based on your party size, and whether you’d like a sea or lush garden view. There’s even a swim-up option. Whichever you go for, an elegant mix of modern and authentic décor will be your companion inside, to give this five-star retreat a homely spin.
Ready to indulge in the best the resort has to offer? Position yourself comfortably on one of the stylish beachside cabanas, facing the dreamy sea vistas and disconnect from reality. If you manage to peel yourself away from the tranquil mountain views and soothing sounds of the sea, there’s a freeform pool that’s worth your attention. The on-site aqua park is a favourite with little ones, although the grown-ups might find it hard to say no to the racing slides too.
When it comes to dining, you can take your pick from five remarkable restaurants, specialising in all sorts of cuisines such as Italian, Japanese and Greek. After a late-night tipple? All Inclusive Plus base is the standard here – the resort is your oyster. The array of bars will have you covered, including an Irish pub and a Limoncello Bar with a dancefloor.
Posted: 4th Oct 2024.