Attention to detail in Antalya, Turkey (From Hampshire Society)

Attention to detail in Antalya, Turkey

3:02pm Monday 6th July 2009

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Ordinarily, I am not a fan of sprawling holiday resorts which although wonderful for the first few days eventually begin to feel like waking each morning for another Groundhog Day in a deluxe prison.

So despite a desperate need for some sunshine and relaxation, it was with trepidation that I set out on my nearly four hour flight from Gatwick to the Turkish resort of Antalya for a short break in a new luxury all-inclusive resort.

But there is an exception to every rule and LykiaWorld Antalya is the most wonderful exception.

This resort is so cleverly conceived, with attention paid to every detail, and has so much to offer that, frankly, I would have been happy to stay all year.

It’s a truly special resort for the 21st Century.

After a short transfer to the coastal spot of Denizyaka 60km from the city centre and close to the Taurus Mountains, we arrived just in time for dinner at the fabulous modern Turkish restaurant Turk Mahalessi. This is one of seven dining options, some of which carry an additional charge.

A lovely glass of Turkish wine in one of ten bars catering to every taste was followed by a nightcap on the balcony of the second floor room where I happily helped myself to some of the treats from the well-stocked and mostly free mini-bar.

I had missed out on the spectacular view in the dark, but awoke the next morning to find I could stand in my power shower and enjoy an uninterrupted view of the Mediterranean.

Some of the rooms and villas at LykiaWorld even have private indoor and outdoor pools, a hot tub, sauna with glass roof so you can study the stars and have room for a nanny!

If you don’t like your private pool, there’s plenty of others to choose from. In addition to its own 2.5 kilometre natural sandy beach, the resort also features a host of indoor and outdoor pools – some geared towards activity others towards relaxation.

I particularly enjoyed sampling all five of the rather impressive water slides.

Not all the activities are water based. One of the resorts’ biggest pulls is its impressive 18-hole professional golf course, the first and only links golf course in the Mediterranean region.

As well as enjoying a golf lesson with one of the two pros on site, we also played tennis and tried out several of the classes available including yoga, circuits and salsa.

If you can drag yourself away from the sunshine, the hotel also features a fabulous spa where you can enjoy treatments from around the world including the traditional Turkish Hammam.

But you don’t have to stay on site, despite there being enough to occupy you for several months. A golf academy is being built and plans are afoot for a horse riding centre and even hot air ballooning facilities.

LykiaWorld also organises trips involving everything from white-water rafting to quad biking.We took a half day cultural tour to the historical sites of Perge, an ancient Roman city with fascinating ruins and Aspendos, the impressive and well-preserved Roman theatre.

After a lovely fish lunch at a beautiful spot on the banks of the river near the city of Side, it was back to the hotel with time for a last-minute spot of sunbathing before catching our evening flight back to the UK.

My journey was broken up on the way back by a short stopover at Gatwick’s newest addition – the Yotel. At this budget hotel, you are given a ‘pod’ containing a bunk-style bed, a wet room and TV with the choice of 500 films. It’s a convenient place for travel and well worth a visit.

With Turkey not yet in the Euro zone, your money goes further and there really is no better place to spend it than LykiaWorld.

I wasn’t alone in my group in not wanting to leave this holiday paradise.

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