Known as the “Bridge between East and West”, the enchanting country of Turkey offers plenty to discover for the keen traveller. It’s been the meeting ground of many cultures for over 10,000 years.
This year, visits to Turkey are even outselling mainland Spain and the Canary Islands, as British holidaymakers return in big numbers.
Just 30 kilometers from the Antalya province and midway between Antalya and Side, Belek makes a quaint holiday resort, drawing an exclusive international crowd to its shores, known as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of the Turkish Riviera.
Set beside a gently flowing river, Robinson Club Nobilis connects directly to 20 kilometers of sandy beach via a private footbridge.
Complete with its own manicured 18-hole golf course, a luxury spa, specialty restaurants and plenty of enjoyable activities, this hotel is the crème de la crème of the ‘Turquoise Coast’s’ resorts.
First impressions count
Upon arrival the Robinson team warmly greeted us. Fresh canapés arrived on silver trays and the sound of a champagne cork popping caught my ear. Before I knew it, I was sipping Moet and raising a glass to the start of my holiday.
Newly renovated rooms look out over immaculate hotel gardens. The faint sound of splashing in the distance urged me to drop my bags and grab my swimsuit. Heading down to the pool, I made the most of the 29-degree October heat. This resort is the perfect getaway for all seasons.
Time to dine
With five main restaurants, offering a range of international cuisine using seasonal and regional produce, including the hotels WellFood® healthy dishes, there is something to satisfy everyone’s taste.
During our stay, the Melina Restaurant was my preferred place to eat, featuring a varied menu with flavours straight from the Turkish Riviera, inspired by the local culture and culinary heritage. As a vegetarian, I was well looked after and didn’t feel side-lined, as is sometimes the case!
A group Barbecue cooking lesson was no exception; this could have been a vegetarian’s worst nightmare, but with careful preparations to ensure it included non-meat dishes, I was able to join in and contribute as much as everyone else.
Under the watchful eye of the renowned chef Frank Heppner, we got to grips with the art of Barbecue. “Regional vs. Euro-Asian Cuisine” is Frank’s motto. This exciting fusion combined with creativity and flare was a recipe for success!
The three shades of blue
Call me crazy, but with all of this indulgent food, I wanted to keep a healthy balance, so each morning I repented my sins in the hotels state-of-the-art gym.
A treadmill vantage point gave views over the pool, river and sea. I dubbed this ‘the three shades of blue’. If ever you feel in need of rejuvenation, then consider Club Nobilis, this Wellfit® retreat will leave you feeling brand new.
For the explorer
Why not take a powerboat trip to visit one of Turkey’s most famous classical sites? Often compared to an open-aired museum, the ancient village of Side offers attractive beaches, an ancient harbour and waterfront restaurants with a backdrop of the Taurus Mountains.
There are ancient ruins in abundance and along with a Roman style theatre complex you will find an eerie amphitheatre where gladiatorial bouts were once held.
Night owl
What surprises await you as the sun goes down…Guests of the ‘White Party’ were treated to a show by Turkey’s number one DJ and producer, DJ Tarkan.
The fun doesn’t stop there, for those who don’t want the night to end they can continue to dance the night away in the resorts NITE club or can perch up at the 24-hour bar.
A hole in one
I can’t overlook one of the biggest attractions. With Belek hosting the PGA Championships, Club Nobilis’ stunning 18-hole golf course is available to guests, no matter what their handicap!
Golf lessons are on hand for all abilities, so with that in mind I agreed to try out a few swings at the driving range and with the careful instruction from my tutor Holger Binder, I pleasantly surprised myself hitting beyond 100 yards!
If you’re looking to play a round or two, then equipment is available to hire, so no need to pack your best 9 irons.
Spa seekers
If golf isn’t your thing (or find yourself short of a husband), you may like to enjoy down time in the spa. On my final day, I booked in for a traditional Hammam massage – not heard of one? Well, it’s an experience you will remember…
First, you spend five minutes in a steam room to release the toxins. A private room then awaits you, where you will receive a full body scrub, wash and massage, (not forgetting a thorough hair wash), all followed by a bucket of cold water tipped over your head without warning, which will leave you gasping for air – a strange but enlightening moment to say the least!
I will be the first to admit this is not for faint-hearted, as a prudish Brit, I didn’t entirely enjoy being bathed by someone else practically naked, but I was glad to have taken what I did from the experience and felt extraordinarily clean afterwards!
Final thoughts
When I returned to the pool to enjoy the last few moments of sun, it then dawned on me… I felt completely at home. Robinson hadn’t just provided me with a holiday; they gave me a warm, unforgettable experience full of memories I will cherish for years to come.
Whether you are a golfer, solo traveller, part of a family or a couple, there really is something to offer everyone. When I think of my first visit to Turkey, I will always look back at my time with Robinson, living life for the moment and making some wonderful new friends.
Prices start from: £560 per person all-inclusive for 7 nights in a double room.
Address: Belek Mah, Turizm Caddesi No:79/A, 07500 Serik/Antalya, Turkey
Phone: +90 242 710 03 00
Website: robinson.com
To see more of Rachel’s trip check out this video.
