Tour operators are reporting resurgence in bookings to Turkey. Monarch Holidays reports bookings are up 90% with Monarch’s head of product and commercial, Gemma Day, reporting that the Eastern Med is “bouncing back”.
According to Thomas Cook, European bookings are up 40% in February compared to the same month last year. Peter Fankhauser, Thomas Cook chief executive, said: “After a slow start to the season and a tough year in 2016, we’re seeing early signs that customers are beginning to go back to Turkey.”
Why? It’s simple really. Because despite political problems, Turkey offers some of the globe’s most beautiful destinations, finest beaches, warm, friendly locals, stunning hotels, value for money and incredible cuisine.
Here are a selection of three of the finest:
Unquestionably the loveliest hotel in Marmaris, D Resort Grand Azur is perched ideally between mountain ranges and stunning views of the bay. Epitomising the best of what Turkey has to offer, D-Resort Grand Azur is the perfect balance of 5* luxury and style with a fantastic atmosphere for children. The facilities here are eye watering; dedicated children’s play area, tennis courts, volleyball, gourmet cuisine and first class water sports. Nestled in exotic gardens just steps from its blue flagged beach, the hotel feels like an ideal escape. Snaking its way through the grounds, the main pool looks more like a turquoise river than a swimming pool and offers lively and fun water slides for children. Factor in a state-of-the-art spa and a traditional Turkish bath, and it’s easy to see why this is one of Turkey’s most coveted family and couples’ destinations. D-Resort Grand Azur is reached via Dalaman airport and is open all year round.
Murat Reis Ayvalik is a new hotel, located in an entirely new, up and coming part of Turkey. A long-time favourite for Turkish holidaymakers, Ayvalik is just now being discovered by the outside world- it’s quiet, unspoiled Turkey at its best. Located on the Northern Aegean Coast, Murat Reis looks out onto the nearby Ayvalik Islands, a group of 22 inviting islands and boat trips can be easily arranged. The stunning boutique hotel sits right on the sea. The concept is beachfront luxury with a comfortable, chic and stylish edge, with smart slate floors, whitewashed wood, dove grey armchairs with crisp navy and white linens. The superb resort offers breath-taking natural views, lush green gardens and pine trees wrapped around the legendary slopes of the Kaz mountains; accented by calming waterways and what may be the loveliest sunsets in the world. Two restaurants offer a wide selection of modern Mediterranean foods along with incredible views. There is a deck bar, pool bar and lobby bar all on offer and for the highly motivated, a vast menu of water-sports along with a heated open pool, sauna, steam room with a sea view and stunning Turkish Bath.
And lastly, but certainly not least, is a hidden paradise of the Mediterranean known as Göcek, home to a most extraordinary hotel. Boasting an archipelago of beautiful islands and a luxurious, yacht dotted marina, D Resort Göcek is a stunning destination with a backdrop of dramatic forest-clad mountain ranges unique coves, picturesque islands, fascinating historical sites, superb beaches and traditional market towns. In addition to 300 days of sunshine a year, there is a lot on offer here.
Borrow a complimentary bike or meander into the quaint village of Göcek, charter the hotel owned luxury speedboat or sit and watch the incredible yachts pulling into the very glamorous harbour, this is a hotel for those who love the water. Those with more energy can go sightseeing at the nearby ancient ruins or opt for some of the water sports on offer. D-Resort Göcek’s Breeze restaurant is nestled on a private white sanded beach, offering the freshest fish, seafood and local produce. And the spa is a must see. Home to a state of the art gym and fitness area with exceptional mountain range views there is also an opulent marbled hamman, rivate abachi saunas, steam room, vitality pool, and an entire floor dedicated to traditional and Asian massages. New this year is this chic Q lounge. Located on the top of a hill, the sofa dressed night spot has incredible sea and islands views, Japanese influenced cocktails and a menu of sushi, sashimi and robatayaki served in tapas style in a relaxed music filled lounge environment.
Turkey may not have been on your list last year – but thousands of other UK holidaymakers are deciding it’s time to give this glorious destination another chance. Let them win back your hearts with their timeless beauty, ever-present sunshine, incredible vistas and spectacular hospitality.
