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Times
20 minutes ago
- Times
17 of the best hotels with swim-up rooms in Turkey
Snooze, swim. Snooze, swim. It's the ultimate in holiday relaxation, slipping between lounger and pool, and it's never easier than when you can swim right up to your room. Turkish hoteliers are never slow to embrace new trends, and there are swim-up rooms, apartments and suites in every type of hotel, from family-friendly all-inclusives to romantic boutique hotels. Not that relaxing in this sun-drenched, spectacularly beautiful country is ever difficult; it may not have the super-slow pace of the Greek islands, but Turkish hospitality is second to none, with families particularly welcomed. Throw in crystal-clear seas, fantastic food and the sense of a culture rich in tradition and history and it's not difficult to see why so many British holidaymakers return to Turkey for a relaxing week in the sun. These are the country's best hotels with swim-up rooms. This article contains affiliate links, which may earn us revenue £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for views The swim-up rooms at the Garcia also command the very best of the hotel's views over the lush green forests and sparkling waters of the Blue Lagoon. Each comes with a private poolside terrace, while inside you'll find rooms decorated in relaxing Mediterranean blues and natural finish wood (swim-up family suites are also available). Even if you go for one of the standard rooms you'll find plenty of swimming options, with four adult and two children's pools. And when you're ready to tear yourself away, it's just a short drive down to the beach. • Discover our full guide to Turkey £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for seclusion Most foreign tourists overlook the northern part of Turkey's Aegean coast, but it's worth a visit — the waters are bracingly cold and the temperatures less scorching than in the more southerly resorts. The high-end Paloma chain's Izmir offering is on a secluded part of the coast, right on a stretch of golden beach. Poolside rooms come with their own terrace and small tropical garden, offering maximum privacy and tranquillity. ££ | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for honeymoons The honeymoon suites at the Nautical are showstoppers: self-contained bungalows with their own private terraces and pools, set just metres back from a sparkling crystal bay that is for guests only. The emphasis at this tiny boutique hotel is on nature and relaxation: you can join meditation and yoga classes among the lemon trees in the garden, and enjoy laid-back acoustic live music events in the evenings. The cheaper rooms aren't too shabby either: individual stone houses are cleverly arranged to make you feel as though you're out in the wilderness on your own. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for a stress-free break This luxury hotel occupies one of the best stretches of beach in Bodrum, where you can feel the soft white sand between your toes and dive into the refreshing crystal waters. The service is top notch: the hotel's personal assistant can organise everything during your stay, from restaurant bookings to excursion recommendations. Sumptuously designed rooms and restaurants stocked with high-end accessories will make you feel like one of the celebrities who frequent this part of the Turkish coast. The superior suites are swim-up rooms, and there are also beach villas available, each featuring its own private pool. • Best hotels in Bodrum• Best things to do in Bodrum £££ | SPA | POOL | 5 RESTAURANTS | Best for a quieter retreat This luxury resort in Side manages to meld the ease of all-inclusive with the exclusive feel of a boutique hideaway. It is renowned for the quality of its gastronomy, with frequently changing menus at its three à la carte restaurants offering a range of cuisines. If you feel the need to work off the excess, staff can arrange for gym equipment to be brought to your room and can book you sessions with personal trainers — or you can join sports classes ranging from yoga to beach volleyball. Swim-up rooms share a separate swimming pool. • Best hotels in Antalya• Best things to do in Antalya ££ | SPA | POOL | 3 RESTAURANTS | Best for spa lovers Far smaller than most of Antalya's sprawling resorts, Dosinia is the place to stay if you prefer a more intimate vibe, while keeping all of the perks of all-inclusive. Packages include free use of the extensive spa, which features a Turkish-style hammam and has a range of treatments and massages, as well as plenty of outdoor activities. The pool is freshwater and there is an on-site waterpark with slides as well as separate indoor and outdoor pools for kids plus clubs to keep them entertained. £££ | SPA | POOL | 9 RESTAURANTS | Best for golf lovers The pool feels more like a secret lagoon at this five-star resort, weaving a path through lush gardens and between suites that open up straight into the water. This vast place nonetheless manages to feel intimate thanks to its clever design, based around a mix of individual units and the main hotel, which features spacious, luxurious rooms. Its biggest draw, though, is the 27-hole championship golf course, designed by golfing legend Sir Nick Faldo. Guests staying in the swim-up suites can opt to have dinner served in their rooms. £££ | SPA | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for gastronomy There is a new chef every week at this high-end concept hotel, where the focus is firmly on food. Each brings their own twist to the locally grown, organic ingredients, guaranteeing that every meal will be a joy. The sleek and modern design of this hotel is a welcome change from the usual brash all-inclusives, and the swim-up rooms also feature private patios equipped with comfy outdoor furniture. Even the long sandy private beach is well-designed, featuring cabanas that you'll want to lounge in all day.£ | SPA | POOL | 1 RESTAURANT | Best for night life In the centre of the popular resort of Hisaronu – set above Olu Deniz's glorious beach – this is a perfect base if you feel like getting out of the hotel and dancing the night away. The main strip is a five-minute walk away and features dozens of bars and restaurants catering to the international crowd who holiday and live in this part of Turkey. The blue lagoon, a surreal beautiful inlet ringed with white sand, is also close by. Swim-up pool rooms make the perfect base for relaxing on the days when you feel like staying at the hotel. • Best things to do in Fethiye £££ | SPA | POOL | 10 RESTAURANTS | Best for group holidays The last word in all-inclusive luxury, the Maxx Royal is so large and packed with amenities that you could easily spend a fortnight here without leaving the grounds. The Laguna suites have direct access to the pool and can sleep up to six adults in two bedrooms, and teenagers and young adults will love the hotel's laser tag area. Separate pools mean that you can enjoy an adult holiday here, although kids are well-served too, with an on-site aqua park with ten slides. ££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for kids The focus is firmly on the kids at this resort just thirty minutes' drive from Antalya airport, with den-like children's rooms fitted out with bunk beds and clubs catering to all ages. Teenagers will love the nightclub and karaoke, and the watersports at the hotel's private beach. Six of the nine on-site swimming pools are designed with children in mind, and there is an aqua park with six slides too. If you opt for one of the swim-up suites you'll get a terrace that makes it feel like your own private pool. £££ | SPA | POOL | 15 RESTAURANTS | Best for entertainment Few hotels in Turkey can boast superstars Jennifer Lopez and Dua Lipa on their guest lists, but they are among the performers who have graced the stage at this all-inclusive resort. A few big names pop up here every summer, but even if you're not lucky enough to catch them you'll be spoilt for choice, with live bands and DJs performing every night. The hotel also hosts glamorous parties for adults only, with themes ranging from Cuban to Eighties glam. Shake off your hangover with one of the dozens of outdoors sports activities that take place during the day. £££ | SPA | POOL | 6 RESTAURANTS | Best for nature lovers In a pine forest on one of the most stirring stretches of the Turquoise Coast, this resort makes a great base for getting out and trekking through the pine forests of the Mediterranean or getting your adrenaline pumping with windsurfing, wakeboarding and waterskiing courses. But there is plenty to stay put for too: the hotel is split into adult and family sections, with swim-up rooms available in both. The six restaurants include a variety of world cuisines, and an intimate beachside option for romantic evenings. £££ | SPA | POOL | 13 RESTAURANTS | Best for wellness The hundreds of treatments available at the Ela's huge and luxurious spa alongside a full-size Turkish hammam decked out in beautiful traditional tiles and marble to make you feel like you are living in an Ottoman palace. There is plenty of organised entertainment for both small children and teenagers, and a huge range of sports activities available, so it will be easy to grab time for yourself and rewind. The best villas come with their own private pools. £ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for families The spacious family bungalows at this value-for-money resort have the feel of a self-catering hideaway, but with all the conveniences of a package holiday on the doorstep. Steps lead straight down from the balconies into the pool, and each has a private terrace complete with sunloungers. Cycle hire is a popular option here, with plenty of trails in the surrounding mountains and guides on hand to show you the best routes. There is a huge water sports programme, and children can also take swimming classes for a small extra cost. £ | POOL | 2 RESTAURANTS | Best for pool lovers All of the rooms and apartments at this well-designed hotel overlook the lagoon-style pool, with those on the ground floor having swim-up access to their private terrace. The pool has a lush, plant-filled island feature in the middle, where you can lounge with a good book between dips, and there's a cute kids' playground with slides, a trampoline and their own pool. The hotel also has owns the Buzz Beach Bar & Grill right on Olu Deniz's fabulous beach, with a 10 per cent discount for guests. £££ | SPA | POOL | 7 RESTAURANTS | Best for luxury Each sumptuous villa here comes not only with direct pool access, but with a garden area and decking where you can stretch out between swims. Down on the soft sand of the private beach you'll find luxury pavilions, the perfect place to watch the sunset with a cold cocktail from the beachside bar. It's a place made for relaxation, but if you want to get your blood pumping there is a well-equipped gym and full golf course, as well as a range of activities including yoga. For the best that money can buy, opt for the presidential villa, which comes with its own private pool. • Best places to visit in Turkey• Best luxury villas in Turkey
Daily Mirror
36 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
Tiny European island dubbed 'Maldives of the Med' with 11-hours of daily sunshine
A tiny European island which boats transparent waters, balmy weather and swaying palm trees is giving the Maldives a run for it's money thanks to it's idyllic setting Choosing your holiday getaway can take a lot of time and planning and if you're after a white sandy beach and crystal clear waters - you'll more than likely have to jump on a long-haul flight. However people have been raving about a tiny Balearic island, and are comparing it to being the ' Maldives of the Meditarranean'. Formentera promises the same sunny weather, palm trees and crystal blue transparent waters, just like the Maldives, without the massive price tag. Situated right next to Ibiza, the two islands may be geographically aligned, but they couldn't be more opposite. Formentera is peaceful escape and the island is just 12 miles long and a mile-and-a-half wide at its narrowest point and there's little to do apart from eat, drink and enjoy the soft sand beaches. Lonely Planet describes the European island, which was also loved by Kate Moss in the 90s, as a 'beautifully pure, get-away-from-it-all-escape'. The travel guide adds: "Formentera's pace of life is blissfully languid, designed for lazy days spent lounging on some of Europe's (dare we say the world's) most exquisite beaches." Playa de Ses Illetes is Formentera's best known beach and it's even won Travellers' Choice Best of the Best award and the coastal spot is located within the Ses Salines National Park and has white sand with bright turquoise water. Platja de Migjorn is also considered one of the island's prettiest beaches. The longest beach on the island it stretches across 5km. For those looking to plan a trip to the beautiful island, travellers will need to fly to Ibiza to get to Formentera with direct flights available on British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2. They can then catch a ferry from Ibiza. Ferries tend to run frequently and take around 30 minutes. It also promises 11-hours of sunshine a day and in July and August, the temperature averages 26 degrees on the island and the average temperature is usually above 20 degrees in May, June, September and October as well. However if you don't fancy hopping on a plane, the UK boasts stunning landscapes that are the envy of the world, offering a plethora of beautiful spots to discover if you're planning a staycation this summer. One of the most 'underrated' regions offers the top must-do activity for holidaymakers this summer, located on a picturesque island just off Scotland's coast. A breathtaking drive along the Isle of Arran's coast in Scotland has emerged as the top choice, according to a survey of 2,000 adults about their staycation dreams. Often dubbed 'Scotland in miniature', the Isle of Arran boasts a range of spectacular landscapes, with the 109km Arran Coastal Way providing views of the coastline, charming villages, and mountain peaks. Journeying around the stunning Isle of Arran presents ample opportunities to discover remnants of Scotland's Gaelic and Norse heritage. It features numerous coastal towns, such as Lochranza and Kildonan, where you can enjoy a walk on beautiful beaches and explore ancient castle ruins. Scotland is renowned for its rich culture and history, which you'll experience at every turn when exploring Arran.
Daily Mail
5 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Travel expert issues warning over simple passport mistakes that will stop you from flying
Holidaymakers jetting off this summer should be aware of some simple issues with their passports that could prevent them from flying. When going on a trip, tourists often have to juggle many different things including travel insurance, transfers and their luggage. But one important factor to consider is your passport – and issues with it could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK. Chris Harrington, managing director at transfer company Hoppa, shared his advice for those going away this summer. The travel expert emphasised the importance of making sure your passport isn't too damaged. He explained: 'If your passport is damaged to the extent that it impacts its ability to function or verify who you are, this can lead to it being declared invalid.' Chris advises checking the condition of your passport after booking a trip to avoid problems. He added: 'Once you have booked your holiday, ensure your passport is in good condition and it doesn't have any water damage, tears, rips, stains or any pages are missing. One important factor to consider is your passport and problems with it that could cause problems when arriving at your destination or returning to the UK 'In most cases, minor wear and tear is acceptable, but for anything more severe, you will need to apply for a new passport.' Though life can become busy, it is important to ensure documents such as passports are up to date – including reflecting any changes to personal information – in order to ensure they are still accurate and valid. Chris said: 'Your passport needs to have all of your correct details on. Including name and date of birth, which means if this isn't the case, it could be invalid. 'When making your travel booking, it's important that the details you enter reflect those that are on your passport. 'For example, if you get married and you make the booking with your new surname, the passport needs to also have the same details. 'If you need to apply for a new passport due to getting married, this can be done before or after the ceremony.' Another point to look out for is the expiry date on your passport. Even if it hasn't expired, it's important to note that some countries require the passport to be valid for three months from the departure date. Chris explained: 'One of the common mistakes people make is not being aware of when a passport has expired. 'When you are going abroad, you need to make sure that your passport was issued within the last 10 years of the date you enter the country. 'It's important to remember that this is counted from the date of issue and not the expiry date. 'Alongside the 10-year rule, Brits travelling to the EU and Schengen countries also need to be aware that their passport needs to be valid for at least three months beyond their departure date. 'It's also worth noting that for some destinations, there needs to be 6 months remaining on the passport, so it's important to check the regulations for the country you're travelling to.'
