Latest news with #TheLandofLegends
Times
22-06-2025
- Times
The five best-value holiday destinations right now — and how to see them
With summer holidays on the horizon, there's good news for most people planning to get away this year. The Post Office's latest Holiday Spending Report, released this week, has found that the British pound is stronger than a year ago against 25 of the 30 bestselling currencies. Those visiting Turkey can feel particularly smug as they'll reap the biggest rewards, getting almost a third more for their money compared with last June. Other countries that offer Brits significantly extra currency for their sterling compared with a year ago include Mexico (12.8 per cent more, which is about an extra £57 for £500), Brazil (12.5 per cent, or an extra £55), Egypt (11.3 per cent, or an extra £51) and Jamaica (9.8 per cent, or an extra £45). Beware travelling to Thailand, Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland or Japan, however, as all of their currencies have risen in value against the pound, although Thailand and Malaysia still offer good value overall. Instead, consider the report's top five destinations where the UK's pound is strongest. We've picked three holidays in each that will make your money go even further this year. This article contains affiliate links, which can earn us revenue No need to splurge on spendy flights to Orlando. Antalya's mammoth The Land of Legends is Turkey's biggest theme park, with a 40-slide waterpark, nightly parades, a string of white-knuckle rollercoasters and, for little ones, a Nickelodeon Land that opened earlier this year. One of three hotels onsite is the all-inclusive Kingdom hotel, which has an extensive, child-friendly buffet, mini discos, an indoor pool and cartoon-coloured rooms that come with games consoles. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £892pp, including flights and luggage ( • Read our full guide to Turkey Turkey's Mediterranean coastline has the same brilliant blue waters, seafront restaurants and long sunny days as nearby Greece, but often for a fraction of the cost. The five-star adults-only Supreme Beach Icmeler hotel is next to the sand and surrounded by pine forests, and less than a mile from Marmaris with its open-air nightclubs, marina and bustling bazaar. The all-inclusive hotel has 68 simple, modern rooms with tiled bathrooms, two pools, a fitness centre and a spa with a Turkish bath and Seven nights' all-inclusive from £386pp, including flights ( With its historical landmarks, gourmet restaurants and cultural attractions, Istanbul has all the charm of other major European cities for friendlier prices. Visit the Blue Mosque with its colourful tiled interior, sail along the Strait of Bosphorus which divides Europe and Asia, or pick up (even more) bargains in the 15th-century bazaar. Stay in Hagia Sofia Mansions Istanbul Curio Collection by Hilton, which is close to the major sights and has extravagantly decorated rooms, a garden restaurant offering shisha, and a spa built around a 1,500-year-old Five nights' room only from £614pp, including flights and checked luggage ( • 23 of the best things to do in Istanbul Next to the bath-warm Caribbean Sea but better value than islands like Barbados or Antigua, Cancun has white-sand beaches, a buzzy nightlife, spectacular coral reefs and nearby Maya ruins to explore. The Oleo Cancun Playa resort simplifies its rates by including everything from 24-hour room service to art workshops and meals in five restaurants. Rooms are all-white and minimalist, and some have sunset sea views. There are restaurants and shops within walking distance and the El Rey Archaeological Zone is less than two miles away. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,186pp, including flights ( Take advantage of cut-price currency and see even more of Mexico on this nine-night self-guided tour. You'll spend three nights in a Mexico City hotel, including a visit to the Teotihuacan pyramids, before flying to the arty Yucatan capital of Merida for three nights in order to visit cenotes on the inner rim of an asteroid crater and the ancient Maya complex of Chichen Itza. Finally unwind with three nights in an all-inclusive beachfront resort on the Riviera Nine nights' B&B from £2,559pp, including flights, transport, some excursions and some extra meals ( • Read our full guide to Mexico Decent exchange rates mean it's even possible to visit Mexico during one of its most famous festivals. This small-group tour, departing on October 28, includes six nights in Oaxaca during El Dia de los Muertos, otherwise known as Day of the Dead, when the southern Mexican city thrums with street parades and candlelit vigils. You'll view several, as well as joining an orientation walk round the city and taking a tortilla-making workshop in a local family's home. Details Six nights' B&B from £1,599pp, including activities and some extra meals ( Fly to Oaxaca • 10 of the best places to visit in Mexico (and how to see them) Escape the British weather without blowing the budget by jetting to Rio de Janeiro for its endless stretches of sandy beach, rainforest trails, lively nightlife and the towering Christ the Redeemer statue. The Windsor Florida hotel is in a residential district within strolling distance of Flamengo beach but also two minutes' walk from the nearest metro station for easy access to the sights without paying city-centre prices. It has an outdoor pool with loungers, a gym and a lavish buffet Five nights' B&B from £1,099pp, including flights and luggage ( Nab a bucket-list adventure for less with this eight-night small-group tour of Brazil's highlights (plus a brief foray into Argentina). After a first night in Buenos Aires, you'll fly to Iguazu for three nights exploring both the Brazilian and Argentinian side of these humongous falls, before a night in the Unesco-listed Portuguese colonial-era town of Paraty. Afterwards, a van and ferry will whisk you to Ilha Grande for two nights of hiking, snorkelling and fresh seafood before a final night exploring Rio de Janeiro. Details Eight nights' B&B from £1,612pp, including transport and excursions ( Fly to Buenos Aires Even a five-star all-inclusive represents a bargain in Bahia, known for its clear waters, historical sites and the waterfall-filled Chapada Diamantina National Park. The Iberostar Waves Bahia is close to the village of Praia do Forte and lies directly on its white-sand beach, though the hotel also has three pools in its gardens. There's also a golf course, a large spa with Roman and Turkish baths, a two-storey fitness centre with a spinning room, a sea-turtle monitoring station and museum, and six restaurants including a poolside food All-inclusive doubles from £218 ( Fly to Salvador • 21 of the best affordable holiday destinations for 2025 Hectic Cairo can be exhausting to fit into a weekend, so take advantage of the exchange rate and go for longer. Stay outside the centre in the residential Fifth Settlement neighbourhood for some breathing space between sights, with the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum half an hour's drive away. Local restaurants and shops are within walking distance of the Triumph Luxury hotel and there's an outdoor pool with a bar, padel court, kids' playground and spa for relaxing. Details Seven nights' B&B from £915pp, including flights, transfers and luggage ( • Egypt travel advice: is it safe to visit right now? Once the sole preserve of the wealthy, voyages down the Nile became more affordable late last year when Tui's Marella Cruises brand launched its first itineraries on Africa's longest river. On a round trip from Luxor you'll visit Edfu (for excursions to the Temple of Horus and the double temple of Kom Ombo) and Aswan, with all the on-board food, drink and entertainment included. The decent exchange rate means you can splurge on extra shore excursions, including a tour of the rock-cut Abu Simbel temples or a hot-air balloon trip over Luxor's Valley of the Kings. Details Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,824pp, including flights and transfers ( • 18 of the best Egypt tours You'll get near-guaranteed sunshine and wonderfully low prices if booking a beach break in Sharm el-Sheikh, on the southeastern coast of the Sinai peninsula. Stella di Mare Beach hotel and spa ticks every fly-and-flop box, with a large pool right next to its own beach, a jetty from which to jump straight into the Red Sea, a Padi centre for diving, a spa and three restaurants. Naama Bay's shops, nightclubs and cafés are less than a ten-minute taxi ride away. Details Seven nights' B&B from £571pp, including flights ( Beaches don't get much more exclusive than the one at Catalonia Montego Bay on Jamaica's northwest coast. As well as the 1.5-mile stretch of white sand right beside its pool, the hotel has its own palm-tree-ringed private island, reached by walking across the clear shallow water. A spa, tennis courts, a diving centre and a mini-golf course might also tempt you from your lounger, and there are three à la carte restaurants including Japanese and Italian options, plus a jerk bar and beach Seven nights' all-inclusive from £1,160pp, including flights ( • 12 of the best all-inclusive hotels in Jamaica There'll be plenty of opportunities to spend that holiday money during this small-group island tour of Jamaica's highlights. Travelling by coach between five comfortable hotels, the itinerary includes a trip to a coffee plantation in the Blue Mountains, a visit to the Bob Marley Museum in Kingston, swimming on the sheltered Blue Lagoon beach, a guided tour of the Rose Hall Great House and rum tasting at the Appleton Estate distillery. Splurge on optional excursions such as local cooking classes or rafting on the Rio Nine nights' B&B from £2,349pp, including transport, most excursions and some extra meals ( Fly to Kingston Spend the extra you'll claw back with that favourable exchange rate on a stay at GoldenEye, Jamaica's most famous hotel, and the former home of the James Bond creator Ian Fleming. This tranquil resort has just 18 cottages and villas within 52 acres of tropical gardens around a 150m stretch of white sand and a large lagoon. Spend your days snorkelling, paddleboarding or exploring the area on mountain bikes before dining by candlelight on the beach or in the Gazebo, a fine-dining treehouse restaurant. Details Seven nights' room-only from £2,215pp, including flights ( • 21 of the best luxury villas in Jamaica
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
The Land of Legends Opens 2025 Season for a Legendary Family Summer in Antalya
As Türkiye's tourism industry enters a record-setting year, The Land of Legends opens its 2025 summer season with new family-oriented offerings in Antalya. Prioritizing experiences over traditional holiday packages, the resort blends themed entertainment, accommodation, and retail into one integrated destination. Antalya, Turkey--(Newsfile Corp. - May 12, 2025) - As Turkiye's tourism sector surges toward new highs, The Land of Legends is preparing to welcome 2025's summer visitors to its entertainment, hotel, and lifestyle complex in Antalya. Known for combining creative design with family-focused hospitality, the resort enters the season with an expanded range of experiences and a focus on international travellers. The Land of Legends Opens 2025 Season for A Legendary Family Summer in Antalya To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: The launch comes amid a promising backdrop for the tourism industry. In 2024, Türkiye hosted 52.63 million visitors, surpassing its previous record of 49.2 million in 2023. January 2025 alone saw 2.17 million foreign entries, the highest ever for that month. Looking ahead, the government forecasts 64 million visitors in 2025 and projects tourism revenue of US$ 63.6 billion, following a year in which revenue rose by 8.3% to US$ 61.1 billion. With strong momentum behind it, Antalya—one of Turkiye's most popular destinations—is expected to play a central role. At its heart, The Land of Legends offers a comprehensive tourism experience that appeals to both domestic and international families. A multi-experience destination offering unforgettable moments The Land of Legends Theme Park offers a full day of rides and entertainment for all ages. Thrill-seekers can head to Adventure Land with its Hyper Coaster, or Tropic Lagoon, where the Turtle Coaster winds over water. Aqua Land features dynamic attractions like Wave Shock, a large wave pool. Younger guests can explore Nickelodeon Land, home to themed zones such as Adventure Bay, Bikini Bottom, and Wild Galaxy, featuring favourites like SpongeBob SquarePants, PAW Patrol, and Star Trek™. "We continue to build on our core idea of creating unforgettable moments for families by combining imagination, comfort, and accessibility," said Semih Elbaba, Managing Director of The Land of Legends. The Land of Legends Opens 2025 Season for A Legendary Family Summer in Antalya To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Themed hospitality for families with an all-day offering Reflecting its 'family-first' concept, the flagship Kingdom Hotel, Turkiye's first hotel designed entirely for children, features brightly themed rooms, child-friendly amenities, and access to Nickelodeon Land included for all guests. A new addition, Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya, offers suites inspired by Nickelodeon's most recognisable franchises. Families can stay in themed rooms dedicated to Dora the Explorer, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and more, while enjoying spa facilities, themed pools, Club Nick kids' club, and a variety of dining venues. The destination's Shopping Avenue combines retail, dining, and evening entertainment. With global fashion brands, open-air restaurants, and nightly shows, the area is designed to extend the guest experience into the evening and appeal to visitors of all ages. This all-day offering aligns with Turkiye's efforts to lengthen tourist stays and increase per capita spending—both key drivers in the country's recent tourism growth. Focusing on meaningful experiences over conventional tourism offerings As The Land of Legends opens the 2025 season, it joins a wider national trend of expanding family tourism infrastructure and character-branded hospitality. According to resort representatives, future plans include new interactive zones and further integrations between entertainment, hospitality, and storytelling. "Our goal is to redefine family holidays through a concept that combines storytelling, high-quality service, and inclusive fun," Semih Elbaba added. With tourist numbers rising, The Land of Legends positions itself not just as an attraction, but as a flagship example of how Türkiye is evolving its tourism offer—balancing creative leisure with international hospitality standards. For more information, visit: Contact Meriç Gönü 530 644 79 75 To view the source version of this press release, please visit
Daily Mirror
28-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Magical reason people love Turkey's new Nickelodeon Land - and the one thing it gets wrong
The receptionist hands me a room key adorned with a certain yellow, porous protagonist. I've journeyed to Turkey's sun-drenched Antalya coast—not for the ancient ruins or the crystal-clear Mediterranean. I've come here to answer the question: can an all-inclusive hotel built around a talking sponge actually deliver luxury, or is it just a gimmick that would make Squidward roll his eyes? Walking into my SpongeBob -themed Deluxe Room (starting at £349 per night) feels like I've tumbled through my television and landed in Bikini Bottom. The sign above the king-size bed proclaims "Home Sweet Pineapple" in cheerful lettering, while pretend portholes dot the walls. Think nautical blues, strategic pops of yellow, and character touches that stop just short of having Patrick tucked under your pillow. It's a room that would make even Squidward crack a reluctant smile. The rooms are sure to make children squeal with delight while allowing parents to relax (as long as you don't mind the colour yellow). Even the mini-fridge is disguised as a giant pineapple. I wonder briefly if it contains Krabby Patties before discovering something far more welcome – a selection of beverages that don't require a secret formula. The rooms themselves are surprisingly practical underneath the cartoon sparkle. Alongside the themed décor, you'll find modern comforts like fast Wi-Fi, smart TVs (where you can of course watch Nickelodeon all day long) USB charging ports, and thoughtful touches for little ones like child-sized robes and step stools in the bathroom. Nickelodeon Land officially opened on 1 March 2025 - forming a partnership with the The Land of Legends theme park resort and water park. The Rixos hotel features 238 rooms spread across seven floors. You can stay in themed rooms based on PAW Patrol, Dora the Explorer, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and of course- SpongeBob SquarePants. As I step onto the balcony of my room, I'm greeted not by the depths of the ocean but by a bird's-eye view of the new theme park area; Nickelodeon Land. It means you can literally watch your offspring carting around a Paw Patrol helicopter ride while sipping coffee from the comfort of your balcony. Helicopter parenting has never been so literal – or so relaxing. Also in view is the new indoor SpongeBob Universe - which is as close to being in the show as you can get (beyond your bedroom). From character meet and greets to spinning round on the "Jellyfish Jam" swings - it's fun that may have even the grown-ups answering, 'Aye-aye, captain!' Guests also get complimentary access to Aqua Land, part of the wider Land of Legends theme park. It's a sprawling water world packed with high-speed slides, lazy rivers, wave pools and aquatic shows. While Nickelodeon Land hits the mark for themed fun if your kids love Spongebob, Paw Patrol or Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, those raised on Disney's brand of magic might find it a little less spellbinding — the attention to detail and immersive storytelling don't quite reach the same heights, though it still delivers plenty of joy for younger fans. The real genius however is that when you're ready to trade cartoon characters for coastal charm, the resort brilliantly delivers on both fronts. The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service to another Rixos property - Rixos Premium Belek, where guests can enjoy access to some stunning pools and beach club., among pine and walnut forests. A nice reminder that yes, you are actually in Turkey, not merely inside a cartoon. Because even SpongeBob occasionally needs a day above water. And one thing that certainly hits the spot is the food. Back at the Nickelodeon hotel, I head to Le Spatula restaurant, named after our yellow hero's favorite kitchen tool. The all-day dining venue offers a buffet with everything from traditional Turkish fare (the best baklava) to yummy stews. The all-inclusive nature of the resort means entertainment options abound. Club Nick provides supervised activities for children, operating with themes that rotate daily, as well as an outdoor heated splash park. Meanwhile, parents can sneak off to Anjana Spa, offering treatments that will have you feeling more relaxed than Patrick on a Sunday afternoon. So, can a hotel inspired by a talking sponge deliver on luxury? Surprisingly, yes. Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya walks the tightrope between chaos and calm with surprising grace—offering sugar-fuelled fun for the kids and enough grown-up perks to keep parents sane. To book, visit the Land of Legends' website. Rooms are available from £349 per night in a Themed Deluxe Room.
The Independent
26-02-2025
- The Independent
The winter sun escape perfect for family wellness this winter
I've under-packed and overthought. Having never actually experienced ' winter sun ', we're finding the whole concept incredibly confusing. It feels wrong to be packing shorts in a suitcase and the thought of lying on a sun bed in 27-degree heat is totally alien right now. I know we're obsessed with the weather, but it's never been colder, wetter or more unpredictable at home. So while the UK is still bracing winter, I'm in Turkey with my brood – husband James, and children Rosie, 15, and Poppy, 12. We're staying in Rixos Sungate hotel in Antalya, a city and Mediterranean sea port in the southwest of the country. It's a micro break really – four full days of guaranteed sunshine and a bit of R&R before we wrestle ourselves back to normality. The sprawling resort sits on the edge of the Olympus National Park, in awe of the enormous Olympus and Taurus Mountains that stand silently watching us. As a family who generally enjoys being busy – but not as busy as we actually are – a little fly-and-flop is exactly what we need. And after a good night's sleep and a solid dose of sunshine, I'm getting my head into the holiday game. I lay back, the warm sun beating down on my face and forcing me to exhale. As my eyelids slowly open, I find myself face to face with a glassy-eyed seagull. His giant yellow webbed feet stand strong, tapping on my sun lounger before he struts off towards my feet. As seagulls go, they seem much more relaxed here. A bit like me. We're staying in the quieter end of the resort, close to the Fantasy Bar, where mixologists stand beneath a thatched roof playing chilled music to holidaymakers lounging on comfy sofas by the pool. I'm shuddering as I gently lower myself into the water. None of the outdoor pools are heated, meaning we get our daily dose of cold-water therapy before drying off in the sun. It doesn't feel big in the hotel's quieter pockets, but the resort is actually like a town in itself. With over 1,000 rooms, 14 restaurants and snack bars (and when they say 'snack' they mean full meal), plus another 12 bars – it's quite a behemoth. There's even a full-on outdoor night club with one bar remaining open for anyone wanting to party into the small hours. Something we'd never normally do on a fly-and-flop is ride roller-coasters. But, included in our stay is unlimited access to The Land of Legends – a theme and water park all rolled into one. I squeeze my eyes shut as we climb slowly to the top; that ominous tick-tick-tick coming to a stop right before the track drops down. Irrational screams fall out of my mouth as we twist and turn round corners, flying up and over the park. When the ride finally comes to a stop, my daughters appear to be laughing uncontrollably at me. 'Oh, mum, it's just the Family Coaster,' says Rosie, embarrassed by how easily scared I am, as two five-year-olds climb out of the seat in front of us. Theme parks aren't really my bag – or water parks come to think of it, but the girls are in their element, getting on like they're best mates as they shriek and giggle their way down epic swirling flumes and roller-coasters with sheer drops and crazy heights. There are quite a few British people here, raving about the 360-degree loop, 62m high and 115mph fast Hyper Coaster being utterly epic – and the length of the queues, which are minimal. As I watch pairs pelt out of water slides on figure-of-eight inflatables, I can't help but smile as they release infectious giggles. James and the girls return from the Turtle Coaster, where they sat in a four-man boat, dropping and spinning, powered by jets and getting drenched in ice-cold water. 'You would have hated it, Mum,' Poppy declares. And I relax in my deckchair, happy I'm not missing out. Back at the hotel, the layout has been carefully thought through, as areas weave into one another. The architecture showcases clean lines, cool curves and lots of wood. It feels Scandi -inspired, with its sleek, modern looks and practical functions. The fitness facilities are particularly impressive. I join a handful of people for an 11am TRX fitness class, led by an shouting instructions in both Russian and English. And in the gym, the weighted machines have touch screens and demos, telling you exactly when to move and for how long – it definitely makes me work harder, as information on sets, total weight and repetitions are reported back at me every time I rest for a break. The resort is all-inclusive, which means there's nothing to pay when you ladle Nutella on your breakfast pancakes, placed delicately beside the cheese omelette, layered bread and sausage and egg… And we enjoy a variety of salads, deliciously fried beige food (it's all about balance), meats and stuffed vegetables for lunches and dinners. If it gets a bit boring, as all-inclusives do, you can pay extra to eat in the a la carte restaurants. One of our favourite afternoons is spent doing pretty much nothing. As the last of the day's sunshine warms our bones, we sit talking, drinking and relaxing until it finally dips behind the mountain. Over at the beach, white linen is stretched over pergolas lined up along the surf where waves crash and burn. James and Poppy take a walk down the pier to a platform where they launch themselves into the 25-degree sea, and shoals of fish can be seen trying to avoid the humans disturbing their peace. As we walk to dinner on our final night, the girls link arms, chattering to each other as they lead the way to the restaurant. I can't help but think it's the slowing down that really makes a holiday. The family time. Remembering what brilliant company we all are. Having the time to sleep, play games and tell stories. To embrace the fun and silly parts of ourselves we seem to stash away in our busy home lives. To do handstands in water and dance like no one's watching. To stop worrying about what other people think and what they might say. I spend my life telling the girls to be who they are, and here, away from everything, they genuinely embrace that. And our world is all the better for it. As we head home, braced for monotony and stress, it feels good to have squeezed in a break. When everything becomes exhausting, we need to take time out. And as winter trudges on, I'd argue now's the time to seek out that sunshine. It'll pay you back tenfold. How to plan your trip Rixos Sungate offers a three-night stay in a standard room for four (two adults and two children) for £859, on an all-in basis, and including free access to The Land of Legends throughout the stay. Based on April 1, 2025 arrival. To book, visit .
