The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa (located in Southern of Turkey) is already popular with holiday-goers looking for total luxury and relaxation.
And now the resort is open all year round, so it's also a good option for anyone looking for a quick hit of winter sunshine.
The Lowdown
This 5-star award-winning luxury hotel is situated outside the resort town of Sarigerme on the Aegean Coast of southwest Turkey.
Sitting at a point were the Dalaman River meets the Mediterranean Sea, the resort is conveniently only 15 kilometres from Dalaman International Airport. Entering the revolving doors of Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa feels like stepping into an oasis of calm.
The estate’s design is a playful fusion of contemporary aesthetics and historic relics.
By day the resort is a spectacular natural setting of towering palm trees, luscious green gardens and seven generous sized pools (so you'll always be guaranteed a quiet sun lounger).
At night the Hilton Dalaman’s fluorescent lights are switched on and the sleepy resort comes to life.
Evenings get off to a flying start at the sassy Rouge Roof Bar, where you’ll have an amazing view of the hotel’s sprawling landscape as you sip your strawberry daiquiri.
If you’re in the mood to party you won’t have to venture far as you can dance into the early hours of the morning in the hotel’s private nightclub.
The property is packed with world-class amenities and has all of your needs covered to make sure you’re a stay is a relaxing and memorable one. I have always been one of those travellers that likes to get out and explore my surroundings but this all changed during my break at Hilton.
Having the full VIP experience meant I was entitled to my own exclusive butler service. My butler was a lovely young man called Akif, who took care of the annoying bits I usually hate doing on holiday - he brought my suitcase up when I arrived, he made sure the rooms were tidy, and I never had to wait for a drink or food. Sometimes he knew what I wanted before I even asked - that's good service.
If you really want to push the boat out during your stay at Hilton on Dalaman, head to Gazebo Island where you can rent a private gazebo. This was my favourite part of Hilton Dalaman as it's a beautiful set of luxurious Gazebos perched in front of the hotel’s private beach.
Most of my time at Gazebo Island was spent swinging on a hammock and taking in all of the sun-ray's from the clear blue skies. When I needed food or drink all I had to do was touch a button to be waited on hand and foot by Akif. What more can you ask for? An outdoor jacuzzi, perhaps? That was also included.
Elsewhere in Gazebo Island, I sat with my feet in the warm white sand and watched the Loggerhead Turtles (known to locals as caretta caretta), which are so numerous they've become mascots for the Dalaman region.
Spa
The Elysion spa is the jewel in Hilton Dalaman's crown and draws inspiration from the exotic atmosphere of the Far East combined with Turkish traditions and Greek Mythology.
Each area of the spa has a mythological name chosen from the Hellenistic era and the décor and architecture creates a feeling of calm. You can indulge the mind and body with holistic head-to-toe experiences in one of the spas 18 treatment room. Whether that's a radiant facial or an intense, almost yogic, massage.
I arrived at Hilton Dalaman with a face that was dull and in need of a detox from city life. I booked myself in for a 60-minute classic skin care facial, which involved giving my face a cleanse and an ultra-nourishing mask to rejuvenate and exfoliate my skin.
A quick 5 minute steam ensured all of my facial pores were open and free from any hidden trapped debris. The final step of the treatment included a relaxing massage of the face and neck. One glance in the mirror was enough confirmation that my face looked restored and back to a radiant, healthy-looking glow.
In true Turkish fashion there is a VIP Turkish bath and a spotless Hamman with white polished marble floors. Elsewhere you'll find four saunas, a steam room and 3 indoor pools.
More energetic guests can get active with a range of activities including aerobics, yoga, tennis and beach volleyball.
Food and drink
With 23 restaurants available at Hilton Dalaman there are plenty of opportunities to eat well - if you can drag yourself out of your gazebo. My first night of dinning was at the resort’s Alize restaurant, where I filled up with a bowl of delicious fresh pasta.
My culinary adventure also included savouring Turkish grilled lamb overlooking the Dalaman River at the A’La Turca restaurant, while a dinner date at the Tao Far East & Teppanyaki Restaurant featured delicious sushi made from fresh fish.
You can start your day off in the right way with a Turkish or international buffet, which you can eat in the peaceful garden settings. The restaurant was the one place in the world where I didn't feel guilty or judged for eating Baklava and Halloumi so early on in the morning.
Things to do
There's lots to do if you do venture out of the Hilton Dalaman. One of the best spots to visit is Göcek, a collection of 12 scenic islands that can be reached by boat from the mainland.
The picturesque islands are tranquil and offer panoramic views of lagoons and secluded coves. The sea is clean and safe to take a dip in or to do a spot of snorkelling. Dalyan is another one of the region’s treasures and is located along the Dalyan River
Across the river from the town is the ancient ruined city of Kaunos, which gives you a glimpse of the ornate facade of the Lycian rock tombs.
The 14th Century tombs were carved into the side of the Turkish mountain so that ancient angels could reach the dead.
For bargain hunting, Köyceğiz market is the perfect place to explore on a Monday, which is the region’s market day. Walking through this bazaar is a feast for the senses as it’s packed full of fruit, spices, coffee, colourful garments, carpets, leather goods, jewellery, fabrics and artwork.
If you're a fan of turtles head to the Iztuzu beach turtle sanctuary where you'll find a rehabilitation centre for loggerhead sea turtles.
The rooms
Booking the King Corner Suite means you'll have access to VIP amenities such as an airport Transfer, dining in one of the a la carte restaurants (except Teppanyaki), a 30-minute Classic or Bali Massage and the use of the Grand Gazebo.
The King Corner Suite is the only one that comes with a separate bedroom and living room. You are bound to have a good night's rest in a special Serenity Super King Size bed, which comes equipped with a pillow menu.
The Highs
The customer service at Hilton Dalaman is second-to-none as the staff are always on hand to help you with any of your needs, big or small. Whether you're looking for luxury and relaxation or adventure and culinary delights, the resort provides for every kind of traveller.
A stay at Hilton Dalaman is welcoming for families and provides parents time away from their children, who can hit the Kids Club.
The Lows
The Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa is located in a remote area so if you like to get out an about you many find it hard to discover places of interest by foot.
It's best to arrange in advance a transport or taxi service for your adventures outside of the resort.
February 2019 package:
Prices start from £679 per person for a week all-inclusive in February 2019, based on two people sharing.
March 2019 package:
Prices start from £679 per person for a week all-inclusive in March 2019, based on two people sharing.
Direct flights from London to Dalaman can be booked with Thomas Cook Airlines. Other airlines that fly to Dalaman include Turkish Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, British Airways and EasyJet.
To book your stay head directly to www.dalaman.hilton.com
InsureandGo offers comprehensive single trip travel insurance to Turkey from £11.00. The policy includes 50 activities and sports as standard and kids are covered for free with every policy purchased. For more information please visit: www.insureandgo.com/
