Staying in an all-inclusive family resort truly takes the stress out of travelling with small children.
At the top of the list is TUI Blue Tropical, located in Sarigerme.
This village on the southwest coast of Turkey was once the bustling ancient city of Pisilis and is just a 20 minute drive from the city of Dalaman.
This four star resort screamed out from the pages of the family holiday brochure; part of the TUI BLUE for families range, it could not have been more kid-friendly.
The centrepiece of the hotel complex is a huge pool with a four story slide at its core.
Surrounding the main pool, are restaurants, ice cream shops, juice bars and adult bars that are open all day.
Upon our arrival we found the level of activity was infectious and spent our first day jumping in and out of the pool with the kids.
With poolside service ferrying drinks and snacks to us all afternoon, the all inclusive option was a winner.
There are many other little oases of child and toddler friendly pools dotted all around the complex and if the beach is more your scene, then you’re in luck, as the resort sits right on an unspoilt sandy strand.
Even in September the pristine water was perfectly warm to swim in.
Playgrounds, all weather football pitches, tennis courts, games rooms and snooker are all available at the resort.
We even put our three-year-old Erin into the Kid’s Club for a day.
She loved the experience and got a tour of the fabulous organic fruit and vegetable garden that helps supply the hotel restaurants.
The hotel spa offers the world famous Turkish Hammam or Turkish Bath, which, trust me, is not to be missed.
Everything at the resort is well kept and top quality with the famous Les Mills fitness classes including yoga and mindfulness offered on a daily basis.
Sarigerme itself is a laidback village with a couple of bars and restaurants but is mostly made up of modern shops selling all kinds of fake designer gear.
The resort has several restaurants to choose from.
The Hotel's Executive Chef was very smartly presented as he patrolled the buffets on constant quality control.
On our first night there was a Turkish buffet which felt very authentic.
From dolma (the stuffed grape leaves) to baklava (the rich dessert pastries), Turkish kebabs to local cheeses, I had no idea that Turkish cuisine was so varied, delicate and delicious.
It was so good, we questioned whether we would actually need to venture outside the resort for our passion, food.
Whilst in Sarigerme town, we came across Panda Tours, with a whole host of excursions on offer, we learned about the wealth of history and culture Turkey has to offer.
We immediately signed up to a day excursion by boat to a secret beach full of turtles, as well as the famous Dalyan mud baths, frequented by celebs Dustin Hoffman and Kurt Russell for their famous anti-oxidant properties.
Our guide was a big bear of a man with a friendly smile who introduced himself as Daddy Panda.
He gave us information on their other tours and we were sold.
The first was the Turtle Beach and mud baths day out.
We climbed onto our boat with about 12 other adventurers en route to Turtle beach.
There were beers, drinks and snacks available on our riverboat and the first stop was at a crab farm where you could look at the various crab habitats and then of course eat one of them!
Next up was a two hour stop at Turtle Beach, white sand, turquoise water and a modern Tiki Cafe, simply heaven.
The turtle sanctuary was the highlight, where we got to watch turtles the size of beach towels swimming around lazily, a real thrill for the kids.
On board the river cruise, on route to the mud baths, we got up close to see the ancient Dalyan tombs, carved into the cliff face, they looked like something out of Indiana Jones.
Everywhere you go you’ll be offered Turkish coffee in dainty little cups served with precision, if you’re a coffee lover, this divine bevvie is a must.
The 12 Island cruise was next up, this was a day long BBQ on the boat kind of adventure.
We spent the day diving into crystal clear water and Daddy Panda let our little girl Erin captain the boat - the Turks love kids.
This was the only other day we left the incredible resort, there was no reason to leave!
Prices
25 May 2020, Stay for 7 nights in the 4* TUI BLUE Tropical from €729pp
06 July 2020, Stay for 7nights in the 4* TUI BLUE Tropical from €2439 (2 adults + 1 child) or from €3269 (2 adults + 2 children)
Included
Flights from Dublin to Dalaman airport
Transfers to your hotel and 20kg luggage. Transfer time from Dalaman Airport - 20 minutes
5 restaurants & 3 bars, including a poolside bar
5 swimming pools (including 2 children pools)
For info see www.tuiholidays.ie
