"I have been to many all-inclusive resorts around the world, so I hope you find this review useful if you are lucky enough to be going. We went on the 20th of May for 10 days and booked a Studio with a Sea View.
The airport was only 20 min away and because we were landing in late, we booked a private pickup. I did not want to be traveling to different hotels dropping people off before getting to mine. It wasn’t that more expensive and worth doing. There was a guy waiting for us with a very very luxurious car.
When you arrive to the hotel there is a security check at the front gate and then you enter the hotel grounds. The drive up to the hotel is fantastic, even at night and the grounds and entrance to the hotel are stunning.
I do think the check in process to far too long. All you want, at that time at night, is your room key and directions to where to can get something to eat and drink. There are forms to fill out, which could be done online. There are questions about what you are allergic to, but I do not see the relevance of such questions when you are eating from a buffet anyway. Havin said all that, the staff at reception are really nice and helpful.
The Room: We were not disappointed; the accommodation is modern and spacious with a fabulous sea view. We were in Room 5533. There are different levels of accommodation, and we did suffer from room envy as there are some spectacular villas with their own pools. Also, there are rooms with swim up pools as well that looked super.
Getting around: It’s a big complex with different levels of steps and ramps and cobbled roads. So, ladies it’s not great for high heels. Now there are electric shuttle buses that continually circle the campus and will bring you to the beach or the restaurant or the main reception and they come every 10-15mins. We walked most of the time as it’s a lovely place to do just that but there were times late at night that we appreciated the lift back to the room.
The Pool(s)/Beach: There are a number of pools on different levels and of course the beach/sea. There is a kid’s pool area with a slide, but I was surprised that there is no adult only pool area. If you want some quite relaxing time by the water, you will have to go to the beach which is a nice place to be. Drinks are served on roller blades, yep, the guys take your order and skate to and from the bar. There is even a sunglasses cleaning service and a cold face towel handed to you during the day. There is a busy little ice cream stand. If you like your water sports, there are the usual things like jet skies to hire and paragliding as well. They do have a paddle boarding class every morning about 10am. The beach is sandy but the access to the water is stoney so maybe water shoes.
The Food/Drink: As I said I have been to lots of inclusive hotels and this one is up there. The food was excellent, the variety and options. Breakfast, lunch and Dinner, all quality. There is a lunch area near the main pool if you want just a snack and likewise there is the same at the beach. The wine is excellent both Red and White. There is a bar at pool side, as I said the skating guys can serve you and a small bar at the beach. I liked the fact that the main restaurant is broken into two areas, inside and outside. The inside area in broken into sections which gives you a few of being in a restaurant and not a dining hall. Dress code is observed, and rightly so, so don’t show up in the evening in your swimming gear as some did and got refused access.
The Service: This I have an issue with. I have read some reviews before I went that the staff were “rude” and the service could be poor. Here’s the thing. I find that if you are nice, patient and polite to servers they will respond the same way. All the staff I had the pleasure to meet I found very polite and responsive. I witnessed firsthand, people “guests” being “rude” and “obnoxious” to staff members and they wounder why they didn’t get a smile. All the staff were great, the guys in the shuttle buses. There was one man, let’s say, older than most of the other drivers but a nicer man you would not meet. The gardeners, cleaning staff etc all say hello and smile. Bar staff as well, all very friendly.
Entertainment/Facilities: There is a good selection each night and while many nights the acts performing sing in Turkish, it was quality entertainment. The entertainment manger (Mamut), hope I spelt that right. This guy never stops, and we see him going around engaging with all the guests. He was one of the first to welcome us and looked after us during our staff. If I owned a Hotel, I would hire him. There is a well-appointed gym that opens about 8:30am and some aerobic and pool and beach volleyball if that’s you thing.
Outside: If you want to get out of the complex for the day and maybe dinner one night. Then a Taxi into Bodrum is the answer. It takes about 15 min and cost about €20. There is a ferry trip to Kos for €30 but you must get up early for that it goes at 8:30 and returns about 17:00. There are private boat trips as well that you can join. Some nice little bars and restaurants along the marina but we found them expensive. A small bottle of beer and a glass of white was €16. We thought it was a nice place very similar to Marmaris but smaller.
So, if you are thinking about going to this place, take a good look, we liked it very much. If you have booked it, we are jealous, enjoy."
