Crafting memories
Step into a world of lavish indulgence nestled in the Antalya coastline. In this luxurious haven, every aspect of your getaway is tailored to offer both luxury and family-centric charm. Samantha Cope reports.
THE first words from our wideeyed six-year-old daughter, Bea, were 'Is all of this free?’ as she entered the huge arcade, complete with a bowling alley. ‘What, this too?’ she exclaimed when we let her visit the chocolate shop after dinner, where she picked her own chocolates from the counter.
This pretty much set the tone for our holiday at the luxurious Cullinan Belek in Turkey. From the moment you step into the marble foyer and are greeted with a cocktail of your choice, it's evident that every detail has been meticulously thought out to ensure a stressfree, luxury holiday. And the surprises don’t stop there at this five-star hotel, which opened earlier this year.
From the soft white robes in the rooms, designed for both adults and little ones, to the soft play area and the giant sandpit in the kids club, to the selection of cocktails at the ten restaurants and bars, Cullinan Belek is a playground for both kids and adults alike. The resort boasts a 36-hole golf course, a beach club, and a kids' water park, not to mention the beautiful lounge cabanas stretching out into the crystal-clear ocean.
So, if you, like my family, are still recovering from one of the rainiest summers on record, the Cullinan Belek is the perfect destination to give you and your family a Vitamin D boost this October half-term.
Open all year round, the hotel offers a 36hole golf course and an indoor pool as well as outdoor pools with comfy loungers, where waiters on roller blades serve you food and drinks right to your bed.
That’s if you’re not hanging out at the water park which has slides suitable for all ages, even the big kids.
And if you're not into fly and flop holidays there’s more than enough to keep you entertained at this resort including a nightclub, a spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a staggering 13 swimming pools.
For kids, the opportunities for fun are endless. The resort offers a variety of activities catering to all ages, from the Upupa kid's club for children up to 12, to the Clubhouse for Teens.
If you're uncomfortable leaving your kids in a kids club, there's also a babysitting service available.
Then there are the rooms. Cullinan Belek offers a range of accommodation options designed to cater to families of all sizes.
Families can choose from spacious two-story villas, upper-level rooms with sea views, or ground-floor two-tiered swim-up rooms with heated outdoor pool access.
The hotel’s Exclusive Villa and Cullinan Villa can accommodate 6-8 people respectively, and come complete with private terraces, pools, and a well-stocked kitchenette.
We had a two-story swim-up pool room, which meant we could enjoy late-night swims, a favorite activity for our daughter before bedtime.
If you're in need of some downtime away from the kids, head to the C'Espace spa, where you can experience a full menu of spa treatments as well as authentic hammam experiences.
And no all-inclusive resort would be complete without a range of restaurants to choose from. Cullinan Belek boasts a sensational dining scene with a variety of a-la-carte restaurants, steak-themed multi-course menus, snack bars serving Turkish kebabs grilled to perfection, and artistic buffet spreads. Creative cocktails complement the diverse culinary offerings, ensuring a truly unforgettable dining experience.
The Mare Restaurant offers all-day dining, serving a buffet spread with exquisite cuisines like octopus roulade and mouth-watering Turkish mezes. Guests can also head to the hotel's Patisserie and Chocolate Shop for a quick afternoon snack, and sample artisan chocolate truffles, gelatos, macaroons, and intricatelooking desserts.
At Nori Japanese Restaurant, guests can learn how to become teppanyaki masters,
’Cullinan Belek is a playground for both kids and adults alike.’
while Beef Grill Club is perfect for a date night. The Noble Irish Pub offers live band performances and a wide selection of cocktails, including the classic Irish coffee.
In the evenings, expect a lineup of resident DJs from some of the world's best clubs, including DJ Eli Rojas from Blue Marlin Ibiza, Javier Gonzales from Privilege, Ibiza, and Valeron, a well-respected DJ from the party island of Mykonos.
After spending five days at the resort, we didn't want to leave, least of all Bea, who said it was 'the best holiday she'd ever had,' and that's a good enough recommendation for me.
For more info go to www.cullinanhotels.com. Double rooms from £550 (€620) in low season; and from £800 (€900) in high.
TURKEY FACTBOX
■ Accommodation Options: Room amenities include a private balcony or terrace, air conditioning, flat-screen TV, minibar, and a luxurious bathroom with a bathtub or shower. ■ Dining Experiences: Guests can indulge in diverse culinary experiences at five distinct restaurants, including a buffet restaurant, à la carte options, and a beachside grill.
■ Recreational Activities: The resort boasts a private sandy beach with sunbeds and cabanas, multiple swimming pools, including a large main pool, children's pool, and an adultsonly pool. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy activities like jet-skiing, parasailing, and windsurfing.
■ Golf Facilities: The Cullinan Belek Hotel is conveniently located near several world-class golf courses.
■ Spa and Wellness: The hotel's spa facilities include a Turkish bath (hammam), sauna, and a variety of treatments and massages.