Winter sun over the Turkish Riviera

Our journey began on a beautiful Sunday morning, during the February vacation of 2016, at Berlin Tegel Airport. After check-in, we started our journey to the Turkish Riviera, about 3000 km away, with Condor Airlines. After a good 3-hour flight, we landed in Turkey.

At Antalya Airport, we were already expected by Neckermann. The comfort transfer we booked took us directly to the hotel - the Paloma Oceana Resort - within 3 stops, as promised.

The Hotel - Paloma Oceana Resort

When we arrived at the hotel, we immediately had a positive feeling. Even though we planned our trip very skeptically. My family and I have always been traditional vacationers to Spain, and it was hard for us to imagine that the often very assertive Turkish way of life would fit our idea of a relaxing vacation. Nevertheless, the motto is: put skepticism aside and test it out for yourself!

Following this motto, we wanted to start our vacation.

When we stood in the lobby of the hotel, my sister and I looked at each other and knew that we were thinking the same thing: "What a palace!" The lobby promised a lot. It was chic, spacious, and a little bit like how I imagine the hallway of a villa from One Thousand and One Nights. However, it was by no means showy and modern. The reception desk was unmistakably located on the right side. The lady behind the reception desk greeted us in very good German and asked us very kindly about our journey.

Despite the winter vacation, the hotel was not fully booked. Completely unjustly, as I find from today's perspective. Such a great hotel deserves many more guests. However, we benefited from the currently difficult times for Turkey. We received an upgrade to our booked bungalow because not all rooms were booked. Now our room was located in the main building and in the best location.

The extremely generous selection of food at lunch made the decision of what to eat not easier for us. There was a great buffet with a total of 4 large sections where typical German dishes such as pork steak and typical Turkish specialties such as köfte were available. The view of the dessert table made it clear to me that I had to restrain myself a little with the main course because these delicacies cannot simply be left untouched and go straight to the hips! But not only sweet things but also fruit, almost artistically arranged, were decorated on the dessert table.

It was definitely clear to me. If I don't spend at least a few minutes every day exercising in the hotel's fitness studio and swimming a few laps in the indoor pool, I won't be able to maintain my weight here. Because it tastes way too good here!

Excellent food is of course one of the most important criteria for a good hotel where I can feel completely comfortable. But that is by no means all that is offered at the Paloma Oceana Resort.

Special events at the resort

A very special highlight was February 14th. For Valentine's Day, the hotel management came up with a very special surprise for dinner. The entire dining room was decorated with garlands and napkins so that each couple could spend their very special evening in a very special atmosphere with a romantic dinner. For the 3 of us, this was of course more funny than romantic. The two of us girls with our father with heart-shaped napkins and candles, that made for a rather funny picture.

Nevertheless, I think the creativity and the idea to surprise the guests with it are great.

Excursions & Entertainment

The next day, a little exploration tour was on the agenda. My sister and I wanted to go shopping a bit. This is best done in Manavgat. There you will not only find the great waterfall. No, you can also go shopping on the markets. But be careful, don't forget to negotiate. Because in Turkey it is said: "Nothing is sold as expensive as it is offered." NEGOTIATE is the motto, this way my sister and I also found some real bargains.

After this nice but exhausting shopping trip, we, but especially my father, needed a little break. Of course, shopping with 2 women is not exactly pure wellness. Speaking of wellness. When we returned to the hotel, we wanted to get to know the famous SPA of the hotel. My father invited us to the Hammam with a subsequent classical Turkish massage.

The hotel's Hammam can be used by any hotel guest free of charge. However, if you want something more and want to enjoy pure relaxation with a classical massage, you should budget some money for it. From my own experience, I can confirm that afterwards you really feel like a newborn.

Also on this day, we went to the good restaurants in the evening. For those who need a bit of variety, you can also reserve a table in one of the à la carte restaurants. These are also included in the all-inclusive service at no extra charge. Another option to experience something after dinner is best done in the Piano Bar. The bartenders really understand their craft and impress with unique tricks and great cocktails. Furthermore, there are wonderful entertainment shows every evening, so you can end the evening.

Paloma for Everyone

The next day, an exploration tour of the complex and the beach was on our schedule. Due to its direct location on the sandy beach of Kumköy, the hotel is ideal for all sun worshippers, but not only they will get their money's worth. In any case, we decided to spend a few minutes on our free, hotel-owned sun loungers on the beach. By the way, you can really relax and enjoy the calmness there.

This hotel is also a great tip for families. The resort lures with a variety of pools. There is a children's pool. An extra shallow area in another pool, which is good for non-swimmers. The probably biggest highlight for the little ones is the pool with the water slides, there is something for everyone!

Another reason why this hotel is a super tip for vacationing families is the great and wide range of activities offered by the animation team, which entertains not only the little ones when mom and dad want to take a break, for example, in the wellness area. This team manages to bring everyone together with beach volleyball games or bocce.

The end of a beautiful trip

In conclusion, this vacation was certainly one of the most surprising beach vacations I have ever had. We had hardly any expectations and were very positively impressed in the end. Turkey is definitely a great destination, which I can only recommend. As for the safety in the hotel, I can report that the hotel's security personnel are available around the clock. Even on the beach, it is checked whether the right people are there.

We were able to enjoy the whole vacation all the time. The helpful and friendly staff contributes a great deal to this. Whether a few days of wellness vacation or the classic family vacation during the holidays, whether summer or winter, Turkey and especially this resort offers something for everyone, so we also say: "It's a pity that this great vacation was over way too quickly. We will gladly come back!""