Big and brash it may be, but the resort of Marmaris is steadily reinventing itself.

When it comes to big holiday resort towns in Turkey, Marmaris still flexes its muscles with the best of them. It was one of the first areas that Brits started visiting in Turkey and over the years it has grown from a small resort on the Turquoise Coast to a massive, extremely popular holiday spot, running the gamut from cheap and cheerful hotels to luxury, upmarket properties.

The resort still works well for clients on a budget or those sore from the bloated euro, not least as the fierce competition among the bars and restaurants helps to keep the prices down. Looking ahead, the challenge now is for the resort to raise the quality of what’s on offer while maintaining its reputation for delivering value-for-money that keeps its loyal customers coming back year after year.

Keep the change

Progress is being made. “The region is working hard to change its image,” says Vanessa Freeman, product manager for Turkey at Thomas Cook. “The whole beachfront was knocked down and rebuilt last year to try to improve the look of the area.”

There are also more five-star hotels in the region now, while a couple of others are being renovated, such as the Ideal Prime. This is helping to raise the overall calibre of accommodation away from the traditional self-catering apartments that were once the mainstay of holidaymakers here.

The season for Marmaris is also lengthening, with resorts now open from April to October, and tour operators offering multiple flying days to Dalaman, giving greater flexibility.

Strength and depth

Gemma Carroll, product manager for Turkey at Cosmos, says the tourism product is now very well developed. “Marmaris is more than just a busy resort full of nightlife,” she says. “It really does have layers and depth that are waiting to be explored.”

The point is echoed by Joe Lavers, sales director at Holidays4U. “There are a lot of people who are drawn to Marmaris because it’s so lively. Families that want a quieter time for most of their holiday, but like visiting the action occasionally, have plenty of options too.”

Hotels offer a wide choice of excursions from mud baths or authentic Turkish nights with belly dancing to gulet cruises – the name for traditional wooden yachts. Attraction World has added 22 new tours in the area this year.

It is also a popular base for sailing holidays and there’s still a touch of Riviera-chic here with luxury yachts moored in the Netsel Marina, which Freeman believes can compete with any of the more famous resorts in Europe. This is the reason why Neilson is adding a new property to its portfolio when it offers up the Beachplus Club Adakoy in May, with packages that include sailing, waterskiing, windsurfing and kayaking. 

Pip Tyler, overseas director at Neilson Active Holidays, says: “We ordered 24 yachts this winter. The first are coming out of the French yard as we speak, and a number will sail onto Turkey and Adakoy ready to start work in May.”

Quiet time

As Marmaris’s crescent beach has got busier so people have moved out in to the surrounding area.

There is now increased demand and availability at more peaceful resorts, with tour operators such as Cosmos boosting their offerings on the edge of town. 

Nicky Shafe, marketing manager at Prestige Holidays comments: “Our clients are more interested in staying outside of Marmaris as the centre is very busy. For this reason, we opted to include a beautiful property just outside called the D-Hotel Maris.” 

Similarly, Photis Lambrianides, commercial director, Olympic Holidays, says: “Quieter properties away from the centre of the resort appeal to older clients, so they are now an important part of our product mix.”

Family friendly

In recent times those visitors wanting a relaxed or more family-friendly atmosphere have been heading to the Armutalen area. There are now a number of hotels and self-catering units with a few shops and restaurants that give this suburb a small village feel – clients won’t feel as if they are staying in a large, lively resort.

Other satellite spots include Siteler along the coast, which also has some quality properties, while the area between Marmaris and Icmeler has a number of hotels that are far enough away from the madding crowds, yet are still close enough to the action via a short minibus or dolmus ride.

Smaller resorts such as Turunc, which is very close to Marmaris as the crow flies, are increasingly popular. Turunc is separated by mountains and therefore offers a totally different experience to the larger Marmaris. This year Thomas Cook has added the Turunc Hotel, which has its own water park.

“Any agent selling Marmaris should certainly add Turunc to their portfolio as it gives consumers a very different alternative but still within the region and still within easy reach of Dalaman airport,” says Anatolian Sky’s managing director Akin Koc.

“Turunc is a fabulous resort that offers a slightly more traditional holiday than those found in nearby Marmaris. Customers can not only get a feel for the real Turkey but also do so in a far more relaxed and tranquil resort.”

Increasingly holidaymakers are also visiting Datca. This unspoilt rugged promontory at the southwest tip offers a real getaway from the hustle and bustle of Marmaris. This is one of the reasons why Exclusive Escapes is now featuring Mehmet Ali Aga Mansion, a museum-hotel, for 2011, located in a working village just outside the peninsula.

A seven-night twin-centre option, combining the property with nights at the Dionysos Estate, costs from £850, including flights.

Other options on the peninsula include a week’s stay at D-Hotel Maris, from £667 in May through Prestige Holidays, including flights from Gatwick.

 

Local hot spots

Ephesus, for long the second-largest city of the Roman Empire, is Turkey’s most spectacular ancient city and is readily accessible as a day trip from Marmaris. The World Heritage town of Pamukkale, famous for its hot springs, is also easy to visit.

Laid back Calis Beach has two and a half miles of shingle fringed by restaurants and is a beautiful spot to watch the sun set.

Icmeler, lying in a sheltered bay, is ideal for water sports. It’s a cosmopolitan resort with a strong European flavour and lifestyle and its curved beach is framed by stylish hotels.
Dalyan is a small charming town in an environmental conservation area that oozes natural beauty and historical interest. The Dalyan river winds past the ancient Rock tombs to the sea

Sample product

A seven-night self-catering break in early May at the two-star Golden Orange apartments in the Armutalen area costs from £212 with Holidays 4U, including flights from Gatwick.

Seven nights’ all-inclusive at the Hotel Club Viva with Cosmos Holidays costs from £299 in early May, including flights from Manchester to Dalaman.

Olympic Holidays offers seven nights’ half-board at the five-star Maritim Hotel Grand Azur in Marmaris in October from £479, including flights from Gatwick.

Thomas Cook MyStyle has seven nights at the five-star Hotel Marti in Icmeler on half-board basis from £489 in May, including flights from Gatwick.

source: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

 

Prices starting from as little as £109pp*

*Offer departing 03/05/11 from Stansted

Holidays in Ibiza are known as a paradise for hedonistic sun-seekers. While it is true that Ibiza is best known for its hardcore party culture, the island is also home to fine white sandy beaches, beautiful architecture, wild countryside, rolling olive groves, wooded hillsides and hidden coves.

Overview:

Holidays in Ibiza offer a choice of more than 60 beautiful beaches. Some of the most popular beaches include the lively Figueretes, Playa Den Bossa and pretty pine-fringed sands of Cala Bassa. Those seeking a quiet escape can head to Es Cana , Cala Llonga or Santa Eulalia , all of which are particularly popular with families and couples.

Holidays in Ibiza offer a wealth of attractions, with water sports, luxurious golf courses, water parks, boat trips, cave excursions, and hiking and biking trails. The island's capital, Ibiza Town boasts a picturesque fortified old quarter with pretty cobbled streets, whitewashed Spanish architecture, a striking 13th-century cathedral and numerous street cafes. Visitors can while away afternoons enjoying a coffee next to the harbour, visiting the galleries and museums or browsing chic boutiques and market stalls.

At night, Ibiza Town comes alive with pulsating bars and nightclubs. The resorts of Ibiza Town and San Antonio are the liveliest and home to world-renowned clubs, including Pacha, Privilege and El Paradis. Ibiza boasts an unrivalled reputation for nightlife, in particular the dance scene. Young partygoers flock to the island to soak up the exhilarating atmosphere, hear big-name DJs, drink in the buzzing bars, and dance in the booming nightclubs.

Suitable for

Families:

Couples:

Honeymoons:

Young & Lively:

 

For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today

 

Combine a fascinating city break with a tropical beach getaway on this special twin-centre holiday to Thailand.

Fly Emirates and experience the comfort and service that make this scheduled airline so popular. Spend three nights on a bed and breakfast basis at the 3* Ambassador Hotel in the centre of Bangkok, then transfer to the coast for seven nights bed and breakfast at the 4* Best Western Premier Signature Pattaya.

Bangkok

The capital of Thailand is a feast for the senses, offering retail therapy, unique culture, eclectic dining and legendary nightlife. Ancient and modern are combined with dazzling Buddhist temples and equally dazzling bright lights. Take a tuk tuk through the busy streets, visit the bustling markets and sample the local cuisine. This colourful city is the perfect introduction to the Thai way of life.

Pattaya

The lively resort of Pattaya is just a 90 minute drive from Bangkok. With sandy beaches, golf courses and water sports galore, it's got all the ingredients for a great seaside holiday. Pattaya's freshly-caught seafood is especially good, but you'll also be spoilt for choice by an array of international restaurants. The famous Walking Street is lined with a heady mix of late night bars and nightclubs. During the day, boat trips whisk holidaymakers to the nearby islands, with breathtaking beaches and teeming coral reefs. Take an excursion to one of the nearby attractions, including stunning wooden temple the Sanctuary of Truth and spectacular rainforests and waterfalls. Pattaya is an eclectic destination that's as active or relaxing as you want it to be.

Ambassador Bangkok

A great central base for a trip to Bangkok.
More information...

Best Western Premier Signature

Convenient location in the centre of Pattaya.
More information...

This exclusive offer is limited and can only be booked by calling 0182 347 8305

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The ancient Greek Mycenaeans knew a thing or two when they landed in Cyprus in the Bronze Age and built the settlement of Paleokastro on the northwest headland of Coral Bay.

Thousands of years on it’s still waiting to be discovered by many tourists heading for the larger and better-known resorts on the south and west Cypriot coastline. But with one of the island’s best beaches, and situated just 30 minutes from Paphos airport, Coral Bay is as accessible as it is attractive.

In 2009, a new airport link bus was launched, making it cheaper for visitors without transfers to reach Coral Bay. The eight-mile drive north of bustling Paphos on the south-western coastline takes visitors through banana plantations and vineyards, setting the scene for Coral Bay’s laid-back charms.

With its safe bathing and nightlife more suited to mature types than party animals, it’s a good choice for families. The flagship Coral Beach Hotel & Resort is the first and only five-star property on the island to offer a family plan. There are a selection of rooms, some inter-connecting, to accommodate two adults and up to three youngsters on an all-inclusive basis, plus a children’s restaurant with optional early meals and daytime entertainment programme.

While it doesn’t have the historic interest of nearby Paphos, Coral Bay is an ideal base to explore the rest of Cyprus and there are plenty of attractions and activities nearby served by a regular bus service.

For clients needing some rest and relaxation the beach is an obvious draw and there are some excellent spa hotels. Coral Bay also has a good selection of restaurants and local shops making it an attractive option for self-caterers who want to go it alone in a villa.

 

Families

The classic horseshoe-shaped beach is set in the natural bay protected by two headlands and is widely considered to be the finest on the island. Perfect for swimming and sunbathing, the soft golden sand leads to the shallow sea edge, making it very safe for children.

The beach has earned a European Blue Flag for its facilities, water quality and cleanliness and there are lifeguards on duty during the main season. Pedaloes, banana boats, water skis, jet skis and windsurfing provide fun for all age groups.

A popular family attraction close to Coral Bay is the Pafos Bird and Animal Park, the only one of its kind on the island. Open year-round, it’s home to a large collection of birds and there are daily parrot and owl shows in the 350-seat air-conditioned amphitheatre.

The Coral Beach Hotel & Resort (pictured) operates a crèche and children’s club for hotel guests and the facilities are also open to non-residents on a chargeable basis.

Active

One of the major attractions of Coral Bay is its diving. There are several dive companies in the area and everyone from beginners to seasoned divers are catered for.

First-timers can take the plunge with a dive around the Coral Bay harbour wall and Manijin Island, with its spectacular cave, which is just a 10-minute boat ride away. The entrance to Akamas National Park offers fantastic underwater scenery and experienced divers can go on a day trip to the wreck of Zenobia, one of the world’s largest wreck dive sites.

Back on dry land the Akamas peninsula is a beautiful part of the island to swim, cycle and walk. For clients who want to move up a gear, Coral Bay Karting has adult and kiddy karts and horse riding is available near Coral Bay.

 

Spa

For couples and spa enthusiasts the area has some notable boutique properties. Anagenisis, the spa at the Thalassa Boutique Hotel & Spa, was the first holistic spa in Cyprus. Overlooking Coral Bay, and with rooms and suites named after Greek gods and goddesses, spa treatments are geared to soothe the mind, body and soul.

On the road to Coral Bay is the Azia Resort and Spa, a three-in-one boutique hotel featuring three properties with distinctive characteristics on the same site. One is the Club and Spa, which is perfect for privacy and pampering.

This hotel also boasts another first for the island, a butler allocated to every suite from a superior suite upwards. And at Esthisis, the spa at Coral Beach Hotel & Resort, there’s a new romantic candlelit body massage for two in the outdoor Roman tent.

 

 

Excursions

Just outside Coral Bay are the Adonis Baths, a natural pool beside a waterfall and restored watermill. According to Greek mythology, this is where the goddess of love Aphrodite frolicked in the waters with Adonis. It’s worth the climb to reach the baths and many visitors go for a dip as legend has it that swimming in the baths makes women beautiful and men stronger.

A top attraction is the Unesco-listed Kato-Paphos Archaeological Park at Paphos, famous for its Roman mosaics and the Tombs of the Kings burial site. Coral Bay is also a good base for exploring the northern coastline, with its coves and isolated beaches, and protected turtle nesting ground at Cape Lara.

Other day trips can take in the mountain monasteries of Ayios Neophytos and Chrysoroyiatissa and hillside villages of Peyia and Yeroskipou with their traditional tavernas and panoramic views.

 

source: www.travelweekly.co.uk

 

Enjoy freedom and flexibility on your Orlando Holiday by renting your own private villa. Ideal for groups or families, these spacious homes sleep up to eight guests. Expect to find all the facilities and comforts you're used to in your own home – and a few more besides. Cook dinner in the well-equipped kitchen, or take a short drive to one of the many nearby restaurants. Orlando's abundant attractions are all close by and the private screened pool is the perfect place to relax after a busy day at the theme parks.

Suitable For...

Families:                               Honeymoon:                      Couples:                                         Young:

                             

 

Please note that villas are allocated on arrival in Orlando within the Disney area. Photographs are for a guide only, so décor and amenities may differ from those shown, but all homes do include the listed facilities.

*Prices advertised are a basic price and may only be valid on selected dates, durations and departures.

                                                

Flight Duration: 9 Hours Time Diff: –5 Hours Average Temp: 23oC Currency: US Dollar

 

Facilities

All standard homes feature:

• Outdoor screened swimming pool
• Two sun loungers
• Patio table with four chairs
• Satellite/cable TV
• Radio
• Air conditioning / heating
• Washing machine and tumble dryer
• Iron and ironing board
• Towels and linen
• Full-size oven
• Refrigerator with freezer
• Microwave
• Toaster
• Coffee maker
• Dishwasher
• Cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery
• Pool heat, cot hire and high chair hire are available for an additional daily charge.

Accommodation

• Master bedrooms feature either a king or queen-size bed with an adjoining full en suite bathroom
• Additional bedrooms have either a double bed or twin beds, with at least one shared full bathroom
• 4-bedroom homes sleep up to eight people

Key Facts

• All homes are located between 5 and 35 km away from Walt Disney World, Sea World, and Universal attraction parks
• Check in is from 16:00
• Check out is 10:00
• Check in, registration and key collection is to be conducted from the Welcome Centre, open 08:00 to 12 midnight
• After hours key collection is from the electronic lock box outside of the Welcome Centre
• 24 hour freephone home assistance service
• A refundable security deposit of USD 500 is required at registration for each home
• All homes are non smoking and pets are not allowed

REVIEW….

"We visited Orlando last year with another family. There were eight of us in total and we decided to go for a four bedroomed Home within the Disney Area of Orlando.

On picking up our car, directions couldn’t have been simpler and in no time at all we were at our destination which to be our home for the next two weeks.

The holiday home really was a “home from Home” with four really great sized luxurious bedrooms (ours had en-suite) and great living space. Our kitchen had a full oven, dishwasher, microwave, washing machine and tumble dryer which was great, especially with four kids. The biggest bonus had to be the private pool which meant the kids had somewhere to play whilst we relaxed in the Florida sunshine.

The benefit of having a Florida home for us with children, meant we could relax as a family after a long days sightseeing. We usually would get back from the theme parks around tea time and cook whilst the kids splashed around in the pool. Evenings were spent on the terrace with a couple of beers whilst the kids watched Disney videos in the living room.

I would recommend car hire for this type of holiday, and Disney was only a short drive away as was Universal and International Drive. There were plenty of Supermarkets and Restaurants in the vicinity and we could even got take-aways a few nights when we didn’t feel like cooking."

Julie Nunes
Sales Development Manager at Hays Travel

 

Temperatures in Orlando are generally warm year-round; peaking past 30 degrees in summer and rarely dipping below the late teens in winter. Visit in November, December or January for low humidity and rainfall. June to October gets very hot and can be rainy too. Hurricanes can take place any time from June to November, but September is the most common month for them to arrive. Generally, the outlook in Orlando is sunny, that's why Florida's official nickname is 'The Sunshine State.'

 

Destination: 
Florida

Depart:
London

Dates / Times:
Departing 12th April 2011

Returning 19th April 2011

Duration: 
7 Nights

Staying in:
Radisson Worldgate Resort

Star Rating:
3

Room Type:
Standard

Board Basis:
Room Only

Description:
Contemporary, Elegant choice amongst Orlando hotels. Experience world-class comfort, contemporary elegance, and refined service - all in an ideal location. Visit the Radisson Worldgate Resort and celebrate an Orlando Florida hotel that's anything but ordinary. The relaxing resort provides every guest with exceptional family-friendly accommodations and plenty of perks, including an unmatched setting.

Prices correct as of Saturday 5th Feb 2011.

 

To book this offer, call us on

0182 347 8305

and quote reference no: GOLD

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

 

Reasons to smile...

Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation

As the UK's largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers

Our friendly staff have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday

Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile

For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today

 

 

 

Destination:
Paris

Depart:
Luton

Dates / Times:
Departing 14/03/2011
Returning 17/03/2011

Duration:
3 Nights

Staying in:
Magic Circus

Star Rating:
4

Room Type:
Standard

Board Basis:
BB

Description:
Magic Circus Hotel is located outside the Disneyland® Resort Paris, just 10 minutes away by free shuttle bus from the Disney® Parks (3 km.) and only 30 km from Paris City.
The hotel offers a reception, restaurant, bar, conference facilities and meeting rooms with high speed internet access (with extra charge). The leisure facilities include billiards, video games, indoor heating pool, children´s indoor heating pool and fitness & wellness centre.
The hotel rooms are equipped with bathroom with bathtub, air conditioning, high speed internet access (with extra charge), tea & coffee making facilities, TV, telephone and safety box.
Price correct as at Wednesday 5th January.

 

To book this offer, call us on

0182 347 8305

and quote reference no: 988675-HAY

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

 

Reasons to smile...

Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation

As the UK's largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers

Our friendly staff have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday

Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile

For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today

Destination:
Benidorm

Depart:
Birmingham

Dates / Times:
Departing 05/02/2011
Returning 12/02/2011

Duration:
7 Nights

Staying in:
Marina

Star Rating:
4

Room Type:
Standard

Board Basis:
FB

Description:
The Hotel Marina stands in a privileged setting on the shores of the Mediterranean and is a perfect place for discovering endless possibilities for fun and entertainment. In its facilities guests will find a comfortable environment, ideal for families. Just 200 m from the Levante beach, it offers a unique location in the town centre and commercial hub of Benidorm. To the proximity guests may enjoy the Tera Mitica theme park, two parks for kids and the Algar Springs, while the airport is approximately 60 km away.
Click Here to see more Late Deals.

To book this offer, call us on

01823 478305

and quote reference no: 984541-HAY

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

Reasons to smile...

Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation

As the UK's largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers

Our friendly staff have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday

Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile

For more details or to book call: 01823 478305 today

Destination:
New York

Depart:
Heathrow

Dates / Times:
Departing 05/02/2011
Returning 08/02/2011

Duration:
3 Nights

Staying in:
Astor on the Park

Star Rating:
2

Room Type:
Standard

Board Basis:
RO

Description:
The Astor on the Park Hotel, is conveniently located on New York’s Upper West side overlooking Central Park. We are in close proximity to the Museum of Natural History, and the Museum of Modern Art.

0182 347 8305

and quote reference no: 983551-HAY

Prices are subject to change and availability. Hays Travel reserve the right to withdraw promotional prices at any time. All prices are based on maximum occupancy in standard rooms.

 

Reasons to smile...

Our low low prices are guaranteed on all our holidays, flights and accommodation

As the UK's largest independently owned travel agent we offer holidays from all the major suppliers

Our friendly staff have a wealth of travel knowledge and are waiting to help you build your perfect holiday

Hays Travel, celebrating 30 years of making people smile

For more details or to book call: 0182 347 8305 today