Back in April, our Marketing Manager, Aileen, was lucky enough to enjoy a short break at Hillside Beach Club. Here's what she thought of the luxury resort in Turkey.
My partner and I flew into Dalaman Airport and enjoyed a smooth, air-conditioned 50-minute transfer to the hotel. We drove through Fethiye, a seaside town 5 minutes' drive from Hillside Beach Club. Not that it feels like you’re anywhere near hustle and bustle on a stay here. The drive winds up into the hills before arriving at the gates of this private complex. On the short drive down the steep hillside that gives the resort its name, we could catch glimpses of the pool, beach, and sea beyond. It suddenly felt like we were a world away from everywhere!
Upon arrival, we were greeted by friendly staff and driven by golf buggy to our Superior Double Room with a large terrace and sea view. The accommodation is spacious and elegantly simple in its style, but the real hero is that sea view.
Our terrace looked straight out onto the Aegean; it was just breathtaking. When it comes to amenities, they really have thought of everything at Hillside, from nail files to hair ties, body scrub to lip balm, you’ll find it’s all complimentary here.
We took a morning flight, so even with the time difference, we had time to wander down to the beach bar for some afternoon snacks (also complimentary under the Full Board Plus model) and a cold drink. With friendly staff and blue skies, we settled in almost instantly.
When it came time for dinner, we couldn’t have been more impressed with the hotel’s buffet-style main restaurant. Fresh, local ingredients and live cooking stations make it hard not to over-pile your plate. We enjoyed choosing our own fish and how it was prepared each mealtime. You simply order at the counter and it’s brought to your table. I was so full from the main courses that I didn’t sample the desserts until our third night. I instantly wished I’d saved more room; they were divine!
All meals are included under Hillside Beach Club’s Full Board Plus package (no wristbands required), as well as drinks including wine and beer (both of which were high quality and generously served) at lunch and dinnertime. A la carte menus are also available at the Beach Bar Restaurant and Pasha Restaurant, with only drinks charged as an extra.
Pasha Restaurant also offers a late, light breakfast option from 10:30 am until noon. Options such as granola and croissants with coffee are delicious and perfect if you want a long lie-in on your holiday. As my partner and I were there without our kids, we took advantage of this!
Speaking of kids, we would definitely return with ours. The Kids Side clubs offer all kinds of activities for tots to teens, and the resort itself has plenty to keep all ages busy should you wish. From kayaking in the calm cove to Zumba on the lawn, there’s lots to do. That’s alongside the expansive pool, which is large enough for kids to play and adults to swim comfortably without getting in each other’s way!
When it comes to the evening, entertainment is on offer in the form of shows in the hotel’s own amphitheatre, with live music around the pool later or on the beach later.
If the activities don’t seem like your thing, then there are two other beaches at the resort where you can truly ‘get away from it all.’ A short boat ride away (the resort’s own boat shuttle leaves on the hour) is Serenity Beach. A tiny cove with sunbeds, hammocks, and a beach bar. Light lunches are also served here for those who want to spend the day. I’d advise heading over in the morning to get the best of the sun before it dips around the cliffs.
If even that sounds too hectic for you, there’s the Silent Beach. No bar (though I think you can order drinks) and a no-phone policy make this spot, less than five minutes’ walk from the main beach here. All beaches at Hillside are small pebbles. I actually prefer them; you’re not shaking sand out of your sandals every five minutes!
We spent our last evening having pre-dinner drinks on one of the resort's floating decks. There is a handy app system at the resort, so you can simply tap in your order and the sunbed number you’re at and wait to be served – bliss!
As you can see, I could go on and on about this place. We only had three nights there and both agreed we could have happily stayed for a fortnight! Still, it also felt like a really great break. The setting and the levels of service meant we could simply relax and switch off. I had thought the flight time (almost 4 hours) might be too much for such a short stay, but for the experience of Hillside, it was more than worth it!
Whether it’s a family holiday, a couple’s break, or a solo stay, there is a space for every kind of holiday at Hillside Beach Resort. I can’t recommend it highly enough!
If you'd like to book your own luxury Turkey holiday at Hillside Beach Club, why not contact us today. Or call 0330 041 4888 during opening hours to speak to an experienced Black Opal Travel Advisor.
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