I went to all-inclusive resort on my own — it was ridiculous | Beach Holidays | Travel

Turkey had never high on my list of dream travel destinations, neither had the idea of venturing solo to a large all-inclusive hotel catering primarily for families.

However, that changed when Club Med introduced me to Palmiye and now I find myself constantly daydreaming about the Taurus mountains and indulging in the truly outstanding buffet.

As an individual who relishes immersing themselves in the culture of a new location, I had my reservations about an all-inclusive Turkish experience. However, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I could soak up without leaving the resort.

This stunning, lesser-known coastal spot, situated an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is enticing for travellers seeking a genuine holiday experience away from the hustle and bustle of tourist hotspots.

Each morning at Palmiye, I found myself gazing in wonder at the surrounding peaks, whether during my stroll to breakfast, while relaxing by the pool, or viewing the resort from the boat. This picturesque vista served as the backdrop to all my moments spent at Club Med, and even now, if I close my eyes, I can still visualise them towering above me.

The all-inclusive aspect is particularly appealing to families eager to keep their children entertained and enjoy a sense of freedom, all within a safe environment. Although being childless and in my twenties, I can’t comment on the family experience in Palmiye, feeling secure and having opportunities to meet new people was also crucial to me.

Activities

Club Med Palmiye provides a staggering array of activities for both adults and children, including tennis, padel, volleyball, pilates, water-skiing, yoga and more. It’s unlikely you’ll be able to experience everything in one week, but the aim is to start lessons on your first day and potentially acquire a new skill by the end of your stay.

For solo travellers, arranging activities and excursions can be intimidating due to concerns about scams, safety or simply the hassle of booking.

I found myself repeatedly retreating to the zen pool at the far end of the resort, an adults-only haven free from noisy children and splashing water. Plus, it boasted a bar with a beach view.

This wasn’t exclusive to this pool though; each of the resort’s six main pools features a nearby bar and is always within easy reach of the beachfront.

If you’re not particularly sporty and prefer to relax, the Palmiye resort offers not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another in the newly refurbished hotel. Here, I indulged my White Lotus fantasies with a personalised back massage, choosing my preferred scent, product and pressure.

Afterwards, I slipped into the sauna for a truly otherworldly experience. The next time I encountered my masseuse, we were both letting our hair down at the Efes bar.

Throughout my getaway, it felt as if I were continually crossing paths with the Club Med crew as though they were long-time mates. Each member of staff at the resort exuded warmth, enthusiasm and a readiness to lend a hand, clearly savouring their leisure moments just as much.

Club Med EMEA and North America CEO Anne Browaeys shared the ethos behind this camaraderie: “What we do have a lot of is groups of friends. It’s a significant part of our clientele, quite specific to the UK market. What they look for when they come to Club Med is that they can be happy together and separately. You can have the ‘me time’ and ‘we time’. And when you go as a group of friends, there’s usually a huge amount of time for someone in the group, spent planning, organising, and aligning the plans. But at Club Med, it’s freedom.”

Food and drink

This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I lost track of days, scarcely glanced at my phone, and the culinary delights plunged me into an ecstatic reverie. Immersing oneself in authentic Turkish culture becomes seamless, thanks to the exceptional skills of Club Med’s chefs, who showcase their prowess across four on-site dining spots.

As a vegetarian, I often approach restaurants with trepidation, fearing limited options. However, my experience at the Olympus restaurant was quite the contrary — it was a delightful sensory overload.

The establishment boasts a chef who excels in their own cuisine, preparing dishes on the spot at a live-cooking station. Whether you fancy an authentic Turkish kebab, reliable Italian fare or Asian-inspired meals, the choices are truly abundant.

The majority of the ingredients are locally sourced, ensuring that you’re savouring genuine Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads as you dine. As a fan of Greek salad during my holidays, the Olympus exceeded my expectations by providing a dedicated station complete with chopping boards for guests to tailor and assemble their own salads.

I was utterly captivated by the stunning location of the Topkapi restaurant. Nestled alongside a stream with breathtaking views of azure waters from the terraces, it’s a sight to behold.

Entertainment

Club Med parties are in a league of their own. Their slightly eccentric take on entertainment is ideal for engaging everyone, even the most reserved Brits.

Be it theatrical performances in the grand amphitheatre, early evening jazz-style singers, or full-scale dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party followed.

The highlight of the evening entertainment was undoubtedly the Club Med White Party, a weekly event at all their resorts. You’re welcomed by an all-white, sit-down setting that’s reminiscent of a lavish wedding, complete with delectable food and top-notch entertainment.

As I savoured my meal, I was treated to stunning acrobatic performances before the resort’s manager kicked off the dance party for the night. Before I knew it, drummers, dancers and sparklers were weaving their way through the crowd.

By the time we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a reliable DJ, and a saxophonist on the dance floor — it felt as if Club Med had morphed into an Ibiza beach club for one night only.

Newly refurbished hotel

At the end of the day, whether you’re calling it a night early or partying until the bar closes at 1am, you have the option of retiring to a newly refurbished hotel room. With its fresh, modern design and Mediterranean feel, and countless rooms offering both pool and sea views, I really couldn’t find fault.

One delightful feature of the resort that truly impressed me was the dual-function of the all-inclusive wristband, doubling as a room key. This ingeniously simple concept eliminated the usual hassle associated with misplacing a key, making life particularly easier for families and shared accommodations, ensuring no one had to trudge back to their rooms alone.

The hotel’s very essence encourages relaxation, apparent in everything from its serene colour palette and tranquil atmosphere, to the seamless layout which effortlessly guides you through without ever feeling disoriented.

Despite its long history, the resort has adapted over time, integrating contemporary innovations. Anne Browaeys provided insights, saying: “What we see is that our clients want it all. We’re in the post-pandemic world, and holidays are an even more important moment of their lives. And the summer holiday when it’s with the family and parents and kids, is something memorable you want for the year. And so when they have it, they want both the great infrastructure and the great experience.

“We see our client when they’re on vacation, first they want to rest, and then they want to catch up for all the time they’ve lost. So investing in the renovation is both offering a great place for sleep and the food, but then having that on top of the unchanged.”

My experience at Club Med Palmiye has certainly reshaped my perspective on all-inclusive resorts; they truly know how to deliver a top-notch holiday. I’ve previously spent a small fortune on food and drinks during holidays before even considering activities or excursions, so starting prices of £1,981 per adult seem like excellent value for money.

Not only do I believe you get bang for your buck, but you also enjoy an unforgettable getaway.

Book your stay

A seven-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med Palmiye, Turkey, starts from £2,654 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from London (LGW) and transfers.

Without flights, seven-night all-inclusive stays start from £1,981 per adult (based on double occupancy). You can find out more and book on clubmed.co.uk