Latest news with #ClubMedPalmiye
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Scottish Sun
Stunning hotel on gorgeous sun-kissed Turkish beach takes all-inclusive to whole new level
It's not just food and drink on tap here, all your activities from sailing lessons to yoga and even the spa are included. JOIN THE CLUB Stunning hotel on gorgeous sun-kissed Turkish beach takes all-inclusive to whole new level CLUB Med's mantra is 'the purpose of life is to be happy - welcome to your happy place.' As I gazed out over the turquoise Mediterranean Sea with a cocktail in hand, it was easy to see why the motto is well-earned. 10 Club Med Palmiye set right on a long stretch of glorious beach 10 Sunbeds and cabanas adorn the beach 10 The hotel is near the Turkish resort of Kemer Credit: Alamy The iconic brand is celebrating 75 years of holiday bliss and has marked the milestone with an £11million refurbishment to its Palmiye resort in Southern Turkiye. Club Med pioneered the idea of a resort where everything is in one place for one price and have stayed ahead of the game since they unveiled the concept in 1950. And nestled between the majestic Taurus Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, this Turkish Delight is now the jewel in their highly impressive crown. I flew from Edinburgh with SunExpress airlines to Antalya and wasted no time in getting down to the main aim of Club Med - getting a break from the real world. Staring at your phone is the world's worst habit, it's certainly mine, but the experiences on offer at Club Med make that impossible You can't be on your mobile when you are cutting through the turquoise sea waterskiing or taking the ropes of a sail boat and becoming your own captain for the day. And the food, drink and entertainment make the resort a one-stop shop for a break like no other. The first thing that grabbed me about the resort was how beautifully clean it was. The investment was well spent as the whole hotel was gleaming. 10 The stunning room at Club Med My room was bright and spacious with double glazed doors out into a balcony for an early evening drink as the sun went down. It also had a very comfy bed with plenty of pillows - always a good sign of quality in my book. I visited the pretty city that straddles both Asia and Europe But I didn't stay long in the room before heading down to the beach front, attracted by the delightful aroma coming from the resort's restaurants. The buffets are class acts - nothing is cold or looks like it's been there too long. Turkish cuisine is famous for grilling and this place didn't disappoint with restaurant The Olympus grill the star of the show. The chicken kebabs for dinner were delicious and lunch was grilled whole sea bass, bream or salmon. It was simple cooking but that's the best kind. There was also a vast array of sides and salads to choose from and a mind-boggling spread of sauces and combinations. Themed nights are a big part of Club Med and we were lucky to experience two of them during our stay. 10 The view towards the beach from one of the resort's restaurants 10 There a numerous restaurants to choose from Credit: Supplied 10 One of the themed parties at Club Med On one evening, guests and staff were all encouraged to wear red and white to celebrate the Turkish hospitality we were receiving. The second was a 'white' party which again led almost everyone to find their best white garb for the night. On that evening, the chefs at Olympus spread the food around the sprawling front lawn and grilled up sirloin steaks how you liked them while trapeze artists carried out incredible stunts and tricks. Of course it's only a bit of fun, you won't get booted out for wearing your normal clothes, but the party nights make Club Med feel more like a community resort. Once the food was digested, that's when the party really got going. Efes beach nightclub was bouncing until the early hours with the dance floor a sea of matched colours dancing the night away. The following morning, we were feeling a little delicate but a visit to the breakfast at Phasalis sorted me right out. The lavish buffet was a sight for bleary eyes - and began with freshly squeezed orange juice. There were numerous cereals, fruits, yoghurts and, in a rather classy touch, fresh honey straight from the honeycomb. I then enjoyed eggs cooked to order and homemade pancakes with a cup of freshly brewed coffee. With the hearty breakfast demolished, it was time to enjoy Club Med's other main attraction - sports and recreation. I'd never attempted any kind of sailing before but after a 30 minute tutorial, I felt like I could take on the high seas. 10 Gordon tried his hand at sailing after a lesson from the hotel's professionals Credit: Supplied Luckily the wind was fair and the waves were calm so my first journey didn't end in a Castaway-style disaster, especially as I hadn't packed a volleyball called Wilson. Nearby, some guests were trying their hand at the far more daredevil sport of waterskiing while some others took the far more sedate paddleboarding to enjoy the view. Back on dry land, Palmiye had around a dozen other sports that all come as part of the package including tennis, archery, ping pong, aerial assault courses and the latest fashion craze, padel. 10 You'll be flying high at Club Med Palmiye 10 Just one of the SIX pools at Club Med Palmiye Yoga and pilates are also available every morning for those who wish to get their zen on with a view of the turquoise coast at the same time. Of course, no Club Med resort comes without swimming pools and Palmiye comes with six - including an infinity pool and zen pool. There was acres of space to chill out and you could pick any lounger and not hear the conversations of the family next to you. After a swim, I headed to one of the two spas in the resort. Again, I had to remind myself that all of this was part of the Club Med experience - it was all included. The plush establishment had two saunas, two steam rooms and an ice bath to get the blood flowing. From there, you walked through to a hammam - a Turkish bath to us - for an experience that has been enjoyed by locals for thousands of years. GO: TURKEY GO: CLUB MED PALMIYE GETTING THERE: Seven nights all-inclusive stay at Club Med Palmiye Hotel from £2,620 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from Glasgow (GLA) with transfers included. See or call 03453 676767. To complete the experience, there was a plunge pool outside with sun loungers to sit and relax in the sea breeze. While most of the Club Med experience was on land, a classy element of the holiday was the boat trip laid on one afternoon. The chance to see the resort from the gentle waters of the Mediterranean, along with some of the 'Turquoise Coast' was a fantastic way to spend a few hours,. After some sunbathing on the deck, I then had the chance to get a snorkel on and jump into the clear ocean to cool off. The whole experience left me with genuine holiday vibes; the exercise that I wanted, the rest I needed and the food I craved. I couldn't remember when I last wore shoes or what day it was - that's Club Med relaxation.
Extra.ie
25-06-2025
- Extra.ie
Turkey but tailored - How Club Med Palmiye redefines the all-inclusive experience
There's a quiet kind of thrill in venturing on a solo trip to a luxury resort, a mix of bold independence and indulgent curiosity. That was my exact attitude as I arrived at Club Med Palmiye, a stunning getaway nestled between the Taurus Mountains and the sparkling Mediterranean coast of Turkey. Known for its lush gardens, expansive beachfront, and signature all-inclusive experience, the resort promised the perfect balance of seclusion and sociability, and let me tell you, that could not be more true. Venturing on my own, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would I feel out of place amid honeymooners and families? Would the resort's sprawling pools, fine dining, sailing lessons be able to cater to someone travelling alone? What I discovered instead was a setting that not only welcomed solo exploration but seemed to quietly celebrate it. From yoga to sunset aperitifs with new acquaintances, Club Med Palmiye became more than a getaway, it became a gentle, luxurious invitation to reconnect with myself. Club Med Palmiye unfolds like a perfectly orchestrated symphony of leisure, where every amenity seems placed with intention. The staff are eager to either elevate your energy or quiet your mind, which is everything I could have asked for from a holiday. At the heart of the resort lies the main pool, a sparkling social hub where sun loungers disappear quickly and poolside cocktails flow as freely as the conversation. For those seeking more tranquility, the adults-only Zen pool offers a serene escape and was my personal favourite over the course of the three days. The resort's wellness offerings are equally impressive. From daily yoga sessions to deeply restorative treatments in the Club Med Spa by Sothys, my troubles melted away almost upon arival. And for fitness-minded guests, tennis courts and group workout classes ensure there's no shortage of ways to stay active (or work off that extra helping of baklava). Club Med Palmiye is also a playground for the adventurous. With a private stretch of beach and a dedicated watersports centre, guests can try their hand at sailing, paddleboarding, waterskiing, or windsurfing, with most all included in your booking. The resort's G.O. (Gentil Organisateur) team brings infectious energy to each activity, encouraging even the most hesitant solo traveller (like myself) to dive in, sometimes quite literally. Dining at Club Med Palmiye is a highlight in itself—an all-inclusive experience that feels anything but generic. The main restaurant offers generous buffet spreads that change daily, each meal a small-scale culinary world tour. Breakfasts brim with fresh fruit, local cheeses, Turkish pastries, and much, much more. By lunch and dinner, live cooking stations turn out everything from grilled seafood and tender lamb skewers to fragrant curries and handmade pastas. For a more intimate setting, the more speciality restaurants provide a slower, candle-lit alternative—perfect for solo diners who want to savour the view along with their meal in a more traditional restaurant setting. While the food at Club Med Palmiye is undeniably impressive, it's the people behind the scenes who truly make the dining experience feel special. The kitchen staff, often unseen in other resorts, work with a quiet precision and passion that deserves to be lauded. Each day they orchestrate an enormous culinary feat: dozens of dishes, flawlessly prepared, replenished with care, and always beautifully presented. In a setting where indulgence is expected, they deliver excellence with humility, and their work ethic radiates from every plate that comes back spotless. I witnessed spontaneous applause erupt one evening during the weekly White Party, as the chefs walked through the dining room—guests rising from their seats to cheer them on like rockstars. And rightly so. Whether it's a fresh crêpe flipped to order at breakfast or a perfectly seared steak at dinner, the gratitude they inspire feels woven into the resort's culture. For a solo traveller, this sense of mutual respect, between guests and the team behind the scenes, only deepened the feeling of belonging. As the sun dips behind the mountains, Club Med Palmiye undergoes a kind of transformation, going from a serene coastal retreat to something closer to a dreamy beachfront festival. The Club Med party experience is unlike anything I've encountered elsewhere: theatrical, joyful, and completely unselfconscious. Each evening is themed—White Night, Turkish Bazaar, you name it, and the resort leans into it with gusto. Costumes appear, lights pulse, DJs spin everything from Euro-disco to Afrobeats, and the G.O. team perform choreographed routines with Broadway-level commitment. It's the kind of atmosphere where you can go from sipping wine at dinner to dancing barefoot under fairy lights without ever feeling out of place. At one point they even had an acrobat, yes, an acrobat. I found these nights to be unexpectedly freeing. There's no pressure to be part of a couple or a crowd, the vibe is inclusive, gently wild, and deeply communal. It's this sense of playful abandon, grounded in warmth and welcome, that makes the Club Med nightlife something truly special. Not forced, not flashy, just fantastically, unapologetically fun. There's a particular kind of luxury that doesn't shout, it hums in the background, smoothing every edge of your day. At Club Med Palmiye, it begins with something as small as a wristband. Lightweight, unassuming, and worn without thought, it's your room key, your access pass, your invisible wallet. From that moment on, you don't touch your purse, sign a bill, or fumble with a keycard. Everything simply flows; meals, drinks, activities, service, seamlessly stitched into a rhythm that lets your mind finally, fully exhale. This is the quiet magic of true all-inclusive: the freedom to switch off without sacrificing comfort. The staff, ever-present but never intrusive, seem to anticipate needs before you voice them. A fresh towel appears poolside before you realize yours is damp; a glass is refilled with a smile before it's empty. As a solo traveller, that gentle attentiveness felt like a soft safety net, allowing me to drop my shoulders, slow down, and just be. Parts of Club Med Palmiye have recently undergone thoughtful refurbishments, and it shows in the best way. Certain accommodation blocks and communal areas feel newly polished, with updated interiors that blend modern comfort with Mediterranean warmth. Sleek bathrooms and upgraded furnishings elevate the experience without losing the resort's signature charm. It's not flashy, but intentional, reflecting a quiet investment in guest comfort. The balance between classic Club Med character and refreshed design made the setting feel both familiar and elevated, as if the resort is growing gracefully with its loyal clientele. Though I arrived at Club Med Palmiye as a solo traveller, it was impossible not to notice how effortlessly the resort caters to families. From toddlers to teenagers, every age group seemed thoughtfully considered, with age-specific kids clubs that ran like clockwork, offering everything from arts and crafts to trapeze lessons and sailing adventures. I watched parents unwind by the pool or enjoy long, unrushed lunches while their children were clearly having the time of their lives under the care of energetic, professional It struck me how different that felt from other resorts, where childcare often seems like a last-minute patch rather than a core offering. Even the family spaces; quiet garden paths for stroller walks, shaded dining areas, gentle-entry pools, felt intuitively designed. While I'm not at that stage of life myself, I found it reassuring to see a place where families weren't just accommodated, but truly supported to relax and reconnect. It made the overall atmosphere feel more balanced: joyful without chaos, lively without intrusion. I'll be the first to admit, an all-inclusive resort, somewhat removed from the surrounding culture and local rhythm, won't be everyone's idea of ideal travel. For some, it may feel too curated, too detached from the 'real' experience of a place. But for me, in this particular moment, Club Med Palmiye offered exactly what I didn't know I needed: rest without logistics, beauty without effort, and the kind of unburdened simplicity that's hard to come by in daily life. It was a conscious luxury, one I approached with curiosity and left deeply grateful for. As a solo traveller, I felt held by the ease of it all, and while the price tag reflects the quality and comprehensiveness of the experience, it felt justifiable not just for what was included, but for what it allowed me to leave behind for a little while. Sometimes, a retreat from the world isn't an escape from reality, it's a return to yourself. Club Med is marking 75 years of service in 2025. From its first beach village in Majorca in 1950, it now has 68 premium and luxury resorts in 40 countries worldwide. You can secure a seven-night all-inclusive stay at Club Med Palmiye Hotel, Turkey, from €3,036 per adult (based on double occupancy) with return flights from Dublin airport, and transfers included. This price is based on the departure date 19.07.25. If you would like to book a stay at the resort or you want more information, please visit or call 1 800 800 923.
Wales Online
07-06-2025
- Wales Online
I went on holiday alone to an all-inclusive family resort and it was ridiculous
I went on holiday alone to an all-inclusive family resort and it was ridiculous Travel writer Emily Malia visited Club Med's all-inclusive luxury resort set in a "lesser known spot" in Turkey Now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains Turkey was not a place that fell very high on my list of dream travel destinations, writes reporter Emily Malia. Nor was heading by myself to an all-inclusive mega hotel that specialises in family holidays. That is, until Club Med put Palmiye on my radar, and now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains and tucking into the truly exceptional buffet. As someone who loves to immerse themselves in the culture of a new place, I have to say I had my doubts about an all-inclusive Turkish experience, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I could absorb without leaving the resort. The stunning, lesser-known coastal spot an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is tempting for travellers who want a true holiday experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist towns, reports the Mirror. Every day that I woke up at Palmiye, I couldn't help but look up in awe at the peaks surrounding us, whether it was on my walk to breakfast, lounging around the pool, or looking back out at the resort from the boat. This scenic view acted as the backdrop to all of my moments spent at Club Med, and if I close my eyes, I can still picture them towering over me. Emily Malia made a trip that she will not be forgetting anytime soon (Image: Emily Malia ) It's the all-inclusive aspect that appeals to families who are desperate to keep their kids occupied and have a sense of freedom, all within the confines of safety. Of course, being childless and in my twenties, I can't talk about the experience of family life in Palmiye, but feeling safe and having opportunities to meet new people was also important to me. Article continues below Activities Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities for both adults and kids alike – from tennis lessons to paddle, volleyball, Pilates, water skiing, yoga and more. It would be virtually impossible to try and squeeze it all into one week, and they don't expect you to. The idea is that you can start lessons on your first day and, by the end of the week, potentially have picked up a new skill. As a solo traveller, it can feel daunting booking onto activities and excursions, whether it's down to fears of being scammed, your safety, or just the general admin of booking. I found myself constantly going back to lounge around the zen pool at the very end of the resort, submerging myself in an adult-only area. No screaming kids or splashing water and, more importantly, a bar with a beach view. Although this wasn't unique to this pool, each one of the resort's six main pools has a bar right by it and is never far away from the beachfront. Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities - but there is always the option just to enjoy the sunshine If you're less of an active traveller and just want to unwind, the Palmiye resort has not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another based in the newly renovated hotel. It was here that I lived out my true White Lotus dreams with a relaxing back massage catered to my own choice of scent, product and pressure. After, I entered another dimension by slipping into the sauna. The next time I saw my masseuse was when we were both dancing the night away at the Efes bar. In fact, that was a common theme throughout my trip: bumping into the Club Med team as though they were old friends. Everyone working at the resort was friendly, fun, happy to help and, most of all, looked like they enjoyed their own free time. Food This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I didn't know what day it was, my screen time was low, and the food sent me into a dream state. When I talk about enriching yourself in a true Turkish experience, that is where Club Med's incredible chefs come on board, across their four in-house restaurants. For the latest restaurant news and reviews, sign up to our food and drink newsletter here There was a range of foods to enjoy at the eclectic buffet Like any vegetarian, I go into a restaurant with anxiety that I'll get lumped with a lack of choice, but here it was quite the opposite – I was overwhelmed. The Olympus restaurant offers a chef that specialises in their own cuisine, prepped there and then in a live-cooking station – whether you want a true Turkish kebab, trusty Italian dishes or Asian-inspired foods, you are truly spoilt for choice. Almost all of the produce is sourced locally, and so while you're dining, you know you're tucking into true Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads. As someone who loves nothing more than a Greek salad on holiday, I couldn't have asked for more from the Olympus, where they deliver an entire station with chopping boards so you can customise and build your own salads. I couldn't help but be blown away by the settings in which the Topkapi restaurant sits. It has a stream running alongside it and blue waters that you overlook from the terraces. Entertainment There ain't no party like a Club Med party. The brand's slightly unhinged twist on entertainment is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the most apprehensive of Brits. From their theatrical performances in the huge amphitheatre, their early evening jazz-esque singers, or their full-blown dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party was. Above all, the standout nighttime entertainment had to be at the Club Med White Party, which I was informed is a weekly occurrence across all of their resorts. Not only are you greeted by a sit-down, all-white setting, reminiscent of an extravagant wedding, paired with mouth-watering food, but also five-star entertainment. As I tucked into my food, I watched beautiful acrobatic routines before the resort's manager kicked off the night's dance party. Before I knew it, there were drummers, dancers and sparklers galore, circling their way through the crowd. When we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a trusty DJ, and a saxophone player on the dancefloor – it was as though Club Med had transformed itself into an Ibiza beach club for one night only. Newly renovated hotel When the day is done, whether it's an early night or an early morning finish after partying until the bar shuts at 1am, you have the option of staying in a newly renovated hotel room. Fresh, modern, and with a Mediterranean vibe to it, with an endless number of rooms offering both pool and sea views, I couldn't really complain. The modern bedroom boasted stunning views (Image: Hunter & Gather ) One of my favourite aspects of the resort was that your all-inclusive wristband also worked as your room key. It sounds so simple, but my god was it handy; I could bid farewell to the stress of losing a room key, and it also meant that for people sharing a room, especially families, they never had to worry about sending the other back off to the room. Everything about the hotel screams 'relax', from the light wash colours of the décor, to the quiet ambience inside, and the way every room and exit flows into one another, so you're never finding yourself lost. Inside the all inclusive hotel that has gotten Emily thinking - there's no going back! My stay at Club Med Palmiye has most definitely made me rethink the idea of travelling to more all-inclusive resorts; they know just how to do it right. I've spent an extortionate amount on food and drinks on holidays before I even got around to looking at activities or travel to excursions, so at a price starting from £1,981 per adult, I think it's great value for money. Not only do I think you get your money's worth, but you also get the trip of a lifetime. How to book 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. Article continues below 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
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Daily Record
'I went to all-inclusive family resort on my own and one part was totally ridiculous'
I took a trip to Club Med's all-inclusive luxury resort under the Taurus mountains in Turkey - with six pools, four restaurants, a constant sea view and a huge amount to do Turkey was not a place that fell very high on my list of dream travel destinations. Nor was heading by myself to an all-inclusive mega hotel that specialises in family holidays. That is, until Club Med put Palmiye on my radar, and now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains and tucking into the truly exceptional buffet. As someone who loves to immerse themselves in the culture of a new place, I have to say I had my doubts about an all-inclusive Turkish experience, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I could absorb without leaving the resort. The stunning, lesser-known coastal spot an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is tempting for travellers who want a true holiday experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist towns. Every day that I woke up at Palmiye, I couldn't help but look up in awe at the peaks surrounding us, whether it was on my walk to breakfast, lounging around the pool, or looking back out at the resort from the boat. This scenic view acted as the backdrop to all of my moments spent at Club Med, and if I close my eyes, I can still picture them towering over me. It's the all-inclusive aspect that appeals to families who are desperate to keep their kids occupied and have a sense of freedom, all within the confines of safety. Of course, being childless and in my twenties, I can't talk about the experience of family life in Palmiye, but feeling safe and having opportunities to meet new people was also important to me. Activities Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities for both adults and kids alike – from tennis lessons to paddle, volleyball, Pilates, water skiing, yoga and more. It would be virtually impossible to try and squeeze it all into one week, and they don't expect you to. The idea is that you can start lessons on your first day and, by the end of the week, potentially have picked up a new skill. As a solo traveller, it can feel daunting booking onto activities and excursions, whether it's down to fears of being scammed, your safety, or just the general admin of booking. I found myself constantly going back to lounge around the zen pool at the very end of the resort, submerging myself in an adult-only area. No screaming kids or splashing water and, more importantly, a bar with a beach view. Although this wasn't unique to this pool, each one of the resort's six main pools has a bar right by it and is never far away from the beachfront. If you're less of an active traveller and just want to unwind, the Palmiye resort has not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another based in the newly renovated hotel. It was here that I lived out my true White Lotus dreams with a relaxing back massage catered to my own choice of scent, product and pressure. After, I entered another dimension by slipping into the sauna. The next time I saw my masseuse was when we were both dancing the night away at the Efes bar. In fact, that was a common theme throughout my trip: bumping into the Club Med team as though they were old friends. Everyone working at the resort was friendly, fun, happy to help and, most of all, looked like they enjoyed their own free time. Anne Browaeys, CEO of Club Med, explained the philosophy to me. "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 This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I didn't know what day it was, my screen time was low, and the food sent me into a dream state. When I talk about enriching yourself in a true Turkish experience, that is where Club Med's incredible chefs come on board, across their four in-house restaurants. Like any vegetarian, I go into a restaurant with anxiety that I'll get lumped with a lack of choice, but here it was quite the opposite – I was overwhelmed. The Olympus restaurant offers a chef that specialises in their own cuisine, prepped there and then in a live-cooking station – whether you want a true Turkish kebab, trusty Italian dishes or Asian-inspired foods, you are truly spoilt for choice. Almost all of the produce is sourced locally, and so while you're dining, you know you're tucking into true Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads. As someone who loves nothing more than a Greek salad on holiday, I couldn't have asked for more from the Olympus, where they deliver an entire station with chopping boards so you can customise and build your own salads. I couldn't help but be blown away by the settings in which the Topkapi restaurant sits. It has a stream running alongside it and blue waters that you overlook from the terraces. Entertainment There ain't no party like a Club Med party. The brand's slightly unhinged twist on entertainment is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the most apprehensive of Brits. From their theatrical performances in the huge amphitheatre, their early evening jazz-esque singers, or their full-blown dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party was. Above all, the standout nighttime entertainment had to be at the Club Med White Party, which I was informed is a weekly occurrence across all of their resorts. Not only are you greeted by a sit-down, all-white setting, reminiscent of an extravagant wedding, paired with mouth-watering food, but also five-star entertainment. As I tucked into my food, I watched beautiful acrobatic routines before the resort's manager kicked off the night's dance party. Before I knew it, there were drummers, dancers and sparklers galore, circling their way through the crowd. When we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a trusty DJ, and a saxophone player on the dancefloor – it was as though Club Med had transformed itself into an Ibiza beach club for one night only. Newly renovated hotel When the day is done, whether it's an early night or an early morning finish after partying until the bar shuts at 1am, you have the option of staying in a newly renovated hotel room. Fresh, modern, and with a Mediterranean vibe to it, with an endless number of rooms offering both pool and sea views, I couldn't really complain. One of my favourite aspects of the resort was that your all-inclusive wristband also worked as your room key. It sounds so simple, but my god was it handy; I could bid farewell to the stress of losing a room key, and it also meant that for people sharing a room, especially families, they never had to worry about sending the other back off to the room. Everything about the hotel screams 'relax', from the light wash colours of the décor, to the quiet ambience inside, and the way every room and exit flows into one another, so you're never finding yourself lost. Decades after its opening, the resort had no choice but to roll with the times and innovate. The CEO of Club Med further explained: "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 stay at Club Med Palmiye has most definitely made me rethink the idea of travelling to more all-inclusive resorts; they know just how to do it right. I've spent an extortionate amount on food and drinks on holidays before I even got around to looking at activities or travel to excursions, so at a price starting from £1,981 per adult, I think it's great value for money. Not only do I think you get your money's worth, but you also get the trip of a lifetime. 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
Daily Mirror
06-06-2025
- Daily Mirror
'I went to an all-inclusive family resort alone - it was completely ridiculous'
I took a trip to Club Med's all-inclusive luxury resort under the Taurus mountains in Turkey - with six pools, four restaurants, a constant sea view and a huge amount to do Turkey was not a place that fell very high on my list of dream travel destinations. Nor was heading by myself to an all-inclusive mega hotel that specialises in family holidays. That is, until Club Med put Palmiye on my radar, and now I can't stop dreaming about the Taurus mountains and tucking into the truly exceptional buffet. As someone who loves to immerse themselves in the culture of a new place, I have to say I had my doubts about an all-inclusive Turkish experience, but was pleasantly surprised by how much I could absorb without leaving the resort. The stunning, lesser-known coastal spot an hour outside of Antalya, Turkey, is tempting for travellers who want a true holiday experience without the hustle and bustle of tourist towns. Every day that I woke up at Palmiye, I couldn't help but look up in awe at the peaks surrounding us, whether it was on my walk to breakfast, lounging around the pool, or looking back out at the resort from the boat. This scenic view acted as the backdrop to all of my moments spent at Club Med, and if I close my eyes, I can still picture them towering over me. It's the all-inclusive aspect that appeals to families who are desperate to keep their kids occupied and have a sense of freedom, all within the confines of safety. Of course, being childless and in my twenties, I can't talk about the experience of family life in Palmiye, but feeling safe and having opportunities to meet new people was also important to me. READ MORE: 'I went to the Alps' all-inclusive mega ski resort to see if it's worth the hype' Activities Club Med Palmiye offers an eye-watering amount of activities for both adults and kids alike – from tennis lessons to paddle, volleyball, Pilates, water skiing, yoga and more. It would be virtually impossible to try and squeeze it all into one week, and they don't expect you to. The idea is that you can start lessons on your first day and, by the end of the week, potentially have picked up a new skill. As a solo traveller, it can feel daunting booking onto activities and excursions, whether it's down to fears of being scammed, your safety, or just the general admin of booking. I found myself constantly going back to lounge around the zen pool at the very end of the resort, submerging myself in an adult-only area. No screaming kids or splashing water and, more importantly, a bar with a beach view. Although this wasn't unique to this pool, each one of the resort's six main pools has a bar right by it and is never far away from the beachfront. If you're less of an active traveller and just want to unwind, the Palmiye resort has not one but two spas – one in the Villagio area and another based in the newly renovated hotel. It was here that I lived out my true White Lotus dreams with a relaxing back massage catered to my own choice of scent, product and pressure. After, I entered another dimension by slipping into the sauna. The next time I saw my masseuse was when we were both dancing the night away at the Efes bar. In fact, that was a common theme throughout my trip: bumping into the Club Med team as though they were old friends. Everyone working at the resort was friendly, fun, happy to help and, most of all, looked like they enjoyed their own free time. Anne Browaeys, CEO of Club Med, explained the philosophy to me. "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 This resort was ridiculous, in every sense of the word, and I mean that with the utmost positivity. I didn't know what day it was, my screen time was low, and the food sent me into a dream state. When I talk about enriching yourself in a true Turkish experience, that is where Club Med's incredible chefs come on board, across their four in-house restaurants. Like any vegetarian, I go into a restaurant with anxiety that I'll get lumped with a lack of choice, but here it was quite the opposite – I was overwhelmed. The Olympus restaurant offers a chef that specialises in their own cuisine, prepped there and then in a live-cooking station – whether you want a true Turkish kebab, trusty Italian dishes or Asian-inspired foods, you are truly spoilt for choice. Almost all of the produce is sourced locally, and so while you're dining, you know you're tucking into true Turkish cheeses, chicken and salads. As someone who loves nothing more than a Greek salad on holiday, I couldn't have asked for more from the Olympus, where they deliver an entire station with chopping boards so you can customise and build your own salads. I couldn't help but be blown away by the settings in which the Topkapi restaurant sits. It has a stream running alongside it and blue waters that you overlook from the terraces. Entertainment There ain't no party like a Club Med party. The brand's slightly unhinged twist on entertainment is perfect for getting everyone involved, even the most apprehensive of Brits. From their theatrical performances in the huge amphitheatre, their early evening jazz-esque singers, or their full-blown dance parties, wherever the staff were, the party was. Above all, the standout nighttime entertainment had to be at the Club Med White Party, which I was informed is a weekly occurrence across all of their resorts. Not only are you greeted by a sit-down, all-white setting, reminiscent of an extravagant wedding, paired with mouth-watering food, but also five-star entertainment. As I tucked into my food, I watched beautiful acrobatic routines before the resort's manager kicked off the night's dance party. Before I knew it, there were drummers, dancers and sparklers galore, circling their way through the crowd. When we practically conga-lined our way over to the Efes bar, there were dancers on podiums, a trusty DJ, and a saxophone player on the dancefloor – it was as though Club Med had transformed itself into an Ibiza beach club for one night only. Newly renovated hotel When the day is done, whether it's an early night or an early morning finish after partying until the bar shuts at 1am, you have the option of staying in a newly renovated hotel room. Fresh, modern, and with a Mediterranean vibe to it, with an endless number of rooms offering both pool and sea views, I couldn't really complain. One of my favourite aspects of the resort was that your all-inclusive wristband also worked as your room key. It sounds so simple, but my god was it handy; I could bid farewell to the stress of losing a room key, and it also meant that for people sharing a room, especially families, they never had to worry about sending the other back off to the room. Everything about the hotel screams 'relax', from the light wash colours of the décor, to the quiet ambience inside, and the way every room and exit flows into one another, so you're never finding yourself lost. Decades after its opening, the resort had no choice but to roll with the times and innovate. The CEO of Club Med further explained: "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 stay at Club Med Palmiye has most definitely made me rethink the idea of travelling to more all-inclusive resorts; they know just how to do it right. I've spent an extortionate amount on food and drinks on holidays before I even got around to looking at activities or travel to excursions, so at a price starting from £1,981 per adult, I think it's great value for money. Not only do I think you get your money's worth, but you also get the trip of a lifetime. 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
