Picture perfect resort Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye, Turkey
It could be that you have never heard of Fethiye in Turkey. Or the Hillside Beach Club, a holiday resort in a small bay next to the town. Or the combination, it picture perfect resort Hillside Beach Club, Fethiye, Turkey. That is not your fault: the holidaymakers who have already discovered this place do their utmost to keep this strictly secret.
There were even pleas asking us to please stop telling people about how nice it is here. Understandable. We understand. So we are not going to tell you here that the bay in which the Hillside Beach Club is one of the most beautiful we have ever seen. We're not going to tell you that we can't think of any other resort where both parents and kids of absolutely any age have more fun, better and more relaxing experiences than, well, anywhere else. basically.
We are also not going to tell you that the service is passable. That the staff is in such a good mood that it is impossible not to be cheerful yourself. You won't hear me say that it is the perfect destination to go with the offspring - especially for parents who also think it is important that they have a wonderful holiday with attention for each other. And we will not mention the fantastic spa, or that there are even two spas, one of which is the Balinese version of it Adults Only part of the resort the perfect spa experience, the picture-perfect surroundings and all the extras that ensure the ultimate holiday. Even the shops are fun and greedy… But no, you don't hear us about it.
Well, in an ideal world then. But that's not how it works: in the Barts Boekje world we have to talk about our experiences at the Hillside Beach Club. If you had met me recently, on the street, on the tram, in the pub, and asked me about my best travel experience lately, I would have told you this place.
And I'm not the only one: more than 70 percent (!) of the guests at the Hillside Beach Club are regulars and customer satisfaction is 100 percent. We even read that a study at Harvard University showed that Hillside Beach Club is the best resort in the world. Without fooling around. We then received surprised looks when fellow guests discovered that we were Hillside virgins… But no longer! We went not once, but twice and are now one of the 70% happy few. Ha!
Then of course you want to know what is so brilliant. Here it is: the first of the two most important points is the beauty of everything: the beach club can best be described as uber-tasteful, down to the smallest detail. From the beds to the outdoor showers and from the restaurants to your balcony. And the natural environment is beautiful. Number two is the service from the excellent and always friendly staff: crying baby? You blink your eyes (panicked) and there are two men there who help you with chairs, bibs, drinks, a sandwich or just a funny face. Thirst? There is already your wine (I will come back to that in a moment). Not in the mood for entertainment? That too is sensed flawlessly.
I'm also not going to tell you that the service is passable. That the staff is in such a good mood that it is impossible not to be cheerful yourself. You won't hear me say that it is the perfect destination to go with the offspring - especially for parents who also think it is important that they have a wonderful holiday with attention for each other.
And there's more: next to each of the comfortable light gray beach beds and mattresses you will find a bell: busy and a waiter will be next to you. Although one of the tiki-style bars is never far away because the resort is intimate despite its large capacity of 350 rooms. About that wine: Hillside Beach Club is full board and unlike most resorts we have ever been to, the 'standard' is certainly not standard: the house wines are really good and there is a choice (alleluia). Don't miss the rosé and pinot grigio. Indeed, just included, just like the Effes beers, most cocktails, soft drinks of course, the most extensive buffet (3 x a day) you have ever seen (there is even a baby chef!) and the three a la cart restaurants! One of the three is a beach club during the day for burgers and pasta, and in the evening it is an Italian restaurant. That's so nice; the staff wants you to taste everything with love and makes a plate/plank/table according to your wishes. And yes, that is also included. However, if you want to drink something different after a few days, there is an extensive wine list: we fell in love with the pouilly fumé. You will of course have to pay for this at the end of your stay, but that is also very okay. Moreover: as mentioned, the house wines are really good. The second a la cart restaurant is Mediterranean, bright white and... patience only.
That's also nice: Hillside Beach Club has a very good babysitting service. You can choose to put your child to bed in the evening and while he or she is napping, the babysitter will sit and read a book on your balcony while you go into the restaurant. If your kids are a bit older (from 2 years old), you can also 'accommodate' them in the kids club during the day. And yes, it almost gets boring: even that is fun and tasteful. No flat entertainment but super fun theater, surfing clinics, snorkeling, boating and so on and so on.
You can go to one of the two adults-only islands: you can go to one of the two by boat, the other is closed with a gate whose handle is inaccessible to anyone. That's the best part: there you will also find a lunch-burger style tent where barbecues are held on a Green Egg. Tasty! On the other side of the bay is the second area for adults. There, large wooden platforms float on the water and you will find the truly fantastic spa. Naturally, a spa treatment is not included, but a great Balinese massage of 90 (!) minutes costs the equivalent of 50 euros. Thief of your own wallet (I went 4 times already). By the way, there is also a Turkish spa! Also nice, I was told (but I was already crazy about the Balinese version). Going home but with wet swimming trunks? Even that has been taken into account: next to the changing rooms there is a centrifuge intended to spin dry your wet bathing suit. I could go on for hours about Hillside Beach Club, but the piece is already so long, and then there is also a beautiful village to tell about!
Moreover: as mentioned, the house wines are really good.
Because although the bay, the beds, the restaurants, the spa, the islands and the floating platforms beckon, and it is damn difficult to leave the club, it would be a shame not to explore the area as well. In any case, the reception can arrange everything for you regarding excursions (there is a beautiful gorge nearby - surreal!) and there is a shuttle service to the town several times a day. At the end of the day, stroll through the souk-like streets and end your day at Mozaïk restaurant – not a tourist spot (even most regulars don't know it, we got the tip from a local) with the nicest terrace ever, and with the tastiest authentic Turkish food. Sweet tooth? Then you shouldn't miss Ulaslioglu Baklava Fethiye: according to the locals, the best baklava in the area. O! And on Tuesday there is a market. The best day to go browsing for souvenirs in the morning hours. Anyway, I said it above: we'll be back. Yes. Us too. Don't tell anyone.
You can book here: Hillside Beach Club
