Melissa Garden Apart Hotel

The Melissa Garden Apart hotel is situated in the ancient town of Side, and just 10 minutes’ walk from two wonderfully golden, sandy beaches. 

The apartments come with a full equipped kitchen, including fridge, oven and stovetop. Each has a private bathroom and living area, plus a balcony with outdoor furniture. 

The poolside bar sells drinks and snacks, and with the à la carte restaurant serving Turkish cuisine. Plus, guests get to enjoy traditional Turkish entertainment and Turkish barbecue nights. Karaoke, bingo and magic shows are also included in the hotel’s nightly entertainments programme.

Although the hotel offers spa treatments, massages and a hammam, it is ideally suited to families.  With one large pool and fabulous water slide, then a smaller one just for children. There’re a few play areas and a ballpark for the children when they dry off, with a billiard table and table tennis for teens and adults.

Side offers much to do and see outside the hotel, and mostly in easy walking distance. The beaches offer all manner of water sports, including banana boats and jet-skis, while sun loungers and beach bars keep things going on dry land.

The lively harbour area, just minutes from the hotel, is buzzing with shops, bars and restaurant. And there are ancient sites to visit too. 

There’s an imposing amphitheatre that’s still used today for summer concerts. And one of the most-photographed structures is the 2,000-year-old Temple of Apollo – sunset is a particularly good time for pictures. Elsewhere, there are Corinthian columns and a museum set in a restored Roman bath.

For those who want to explore further, Antalya is just an hour’s drive away - or ferry trip - with its snow-topped mountains and flat, white beaches. The old quarter, Kaleiçi, has an ensemble of knick-knack shops and characterful cafés. Meanwhile, the hip Konyaalti district is the place for designer shops and pampering hammams.

Antalya Airport is 37.3 miles from the hotel.