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Chris Mooney checks in to the adult-only TUI Blue Seno hotel in Turkey
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EXPLORE FURTHER: Understanding the secret messages embedded in check-in passcodes
Carved into the rockface of the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, the perfectly manicured hotel grounds careen from the top of a secluded cliff to the golden sands below.
At the end of a winding path that curves softly to both sides, a tranquil beach comes into view, nestled securely inside its own secluded bay. A mild wind from the Aegean Sea rustles through as visitors bask in the ideal climate here (approximately 20-25°C during April/May; even warmer during summertime).
This is the adult-only
T
UI Blue Seno hotel, near the town of Sarigerme on Turkey’s southwest coast, a slice of perfection in an area of breathtaking natural beauty.
The approach into the nearby Dalaman Airport – just a 20-minute bus trip away from the small town of Sarigerme – offers a breathtaking dive into an area rich with vegetation and mountains that remains mostly unaltered by contemporary development.
The TUI Blue Seno, too, is a perfect example of conformity to its surroundings. It manages to blend the ancient with the contemporary seamlessly, with its 34 two-storey accommodation buildings, numerous swimming pools and glamorous dining facilities only just discernible in an explosion of colourful blooms and woodland.
During our initial visit to an all-inclusive resort, the Seno went above and beyond to convince us that we had been missing out significantly throughout all those years of managing everything ourselves.
Displaying a masterclass in customer service, exceptional levels of cleanliness and a varied choice of food and drink, it felt like a steal for the price.
Whether you want to just sit and relax on the beach or at any one of the resort’s four pools, or five bars for that matter, or find something more adventurous, Seno has it. The resort also features a spa and a gym.
A range of aquatic activities can be enjoyed here, such as canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, and waterskiing, alongside boat tours to discover the series of coves, bays, and shores scattered along the beautiful Dalaman coastline.
If you are more comfortable on dry land, the hotel has a dedicated entertainment team providing games throughout the day – the regular afternoon volleyball match was a must watch – as well as those which require a little less physical enthusiasm, like seated darts. There are even cooking classes for those not content with being waited on hand and foot.
Maybe you’d rather take a trip to the Blue Lagoon in neighboring Olu Deniz, where a beautiful sandy spit extends into the sapphire waters of the Mediterranean, surrounded by eateries, pubs, and opportunities for even more aquatic activities.
If you’re historically inclined, consider taking a day trip to the archaeological site of Kaunos, which boasts ancient baths and an amphitheater, located approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes away.
Ephesus, formerly the second-largest metropolis of the Roman Empire and regarded as Europe’s most intact ancient city, offers substantial rewards; however, it requires a more extensive trip north along the coastline toward Kuşadası.
For us? This meant a week off from work and an opportunity to rejuvenate. Whether at the beach, the bar, the restaurant, or back in our room, we wandered about freely.
The accommodation, part of the 314 available at the location, was cozy and spotless, situated high up on the cliff face offering breathtaking vistas over the bay.
Regarding the food, those loose-fitting clothes weren’t as spacious when returning home.
The primary buffet restaurant provided an array of delights limited only by imagination: freshly caught seafood, aromatic curries, crisp salads, artisanal pizzas, and even roasted specialties—all prepared just for you upon request.
Even though we were told that nearly all the rooms were reserved, it didn’t feel crowded at all, and the service remained outstanding.
On the shore, plenty of complimentary beds were available, and the Beach Snack restaurant once more provided an extensive selection of pasta, fish, and meat dishes all day long, prepared fresh upon request.
Do not let the sharp incline deter you; a team member was available to transport both us and our baggage between the room and reception using a golf cart.
Additionally, there is a frequent minibus service that operates in a circular route from the top of the resort to the bottom, approximately every 10 minutes, allowing you to disembark at your desired location.
Even the gardeners halted their carts to provide rides if they noticed a guest having difficulty.
The cliffside path is quite steep. Walking down to the main restaurant posed no problem, but ascending back up after enjoying a fulfilling dinner and several glasses of wine proved to be an entirely different challenge.
We were never left without options for getting back to our place of stay.
Additionally, guests could enjoy à la carte meals at the Culinarium restaurant and the Grill House, though reservations were required for both. The panoramic vistas from the Culinarium’s terrace stood out as exceptionally beautiful.
Additionally, the Starlight bar adjacent offers entertainment, and we had a fantastic time when we visited as the group of three singers had filled up the (outdoor) venue.
However, if you’re planning a getaway similar to ours, aimed at escaping the urban chaos and filth for a bit of calm rest, evenings typically wind down early – midnight marks the end of lively activities – and peace is readily available.
It’s obvious really; we’re already making reservations for next year.
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