7 Reasons Why Turkey Is the Place to Be Right Now

In order to show you why Turkey is the place to be right now and why you should book a holiday there with Thomas Cook as soon as you possibly can, we’ve assembled a list of the best reasons to visit the nation.

If you’re a foodie and what you eat matters just as much as the sights you see, a stay at the Paloma Foresta Resort and Spa in Beldibi, in the Antalya region of Turkey, will allow you to experience the best cuisine the country has on offer. There are Turkish and international restaurants on site, serving everything from filling breakfasts to satisfying late-night spreads, and those with a sweet tooth can indulge in their favourite treats at the resort’s patisserie.

Turkish food is flavoursome and imaginative; particular highlights include pide (flatbread topped with lamb, onions and spices cooked in butter), menemen (a deliciously soupy cross between vegetable stew and scrambled eggs) and baklava, (crispy, syrup-sodden layered pastry).

Turkey has embraced cocktail culture in a big way, so if you want a buzzing night out on the town, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re after a few quiet drinks while basking in the sunset or are hoping to spend the evening dancing the night away, Thomas Cook hotels can deliver. Aska Lara Resort & Spa in Lara Beach, Antalya, boasts three different bars, and once you’re ready to hit the dancefloor, The Owl nightclub is a lively venue where you can let your hair down.

If you’re heading to Turkey in the summer, it’s pretty much guaranteed that you’ll get to enjoy amazing weather, with temperatures often exceeding 30 degrees. Even in the winter it won’t get too cold. The beautiful hillside position of the Orka Sunlife Resort & Spa, combined with its proximity to the Lycian sea, will allow you to enjoy breathtaking sea views and a constant cool breeze coming off the ocean. Choose from sunbathing on the sun terrace or next to one of the resort’s two outdoor pools – one of which has water slides. There’s also an indoor pool in case you need respite from the sun.

If you’re feeling a little overheated, that’s where the Wet ‘n’ Wild water theme park at the Aska Lara Resort & Spa comes in. It’s a paradise for swimming enthusiasts, with nine spine-tingling water slides, a splash park for the little ones and an amusement park. If you’d rather frolic in the sea, head to the Paloma Foresta Resort & Spa. They have a sandy beachfront location and provide opportunities to try out various water-sports for when you just want to cool off in the ocean.

Whether you’re after a traditional Turkish coffee, a green juice or a handcrafted cocktail, Thomas Cook hotels ensure you never go without your favourite beverage. The Trendy Lara in Lara Beach, Antalya, has a vitamin bar serving fresh fruit juices to help you keep your nutrient levels up. If you’re looking to indulge in a sunset tipple, Marmaris Park in Icmeler, Dalaman has a stunning panorama bar from which to sip a drink as the sun goes down, and for a relaxing afternoon tea, head to Orka Sunlife Resort and Spa for a sumptuous spread.

Turkey’s famous hammams are known for their vigorous and revitalising treatments. The Aska Lara Resort & Spa has an amazing Turkish bath, sauna and steam room where you’ll get the spa treatment of your dreams, and Orka Sunlife Resort and Spa provides massages and beauty treatments along with more traditional Turkish baths and scrubs.

If relaxing in the Turkish sunshine is making you sluggish and you’re looking to keep fit, get your blood pumping with some of the fantastic activities Thomas Cook hotels have to offer. At the Paloma Foresta Resort & Spa you can enjoy canoeing, tennis, basketball, mini golf, and table tennis. If you’re looking to spend more time in the pool, at Marmaris Park hotel you can keep fit with aquaerobics and then reward yourself for exercising by sliding down the waterslide straight into the sea.