The Perfect Hillside Retreat For A Delightful Turkish Getaway

Known as the ultimate destination on the crossroads between Asia, Europe and Africa, Turkey is popular with travellers looking to explore different parts of the world without having to venture too far from home. If you’re looking for the added comfort of a luxury full board plus resort, then Hillside Beach Club on the Turkish Riviera offers something for every type of holidaymaker. Here’s a look at the dreamy destination and why a trip to Fethiye is the stress-free escape we’ve all been looking for.

Explore more of Turkey with our ultimate tour from Istanbul to Antalya.

Upon arrival at the vast resort, you’ll be struck by the incredible turquoise waters that are viewable from almost every vantage point at Hillside Beach Club. Serene days on the beach are obviously something you would expect from such a place to stay, but if you look closely you’ll also find private coves, yoga retreats, adventure sports options and even a cinema on the beach!

Watch the latest Blockbusters from a prime seat on the beach or the comfort of your own room!

The luxury hideaway in Fethiye offers guests a home away from home in privately owned Kalemya Bay, surrounded by pine forests and the sea. Boasting three beaches, two spas, gourmet cuisine at three restaurants and water sports and activities galore, the resort is described as “Heaven on Earth” by couples and families alike. If you’re traveling solo, there are also plenty of options and the secluded areas at either end of the main beach is a safe way to get away from it all.

The resort has the best in swimming, hiking, biking, climbing and culture on its doorstep. You can take an e-bike if you’re feeling adventurous and go on either a guided tour or head off on your own to see the sights of Fethiye’s central town district. This is ideal if you’re looking to shop for some local gifts to take home and you can even try some local cuisine, although the hotel itself offers plenty of food options from home and abroad.

One excursion we can highly recommend is a trek to Kayaköy Ghost town, a popular destination that has an eerie backstory. It’s a moderate hike, which can be slightly more difficult on hot days but as long as you take regular breaks and drink plenty of water, you’ll be rewarded with a spectacular experience. Of course if that all sound too taxing, then book a sunset boat trip and relax with a drink in your hand as someone else does all the hard work!

For a cultural expedition, book a day trip to Kayakoy and walk among the abandoned ruins

The area surrounding Hillside Beach Club is known as Turkey’s Turquoise Coast, for obvious reasons. Depending on what sort of holiday you’re after, you can take a dive into the warm water or take part in some of the more exhilarating adventure sports activities. Hydrofoiling was one of the newer sports on offer when I visited, and if you’re brave enough then this looks like a adrenaline-fuelled way to spend a free afternoon. I did think about it, but then opted for a spa treatment which included a rigorous Turkish Hammam experience which made me think I made the wrong choice. The more relaxing massage afterwards helped me come to ease with my pick, and on reflection the literal one-two punch combination worked out for the best.

Every year Hillside also has a special selection of programmes to keep an eye on. An ongoing partnership with the British Film Institute (BFI) culminates with the popular Summer Screenings week. Designed for guests of all ages, the BFI will be presenting film screenings of new and old favourites, as well as offering interactive workshops to both adults and children who are interested in the world of film. With the theme of musicals this year, guests can spend their evenings singing along on the shore with a cooling cocktail and after this creative week of activities, guests will be fully versed on the creation and history of film. If you miss it the week itself, don’t worry as film screenings on the beach are held regularly throughout the season.

The quieter beaches at Hillside are easy to reach and make for a relaxing afternoon retreat away from the crowds. Don’t worry though, you’ll still have access to all the food and drink you could possibly want.

On the surface Hillside Beach Club is a resort with all the amenities you could possibly ask for. This makes it a wonderfully stress-free option when there is enough hassle around travel already. What marks it out an extra special destination, however, is the things you are welcome to try out to fully immerse yourself in local culture.

Nightly rates at Hillside Beach Club start from £192. Rates based on two people sharing a standard room on a full board plus* basis.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.