Family Hotel Review: Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa
The first holiday after becoming parents is often a bit nerve wracking: how will baby cope on the plane and in a new environment? Having decided upon Turkey for some April sunshine without the scorching heat of other destinations, the Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme Resort & Spa on the Turquoise Coast did not disappoint as a baby-friendly destination.
Just four hours by plane from the UK and a 12-mile private transfer from Dalaman Airport, the resort centres around children and families and boasts Mediterranean weather from April to October. It’s therefore a great choice for early or late season sun without the long-haul flight, and April was the perfect time to visit with our three-month-old; the temperature was in the early twenties and there was always a gentle breeze during our stay. The 75-acre site situated adjacent to the 650-metre private beach feels extremely spacious and it was almost impossible to believe that the hotel was at 80% capacity during our stay.
For a luxury experience, we recommend the lake houses: the modern rooms and suites centre around their own meandering “river like” pool and intimate bar and restaurant area, and each room has direct access to the swimming pool, perfect for when one parent is in the room whilst baby naps. There is also the presidential suite which features a jacuzzi and private pool with stunning views over the resort, the Dalaman River, nearby mountains and the Mediterranean (and, of course, features its own private bar).
If you’re looking for family friendly with added luxury, the resort has it all. Each room comes equipped with any baby necessities, including baby baths and bottle sterilisers. Hilton Dalaman Sarigerme boasts a gigantic kids’ club from the age of 3, with its own cinema, amphitheatre for performances, petting zoo (of course) and water park; children idyllically travel between activities on scooters. There is also a room for babies (to be accompanied by parents) and a Youngsters Centre for older kids equipped with video games, movies, and sports facilities. There is even a children’s spa experience. For babies, there is a baby pool outside and a well heated indoor swimming pool.
For parents, there is no shortage of activities; I had my first yoga class since I was pregnant in the yoga pavilion and enjoyed a gym session every day (the 24-hour fitness centre was welcome for those of us fitting in a treadmill run in between an early feed and breakfast). Pilates, tennis and scuba diving are some of the activities also available (a 700-acre golf course is currently being built). The 6,000 square foot spa is a must for new parents to unwind, with treatment rooms, VIP rooms, a VIP Turkish bath, four saunas, a steam room and a relaxation pool. Each area has a mythological name chosen from the Hellenistic era, and the décor and architecture evoke the history of the Turkish region.
Whilst this is an all inclusive resort with plenty of bars (lost count after my third Pina Colada) and six à la carte restaurants to choose from within the all inclusive package, the additional cost dinners are a special experience. I highly recommend the traditional cuisine at A La Turca, which is set beside the stunning Dalaman river (the sound of the “ribbets” of hundreds of frogs nearby was very special). The Far Eastern restaurant was also a great experience, serving a selection of sushi, teppanyaki, and Eastern specialties. If you ever get peckish (which is difficult with the choice of food on offer) restaurants serve snacks between mealtimes, a midnight feast and there is even a macaron patisserie (my partner officially has a Dad Bod now). Cocktails were on tap, and whilst I didn’t veer off a Pina Colada or Aperol for much of the holiday, the Signature Cocktails come highly recommended.
The highlight of the holiday for a family with a young baby was spending time in Hilton Sarigerme’s beachfront cabanas, with our own butler service, a shaded living space, dining area, sun loungers and hammock and a “press for champagne” button; exactly the relaxation my partner and I needed after the newborn phase!
We will definitely be back pronto, and are looking forward to when we can make the most of the Kids Club…