TUCKED away in the Pinetree-lined coast of Fethiye, Turkey, sits Hillside Beach Club. It’s the perfect place for a family getaway or to get away from your family (and any other pressing responsibilities). Twice a year, the hotel hosts Feel Good Week, where they invite guests to indulge shamelessly in self-care and wellness. As I arrived, Feel Good week was already in full swing, and so is the linen attire.
A great view of Hillside Beach Club.
Superior double room with private terrace.
Before departing on my Soundala Therapy boat ride my first morning at Hillside, I take advantage of the fantastic continental breakfast buffet at the Main Restaurant, which somehow transformed me into a morning person despite all odds. Complete with ten different types of butter, there is a wide range of fresh international cuisine available not only for breakfast but also at their lunch and dinner buffets.
With my tummy happily filled with shakshouka, I board the catamaran. Once aboard and surrounded by crystal blue water, I am guided through meditative breathing exercises and a somatic experience. I feel more relaxed with each deep breath & take in the stunning coastal views. The boat ride is a part of the Feel Good week program curated by the hotel alongside morning and sunset yoga, music therapy and other wellness workshops.
One of the lounge areas at Hillside Beach Club.
Hillside’s Sanda Nature Spa.
Balance is everything, and Hillside Beach Club has it down to an art. After a day spent soaking in the sun and finding inner peace, I attend one of the many live music events that Hillside hosts. With a cocktail in hand, I dance the evening away poolside with some help from the resident DJ.
Whether it’s Abba’s greatest hits over a booming sound system or a performance from Hillside’s in-house talent at the theatre, people of all ages are welcome to participate in the festivities. The night continues at the Pasha disco afterparty, in the speakeasy-style bar hidden away in the back of one of the three onsite restaurants—where only entry requirements are being over +18 and ready to dance.
One of Hillside’s restaurants: Pasha on the Bay.
A treatment at Sanda Nature Spa.
Although I’m vacationing solo, it doesn’t take long to realise that it’s an incredibly family-friendly hotel that prioritises creating adult-only fun space. Parents can ensure their children are safe and thoroughly entertained at the Young Club.
There are water sports, dance lessons, video games and crafts to keep even the most restless of children busy so that the adults can have some me time at +18 Serenity Beach or one of the two onsite spas. With two spas to choose from, there’s a vast number of locally inspired and international treatments available to guests.
Following my Turkish Hammamm treatment at the Sanda Day Spa, my skin is exfoliated and prepped to make the most of the sun rays. For the bustling holiday-goers, there’s a surplus of activities at one’s disposal, including sunset boat rides and salsa lessons.
Main beach at Hillside Beach Club set up for an event.
Family fun at Hillside.
Hillside Beach Club provides both: freedom from and freedom to. The freedom from any obligations at all and the freedom to make the most of what’s offered. During my stay, I find that time passes on a whole different metric scale, bookended with mojitos at midnight and soft pink sunrises. It’s a little slice of paradise and both ends of the stick.
by Jamison Kent
British Airways Holidays offers seven nights, at the 5* Hillside Beach Club, from £1149pp, travelling on selected dates between 1 April – 30 April 2023 inclusive. Includes economy (Euro Traveller) return flights from London Gatwick Airport, 23kg luggage allowance and accommodation on Full Board basis. 10% Hotel Saving Also Included.