The five star resort in Fethiye, Turkey, makes parenting a breeze
The world of wellness grows more widespread by the minute as we seek more ways than ever to be healthier as a society, both mentally and physically. And, while wellness travel, both in the UK and further afield, has been popular for some time with adults, there’s a whole new demographic now embracing the trend – families. Yes, forget theme parks and gut-busting all-inclusives, the latest stats show that tired parents are on the hunt for holidays with a wellbeing twist. As a tired parent, I can relate. With a four-year-old and a five-month-old, averaging about four hours of sleep a night, I can’t think of anything worse right now than hurtling down a rollercoaster. A peaceful retreat however to inject some health and wellness back into our flagging family? Sign me up. And that is exactly what Hillside Beach Club in Fethiye, south west Turkey, promised. Excited for some enforced wellbeing, I shoved us all on the first plane to check it out. And I wasn’t disappointed.
Wellness is well and truly included at Hillside, and wholeheartedly encouraged at every turn. Set in a wooded valley, with its 330 rooms tumbling down the hill towards a private pebble beach, there’s tranquillity from the moment you arrive. I can see why celebs like Claudia Winkleman and Ronan Keating love it so much. Once there, its health, fitness and wellness on tap. And everything the grown-ups can do – padel tennis, volleyball, kayaking, football and more – is offered to the tiny humans too.
It’s easy to eat well too at Hillside, with endless salad options including lots without any dressings, along with fresh fish, for fussy kids to munch. An on site herb garden means kids can see where some of the flavours come from too. During our stay we hiked, stretched, danced and even had a go at canoe racing. Molly, my four year old, particularly loved the stand up paddleboard.
In the Sanda Nature Spa, natural ingredients from Turkey take centre stage. Think salt, honey and lavender? the country’s top exports. When it eventually came to the day we had to leave this paradise, we all felt better than we had done in weeks. John’s belt felt looser, Molly had enjoyed an active few days without any screen time. And Poppy? well she slept well after hanging out by the sea shore with me – the truest win for any new mum. I will never book a theme park again.
*Nightly rates at Hillside Beach Club start from £175, based on two people sharing a standard room on a full board plus basis. Return flights with SunExpress from Manchester to various destinations in Türkiye start from £388
