Antalya has become ‘The new Dubai’…

The construction of several luxury hotels over the course of the last few years has transformed Antalya, which had previously been renowned for its cheap holiday deals, into a ‘millionaire’s haven’ according to the Observer. The following is a list of the plush hotels that have been involved in this transformation:

Mardan Palace (Europe’s most luxurious hotels of the Mardan Palace Antalya, in the past accompanied by the charming elegance of the luxury brand experience. Honorable and glorious history of empire and the nobility of our time combining contemporary luxury living that is a unique harmony.)
Adam and Eve Hotel (Europe’s most sexy hotel is home to the men and their attraction to the fans will let you)
Rixos Premium Hotel
Wow Kremlin Palace Hotel

‘Vote of Excellence Award’ goes to Turkey…

Travel Age West magazine, which has been published for the past 40 years on the West side of America gave Turkey the Travel Age West Wave (Western Agents’ Vote of Excellence), which is an annual award given to those deemed by Travel Age West to be the best in tourism. Turkey has been given the ‘Best Vacation Value, Europe’ award. The award was given by the editor board of the magazine. The award ceremony is to take place on the 4th of June, in Los Angeles at the 4 seasons hotel. With the global financial crisis having a profound effect on the tourism sector, it is very important that Turkey has been given this award.

The chief editor, Kenneth Shapiro, visited the New York Culture and Promotion Attaché and informed Hasan Zöngür that Turkey was chosen fort he award. Shapiro stated that ‘Turkey’s cultural richness and the diversity and quality of service the service sector made it an exceptional European destination.’

THE SUNDAY TIMES: CHEAP TURKEY HOLIDAYS
Extraordinary price offers…

The Sunday Times newspaper mentions that UK tour operators have made extraordinary price reductions to attract customers.

According to the newspaper, one of the biggest tour operators, Thomas Cook, advertises a three-star hotel in Marmaris at a “funny” price; £ 3:46 for a week (about 8.4 lira) mentioning that “price wars starts with £ 3:46 per week in Turkey tours”. The Sunday Times also mentioned that in some places the overnight price per person is only 49 pence (approximately 1.2 TL).

You will find the Cesme peninsula about way down the Aegean coast of Turkey at its most western point. It is less than 1 Hours drive from the City of Izmir and Adanan Menderes International Airport.

Cesme is renowned for Thermal Spa’s, Blue Seas and Golden Beaches, which range from crowded to remote and secluded. There are about 20 of them spread around the peninsular so transport is necessary to get to any of them… One option is to use one of the many the public “Dolmus” (Mini bus) services or just take Taxi. You could also hire a Car or Motorcycle for the day too and explore the peninsular at your own pace and convenience.

Cesme town itself is a “compact” and “bustling” collection of Souvenir, Leather, Carpet, Clothing, Footwear and Jewelry stores punctuated by Bars, Disco’s Bistro’s, Restaurants, Coffeehouse’s and Ice Cream stalls. There are also a fair number of Pharmacies (Eczane) around so you can take on extra supplies of Sun Tan oils or After Sun Balm in case you happen to “overdo it” in the first few days of your vacation.

The central waterfront of Cesme stretches from the yacht harbor to the south and a public beach to the north with the Castle taking center stage. It is mainly a collection of hostelries and Travel Agencies but you also find there the PTT, the Tourist Information Center, the Ferry Port for day trips to the island of Chios and in case of Emergency a Tourist Police Station.

A casual visitor should have little trouble finding accommodation, Cesme boasts over 10,000 Tourist Hotel beds, ranging from small and friendly Pensions to 5 Star Luxury Hotels or Holiday Villages, something to match every budget. One good starting point for accommodation is the Tourist Information Center another is to surf inside this site and work out your own arrangements. There are plenty of Travel Agencies in Cesme who are ready and willing to help. Another option is of course the ubiquitous Taxi drivers who always “Have a friend.” Finally for the really adventurous ones amongst you, the, walk the streets and ask, method works well too.