Carved into the rockface of the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, the perfectly manicured hotel grounds careen from the top of a secluded cliff to the golden sands below.
Here, at the bottom of a radical road which sweeps left and right in gentle turns, a soft-sanded beach appears, protected within its own cove, a gentle breeze from the Aegean Sea fluttering gently over sunbathers lapping up the perfect temperatures (Around 20-25C April/May, much hotter in summer months).
This is the adult-only TUI Blue Seno hotel, near the town of Sarigerme on Turkey’s southwest coast, a slice of perfection in an area of breathtaking natural beauty.
Even the descent into nearby Dalaman Airport – a 20-minute coach ride from the little town of Sarigerme – is a spectacular swoop into a lush and mountainous region largely untouched by modernity.
The TUI Blue Seno, too, is a perfect example of conformity to its surroundings. It manages to blend the ancient with the contemporary seamlessly, with its 34 two-storey accommodation buildings, numerous swimming pools and glamorous dining facilities only just discernible in an explosion of colourful blooms and woodland.
On our first trip to an all-inclusive hotel, the Seno could not have done more to persuade us we had been missing out during all those years of self-catering.
Displaying a masterclass in customer service, exceptional levels of cleanliness and a varied choice of food and drink, it felt like a steal for the price.
Whether you want to just sit and relax on the beach or at any one of the resort’s four pools, or five bars for that matter, or find something more adventurous, Seno has it. The resort also features a spa and a gym.
The adult-only Tui Blue Seno hotel, near the town of Sarigerme on Turkey’s southwest coast, a slice of perfection in an area of breathtaking natural beauty
The resort is made up of 34 two-storey accommodation buildings, numerous swimming pools and glamorous dining facilities only just discernible in an explosion of colourful blooms and woodland
There are a variety of water sports available, including canoeing, paddleboarding and waterskiing, and boating trips to explore the chain of coves, bays and beaches dotted along the wonderful coastline of Dalaman.
If you are more comfortable on dry land, the hotel has a dedicated entertainment team providing games throughout the day – the regular afternoon volleyball match was a must watch – as well as those which require a little less physical enthusiasm, like seated darts. There are even cooking classes for those not content with being waited on hand and foot.
Or perhaps you would prefer an excursion to the Blue Lagoon in nearby Olu Deniz, a stunning sandy peninsula which stretches out into the azure sea, lined with restaurants bars and the chance to indulge in yet more water sports.
For the historically curious, day trips to the archaeological site at Kaunos, where ancient baths and amphitheatre can be found, are a must see, around 1hour 30 minutes away.
Ephesus, once the second-biggest city in the Roman Empire and considered Europe’s most complete ancient city, is hugely rewarding, but a much longer journey up the coast towards kusadasi.
For us? Well, this was a week away from work and a chance to recharge. From the beach to the bar, to the restaurant to our room we did roam.
The room, one of 314 on the site, was comfortable and clean and perched atop the cliff-face with spectacular views out across the bay.
As for the food, well, those baggy linens weren’t quite so baggy on the trip home.
Whether you want to just sit and relax on the beach or at any one of the resort’s four pools (one pictured), or five bars for that matter, or find something more adventurous, Seno has it
The main buffet restaurant offered everything your heart could desire: fresh fish, curry, salads, pizza and even roasts, all being cooked to order.
While we were reliably informed that almost all rooms had been booked out, it never felt like the place was too busy and service was impeccable.
At the beach, complementary beds were aplenty and the Beach Snack restaurant again offered a wide choice of pasta, fish and meat dishes throughout the day, again cooked while you wait.
Don’t be put off by the steepness of the slope either, a member of staff was on hand to take us and our luggage to and from the room to reception in a buggy.
There is also a regular service of mini-buses running on a loop from the top of the resort to the bottom every 10 minutes or so, dropping you off wherever you need.
Even the gardeners stopped in their buggies to offer lifts if they spotted a struggling guest.
And the cliff-side is steep. A walk down to the main restaurant was fine, but walking back up after a hearty meal – and a few glasses of vino collapso – was a different matter.
One of Seno’s beautiful sea-view hotel rooms
Carved into the rockface of the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, the perfectly manicured hotel grounds careen from the top of a secluded cliff to the golden sands below
Seno also features a spa and a gym (pictured) in the resort
We never found ourselves stuck for transportation back to our accommodation.
There was also an opportunity for a la carte dining at the Culinarium restaurant and the Grill House – both must be booked in advance – and the views from the terrace of the former are particularly wonderful.
There is also entertainment in the Starlight bar next door, which was great fun the one night we went where the trio of singers had packed out the (outdoor) house.
But if you plan a break like ours, to shake-off the city grind and grime with some peaceful relaxation, the nights never go on too late – midnight is the witching hour – and you can always find tranquility here.
It’s a no-brainer really, we’re booking up for next year…
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