The most beautiful background at the resort I stayed in Türkiye (Image: TUI)
Turkey has always been a holiday spot I consciously avoided – I've heard a lot of negative things and I think I'm just sticking to me. As a result, I have always chosen familiar destinations in Spain and France for my family holidays.
But I was long enough to understand that I should experience my place before I can reach a point, so that's exactly what I and my family did.
We embarked from Belfast International and flew to Dalaman, a Turkish region where I confessed that I had never heard of. It happened to be a very popular tourist destination, and two flights departing from Belfast the same afternoon we were taking off.
I have to say that departing from the newly renovated Belfast International Airport was a great start to our journey. The brand new look and impressive duty-free area finally looks worthy of an international airport, like many others I've visited all over the world.
It was a lively Monday afternoon and hundreds of other people also jumped out of the airport, so booking at the Causeway lounge was absolutely blessed and avoided the extremely long queue of food.
Hotel rooms with swim-up pool at the resort (Image: TUI)
There is reserved seating, plenty of room for kids to watch the plane, plenty of room for soups, wraps, sweet treats, hot drinks and a fully stored bar.
The airport was packed in that day, so I recommend booking this in advance. Many people were unable to obtain admission as they reached their ability on booking.
Our holidays were booked via TUI, so everything was sorted out, from flights to hotel relocation.
We stayed at Twis Bruce Sensia Riakura in Feiche. This was a transfer from the airport about 45 minutes and was located in a truly quiet and peaceful place surrounded by forests and beaches.
Upon arriving at Dalaman everything from the TUI was very quick and easy, with a bus number when I left the plane and collected my luggage.
Bird-eyed view of a resort on the beach (Image: TUI)
The Tui Blue Hotel had everything we wanted. It was perfect as we had 7 years old and three kids with us.
Upon checking in, we were presented with a checklist of “small travelers” items the hotel could provide if needed. It had everything from bush chairs to diapers, wipes, baby baths, baby monitors, porties, and more.
Our room, on the second floor, right next to the beach, had a stunning view of the hotel. The hotel also had an incredible swim-up room on the first floor, which was incredibly relaxing.
There were 5 pools including a great kids splash pool, water slides and an adult-only pool area and there was really something for everyone. Needless to say, two of us were unable to pull away from the water slides that were open every day for two hours in the morning and afternoon again.
The hotel also has a special baby club with a great children's club suitable for children aged 3-12 years, as well as a fully equipped nursery.
When it comes to entertainment, this hotel never has it. The evening entertainment provided by the Tui Blue cast team is especially exceptional, with the evening look of Tuibots being a major highlight for kids.
From Disney-inspired performances to stunning shows filled with incredible music and dance, this team ranks among the best I've seen on my holiday. Their patience and kindness towards all the children was truly amazing.
No matter your preference, there was entertainment for everyone, whether you prefer a more relaxed live music setting at the piano bar or a cool beach atmosphere with DJs every night at the Caretta cocktail bar. Conveniently located next to a gorgeous outdoor kids play park, the latter was an absolutely genius idea!
Some of the incredible food at the resort – this dish was in a la carte Chinese restaurant (Image: Sheena Maxtravik)
Another outstanding feature was the food. I've never seen such diversity in an inclusive resort!
The independent children's buffet was a huge hit, allowing little ones to choose their own food and serve themselves.
The restaurant served a huge selection of first-class fresh ingredients for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and each night features a special themed menu. If that's not enough, there are five additional restaurants, including Chinese, Turkish and Italian.
There was everything you need: the shop, spa, gym, tennis court, soccer pitch, and more, so we didn't have to leave this amazing resort. However, if you explore a bit, Fethiye's Market Town was on a 15-minute shuttle boat so you can browse the shops and grab a bite at a cafe or restaurant.
There was no shortage of drink options (Image: Sheena Maxtravik)
You can also get there via public bus that you pick up just outside the hotel.
Sensatori Akra is perfectly suited for families, but it's a great place if you have a couple's vacation or teenager. Specially designated rooms, a large pool area, a restaurant and bar are suitable for a 16 year old plus, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed, childless zone.
Despite my initial reservations regarding vacations in Turkey, this trip completely dispelled any fears and concerns I had. Many individuals I chatted with during my stay had the same feelings repeated. Once you experience Türkiye, you don't want to take a vacation anywhere else.
Other tourist hotspots in Spain appear to be actively discouragement of tourists, but Turkey accepts them with a warm temperament with open arms. I will definitely be back!
TUI Holiday Deal
Tui Blue Sensatori Akra fethiye's deal:
04- August 2025, All Inclusive, 7 nights from £4649 (2 adults + 1 child)
01-Setember-2025, All Inclusive, 7 nights £1599pps (2 shares)
11-2026, All Inclusive, 7 nights from £3619 (2 adults + 2 kids) *Free kids location included
08-June-2026, All Inclusive, 7 nights from £1459pp (2 shares)
You can save an additional £100 per person on your summer 2026 holiday.
Use Code Early Bird when logged in to your MyTUI account on your local TUI store or agent. Plus, combine it with a free kids' place to get better value. Valid for summer 2026 holidays departing from Belfast between May 1, 2026 and October 31, 2026. *T&C applies.
