An "Olu" Alternative - Turkey Discussion Forum, Holiday Forums

An "Olu" Alternative

Karen_uk

2009-05-14 09:06:04

Hi guys

For the past 2 years we have gone to Olu and stayed at the Karbel. Last year turned out to be such a great deal for us in the August school hols as I booked the flights with Aegean the year before. (Am thinking of doing the same for next year ~ are they likely to release them soon and be at such good rates?)

But, I want to go on holiday in August this year too. Now, I haven't been able to book anything as yet due to some difficult family things, but I want to go with my 8 year old back to Turkey, would love to go back to Olu, but think its time for a change. So . . .my question is . . .any suggestions about where . . .people have suggested Icmler but....this is what we would be seeking and I would love for any suggestions, feedback, and also if there are particular places to look at staying, who's best to book thro to get a good deal.

Our "needs"

~ self catering or maybe B & B hotel preferably ~ apartments would be ok as long as it was a family based one and there were things for my son to do
~ do not need kids clubs at the hotel but do need a pool or two (if they have waterslides even better), but also other things to do such as pool, maybe even "mini golf" (My 8 year olds first love on holiday and the only thing he didnt like about Olu LOL)
~ nice beach, sandy preferably, but one that is nice to relax on with perhaps a less difficult entry than Olu LOL
~ restaurants and bars ~ just a nice selection, I always eat local when I go away, but my son is incredibly fussy and wont so need to have places which will serve both, obviously dont need clubs, but we did like the ability in Olu to crash out on the bean bags on the beach with a drink and watch the sunset etc before dinner
~ places to see, and trips available
~ a town to walk around in in the evening, just to "potter", shops etc. Somewhere with the weekly market
~ As a single parent I like to feel "safe" and always did in Olu, but I also would like to know that there will be other kids for my son to play with so I can relax, and as I have to pay adult prices for him and having just had a big outlay in money, budget is going to be a little tight this year.

What I DONT want

Is to be in a resort which is like being in Blackpool but in the sun. We've been to Cyprus, Ibiza and a couple of other places which ended up being like that and it wasn't nice! Dont mind big resorts as such, but, dont want it crowded and certainly dont want to be invaded by a young 18-30 crowd.

Also just to say, Ive only had one negative experiences with being "hassled" in Turkey, but am quite able to stand my ground, so this isn't something that would overly put me off a resort if it met the other requirements

I LOVED Olu, and if I could pick it up and move it to a different part so there were other things to do I would...as its not an option I am looking for an alternative.

So any thoughts, suggestions, ideas would be wonderfully appreciated. I just need to be like this . . .

Many thanks

Karen

Edited by Karen_uk 2009-05-14 09:17:55

nuttynet

2009-05-14 09:13:55

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

im not sure if you would find marmaris a bit ont big side, but we have just booked the alpina appartments in a quiet part of marmaris ,with thomas cook these apartments seem to have everything your lookin for, we are taking our 5 yr old with us so was looking for the same things. beach not much good but icmelor is easy to get to for a day out.

Karen_uk

2009-05-14 13:41:36

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Thank you

Ive not heard or read great things about Marmaris here and elsewhere and that it is very much like "blackpool" abroad which I want to avoid if I can help it . . .but will certainly check it out

Many thanks!

lynwestie

2009-05-14 14:17:15

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

hi Karen

We too love olu and whilst we have still enjoyed all our holidays in Turkey so far havnt found a resort we like as much.

We have been to Icmeler and I think you will be able to tick many of your boxes there . What is does have going for it is your requirements for accomodation and a good selection of friendly restuarants with entertainment of an evening .

But I think it's fair to warn you it is a much larger and more in your face resort and is nothing like Olu other the fact that it is along the same stretch of coastline and shares some similarties with regard to mountain scenery etc . Not as picturesque though . I know Olu has become more commercialised over the years but I still find it more chilled and with the bean bags etc on the beach dare I say a little bohemium(sorry spelling :oops:

I'm just wondering if you might be better having a look at some of the larger accomodation in the more traditonal resorts such as Ellie megs favourite Akyaka.

caretta

2009-05-14 17:24:54

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Like what has already been mentioned try the more traditonal smaller villages away from the big resorts..and I believe I have answered a couple of your questions before;

http://www.holidaytruths.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=125879&p=1257296

I have always recommended Cirali..if you are flying into the Antalya airport..as Cirali does fit your requirements that you have mentioned..

Our "needs"

~ self catering or maybe B & B hotel preferably ~ apartments would be ok as long as it was a family based one and there were things for my son to do
~ do not need kids clubs at the hotel but do need a pool or two (if they have waterslides even better), but also other things to do such as pool, maybe even "mini golf" (My 8 year olds first love on holiday and the only thing he didnt like about Olu LOL)
~ nice beach, sandy preferably, but one that is nice to relax on with perhaps a less difficult entry than Olu LOL
~ restaurants and bars ~ just a nice selection, I always eat local when I go away, but my son is incredibly fussy and wont so need to have places which will serve both, obviously dont need clubs, but we did like the ability in Olu to crash out on the bean bags on the beach with a drink and watch the sunset etc before dinner
~ places to see, and trips available
~ a town to walk around in in the evening, just to "potter", shops etc. Somewhere with the weekly market
~ As a single parent I like to feel "safe" and always did in Olu, but I also would like to know that there will be other kids for my son to play with so I can relax, and as I have to pay adult prices for him and having just had a big outlay in money, budget is going to be a little tight this year.

however you could also try Dalyan if you are flying into the Dalaman airport..or you could look at Kalkan or Kas for other alternatives..

From the Sunday Times...This article gives an overall impression of the Cirali and Olympos area including the beach, scenery and history..along with transportation and accommodations details.

Five secret holiday spots in the Med..to read the article just follow the links.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/europe/article6028623.ece?token=null&offset=12&page=2

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/travel/destinations/europe/article6028623.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotels-g311312-Cirali_Turkish_Mediterranean_Coast-Hotels.html

ellie_meg

2009-05-14 17:51:29

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

as lyn stated i love akyaka but im also very fond of olu deniz. akyaka is in a conservation area so is very scenic, has a lovely sandy beach, is surrounded by mountains, very safe, my daughter is 9 and loves it there. my friend came with us last yr with 3 boys ages 9,10,13 and the all enjoyed akyaka and begged her to return this yr but sadly she cant afford it, they went on canoes down the river for a day, boat trips, we all went to marmaris water park thats only half hr away , there is a big out door cinema, there are restaurants dotted along the sea front and along the river side. here are some links

http://akyaka.com/index.php

http://www.turkuaz-guide.net/gokova.html

http://www.idymahotel.com/en/index.htm

http://www.marmarisinfo.com/sightseeing/cleopatra.phtml

http://www.akyaka.org/index_eng.htm

http://www.holidaylettings.co.uk/akyaka/

http://www.exclusiveescapes.co.uk/destinations/property/incogn/detail/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Akyaka%2C_Mu%C4%9Fla

http://tomsanokaliptus.com/

http://www.gatetoturkey.com/turkey_a_z_tour/01015/

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/ciaranburns/Aktour.html

if you need any more help let me know

mehmeh1

2009-05-14 17:54:47

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

I think Bitez near Bodrum would be somewhere to consider. We have stayed there and at Olu Deniz. It is on a similar scale to OD. Being in the Bodrum area would give you a completely different area to explore. The beach there is 'easy entry' and sandy in places. There is a waterpark near Bitez which your son might like. I have to say I have never come across mini-golf in Turkey. Bodrum has a great castle which your son might like. Bitez has a pedestrian walkway along the seafront, with no cars and restaurants all along looking out across the bay to Kos with great sunsets while you eat. Bean bags on the beach. Lots of different day long boat trips. But hassle to get you into their restaurants, which is a nuisance. We stayed at the Sirca Apartments which get good reviews, through First Choice.

Kedi Yavrusu

2009-05-14 19:46:18

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

I agree, Bitez is a lovely resort and there are some very nice self catering apartments there. I have stayed in Basri Apartments and Summer Gardens and they were very good. Both have swimming pools and as mehmeh says there is a big waterpark nearby too. The beach is nice, some places are a bit stoney to get into but if you walk along a bit it is sandy and quite a few places have bean bags to chill on. There are loads of lovely restaurants serving all kinds of food and a few bars. you can have a wander around the shops and along the beach front at night and it has a safe feel to it. I was on holiday there alone one year and I was perfectly happy.

Bitez is also just 15 minutes away from Bodrum where you can shop and visit the weekly market.

Karen_uk

2009-05-15 08:17:57

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Wonderful thank you . . .

Dont know why I hadnt thought of Bitez to be honest, someone also mentioned Side to me, but dont know anything about that either but thank you for the links etc too...going to have a browse

Ellie_meg, thank you for those links

Is there any resort or place that you'd say "stay away from" based on what I am looking for?

Thanks to you all
As always guys, you rock!

ellie_meg

2009-05-15 11:11:46

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

turgutreis i wouldnt recommend for 3 reasons the beach is very stoney and painful to get in and out of the sea, my daughter had a bad experience with a local turk, grabbing her and chasing her so i wouldnt feel safe there with kids, and it was fairly expensive to eat out

i have been to side and bitez too, both were ok, but we found bitez again on the dear side and all the beach area we saw was stoney, but someone has said there is a bit of sand which i didnt see. side is full of germans, the beach is nice, but we thought it was ok not as nice as some areas we have been to

im my opinion none of these resorts are as nice as olu deniz, but again my opinion only akyaka is as nice if not nicer in some ways, less commercial and very scenic, but less shops , i felt so safe there my little girl and her friend used to go to the beach shop together no way do i normally let her out my sight

have a good read up on all the resorts as everyones needs are different , good luck

Kedi Yavrusu

2009-05-15 11:23:02

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

I wouldn't like to say stay away from anywhere really as everyone likes different things but I would think from what you are asking for you need to be looking at the smaller resorts rather than the big resorts like Marmaris or Kusadasi.

There is definitely sand on Bitez beach as I have sat on it

doe

2009-05-16 12:13:41

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Dont know the areas personally, but if you like small places perhaps Kas or Kalkan might be two others that could be worth researching, people who like Olu seem to like them, but I am not sure about the beach situation there. My gut feeling is the same as Kedi's that Marmaris and Kusadasi would be too big for what you describe.

The nice thing about Olu is that it cant really get any bigger unless they demolish the mountains.

GuernseyFamily

2009-05-16 15:55:24

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

I know you say that you want a change to Olu but we have just yesterday come back from 2 weeks at Lykia World in Olu Deniz and WOW!!!! Okay yes it is a resort but it is vast and certainly not over crowded, I don't think it really ever could be as it's so big!

My 8 year old son thought it was fantastic & loved the kids club. He went Jet Ski-ing, went in a Speed Boat, was part of the Madagascar Show they put on, he went canoeing, paragliding, wall climbing, banana boat ride, went down the numerous water flumes they had it was just amazing!!

There are 19 pools in total, 10 restaurants & 14 bars. Look at their website!

We were a family of 4 and we just couldn't fault it! The food was fantastic as was the choice. The entertainment was great, the sports facilities were endless, we didn't get to do half of what we wanted to in the 2 weeks so we're trying to book to go again next year.

The kids club is open from 8.30am to 10.30pm and children can join the clubs at any time of the day for the various activities they have to offer.

We only managed to venture out of the resort 3 times as we felt we had to see a bit of Turkey seeing as though we were there but we really didn't have to! They have Turkish Night and various other themed evenings plus the Sunday evening gala with fireworks.

On all the holidays that I have been on we have always gone self catering & this was the first full board holiday and after speaking to many others there they have been back time & time again. It was just amazing and the things you can do are endless!!!

You just have to go and see for yourself! :cheers

bebedeniz

2009-05-16 22:17:05

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Our first two stays in Turkey were at Olu - at the Turk first and then the Karbel. Both hugely enjoyed holidays. We decided we should change resorts as 'you can't go to the same place every year'
So, we tried Icmeler. We were lucky enough to go to the Tuncay apartments, and in two weeks we will return for the fifth? sixth? time. We seem to have forgotten the 'can't stay at the same place' thing! We now have a range of family and friends who join us because they have ALL found Icmeler a perfect little holiday resort. Due to a family illness we had to cancel 2 years go, and when we went later in that year we went to Gumbet (we couldnt get flights to Dalaman)
We hated it. We did however like Bitez, a Dolmus ride away, and spent happy hours on the beach there.
I wouldn't agree that it was similar to Olu Deniz at all, much smaller, quieter.
Quite different atmosphere.
We also took the Dolmus in the other direction at night to Bodrum, and enjoyed the restaurants and atmosphere there in the evenings.
Although we love Icmeler, I don't even consider it as part of Marmaris. Marmaris is somewhere we take the taxi boat to each year, have a stroll around the marina/castle area, and take the Dolmus back 'home' !
I don't know if we have just been exceptionally lucky in where we stay, but we feel we have become part of a Turkish family and friends, even if its only two weeks each year!
Enjoy wherever you choose, I'd always suggest you checked Icmeler Online website - they can book you all over Turkey now not just Icmeler. And I'm not on commision - just think they give a great service!!!

Karen_uk

2009-05-18 08:54:11

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

I know you say that you want a change to Olu but we have just yesterday come back from 2 weeks at Lykia World in Olu Deniz and WOW!!!! Okay yes it is a resort but it is vast and certainly not over crowded, I don't think it really ever could be as it's so big!

Yes, I have looked at Lykia before, unfortunately, it is just way out of my price range and budget, even more so this year, if I could afford it I would go and check it out, but we dont like being stuck in a "resort" either, we did that in the Dom Rep and hated it!
But glad you had a great time

bebedeniz ~ thank you, your post was most helpful. Icmeler is one of the alternatives I have been looking at, especially because there are other places to go to as well

Thanks everyone . . .still hunting...but will be limited as possibly booking LATE LATE deal

Jay Trip

2009-05-26 18:23:46

Re: An "Olu" Alternative

Karen,Last year I got a great late deal with Manos to Icmeler,part of Thomas Cook.
I loved the amount of fabulous restaurants and I would only go B&B here.
I have just come back from the Parkim Ayaz in Gumbet and had a fabulous time although I dont think I would like to go in high season.

Post a Reply

Please sign in or register an account to reply to this post.

Turkey Discussion Forum

Post a Reply

Get the best deals!

from our cruise, ski and holiday partners