What the Turkish outpost is good for is the best kind of R&R you can imagine. Think yoga and pilates classes, T'ai Chi, maybe even a lesson in how to rustle up a traditional Turkish dish. In between, you might like to take a dip in one of the six swimming pools, sip an evening cocktail in the seaside bar or, if you really feel like extending yourself, a round or two on its 18-hole, world-class golf course. All this, and they haven't even opted in to the Euro yet. Your wallet will be smiling. Opened just over a year ago, Lykia Resort is making the most of the strong Euro (Turkey still uses lira) to attract guests who'd normally head for a sunny break in the Algarve or Marbella. On a site that stretches to one million square metres, it has an amazing sense of space. Peak visiting time is from June until September, although the weather is already brushing up against mid-20 degrees by May. Designed with traditional Turkish architecture in mind, the building feels light and spacious; you can easily spend half an hour wandering from one side of the resort to the other (it has 2.5 km of private beach, and a walk east to the headland and back is a pleasant hour-long stroll). It is divided roughly in two: a "children's side" with water slides, a crèche (included in the price, for those aged between 6 months and 16 years) and lots of other activities besides, and the "adult side", which is an oasis of chilled-out relaxation. Eating and drinking Spa All said, you could do a lot worse than spend the better part of a week at this spacious, easy-going resort. Just expect to have a lot of emails to reply to when you get back. Getting there For reservations or more information call LykiaWorld on 08702 24 55 24 or visit www.lykiagroup.com YOTEL London Gatwick Airport - South Terminal, cabins are standard (large single) or premium (double) and come with handmade organic beds, free wi-fi, flat screen TV, pull-up desk and en suite bathroom with monsoon rain shower. Cabins are bookable from four hours, prices start at £24.50 For more information or to book visit www.yotel.com or call 0207 100 1100.
Concentrating on fresh Turkish cuisine, the dining is of a particularly high calibre, with a buffet for lunch and dinner that includes everything from traditional Turkish pizzas - or lahmacun - to freshly-rolled sushi. Modern Turks are keen to promote their underexposed wine produce, and Lykia accordingly serves an extensive wine menu.
As if you weren't already Zenned out enough, the spa offers just about every kind of health promoting massage you can think of, and specialises in Ayurvedic treatments. The one to go for, however, is the traditional Turkish hamam, which involves a hot sauna and a massage. (You could also fork out for a Sultan Suite, which comes with its own pool.)
Thomson offers a seven-night holiday at the LykiaWorld & LinksGolf resort in Antalya, Turkey from £715 per person. Based on two adults sharing, the price includes return flights, taxes and charges, resort transfers and accommodation on an all-inclusive basis. For more information or to book visit www.thomson.co.uk or call 0871 231 5596.
