Journalist Lisa James and holidaymaker Rachel Cain share their experiences of the Seaside Hotel in Ortakent, Turkey
The journalist
Lisa James combined relaxation with outdoor activity at Neilson’s Seaside Hotel in Ortakent
When I decided I could do with a week away on my own, Neilson was the first operator I looked at. Having previously been on a learn-to-sail course at a Neilson resort in Greece, I knew it would be a good option for a single person.
I plumped for Neilson’s Seaside Hotel in Ortakent, Turkey. The resort, a 20-minute transfer from Bodrum, is one of Neilson’s Beachplus Club properties so, as well as offering its signature water sports, cycling, and tennis, it also offers spa treatments and keep-fit classes – ideal for me as I was recovering from a frozen shoulder.
The week I chose at the beginning of May was adult-only, so the thought of no little ones running around added to the appeal.
Ortakent is a quiet resort, but it’s only a 20-minute drive from the livelier Bitez, and a 10-minute stroll up the beach from the Seaside Hotel is Yahsi, with its handful of good restaurants – useful as Neilson’s all-inclusive buffet dinner doesn’t operate on three nights of the week.
The Seaside Hotel is small, with refurbished twin rooms, doubles, triples and interconnecting family rooms. The resort attracts all types of people, from die-hard water enthusiasts to those who just want to relax by the pool.
My days started with a guided hill walk, followed by a couple of other classes, such as Pilates and Swiss ball. I also took part in a volleyball game, sailed in a pico and joined in the end-of-week regatta to nearby Numan’s island.
Neilson’s slogan, Relax as Hard as You Like, certainly applied to my week in Ortakent.
The holidaymaker
Rachel Cain, 34, a software customer support manager from Windsor, went to the resort to improve her wakeboarding skills with friend Amanda Sissons, 33, a photographic manager.
Why did you choose the resort?
I did my first Neilson ski holiday earlier in the year and decided to try a beach break.
What were the best things about the holiday?
The food was excellent. The staff did a fantastic job and were approachable and sociable. I am missing our main instructor Oly’s tuition as his teaching was spot-on.
Would you go back?
Yes. A group of us are hoping to go back in September or October. If there was another adults-only week, we would definitely return.
How much did you pay?
£415 per person for the holiday, plus £200 each for the Premium Package, entitling us to two wakeboarding sets a day.
