LUXE Serendipity magazine

Keen for a half term break in the sunshine, Donna Richardson and her family jetted off to Antalya in Turkey.

As our plane ascends from Birmingham, climbing through the autumn cloud, a sense of anticipation fills the cabin.

The service on Corendon Airlines radiates a relaxed confidence, blurring the lines between air travel and hospitality.

Flight attendants move with a grace reminiscent of top-tier hospitality as passengers relax and order snacks and drinks – or enjoy a meal as we did as priority travellers.

Corendon Airlines has come a long way from its humble beginnings as a small tour operator in the Netherlands 20 years ago.

Today, it stands as one of Europe’s premier leisure travel brands, transporting over 10 million passengers annually to more than 50 destinations.

What sets Corendon apart is its ability to extend the journey beyond air travel, with its own hotels and resorts integrated into the travel experience.

On this particular trip, we’re headed to Antalya, Turkey’s Mediterranean gem and home to the flagship Corendon Playa Kemer.

A Midnight Welcome to Antalya

Landing in Antalya in the dark, the lights of the Meditteranean coastline sparkled like gold dust and jewels against the inky sky and the Taurus Mountains behind.

Greeted by our friendly Corendon chauffeur, the ride to Corendon Playa Kemer embodies leisure, offering goes quickly as he converses with us and offers us drinks from the mini bar.

Upon arriving at the resort, the lobby is a welcome haven of polished marble. We are swifly checked in as a porter whisks away our bags.

As we enter our room we are greeted with a platter of fruit, pastries, and a chilled bottle of wine which we enjoy the view from our balcony – the light of a huge stage reflecting on the sea and sky and a turquoise pool glowing under the moonlight as music fills the air. It all feels very exciting but we soon drift off to sleep weary from our travels.

The following morning, after dawn breaks with golden light spilling into our room, the balcony view reveals an endless sea and the mist-covered Taurus mountains.

We step out to the vibrant poolside and explore the grounds as we take our daughter to the kids club.

We are bound for the tranquil spa were we enjoy a sauna before heading to the hammam for a traditional Turkish bath. First our skin is peeled and then lathered with bubbles before a soothing massage to iron out some of the aches and pains from travelling.

A Day in Perfect Balance

Afterwards we headed to the resort’s private diamond cabanas that hover above the water, each a peaceful sanctuary featuring comfortable daybeds, fruit baskets, and chilled wine. The resort, beach and mountains in view.

It’s a luxurious escape, where our only decisions are whether to swim or simply relax and watch that endless infinity view.

At the push of a button our dedicated waiter brings wine and food. I order a ceasar salad and my family order pizza and we drink soft drinks and beer from our well stocked minibar. There’s also a plug to charge our phones and a safe. We reclined back on the day bed and eat fruit, climb in and out of the sea to snorkle and sunbathe on the deck, enjoying the shelter of ths cabana when the sun gets too warm for our daughter. I spent hours slung in the sea hammock gazing out onto the horizon.

We also had use of the platinum beach cabana with the Mediterranean at our feet. Here we felt safe as our daughter splashed joyfully in the shallows and could freely run and get herself ice creams and access the water slide too.

As the sun sets, we decide to swap relaxation for adventure with a thrilling parasailing experience giving my daughter and I stunning views over the bay, while my other half took on the adrenalin rush of a jetski ride.

This sets the tempo as the entertainment begins on the stage and helps us to get excited for the evening ahead. We watched the stage light up from our balcony.

Dinner is a spectacular spread including fresh salads, sushi, and an array of local and international dishes. My platter is a colourful homage to various cuisines, and I relish every bite while the wine flows freely.

Dessert brings delicate pastries made to perfection or fresh fruit – the choice is yours. Then we stepped out to enjoy live music and drinks and relax.

There’s family entertainment on downstairs in a theatre and so we check that out and then its party time again as the main stage once again bursts to life.

Pool life

The following day, after a hearty breakfast we browsed the shop boutiques and walked on the beach. We also lounged by the pool soaking up the rays as our daughter jovially splashing in and out of the pool, and eating ice cream.

Then it was time for a delicious lunch by the sea joined by inquisitive local cats who shared my fish and a walk on the beach to walk of the food.

Exploring Antalya

Our afternoon takes us on a road trip. First we explore a waterfall in Lara close to the other Corendon hotel. We drink Turkish coffee and enjoy an ice cream in the sunshine as we engage with locals selling wares and our daughter chases the wild bunnies and strokes the wild cats. We also meet a man with a parrot who takes photos of our daughter and the bird.

Next stop is Antalya’s old town, Kaleiçi, with a bustling bazaar filled with artisan crafts, spices, and replica handbags.

From there, we explore cobbled streets rich with history, finding a mesmerising blend of Byzantine ruins and modern buildings, statues. We also find more shops and an elevator taking us up to the top of the town so we could enjoy breathtaking views of the town and its harbour.

Refreshed by our cultural experience, we headed back to the resort to enjoy dinner before the kids’ disco, maxing out on fun and laughter until late evening. The Corendon hospitality continues to impress us.

A Special Birthday

My birthday arrives on our last day, and we luxuriate in our diamond cabana, soaking up the sun by the pool.

Our day remains blissfully relaxing, punctuated by splashes in the pool and fun on the waterslides. Hand in hand, we stroll along the beach and later enjoy a family game of pickleball. There are also discover world-class tennis facilities nearby and a games arcade.

This is not all of the fitness amenities Corendon offers. There is a fully-equipped fitness centre with stunning views of the resort.

 Yoga classes and aquafit sessions ensure there’s no guilt over indulgences during our stay.

But with it being my birthday, I wanted to get my hair blowdried so I could look my best for the evening, so I headed off to the hotel’s own salon where Erdal tended to my tresses and transformed my beach locks to a sleek bouncy blow dry.

When I reached the room, I was in for a huge surprise, the staff had made up the bed with rose petals and dried flowers and towels twisted in the shape of a heart – they also left us a bottle of wine and a platter of fruit.

But that was not all, we had a special meal planned at Bone Fides, the al a carte restaurant on site, and when we arrived my place was set with beautiful flowers. We enjoyed a five course meal beginning with smoked meats and cheeses and progressing to hot meats, salad and then a main course of steak and lamb chops.

It was a perfect evening and we sat on the terrace looking out to sea enjoying the atmosphere when the staff surprised me with a bouquet of flowers and a cake.

After our meal we walked along the beach and attended a dance show before shopping in the boutique and then retiring for an early night as we were up early the next morning.

Return to the airport

Our early morning connection to the airport is made exciting with the arrival of a private luxury ride which was lit up and has a minibar.

We set off in the dark and arrive at the airport in the light, watching the sun rise over the mountains as we approached the city. It was a beautiful farewell to this stunning part of the world.

As we navigated the airport, we checked in the Corendon way as the company believes in a seamless travel experience, where the attention to detail extends beyond flying into the serene atmospheric embrace of its resorts. They emphasise “making a difference,” showcasing the human touch in hospitality throughout the journey.

As we board our priority return flight, what lingers isn’t just the events of our trip but a profound sense of connection and contentment, a journey where each moment feels perfect and in harmony – from flight to beachfront bliss.

Getting There:

Corendon Airlines provides seasonal flights from major UK cities to Antalya, with a flight time of around four and a half hours from Birmingham.

Where to Stay:

Corendon Playa Kemer (www.corendonhotels.com) is situated along Turkey’s Mediterranean coast, approximately 40 minutes from Antalya Airport, offering all-inclusive packages, a full-service spa, kids’ club, and private overwater cabanas.

When to Go: Visit in spring or autumn for lovely weather and fewer crowds. For a lively atmosphere, summer is perfect, while winter promises tranquility and lower prices.

Don’t Miss – A Turkish Bath hammam experience in the resort spa.

– Sunset parasailing over Kemer Bay.

– Al fresco dining at the Mediterranean restaurant, followed by a moonlit beach walk.

Insider Tip: Book a diamond cabana for a day, complete with champagne, fruit platters, and private sea access — a luxurious treat that’s as close to the Maldives as you can get in the Mediterranean.