Amy Adejokun
Section editor
The Richmond Ephesus is a large modern hotel located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. Its villas, pools with slide, and welcoming attitude to children mean that it is great for families.
Richmond Ephesus Izmir - © I. Lubinetsky/Easyvoyage
Richmond Ephesus Izmir - © I. Lubinetsky/Easyvoyage
On the bay of Selcuk, 9 miles north of Kusadasi and 53 miles from Izmir airport (allow 1h for the transfer).
You will have more privacy in the rooms located in the pretty white villas with triangular terraces. Although they are not all carpeted, they are huge and decorated with a cheery yellow and orange colour scheme. They overlook either the sea or the gardens and have a bathroom with bath and hairdryer, telephone, another telephone, a minibar, a safe (extra charge), satellite TV and an adjustable air conditioning system (though centrally controlled in the main building). Room service can serve meals 24 h a day.
Built in 1989 and renovated in 2000, the Richmond is built on Pamucak beach, one of the most beautiful and natural in the region, which has been preserved thanks to the surrounding marshes which limit construction. The hotel has 260 rooms set in a modern 5-storey building in a pyramid shape, and 100 villas scattered in a 12 acre garden. The interior decor, without being unpleasant, is impersonal. Aside from its location, the qualities of the complex are mainly the spaced out facilities and good sports amenities. With a total area of 21,520 ft², the external pool (and its two children's pools, one of which has a slide) and the indoor pool will delight keen swimmers. From 1st April to 31st October, do not miss the activities that are announced by an activity team with megaphones.
Two restaurants are available. The a la carte restaurant on the top-floor panoramic terrace offers a pretty setting in blue and wood and offers fish specialities. In the main restaurant, which has an open-air section with orchestra, meals are served as buffets. The dishes on offer are varied and there is a good balance between international and local dishes.
The large private beach is part of that of Pamucak, which stretches over 1 mile and has fine clean sand - it is one of the most beautiful in the region. The problem is that the water is rather shallow (you have to walk 655 ft before you can swim) and the water has a lot of seaweed. Equipment includes beach umbrellas, loungers, showers, cabins and a bar. The watersports are independent from the hotel and are not guaranteed. Note the disco - you can dance by the light of the moon.
Open year-round. A primarily French-speaking clientele. The rooms on the 2nd floors of the villas seem to be the best equipped (carpet and sea view).
sauna, hammam, massage, beauty salon, Turkish bath, wellness, keep fit, spa
gym, aerobics, step, basketball, tennis, (2), beach volley, water skiing, jet ski, aqua gym, squash, archery, mountain bike, bums and tums, football, golf, volleyball, water-polo, sports, canoe, surfing
The Pine Bay is a large complex that will transport you. You won't know what to choose between huge pools, sports equipment, the experienced activity team, the electronic games room, the beach, or the private marina!
Slightly away from the crowded beaches and feverish activity of Kusadasi, the Prince Ada Hotel is a good, comfortable quiet base for visiting famous sites by day and discos in Kusadasi at night.
The Club Kustur is a large club located a stone's throw from Kusadas, in the midst of souvenir shops and restaurants. It offers a simple, relaxed setting for feelgood holidays.
Built on a rocky peninsula, the Korumar hotel has a beautiful panoramic view over two bays, and is only 1 mile from the centre of Kusadasi. Its private creek, large pool and many facilities with sea view make it particularly pleasant.
Perched on a private peninsula between Kusadasi marina and the Aegean coast, the Kismet is a little haven of peace. Already frequented by numerous celebrities, it owes its success to its dream location, romantic decor, bucolic gardens and attentive service.
In the heart of Kusadasi, in front of the public beach, the Derici is a well-kept hotel with pleasant decor and large rooms. It has a beautiful panoramic terrace with pool and bar, on the top floor.
The Pine Marina is a modern town hotel located 1,640 ft from the centre of Kusadasi and opposite the marina. Its pools, space, and comfortable rooms will enable you to take a break between excursions to Kusadasi, site visits, or lazing on the beach.
The brand new, recently completed Paloma Pasha is already considered as one of the jewels in the Club Eldorador crown. Ideally located at the far end of Ozdere beach, this upmarket establishment offers a 24 hour ultra-inclusive board basis and will undoubtedly be popular with well-being enthusiasts, as it also boasts a wonderful spa. Not only that, children will enjoy the waterslides, sports enthusiasts will be pleased to discover the hotel's fitness centre and many other sports facilities, and those who enjoy fine dining will be delighted with the 3 gourmet restaurants. The hotel's absolutely gigantic swimming pool actually runs right around the resort!
Very recent, the Sheraton hotel is the most upmarket in the region. Programme: luxury, calm and sumptuousness, and quality services.
The Mövenpick Hotel Izmir is a comfortable and convenient choice in this seaside Turkish city. This five-star address attracts a mixed foreign and mostly business clientele but it's a smart choice for any holidaymaker looking for location, location, location.
With a private marina full of yachts and sailing boats, the Dauphin d'Or is reminiscent of Monaco. Located in Cesme bay, this vast holiday village offers all the facilities and comfort you would expect from a quality hotel.
The Club Sultan is set in luxurious gardens next to a superb creek sheltered from the wind. Its exceptional location and multiple pools and gardens make it one of the nicest hotels in Gumuldur.
Built on a rocky peninsula, the Korumar hotel has a beautiful panoramic view over two bays, and is only 1 mile from the centre of Kusadasi. Its private creek, large pool and many facilities with sea view make it particularly pleasant.
Perched on a private peninsula between Kusadasi marina and the Aegean coast, the Kismet is a little haven of peace. Already frequented by numerous celebrities, it owes its success to its dream location, romantic decor, bucolic gardens and attentive service.
The Ephesus Princess is a large complex located on one of the most beautiful beaches in the region. With its endless list of leisure facilities, sound system amphitheatre, kids club to the glory of Disney, aquapark and heliport... it could almost be America!
The Sun Club Biltur is a rather drab building but it is set in a natural environment with a very beautiful view over the Aegean coast. It offers a high quality of services, particularly comfortable rooms and a very beautiful beach. In terms of activities, it is more like a lively hotel than a club.