Club Letoonia Turkey

Less than an hour from Dalaman airport is Letoonia resort. A previously barren stretch of coast has been lovingly rehabilitated creating a lush and authentic holiday resort.

The size of the resort was initially daunting, but the creative use of space means there's lots of different areas to explore, from private beaches to a fishing jetty, crazy golf to football and tennis, there is something to keep everyone happy and lots to pack in. Different bars and restaurants also mean you're never far from food and drink (and of course ice creams).

The staff are evidently proud of the resort, very friendly and the surroundings are beautiful with great care taken to maintain the brilliant greenery.

We stayed in the hotel nearer the entrance to the resort, with beautiful sea views and Bougainvillea climbing up to our balcony. There are also bungalows with two rooms, great for bigger families. The spa that forms part of the hotel is really exceptional, with amazing sauna, steam room and hammam all included in the price and great rigorous massages and other treatments available for you to book.

As beautiful Turkish yachts sail past, there are spacious beaches to relax on, with rafts to swim to and water slides that go straight into the sea. As well as regular sun loungers there are loads of hammocks and swing seats, and even waterproof beanbags to relax on. Close to dolphin beach is a shaded jetty covered with loungers where you can relax if the sun gets too hot.

The food was plentiful and the local salads, grilled meatballs and chicken were especially delicious. Pasta was always available and for those looking for a taste of home so were burgers and chips. The breakfasts were fantastic, cereal, croissants, bread, fruit and yoghurts, but also eggs and omelettes cooked to order, fresh pancakes and donuts and even toasted sandwiches.

I went during the school term time and the kids club was quiet and didn't grab the attention of my 4 year old, but there are great kids pools with slides and waterfalls and a small playground that are just right for pre-schoolers.

Each night there's a show in the open air amphitheatre, the staff are great and really put their heart and soul into it (I couldn't help but wonder if there was a Dirty Dancing back story going on with Letoonia's own Baby and Johnny) and my son loved it, but I think if you get into the habit of going every night, 7 shows might test your enthusiasm.

Leetonia was my first visit to Turkey and my first all-inclusive, and I loved both. Incredibly easy and relaxing, with lots to keep my son happy, but lots also for me to enjoy.