This year’s much-anticipated summer family holiday was extra special as it brought together three generations: our goddaughter Grace, our closest friend Sophie, and her father.
Finding a destination that catered to everyone’s needs was key - child-friendly flight times, plenty of sunshine, and a touch of adventure were top of our list. Turkey ticked every box, so off we went to the Parkim Ayaz Hotel in Gumbet, nestled in the beautiful Bodrum region.
The flight from Bristol with EasyJet was a milestone moment for Grace, as it was her first trip in her very own seat. Armed with a handy kids' seat extension (a lifesaver!), she even managed a two-hour mid-flight nap, giving us grown-ups a chance to relax. Of course, we had the odd toddler tantrum (completely normal, mums — don’t sweat it!), but a few games and songs soon restored the peace.
Our hour-long private transfer from Bodrum Airport to Gumbet revealed stunning views of Turkey’s turquoise coastline, setting the tone for the week ahead.
The Parkim Ayaz Hotel
The Parkim Ayaz Hotel in the heart of Gumbet exceeded all our expectations. It was spotless, thoughtfully laid out and packed with amenities to suit every age.
With three pools to choose from, we were spoilt for choice: a peaceful pool for relaxation, a lively pool with entertainment and a family-friendly pool complete with water slides. Naturally, we gravitated towards the slide pool, which was conveniently close to a snack bar and shaded by sail canopies - a must in the September heat. Grace adored the kids' pool, making new friends and splashing away her days.
Another highlight was the hotel’s beachfront location. The beach itself was a mix of sand and shingle, so sea shoes were a smart addition to our packing list. The water was wonderfully refreshing, and spotting fish near the shoreline added a touch of magic to our beach days.
The dining options were a standout feature of the hotel. With an incredible variety at every meal, even the fussiest eaters would have been happy. The staff were wonderfully warm and attentive, going above and beyond to ensure we felt welcome and well looked after.
Exploring Gumbet
Gumbet’s lively streets, packed with shops, restaurants, and bars, were just a short walk from the hotel, making it easy to explore. While the shopkeepers were keen to encourage us into their stores, a polite “no, thank you” worked perfectly.
We considered a day trip to the nearby Greek island of Kos, but we were having such a relaxing time in the September sunshine, we decided to stay poolside.
Too soon, it was time to head home. Bodrum Airport made our departure stress-free, with clean facilities, kid-friendly play areas and plenty of dining options. The security queues were a little long, but we were prepared, and everything went smoothly.
As we touched down back in England, we carried home a treasure trove of new family memories. These annual holidays are fast becoming a cherished tradition - a chance to reconnect, laugh and revel in the joy of traveling together.
Next stop? Disneyland Paris!
If you’d like help planning your own family getaway, I’d love to chat and help make your holiday dreams come true.
Flis x
