There are a few things we always look for in a package holiday, and TUI’s Holiday Village in Sarigerme, Turkey, ticked all the boxes. It really felt like a village with something for everyone — perfect for a family break.
We visited in September 2014, before the children started school — Noah was almost four and Isla two. The pools were a highlight: a huge main pool with a shallow “beach” end for paddling and a deeper area for proper swimming, plus a pool with slides, a children’s pool, and quieter pools scattered around the site. In total there are seven pools, so there’s always space to swim and play.
The kids’ club was great, with morning and afternoon sessions split by age. Noah joined the older group while Isla, being under three, used the creche. That gave us some time together and some one-on-one time with each child, which was lovely. The clubs also offered a welcome break from the sun.
Mealtimes were family-friendly: the kids had their own little buffet area in the main restaurant where they could choose their food. That bit of independence made them more adventurous with what they tried. Ice creams were handed out by the pool in the afternoons and the pancakes were a firm favourite — Noah still talks about them.
Every evening there was entertainment: discos and shows that the children loved joining in with. It was great to see them so happy and excited each night.
Dining options were plentiful, with five restaurants covering buffet, Asian, Italian, Turkish and a poolside snack bar, plus food stalls dotted around the site. We particularly enjoyed the a la carte restaurants; they require reservations and, when we visited, you could book each one only once during your stay.
We also booked excursions through the hotel. One boat trip brought us close to stunning coastal sights and sea turtles, and another included a mud bath dip. Travel, meals and return transfers were arranged from the hotel, making it an easy way to explore and have real adventures.
A pleasant walk through the gardens leads to a private beach equipped with loungers and shade — a lovely spot to feel the sand under your feet and listen to the waves.
Some rooms had been recently renovated when we stayed and we were in a suite with a separate kids’ sleeping area that had its own TV and balcony doors, plus a bedroom for adults. The bathrooms were roomy and included a hair dryer; the room also had a safe and air conditioning. It felt well set up for a family of four.
This Holiday Village is just one of the many family-friendly options TUI offers in Turkey. Late May is ideal for half-term trips, and during August they often have thousands of free kids’ places. If you’re planning a family summer break, these packages are worth a look and booking early is recommended.
