Set on the coastline at Turgutreis, with a private beach and access to fabulous seaside walks, La Blanche Resort and Spa is an ideal base for a holiday in Bodrum, Turkey. The hotel is spacious and at first the room numbering can be confusing (I ended up on the wrong floor) but once that was sorted it all made sense.
I was allocated a deluxe room with a balcony which could easily sleep three using the sofabed in the lower area. There was ample room for storage and hanging clothes and personal items as well as having a desk and TV plus a minibar containing bottled water and soft drinks which were replenished every day. The windows opening onto the balcony offered great soundproofing as I discovered one morning on opening them and hearing a neighbour's TV turned up very loud. The balcony overlooked the huge, main swimming pool with a view that extended to the sea – a perfect vista.
La Blanche is very much a family-friendly hotel. You realise how seriously they take this as soon as you enter and see the steps up to the "kids' reception". There is a small play area in a shaded spot for smaller children as well as a swimming pool with two-tier water shutes for the adventurous and the less confident. The private sandy beach (meticulously maintained) offers a safe area to relax and play in. Beach towels are available and there's a café/snack bar on the beach as well.
The hotel is "all inclusive" which means all meals and drinks are included as well as evening entertainment and snacks. A few extras like laundry, babysitting and room service incurs an extra charge. There are no tea and coffee making facilities which is a shame especially if there is just one adult holidaying with children who unable to leave them while you search some caffeine in the early morning.
For guests who travel independently, the hotel offers airport collection plus a shuttle service into Bodrum and various excursions at competitive prices. The hotel staff are friendly and efficient and the family groups I saw there seemed to be having a very relaxed and enjoyable holiday.
As I was on a trip with a packed itinerary, I wasn't able to explore all the hotel has to offer (including a spa and gym) but the stay certainly made me want to go back for a longer and more relaxed holiday. For families with children who don't always want to go sight-seeing, La Blanche would be great to enjoy purely for itself.
PWT rating: ♥♥♥♥♥
For more information plus prices and deals visit La Blanche Resort and Spa.
Anne Coates travelled to Bodrum on a trip organised by the Turkish Culture and Information Office.