Escape to Paradise: Ozkaymak Select Resort Awaits in Alanya, Turkey!
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into the glitter-dusted, sun-soaked world of the Ozkaymak Select Resort in Alanya, Turkey! I'm not just reviewing this place, I'm basically living it again, from the smells of the sea wafting up to the… questionable but undeniably charming decor. This is going to be less travel brochure, more… me, unfiltered, and probably caffeinated.
Let's get this show on the road! - The Good, the Okay, and the… Well, You'll See
First things first: Accessibility. Okay, I didn’t roll in with a wheelchair, but I did keep an eye out. Wheelchair accessible? They tick that box, with elevators and ramps. BUT… and this is a big but… it felt like it was designed to be accessible, rather than feeling truly accessible. You know? Like, the effort was there, but the execution could still be a touch clunky. Still, kudos for trying.
On-site accessible restaurants / lounges: Didn't see anything explicitly labeled, but navigating the main dining areas with mobility aids should be doable. Ask for help, people are generally nice.
Internet Access - Ugh. The Internet. Okay, so this is crucial. Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Yes! Huzzah! But… sigh. It was… patchy. Like, more patchy than a bad quilt. I got frustrated! Like, "throw the laptop out the window" kind of frustrated. But it was free, and when it did work, it was decent. Internet [LAN] in the rooms? Didn't see it. Pretty sure that's ancient history anyway. Internet services… well, see previous whinging. Wi-Fi in public areas: more reliable, thankfully, but still not amazing. So, if you're a digital nomad needing blazing speeds, pack a backup plan (and maybe a satellite dish).
Things to Do - The "Relaxation" Olympics!
Okay, this is where things shine. Forget the internet woes; you are here to relax. And the Ozkaymak Select offers a ton of ways to do just that.
Ways to Relax: The cornerstone of this place. You need to relax? You're in the right place.
Body Scrub, Body Wrap: Haven’t tried it but they exist!
Fitness Center, Gym/fitness: Basic, works. No complaints. I’m not a gym rat so I don't care.
Massage, Pool with a View, Sauna, Spa, Spa/sauna, Steamroom, Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor]: Yes please! The pool area is gorgeous. The view? Stunning. Seriously, I could've stayed in that pool all day, sipping something fruity and watching the world go by. That view? Chef's kiss. Seriously, the infinity pool overlooking the Mediterranean? Pure bliss.
Foot Bath: I confess, I didn’t try this; my feet are more of a “barefoot on the beach” kind of person. But it's there!
Cleanliness and Safety – The Pandemic Edition
Okay, let’s be real, we’re all a bit hyper-aware these days. And Ozkaymak gets it.
- Anti-viral cleaning products: Check. Good.
- Cashless payment service: Excellent.
- Daily disinfection in common areas: Yep. It's reassuring.
- Hand sanitizer: Everywhere!
- Staff trained in safety protocol: They clearly took the training.
- Rooms sanitized between stays: Another tick.
- Safe dining setup: Seemed sensible.
- Sanitized kitchen and tableware items: I didn't see anyone sneezing on my plate.
- Staff trained in safety protocol, Sterilizing equipment and Hygiene certification: all good!
Overall, I felt safe. Maybe a little too safe, but hey, I'm not complaining. Dining, Drinking, and Snacking – Get Ready to Eat! (and Drink!)
Alright, let’s talk food. This is what I’m most excited to talk about.
- A la carte in restaurant/ Buffet in restaurant: Choices! Yay!
- Breakfast [buffet]: Glorious. I love a big breakfast! And this one delivered! Lots of options, from traditional Turkish delights (hello borek!) to the standard eggs and bacon. I went back for seconds. And thirds.
- Coffee/tea in restaurant, Coffee shop: Yeah. Plenty. Always a caffeine fix available.
- Desserts in restaurant: Oh, the desserts. Don't even get me started. Baklava, Turkish Delight, cakes… I may have gained five pounds in this single trip. Worth it.
- Happy hour: Always. Find that offer!
- International Cuisine and Asian Cuisine in restaurant and Western cuisine in restaurant : A selection!
- Poolside bar: Crucial!
- Restaurants, snack bar: A choice for when I’m hungry.
- Room service [24-hour]: Convenient.
- Salad in restaurant/ Soup in restaurant: I mean, they try to provide you with something healthy.
- Vegetarian restaurant: Available!
One thing that made me the HAPPIEST? The Bar. You can literally spend all day there if you want. The bar staff were amazing, the drinks were flowing and yes, there was Bottle of Water provided!
Services and Conveniences – The Little Things That Matter (and Some That Don’t)
- Air conditioning in public area: Thank goodness!
- Business facilities: I’m not sure if I have to use this with a Laptop workspace.
- Concierge: helpful
- Currency exchange: Crucial.
- Daily housekeeping: Made my room spotless!
- Doorman: You'll be welcomed!
- Elevator: Check.
- Facilities for disabled guests: As mentioned, mostly good.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Okay-ish.
- Ironing service, Laundry service: Excellent.
- Luggage storage: Super convenient.
- Safety deposit boxes, Safety/security feature, Security [24-hour]: Safe!
For the Kids – Family Friendly? Absolutely!
I didn't bring any kids, but this place is totally geared towards families.
- Babysitting service Available
- Family/child friendly: Yes!
- Kids facilities, Kids meal: They have everything.
Getting Around, Rooms and the Quirks
- Available in all rooms, Additional toilet, Air conditioning, Alarm clock, Bathrobes, Bathroom phone, Bathtub, Blackout curtains, Carpeting, Closet, Coffee/tea maker, Complimentary tea, Daily housekeeping, Desk, Extra long bed, Free bottled water, Hair dryer, High floor, In-room safe box, Interconnecting room(s) available, Internet access – LAN, Internet access – wireless, Ironing facilities, Laptop workspace, Linens, Mini bar, Mirror, Non-smoking, On-demand movies, Private bathroom, Reading light, Refrigerator, Safety/security feature, Satellite/cable channels, Scale, Seating area, Separate shower/bathtub, Shower, Slippers, Smoke detector, Socket near the bed, Sofa, Soundproofing, Telephone, Toiletries, Towels, Umbrella, Visual alarm, Wake-up service, Wi-Fi [free], Window that opens.
Getting Around - Oh, the Joy of No Driving Required!
- Airport transfer: Crucial!
- Bicycle parking: I saw some.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: If you wanna rent a car.
- Taxi service, Valet parking: Easy Peasy.
Now, the Imperfections – Let’s Be Real
Okay, okay, so the Ozkaymak Select isn’t perfect. The decor is… interesting. Think a splash of turquoise, some slightly dated furniture, and some questionable art pieces. It's not ugly, but it isn't exactly "minimalist chic." You’ll be smiling at the quirkiness, at the end.
The Verdict – Should You Go?
YES! Absolutely. If you're looking for a relaxing, sun-soaked, all-inclusive getaway where you can stuff your face with delicious food, lounge by the pool, and generally forget about the world, the Ozkaymak Select is a great choice. The internet might test your patience, and the style won't win any design awards, but the views, the friendly staff, and the sheer amount of relaxation on offer more than make up for it.
Final Thoughts - My Emotional Rollercoaster
I came to the Ozkaymak Select feeling… stressed? Burnt out? Honestly, I can't even remember. But leaving, I felt… relaxed
Flamingo Hollywood: The Hottest Spot in Florida You NEED to See!
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because this isn't your grandma's meticulously planned itinerary. This is a real trip to the Ozkaymak Select Resort Hotel in Alanya, Turkey, seen through the eyes of someone who probably needs more coffee than they've had this week. Let's dive in!
Ozkaymak Select Resort: My Attempt at a Relaxing Escape (Spoiler alert: It involved more chaos than planned)
Day 1: Arrival - "Where's the Pool?!"
06:00 AM (ish) - The Flight of Terror: Okay, let's just say airport security and I aren't exactly besties. Between the frantic rummaging for my passport (it was, predictably, at the bottom of my already-a-disaster-zone carry-on) and the sheer terror of potentially missing the flight entirely, I was basically a walking, talking ball of stress. Thankfully, we made it, albeit with a minute to spare. The flight itself? Well, let's just say the complimentary "breakfast" (a soggy croissant and lukewarm coffee) didn't exactly soothe my frazzled nerves.
11:00 AM (Local Time) - The Hotel Heist (or, a Search for the Reception): Finally, we're in Alanya! The air hit me like a warm, fragrant hug. Gorgeous! The driver was a bit of a maniac though, weaving through traffic like he was auditioning for Need for Speed: Turkey edition. Once at the Ozkaymak, it took me an embarrassing amount of time to find the reception. Seriously, it felt like a scavenger hunt. The check-in process itself involved a language barrier, my rapidly deteriorating Turkish (which, let's be honest, was a very generous interpretation of the word "attempt"), and a profound lack of patience on my part. But hey, we got a room!
12:00 PM - The Room Revelation (and the Pool Panic): The room was… adequate. A bit dated, but clean enough, and the balcony offered a decent view of… the parking lot. Sigh. My first mission: Find the pool! I had visions of myself lounging beside it, sipping a cocktail, and generally radiating serenity. What I found? A crowded pool area, featuring more screaming children than a daycare center, and the only sunbeds available were in direct sunlight, baking like a chicken. Cue the slight panic attack. I settled for a quick dip (the water WAS lovely, to be fair) and a serious re-evaluation of my "relaxation" strategy.
1:00 PM: - Lunch and the "All-Inclusive" Dilemma: The buffet. Ah, the glorious, chaotic, and often-questionable reality of all-inclusive dining. The food was… well, a mixed bag. Some delicious things (the Turkish bread!), some less so (mystery meat with a questionable sauce). The line for the grilled fish was longer than the queue at Disneyland, while the desserts were a sugary explosion of questionable colors. I ate enough to keep me going, but I wouldn't necessarily describe it as a culinary experience.
2:00 PM: - The Beach Bliss (Sort Of): The hotel beach. Amazing! Until the sand got into every crevice of my being. I spent more time shaking sand out of my swimsuit than actually enjoying the waves. On the plus side, the sunset over the Mediterranean? Absolutely divine. I could get used to this… if only I could figure out how to keep the sand out of my crevices.
7:00 PM - Dinner and the "Entertainment" Debacle: Another buffet descent. This time, I made a beeline for the kebabs, which were decent, and then found myself cornered watching the hotel entertainment. Picture this: a slightly unenthusiastic belly dancer, followed by a local band whose repertoire consisted entirely of Turkish covers of 80s pop songs played at ear-splitting volume. I lasted about half an hour before retreating to the balcony with a book and a strong determination to avoid any further "entertainment" for the rest of my stay.
Day 2: Exploring (and Avoiding the Beach Sand)
9:00 AM - Breakfast and the Great Sunbed Hunt: I woke up with the determination to conquer the sunbed. I made it to the pool at 8:30AM! The amount of people that had already done this was frankly shocking. I found a sunbed, and I fought for it. I had a croissant (still soggy, but I was getting used to it) and a desperately needed coffee.
10:00 AM - The Alanya Fortress: A trip to the Alanya Fortress. I spent the morning wandering (and panting a LOT - it's a steep climb!) through the crumbling walls and taking in the panoramic views of the coastline. The history was fascinating, the views were breathtaking, and the realization that I really needed to get back in shape was a bit of a buzzkill. (Side note: the gift shop at the top sells some truly horrendous souvenirs).
1:00 PM - Lunch with the locals: I escaped the buffet for lunch, searching for a restaurant outside of the hotel. I eventually stumbled upon a small restaurant in Alanya, and the meal was delicious. It felt like a taste of real Turkey.
4:00 PM - Cleopatra Beach: The beach. The waves were amazing! But…the beach was a no-go. More sand, more chaos. I decided to spend the majority of the time sitting on the benches enjoying the view.
7:00 PM - Dinner and the Belly Dancing Encore: Dinner was more of the same. The kebab situation, unfortunately, improved. The entertainment was… still there. This time, I took the initiative and had a cocktail (or two) before it started. It helped. Significantly.
Day 3: Boat Trip and the Great Escape (From Sand!)
9:00 AM - The Boat! The Boat!: A boat trip! I envisioned myself gliding along the turquoise waters, enjoying the sun, the salt air, and the idyllic scenery. Turns out, it mainly involves fighting for the best spot on the boat, jostling for space at the "lunch" buffet (more mystery meat!), and the constant threat of sunburn. The highlight? Swimming in a cave. A beautiful one. The lowlight: the inevitable sand that somehow followed me.
8:00PM - The Great Escape: Deciding that it was time for a break from the hotel and the buffets, myself and a few new made friends made a trip into Alanya. We dined out at a delicious restaurant and danced at a club into the early hours of the morning. It was a refreshing change and a fun night to end the trip.
Day 4: Departure - Goodbye Turkey (and the Sand)
7:00 AM - The Final Breakfast and the "Sand Removal" Operation: The final breakfast. I crammed in as much food as I could, knowing I'd be living on airport snacks for the next few hours. Before heading out, I showered, carefully, meticulously, to remove every last grain of sand that had attached itself to me over the last few days. The great sand removal operation was a success!
10:00 AM - Airport Anxiety (Part Two): Airport security. The same song and dance as the way in. This time I was prepared. Or, at least, slightly less terrified.
1:00 PM - The Flight Home (and the Post-Holiday Blues): The flight was… uneventful. A definite improvement! I drifted, thinking about my trip to Turkey. Yes, there were imperfections, chaos, and a little bit of food drama. But there was also incredible beauty, good (and not-so-good) food, and a sense of something. In short, it was a trip that was messy, honest, and, at times, hilarious. It was human. And, despite all the sand, I was glad I did it.
Escape to Paradise: Ozkaymak Select Resort - The Unfiltered FAQ!
Okay, spill. Is this Ozkaymak place *actually* paradise? Or is it just… you know… a hotel?
Alright, let's be honest. Paradise is probably a *tad* strong. Like, you're not going to find angels playing harps on the balcony. But… it's pretty darn good. Think: sunshine, the sea, probably all the cheap Efes beer you can drink. Now, I went expecting a standard all-inclusive experience, and sure, there were the usual buffet queues (more on those later… shudder). But honestly? The view from my balcony literally stopped me in my tracks. I just stood there, mouth agape, watching the sunset over the Med. So, paradise-adjacent? Definitely. Paradise? Maybe after a couple of those aforementioned Efes.
The food. Tell me *everything* about the food. All-inclusive buffets... you know the drill. What’s the *real* story?
Okay, buckle up buttercups, because the food situation is… complex. Firstly, the sheer *volume* is impressive. Mountains of food. Literally. You could get lost in the salad bar. Now, the quality… it's a bit of a rollercoaster. Some things were *delicious*. The Turkish pide bread? Forget about it. I’m still dreaming of it. The grilled chicken? Always a winner. The desserts? Hit or miss. Some were gloriously sugary and perfect. Others… looked better than they tasted (a lesson I learned the hard way, several times). The buffet itself is chaotic, but in a strangely endearing way. You've got the competitive scramble for the fresh grilled fish (get there early!), the accidental elbow nudges, the kids running wild with ice cream… it's an experience. Oh, and remember to tip the staff! They work their butts off.
Is the pool area actually relaxing, or is it a screaming free-for-all? I need serious chill time.
Okay, let's be real. "Relaxing" is a relative term. The pool area is… lively. Expect kids. Lots of kids. Splashing, screaming, and generally having the time of their lives. I’m not a parent yet, so I’m not *used* to a cacophony of children. There’s music, there's sun, and there's the constant battle for a sun lounger (pro tip: get there early!). The upside is that the pools are *big*. There's a main pool, a kids' pool (predictably chaotic), and sometimes there are quieter areas. If you *need* serious chill time, aim for the beach. The sea is beautiful, and you can usually find a spot to relax and soak up the sun without the auditory assault. But if you, like me, enjoy people-watching (and a cheeky cocktail), the pool area is pure entertainment.
How’s the beach? Seriously, beach quality is crucial. Is it sandy and swimmable, or… stoney death?
The beach… ah, the beach. Now, I'm not going to lie, it's not *pristine* white sand you might find on a tropical island. But it's pretty darn good. The sand is a bit coarser, but perfectly fine for sunbathing and building questionable sandcastles. And the water? Crystal clear. I spent hours swimming in it. Seriously blissful. I distinctly remember one afternoon where I floated on my back, the sun on my face, and just… *existed*. Pure joy. There are also a bunch of watersports available (if you're into that kind of thing, I preferred the chill route), and beach bars to keep you hydrated. Just remember to bring water shoes if you have sensitive feet - there can be a few small pebbles near the water's edge.
What is there to do *outside* the resort? Is it just Alanya city? Do I need to get out, or can I just stay put and be happy?
Okay, this is HUGE. You *can* stay put and be perfectly content, I won't lie. There's enough going on within Ozkaymak (and enough food and drink!) to keep you occupied for a week. But!! You'd be missing out. Alanya itself is amazing. The castle is a must-see - the views are breathtaking. The shops? A treasure trove of… stuff. Bargaining is expected (and half the fun!). There is also the harbour (which is where the boat trips start too!) and I personally loved the Red Tower and all the history that surrounds it. Don't miss the chance to go on a boat trip – they're pretty cheap, and the coastline is just stunning. Plus, you get to see turtles! I did *not*, however, enjoy the relentless sales tactics of some of the shopkeepers. Be prepared to be hassled, but don't be afraid to say no. It's all part of the experience, I suppose.
Are the rooms decent/clean? Because I'm not about that "grimy hotel room" life.
The rooms… okay, the rooms weren't the *height* of luxury. BUT they were clean and comfortable. And crucially, the air conditioning worked! That’s a huge win in the Turkish heat. My room had a balcony with a sea view (which seriously improved my mood every morning), and the bathroom was perfectly functional. Maybe not the most modern decor, but everything was in good working order. And housekeeping was on point, so it always felt fresh. I'm not a picky person, and I was perfectly happy with the room. It was a place to sleep, shower, and occasionally hide from the sun, which is all I need.
What about the entertainment? Is it all cheesy Euro-pop and bingo, or is there anything actually watchable?
Okay, the entertainment… again, it's a mixed bag. There's the usual all-inclusive fare: kids' disco, bingo, karaoke… sometimes the entertainment was cheesy but fun, other times… well, let's just say you might find yourself questioning your life choices. But there were also some genuinely good acts! I saw a belly dancing show that was actually pretty impressive, and a Turkish night with traditional music and dancing that was really enjoyable. Look, it's not going to be Broadway, but it provides a good distraction. Be prepared to embrace the cheese and the unexpected. And if all else fails, there's always the bar… and more Efes.
Tell me about the staff. Are they genuinely friendly, or just putting on a show for tips?
Post a Comment for "Escape to Paradise: Ozkaymak Select Resort Awaits in Alanya, Turkey!"