DESTINATIONS — TURKEY
Sporting life
Turkey is ahead of the game for sporty holidays, writes Katie McGonagle
I
t’s that time of year again, when Lycra becomes
acceptable outerwear and you can barely move for runners pounding the pavements in a sweaty, red-faced blur: the London Marathon is back next weekend. There’s nothing like watching thousands of amateurs run a gruelling 26.2 miles – preferably dressed in a daft costume – to inspire armchair athletes up and down the country to dig out their trainers and get moving. But why let them sweat it out in the gym or run circles round the local park when they could work some sport into their summer break? Whether they want to get fitter, learn a skill or perfect an existing technique, Turkey’s sporty resorts are the ideal playground.
l GOLF It’s hard to believe Belek welcomed its first golf course less than 25
years ago. Since then, it has grown into one of the world’s premier golfing destinations, hosting European Tour events and top-level players such as Rory McIlroy. Olympic Holidays commercial
director Photis Lambrianides says: “Golf in Turkey is year-round, with winter in Belek averaging six hours’ sunshine a day – perfect for an out-of-season break. The country’s golf product has made great strides in recent years and, with considerable investment, Turkey is now regarded as a serious golf destination.” Lambrianides recommends the five- star Letoonia Golf Resort, with its group lessons, driving range and putting area part of the all-inclusive package, while the choice of two world- class courses within
300 metres of Sueno Hotels
Deluxe Belek make it popular with Cosmos Holidays clients.
16 April 2015 —
travelweekly.co.uk • 59
Golf is also Thomas Cook’s
best-selling sport in Turkey. It has a portfolio of properties where amateurs can play on the same fairways as their heroes: think teeing off on Turkey’s largest course at Gloria Golf Resort, or a round on the course designed by Colin Montgomerie at Maxx Royal Belek before the pros arrive for the Turkish Airlines Open in October.
l TENNIS It might not yet boast its own Wimbledon, but tennis is another
growing obsession here. Golf widows at Letoonia can brush up on their backhand with group lessons, part of the all-inclusive package, while all-round sports resorts such as Club Med and Neilson Beachclubs include tennis among their many academies. Andriake Beachclub is Neilson’s flagship tennis resort, with six clay and AstroTurf courts plus a team of professional coaches. The property’s newly refurbished health club – complete with spa, sauna and hammam – offers
Sueno Hotels Deluxe Belek
TOP TIP
Thomas Cook customers can
pre-book their tee times at
tx247.co. uk/thomascook
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