Strictly NO dancing: Kristina Rihanoff relaxes at a family-friendly Turkish resort, determined to avoid one of the many activities

  • Kristine went to the Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Belek 
  • She went with her partner Ben Cohen, his twins and their 13-month-old, Mila 
  • There were amazing kids’ play areas with slides and little carousels 

Some people are reluctant to go to Turkey these days due to safety concerns, but a friend had recommended the Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Belek, near Antalya on the south coast, for a family holiday and it turned out to be an absolutely fantastic destination.

I went with my partner, Ben Cohen, his nine-year-old twins, Isabelle and Harriette, and our little one, Mila, 13 months old.

It can be difficult on holiday to find somewhere that caters for such an age range, but the Cornelia was perfect for all the children.

Futuristic: The Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Belek

Futuristic: The Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort & Spa in Belek

There were amazing kids’ play areas with slides and little carousels, as well as a gorgeous nursery next to the pool where Mila could have her afternoon nap in one of the lovely cots.

This gave us time to enjoy some watersports with the twins, which was great as it’s important that everyone has a good time and gets the attention they deserve. From that point of view, the resort was perfect.

We were spoilt for choice with activities. There were boats, jet skis… you name it, plus there were the hotel’s pools and slides for all ages, not to mention a pier where everyone was diving into the sea.

I don’t normally go in the sea as I hate how cold the water can be, but in Turkey it was really warm so I didn’t hesitate.

Everything went swimmingly: Kristina, Ben and baby Mila in the pool

Everything went swimmingly: Kristina, Ben and baby Mila in the pool

The fitness classes helped make the trip more enjoyable. I love yoga and went every day to the step-aerobics classes, which were held outside. The hour-long sessions were hugely popular and they played great music.

Although we didn’t play, golf is one of the main sports the resort offers, and there’s also mini soccer, archery, tennis and water polo. Meanwhile, the spa offers Turkish baths, saunas and treatment rooms, if you’re looking to chill out.

We were all-inclusive and spoilt for choice when it came to food. The resort had nine à la carte restaurants, including Mediterranean, Cuban and Asian cuisine. Our favourite was the Turkish restaurant, called Sumach, which was so authentic with its traditional food and music. We loved it.

Kristina and Ben were all-inclusive and spoilt for choice when it came to food

Kristina and Ben were all-inclusive and spoilt for choice when it came to food

I try to be vegetarian and the resort catered well for dietary requirements, and they even had gluten-free breads, which I prefer.

The evenings were packed with entertainment at the incredible amphitheatre in the grounds.

Every night at 9pm there was a 45-minute show for the children featuring different plays and clowns, and then afterwards the performances for older children and adults began. It was superb, with something brilliant every night.

During our stay we had a magic show, a talented tango performance from Argentina, a Cuban band with salsa dancers who brought everyone up on the stage to dance, and also a roller-skating show, which was fascinating. Then, after 10.30pm, when the children went to bed, there was a disco by the pool. But with our little one we were so tired after our eventful days that we tended to head back to the room after the show.

It’s surprisingly tiring sitting all day in the pool with the children; sometimes you just want to relax and watch TV.

And on holiday I’d rather be a spectator when it comes to dancing than take part myself. I dance enough the rest of the time what with ongoing performances and my own tour happening soon.

The majority of the guests at the Cornelia were Russian, like me, as well as from neighbouring countries such as Ukraine, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. It was bizarre to hear the staff at a Turkish resort speaking Russian to guests, as well as English, obviously. The kids all played together regardless, though, which was great.

I’m from Vladivostok, which is in the Russian Far East, so a lot of people there tend to holiday in Asia. Tokyo is a two-hour flight away, while nearby Korea and China are popular destinations too. There’s also Thailand, five hours away.

Britain is a long way away from Vladivostok, but I normally manage to make it back once a year – though since having Mila I haven’t been back for two years.

My mum’s visited us in England but I can’t wait to return for a visit and take my little one. Ben hasn’t been yet so I’d love for us to go back to Russia as a family.

And relax: The resort has a spa with Turkish baths

And relax: The resort has a spa with Turkish baths

As far as other holidays go, all five of us have been to Tenerife before, along with other places, but I don’t think anywhere caters as well for families as Turkey does.

I’ve been to one other resort in the country before, but I think it’s the Cornelia that ticks all the boxes.

We were looking for perfect break where we could relax and have fun, and we definitely achieved that. I’d 100 per cent go back there.

TRAVEL FACTS 

Thomas Cook (thomascook.com, 0844 412 5970) offers seven nights all-inclusive at the Cornelia Diamond Golf Resort and Spa (corneliaresort.com) from £555 per person, including return flights from Gatwick. 

Advertisement

 

The comments below have not been moderated.

The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline.

We are no longer accepting comments on this article.