Inside ‘Maldives of Turkey’ with beaches, overwater cabanas and £65 flights

Many of us have dreamed of flying off to the Maldives to live it up in a stunning over-water bungalow with its own deck and direct access to the sea. However, the exorbitant cost of a flight and hotel means it’s a pipe dream for your average Brit.

Flights to the Maldives generally cost about £750 in economy class, but on top of that you’ll need to shell out for a sea plane to take you to your hotel at a cost from £966, according to Atoll Transfer. The cheaper option is a boat at £40 per person.

That means you’d be paying out around £800 to £1,715 before you even step foot in your resort. The hotels themselves can cost thousands each night especially if you choose an over-water bungalow which, let’s be honest, everyone wants.

READ MORE: You can stay in the Maldives 'on a budget' with island hotels from £24.50pp

Luckily, for those willing to pay a bit more than the average holiday, but far less than the Maldives, can still enjoy a very similar experience in nearby Turkey at the tip of the Bodrum peninsula. A return flight to the area can cost from just £65, on Skyscanner meaning you’ve already made a significant saving.

But, what’s so incredible at the resort that TikTok creator @hannahstraveldiaries, called “The Maldives in Turkey”? Well, firstly Lujo Hotel A’La Carte features three private beaches to choose from.

The beaches are filled with pristine white sand and surrounded by turquoise, crystal clear water. There are also plenty of loungers with parasols or private cabanas to relax in – some of which stretch out over the ocean just like an over-water bungalow.

If you prefer to swim elsewhere then there are four different outdoor pools surrounded by daybeds, egg-shaped couches and and green lawns. Some are infinity pools, one is on the beach.

Kids can get entertained at Kijo Club offering kids' water slides, private music classes, art room, lego room, laser tag, fun and educational workshops and evening programmes tailored for kids

A heated indoor pool is also available for those who was to escape the sun. There’s also a spa so you can enjoy being pampered and pummelled by the masseuses or body treatments as well as a salt room, sauna, Turkish bath, steam room, Jacuzzi, fitness area and gym.

Of course, one of the main reasons Lujo hotel is praised so highly is the bedrooms.

You can choose from a huge range of suites, duplexes, villas and rooms. Some have sea views, some have lagoon views and there are even some that are swim-up – so you can climb out of the water and onto your own private terrace.

Booking.com states: “All rooms are luxuriously decorated and provide private balconies or terrace. Nestled within spectacular boulders, villas come with private pools and a garden.

"Forest rooms offer magnificent sea view and located under the pine trees. Every room at this hotel is air conditioned and comes with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.

"Certain units feature walk-in wardrobe and a seating area where you can relax. All rooms have a private bathroom. Some of them come with double sinks. Extras include bathrobes, slippers and free toiletries.”

There’s also a waterpark on site for plenty of fun with six slides, a spiral ride and mini versions for kids. Plus, you can enjoy cycling tours, volleyball, video games, yoga, pilates, darts, aqua arerobics, Zumba, tennis and basketball.

Those who love to hit the ocean can get stuck into Ket skis, canoes and water-skiing.

There’s are incredible on-site restaurants which serve nine different cuisines to try, plus the a la carte option Teppanyaki serves tasty meats and fresh seafood. The Pablo Esco Bar offers vintage whiskeys and hand-rolled cigars.

TUI writes: "This place backs up its massive size with a huge list of facilities. You can take your pick of three private beaches, eight restaurants, 14 bars and a sports offering that could rival the Olympics."

Honestly we’re not sure what this Turkish resort doesn’t offer compared to the Maldives. Now, it is still fairly expensive with rooms on booking.com from £699 a night. But, considering the much lower flight and transfer costs it’s still cheaper than a trip to the atolls of the Indian Ocean.

Alternatively, TUI offers a package deal with flights and five nights at the Lujo Hotel Bodrum from £1985pp all-inclusive in October 2023; TUI.com.

READ NEXT:

• Greek hotel boasts overwater bungalows that are far cheaper than the Maldives

• Tourists flock to UK's answer to the Maldives with 'extraordinarily beautiful' beaches

• Inside Albania's stunning Caribbean-like riviera with eight nights from £115

• Inside Turkey's 'cave city' with hidden hotels, 'fairy chimneys' and hot air balloons

• Turkey holidays
• Holidays
• Olympics
• TUI

Source: Read Full Article