Bodrum Park Resort

Cartoon-style signs alerting motorists to the local wildlife very much set the tone for this playful family-friendly property nestled among lush natural surrounds. A polished metal sign marking the entrance portico to the Bodrum Park Resort also adds a contemporary feel that continues into the airy, domed lobby dotted with colorful seating and artwork. The all-inclusive complex comprises the main building as well as over a dozen low-rise accommodation blocks. These local-stone structures are scattered around attractive, well-tended, and sprawling gardens brimming with tropical flowers and exotic plants. Not a single tree was cut down during the resort's construction, and the natural pine scent carried in the sea breeze, plus views of the nearby crystal-clear water enhance the outdoorsy ambience. Its generally peaceful atmosphere is, however, occasionally broken by the scream and splash of a child around the pools, as the clientele is largely British and French couples with kids. 

The hotel is located in a relatively remote, low-lying hilltop on a finger of land that stretches out of the south coast of Turkey's Bodrum Peninsula. Surrounded by nothing but the clear Aegean Sea and pine forests, the resort offers little within walking distance besides its own stretch of shingle beach. As well as being crowded during peak season, the beach is at the bottom of a steep path which makes the return journey taxing for some guests. Hapimag Resort Sea Garden, located about five minutes north, has a more accessible beach. The city of Bodrum -- with its ancient ruins and pretty Old Town -- is about 30 minutes' drive, while Milas-Bodrum Airport is around 45 minutes by road.

The complex has 288 rooms that range from up-to-date and modern to dated and aging. The Club rooms were renovated in 2011 and have interiors finished in fresh, contemporary styling with a coordinated, cool-gray color scheme and tiled floors. Standard rooms, however, have wood floors and feel more dated, with patterned linens and some signs of wear. Still, across the board, the rooms are cheerful and generally attractive. Most rooms also extend to small French balconies, while Club Family options open to larger terraces with mountain views. 

Standard amenities include air-conditioning, coffee- and tea-making facilities, and minibars stocked with soft drinks and beer. Wall-mounted flat-screen TVs have international (though limited English-speaking) channels, but in-room Wi-Fi isn't available in most. Bathrooms also vary between being old-fashioned and tired (with shower/tub combos) to more sleek spaces with spacious walk-in showers. Toiletries, bathrobes and slippers, and wall-mounted hairdryers are provided. Rooms have safes but they require a fee. 

There are plenty of on-site features to keep families busy. The hotel's main pool is large, surrounded by trees, and overlooks the shingle beach -- a pebble stretch with crystal-clear water that can get busy. The smaller second pool is set in the main part of the hotel and is much quieter, though it also has a kids' section. Children are also kept entertained with a waterslide pool and a free kids' club with an outdoor playground. Adult-oriented relaxation comes in the form of a spa with indoor pool, sauna, and Turkish bath plus traditional body scrub treatments (available with fees). An animation team provides daytime activities, while entertainment is put on nightly (though quality is mediocre). There are also three tennis courts, an indoor game room, and a small gym with cardio and weight-training equipment and free weights. 

Most dining takes place in the hotel's main restaurant, which serves a buffet-style breakfast, lunch, and dinner as part of the all-inclusive rate. The buffet dining room extends to a pleasant covered terrace area, although food quality receives mixed reviews. Other on-site eateries include a la carte Italian, Asian, and Turkish options, as well as a seafood restaurant with jetty seating over the sea (reservations needed and not included in plan). The plan also covers all soft drinks and local alcoholic beverages served in the lobby, beach, and poolside bars.