Lykia Botanika Beach & Fun Club

The name is a bit of a giveaway here, where forest-surrounded, manicured gardens highlight the "botanika" moniker, tidy paths lead to the private beach (expect a bit of a walk here), and lots of family-geared amenities offer fun. Light-stone buildings with wood trim windows and shutters are attractive, as are fragrant plants, palms, flowers, and lawn hammocks. Peak-season crowds raise noise levels though, especially at the huge main pool and all-inclusive buffets. Interiors have a functional look, lacking any real style or pizazz. Poolside sunbathing and alfresco dining terraces are plentiful, as are 24-hour bars and lots for children. Expect mostly East European, Turkish, and British families here.

The resort's secluded forest setting is pretty, as is its private beach (a five- to 10-minute walk through lush greenery), but there isn't much nearby. Fortunately, busses that stop outside run to Fethiye in 20 minutes, allowing travelers to explore this town's historic ruins, amphitheater, restaurants, and twice-weekly markets. Around 15 minutes farther are Hisaronu (for nightlife and spas) and Oludeniz (famous for its Blue Lagoon beach). Dalaman Airport is 40 minutes away by car. 

A mixed bag, straightforward rooms are dated or modern, although none have much in the way of style. Older, worn units have beige tiled floors and walls with wood trim, two-tone wood furniture, and neutral-tone linens, plus decorative floral curtains in some. More up-to-date units look fresher with an all-white palette and green sofa beds, plus gleaming white bathrooms. Regardless, bathrooms have cubicle showers or shower/tub combos, toiletries, and hairdryers. Likewise standard are phones, desks, mini-fridges with free soft drinks (on arrival only), small flat-screen TVs, and furnished balconies with garden, pool, sea, or mountain views. Unreliable Wi-Fi is free, but safes incur fees and no kettles are provided. Beds can be two twins pushed together (common for the region). Note that units near the main pool or bars can be noisy.

Features here don't stand out from competitor resorts, although lovely gardens are a bonus. Stone paths dividing them lead to the private beach, which has sand and pebbled shores. Plastic loungers line the edge, while canopies or pavilion terraces offer shade. A wooden jetty extends into turquoise waters. A variety of water sports are available, and the beach bar hosts nightly parties. Four adult pools, plus four kiddy ones offer music-filled, quiet, or waterslide options, as well as water polo nets and light-weight dining furniture for snack bars. The snack bars are mostly open 24/7 and covered by the all-inclusive, as are buffets serving Turkish or international cuisine. Guests enjoy the buffets, for the most part, but many say it can get repetitive and food gets cold easily. Buffets are served three times a day, with supplementary snacks, ice cream, tea time, and traditional Turkish pancakes. Guests particularly like the daily barbecue and fresh fish.

The kids' club has cute, circular huts and indoor and outdoor play areas, a game room, activities for different ages, and animation. Sports facilities consist of basketball, soccer, and tennis. Hosted in an outdoor amphitheater, evening entertainment offers comedy, circus, or belly dancing shows. The sleek spa is outfitted with Buddha decoration, and it has a marbled Turkish hammam, plunge pool, hot tub, sauna, hair salon, and basic gym, plus treatment rooms. On-site shops sell souvenirs and beach gear. Pets aren't permitted. Lobby computers, bike rentals, parking, and Wi-Fi throughout are all free.