Isil Club Bodrum

An elegant South of France vibe is apparent across this quiet beachfront resort. Isil Club Bodrum (despite the unfortunate name) is a peaceful property popular with a mix of European, Russian, and Turkish families (among the Europeans, Belgians are particularly prevalent, and there are fewer U.K. guests than at other area resorts). The hotel is surprisingly compact, with pretty white buildings studded with balconies and pergolas, smartly separated by well manicured green spaces. The exterior architecture and design is perfectly balanced with the surrounding garden grounds, which make for calming walks among palm trees in hushed spaces between the beach and buildings. The lobby is almost as bright and airy as the outdoor spaces, with open wooden staircases sweeping up to upper floors and a high atrium ceiling.

Most guests congregate around the pools during the day, which usually has mellow music but can get a bit noisy when the animation team is leading games (though those who don't want to participate won't feel pressured). Those seeking quiet may prefer a lounger at the beach or waterfront wooden deck.

Isil Club Bodrum sits on a sheltered beach on the outskirts of the small seaside village of Torba, right off of the main highway that cuts across the peninsula and leads to the airport. There's nothing within walking distance other than the neighboring resorts, and it's far from the bustle of Bodrum City -- which is about a 15-minute drive -- where the region's best shopping, dining, and entertainment can be found along tourist-friendly streets lined with bars. Bodrum City is also home to several major attractions, including the site of the Mausoleum at Halicarnassus, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, along with the medieval Bodrum Castle. Expect a 30-minute drive to Milas–Bodrum Airport.

The resort's 290 rooms aren't exceptionally stylish and lack wow factor, but they're modern and have some fun colorful touches. Wood veneer floors and plain white walls are brightened by blue, orange, and lime green decor accents. Free Wi-Fi comes standard along with small dated flat-screen TVs and mini-fridges. Electric tea kettles and free coffee and tea are included. 

Standard Rooms have private patios or furnished balconies with sea or garden views. Twin or double beds are accompanied by twin-size stripped daybeds and built-in shelves with cube stools, though desks and chairs are absent. Large open closets have colorful partition screens and ample extra shelf storage along with small dressers and safes. Family Rooms add separate bedrooms and sofa beds. 

The tiled bathrooms with walk-in showers and toilets are all partially visible to the rest of the room behind frosted glass walls decorated with cartoonish illustrations. For some, this may pose a privacy issue. 

The resort's stretch of beach is a mix of sand and pebbles. The sandiest section is sheltered by a high stone wall (below the pool terrace) and is crowded with loungers and thatched reed umbrellas. There are also several wooden docks along the rocky shore that provide extra sunbathing and lounging space, with the Aegean lapping up against their wooden slats; each has built-in steps for easing into the water. Chairs, umbrellas, loungers, and towels are free for guests. Water sports are available from a stone hut on the beach, where guests can rent sailboats, paddleboats, and canoes, along with motor craft like Jet Skis for a fee. There's a wooden pier where small motor boats are docked, and there are also more cushions here for lounging.  

Up at the main pool, a wide sundeck has ample space for loungers and umbrellas (though the best ones can go early). There's also a small kiddy pool set in the grass nearby, along with a separate children's pool that sports multiple waterslides. The kids' club has supervised activities for young ones and a stage for performances, along with an outdoor playground. Other outdoor activities include archery, shooting, volleyball, and tennis on three outdoor courts. 

For a dose of relaxation and pampering, the resort's spa has a Turkish bath, sauna, and hot tub along with the usual gamut of massages and body scrubs. The large fitness center has a half dozen cardio machines, as well as multiple weight trainers and free weights, with a generous amount of floor space for the most intense routines.

Dining is included with the all-inclusive rates at the main buffet restaurant (which has a dedicated children's buffet), as well as a seafood restaurant and an a la carte eatery with international cuisine. All have breezy outdoor terraces with sail canopies. There's also a poolside snack bar and a lobby bar; on the "ultra" all-inclusive package, and basic domestic and international alcoholic drinks are available 24/7 (nicer brands cost extra, and in the rooms, only the first minibar refill is free). Evening entertainment usually includes live music, a disco, and cheesy shows from the animation team at the theater.