Sundance Resort

Set on over seven acres of gardens dotted with palm trees, flowers, and lush shrubs, the Sundance has a slightly mellower feel than some of the other family-friendly all-inclusive resorts in the Bodrum Peninsula. Its 251 rooms are housed in two buildings, both situated along the coast and separated from each other by greenery and the main pool deck. One of the structures was designed to resemble a cruise ship, with portholes on one side and a stepped facade with large windows similar to those of a boat’s bridge. The other building is low and boxy, but its facade has been painted in bright colors and looks cute and contemporary.

Formerly the Aegean Dream Resort, the property underwent renovations in early 2016, with mostly modern rooms, new decor in some restaurants, and a new lobby. While the overall feel is still slightly generic and even dated in some corners, the style has been updated, with cleaner lines, recessed lighting, and a brighter palette with pops of fuchsia and blue. The beach area, however, is still the highlight here, with rows of tall palm trees, flower beds, and a couple dozen wooden loungers with white cushions. 

The property offers plenty to do for families -- including several pools, a kids' club, and kid-friendly water sports -- but it's also popular with couples, who appreciate the quiet atmosphere, the spa, and the daily activities. 

The hotel is situated on a sandy beach, a short walk from the center of Turgutreis. There are several restaurants and hotels in the immediate area, while many more cafes, shops, and dining options can be found within a 10- to 15-minute walk. The Turgutreis Marina is a six-minute drive away or about a 20-minute walk, from where guests can take a ferry to the Greek islands of Kos or Kalymnos. Other attractions in town include a Saturday market that's popular with tourists. The city of Bodrum, home to plenty of historic attractions, shops, and dining and drinking options, is around a 30-minute drive east. Bodrum International Airport is about an hour away from the hotel. 

The vast majority of the hotel’s 251 rooms were modernized in early 2016, with new furniture and bedding, more contemporary decor with clean lines and a neutral palette, and upgraded technology. However, some Standard Rooms weren't upgraded have decor that looks a bit less fresh, with orange accent walls and  flower designs above the beds. It's worth checking ahead with the hotel to guarantee that the room matches what you're expecting.

All rooms have balconies with garden views, and Select units (which include some Standard and Family Rooms) feature views of the Aegean. Free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, central air-conditioning, electric kettles, and electronic safes are all standard amenities. All rates include water and soft drinks from the minibar, which are replenished daily at no extra charge. Bathrooms are spacious and contemporary, with walk-in showers, modern fixtures, and vessel sinks over large black counters. Shower stalls in Select Standard Rooms have a glass wall overlooking the bedroom, complete with shades for privacy. 

The hotel was built right along its own stretch of beach, complete with a few dozens padded loungers and umbrellas, and a pier with additional seating. Motorized and non-motorized water sports are available for a fee at the beach, including banana rides, kayaks, and Jet Skiing. The main deck, adjacent to the sea, has a large pool with daily fitness activities as well as a kiddy pool under a big sail shade. There are two other pools on-site, including a kiddy pool with slides and a quieter family pool close to the sea. A large indoor pool is available at the spa, which also features a sauna, a steam room, and a Turkish bath.

The pool bar serves juices, cocktails and a few small snacks, and features outdoor seating under big white umbrellas. Two other bars offer a wide array of drinks, including the 24-hour lobby bar, which also has a few small bites available through the night. Main meals are served at the buffet, though unfortunately guests are only allowed to dine once per stay at any of the three a la carte restaurants, which serve fish, and Asian and Turkish cuisine. Food, though, generally receives solid marks from previous guests. The hotel also features three meeting rooms, three tennis courts, a fitness center, and a kids’ club. Animation teams work throughout the day and evening entertainment is provided. Wi-Fi is free at the resort, as is parking.