A Stay at Cook’s Club Adaköy, Turkey
July | 2024
This trip marked two firsts for me; my first visit to Turkey and my first content trip in partnership with First Choice Holidays as one of their Insiders.
I’d always heard incredible things about the country, and instead of heading to the busier tourist hubs, I chose Marmaris, a former fishing village that has grown into a vibrant resort town, offering the perfect mix of relaxation, culture, and adventure.
Arriving in Turkey
We flew from London to Dalaman Airport which took approximately 4 hours, before jumping in a taxi to the hotel. The drive was just under 2 hours and cost about 70-80 euros. Since our flight landed quite late, by the time we got to the hotel we checked in and went straight to bed.
Get to know Cook’s Club Adaköy
I’ve been a fan of Cook’s Club Hotels for a while, so I didn’t think twice when given the opportunity to stay at this location. The hotel felt like it was tucked away on its own little island, complete with a private beach, a pool overlooking the water, and even a water taxi that takes you directly to Marmaris’ main marina.
The atmosphere was wonderfully laid-back. DJs played during the day and into the evening, while the main Cantina served up an array of local and international cuisine. Between kayaking, yoga, cocktail-making, and even outdoor movie nights, there was always something fun to do.
Our room
During our stay, we were lucky enough to be upgraded to a suite. It featured a separate living room, a spacious bathroom and a private terrace, perfect for lounging, people-watching, and admiring the sea views.
Things to do in Marmaris
Marmaris had a lot to offer, from shopping in the bazaar to cultural stops like the Marmaris Castle. We didn’t manage to tick everything off our list, but here are some highlights I’d recommend.
Explore the grand bazaar and smaller local shops.
Visit the Marmaris Castle and museum.
Walk along the Marmaris Medina to sample local cuisine.
Spend time at Marmaris beach to soak up some sun.
Visit ‘Bar Street’ which is lined with bars and clubs to experience the vibrant nightlife.
An off-road adventure
As part of our itinerary, my sister and I wanted something unique that would show us different sides of the city. We chose the 4x4 Sunset Safari, which turned out to be one of the most exhilarating and surprising experiences of the trip.
We were picked up by a private transfer and joined a larger group at the meeting point. From there, we rode through pine forests and traditional villages in an open-topped jeep. Along the way, we stopped at hidden beaches and coves in Bördübet and Hisarönü, before enjoying panoramic views of the Aegean Sea at sunset.
To finish the evening, we sat down to a traditional Turkish dinner with live music and even had the chance to dance around a bonfire.
Tips and recommendations
For anyone thinking of visiting, here are some useful tips to make the most of your experience:
Currency Exchange: Bring some Turkish lira in advance but also know that many places accept euros and credit cards. Smaller shops and taxis usually prefer cash.
Airport transfer: Pre-book a taxi at the airport for a smoother arrival.
Day trips: Consider short boat trips from Marmaris to nearby islands for swimming, snorkelling, and exploring hidden coves.
If you’re booking the 4x4 Sunset Safari, be aware that it lasts 6–8 hours. It’s a long experience, but absolutely worth it!
Marmaris turned out to be one of the most surprising holiday destinations, and it’s somewhere I’d happily return to. For more behind-the-scenes moments from my travels, follow me on Instagram and TikTok.
You can also explore more of my itineraries and hotel recommendations over on the First Choice Insiders Hub!
Thanks for reading!
Lian x
