GUARANTEE a great festival season with the boutique Sunsplash Antalya at Turkey's Hillside SU says LEAH SIMPSON GLASTONBURY is well and truely over for another year and although we’re experiencing some of the best weather we’ve had for some time now, the British sunshine can never be guaranteed.
So with many keen travellers already planning a warm – and less muddy - getaway for 2012, we recommend booking ahead for a more sophisticated festival experience.
Swap your wellies for sandals and plastic ponchos for bikinis to join 400 revellers for Sunsplash Antalya festival at Hillside SU, Turkey.
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Forget the likes of U2 and Beyonce, the chicest music gathering in Eurasia celebrates the inspiring grooves of new and old school club classics, plus soulful world music from some of the UK’s most influential DJs.
When we arrived at the stylish and luxurious property – based just 15km from Antalya International airport – we wouldn’t have guessed reknowned Disc Jockey Phil Asher was playing to packed pool area just two floors below us.
Although the lobby was buzzing with non-festival guests, lounging amongst the all-white architecture to the tunes of Hillside SU’s Feel Good soundtrack, noise levels were well-contained.
So whether a quiet business or family trip is on the cards or a group of friends want to let loose at resident nightclub Siyah, it’s evident vacation wires are never crossed. Don’t let the giant disco balls fool you, everything is bigger at Hillside SU but that doesn’t have to include the headache on checkout.
By day we took to the Beach Bar and lapped up funky beats played by Baris K, Mad Professor and Ahu, last night’s headliner Phil Asher was even spotted showing appreciation for his peers by dining and enjoying a few frosty beverages from the extensive menu there.
If your head is banging and a more serene scene is your desire, there’s no better place to recover than by the Olympic-sized pool. Take in those precious rays on a dangerously comfortable bed, and experience star service with the touch of a bell (conveniently located underneath your table’s umbrella).
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But for those who are tech savvy like us, the hotel’s mobile phone application (hillsidesumobile.com)is the ideal way to take advantage of the services at your fingertips.
From the comfort of our lounger we ordered a tasty mushroom pasta and salmon Caesar salad combo dish for lunch, browsed through SANDA Spa treatments and even arranged a wakeup call, just in case we got a little carried away.
Back in our pristine junior suite, we were greeted by a large yet sleek plasma screen, trendy breakfast bar/lounge area, two double beds (one for inside and one for snoozing under the stars) and not a mini but a MAXI bar. We told you everything is bigger at Hillside SU...
See the night in with the ultimate sunset experience at the 5th Floor Seafood Restaurant. Dine al fresco with a breathtaking view of the Taurus Mountains.
One of six eateries at the five-star resort, prepare to be served up the best of local delicacies. We devoured seasonal specialities and especially enjoyed the succulent octopus starter, tender seabass main and a tempting trio of crème brulee deserts.
And there’s no need to feel too guilty about the culinary delights consumed during your stay with so many reasons to get active.
Water sports are available on-site as well as offsite thanks to Hillside’s complimentary access to neighbouring Aqualand. But if, like us, you prefer a more chilled out way to get involved in the action, hire a segway and explore your holiday grounds.
And don’t forget to glide past Mr Dane’s graffitti masterclass. Passers-by are invited to add free-style designs to his large-scale mural which will then be displayed at Sunsplash when another year of boutique-style partying begins.
Hillside SU
Rates at Hillside Su start from 75 Euros per room per night on a bed and breakfast basis. For reservations visit www.hillsidesu.com or Tel 0090 242 249 0700.Turkish TourismFor further information on Antalya and the Mediterranean region of Turkey, visit gototurkey.co.uk, the official website of the Turkish Culture and Tourism Office, UK & Ireland.
easyJet flies from London Gatwick to Antalya. Prices return start from £142.98 and include all taxes (prices are subject to change). Visit www.easyJet.com to book.