15/10/19
Birmingham to Antalya
This was a golf trip organised for John Mayne’s 60th Birthday. We were collected by minibus, big enough for the eight of us, Nik and I, John and Liz Mayne, David and Ann Randall and Roy and Beverley Hawkins, all our luggage and four sets of golf clubs. After a customary Wetherspoons, we boarded out Jet2 plane for the four-hour flight to Turkey.
After a short private transfer, we arrived at the Regnum Carya at 9.45pm, we were met with champagne, chocolate strawberries and wet towels. First impression was of a very large and luxurious resort. After unpacking we met at the Daphne all night snack bar for a bite to eat and a nightcap.
16/10/19
Regnum Carya
Woke up to grey skies and a thunderstorm, but pleased to note that we had been upgraded from a golf view room to a sea view. Very large room, with a great balcony, two double beds, dressing room and very large bathroom.
After an amazing buffet breakfast, we had a stroll around the resort. It is huge with five pools, numerous restaurants and bars, sports facilities, golf course and water park. Easily got my 10,000 steps in just strolling around the resort. We stopped off at the pier for a Baileys coffee, before walking to the golf club for lunch, this was followed by coffee and cakes in the patisserie for dessert. The sun had then come out so we headed for the adult bar and swim up bar for an afternoon of relaxation.
After freshening up we met up for pre-dinner drinks. We ate in the main restaurant and tonight’s special was a seafood buffet. We decided to check out the entertainment in the amphitheatre, which was billed as the Moscow State Circus, but was just a troop of kids doing acrobatics, probably won’t bother with the entertainment again!
17/10/19
Early start for the boys as it was their first round of golf at the Carya course. Woke up to brilliant sunshine today, so a leisurely breakfast for us girls.
Sunbathing around the adult pool where the waiters delivered drinks on rollerblades. We met the boys for a late lunch at the golf club, where the terrace overlooks the 18th, so we could watch them finish and get the drinks in ready.
Evening meal was in the Thai restaurant, the only one we ate in with an extra charge, but at just 20 euros per person, very reasonable. The restaurant was outside in the woods beside a waterfall and really was quite magical. Each table was on a little deck and the way they were arranged made them feel as though they were in their own private fairy glen.
18/10/19
The boys were playing golf at the National Course today. Another lazy day by the pool for us. Ann went parasailing on the beach, but far too energetic for Liz, Beverley and me.
We had a great lunch at the beach bar and then went to sunbath and swim in the sea off the pier, as the sea breeze meant it was cooler.
Dinner tonight in the Turkish restaurant. We ate outside on the terrace overlooking one of the many swimming pools. Lovely food and great service. Night cap in the Shamrock bar before retiring for the evening.
19/10/19
England rugby match on this morning, so boys and Ann went to the Sports bar to watch it. Myself, Liz and Beverley lay by the pool reading. After lunch at the Beach Bar again we went back to the pool. Quick coffee and ice cream in the patisserie before getting changed for dinner.
Dinner in the Italian, which was excellent food, but rather rushed service by ‘Manuel’ the waiter. The hotel owners were in there, so food must be good. Early night as it is tiring doing nothing!
20/10/19
Ann’s birthday today. After breakfast the boys went to play golf. I had a hot stones massage in the Spa and Ann had a facial. Great massage, not an inch of me untouched! Spa facilities were very impressive.
Adult pool had a bit of a rowdy Russian invasion, so we went to another pool. Arrived just in time for aqua aerobics and then had fun in the wave pool. All the time being served champagne by rollerblading waiters.
In the evening Ann’s birthday meal was in the seafood restaurant. The staff made it a spcial occasion by scattering the table with rose petals and a birthday cake complete with candles and sparklers.
21/10/19
Boys last round of golf and the competition was won by Roy.
Us girls spent the day relaxing by the adult pool and pier. Ann tried her hand at Archery, far too energetic for the rest of us.
Had a couple of drinks in the lobby bar and met the hotel owners in the lift. Of course, John had to engage them in conversation. He was disappointed he didn’t have time to show them his picture with the Queen!
Asian buffet tonight, I was a little disappointed as there was no Indian food, it was Chinese and Japanese, but I managed to find Pizza and chips! We held our own award ceremony to present Roy with the Turkey Golf trophy. Commissioned by Roy and won by Roy!
Ann, Liz and I went to the amphitheatre for a Strictly style dance show, which was great. Night cap in the Lobby bar before turning in.
22/10/19
Last day, late flight so plenty of time to make the most of the hotel facilities. First stop was the adult bar for a spot of sunbathing and cocktails at the swim up bar.
After lunch we went to the pier for a last dip in the sea. We then decided to go canoeing around the lazy river at the water park. John persuaded me to go in a canoe with him, which was a mistake as he ensured I got soaked under the waterfall. Dangle was almost a casualty when he managed to capsize and get swept away by the current. Some good comedy videos were taken, which, of course, were shared on Facebook. Luckily, as the hotel wasn’t full, we managed to keep our room on until 6pm. The hotel includes access to the CIP lounge at Antalya airport. The best part about this was the dedicated check in desk and fast pass through security. The lounge itself was nothing special and the food cold, but free drinks and snacks were welcome. Flight was on time and we arrived home around 2am. Fabulous holiday and the Regnun Carya is a first-class resort.
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