I’m sat in a Turkish hammam, where warm water is being thrown over me as I watch a belly dancer in the centre of the room. Seven of us are spaced out along benches while the floor fills up with hot water. Sweat is dripping from my face. We are encouraged to wash before enjoying a traditional scrub and foam treatment in the connecting rooms.
After 15 minutes, I’m called in for my £54 massage – a similar experience in a hammam at a five-star London hotel costs more than double the price. I lay on my back while a therapist prepares the foam. She puts on a “kese” (an exfoliating glove).
After the scrub step is complete, I lay coated in bubbles for a few minutes.
This is one of many treatments available in the spa at Liberty Signa, a new five-star hotel in Fethiye, Turkey.
Thoroughly relaxed, it’s time for me to explore the rest of the resort.
I’m in my early 20s, but I’m already a long-time fan of all-inclusive holidays – I’ve been on at least 12. Judging by the average age of people staying at this hotel, I seem to be one of the younger advocates of the all-inclusive break.
But this type of holiday is increasingly popular among UK travellers. Research released in May by Advantage Travel Partnership, the UK’s largest network of independent travel agents, found that all-inclusive options had dominated the market in 2024, taking 40 per cent of all bookings with its members. Among the trends Advantage has noted in bookings received for 2025 is the rise of the ultra all inclusive. This involves, for example, consumers choosing resorts that offer multiple a la carte restaurants and services such as baby sitting.
I understand why more people are catching on to this type of break. You don’t have to worry about finding somewhere to eat – or how much your daily meal costs will add to your holiday budget. Daytime activities and trips can typically be booked at your hotel, a beach is usually nearby and – some would argue – most importantly, you don’t have to make your own bed. Saying that, there can be downsides.
On previous all-inclusive holidays, I’ve found that the dining options can feel limited after a few days. And if the closest beach wasn’t as nice as I had hoped, I have had to pay to travel to another. Sometimes, the only snacks I could find were in my room’s mini fridge – and were far pricier than if I had bought them in a shop. But as my trip to Fethiye taught me, it’s worth putting in the research.
Liberty Signa lacked most of these niggles. And, in October, the area has high temperatures of 27°C. Turkey’s shoulder season, between September and November, offers comfortable temperatures without crowds.
The hotel’s eight restaurants – seven free of charge, with a booking required for dinner – and eight bars offer plenty of choice during my four-night stay.
Among the dining options are Italian in Ricotta, Turkish in beachfront Tarte, and Indian in Puri. My favourites dishes are the Turkish Tantuni wrap and the manti (small ravioli-type pasta parcels with beef), which I learn how to make in a cooking class.
The restaurants with open buffets, including Myra Main and Petra (which is for guests aged 16-plus) have international dishes, such as chilli, pizza, sushi and pasta. All-day dining, including at Bon Bon patisserie, is a highlight.
There are several pools, including six outdoor and two indoor, one of which is adult-only, and waiters on roller skates serve drinks to my sun lounger.
Considering the hotel has only been open three months, I am surprised not to notice any teething problems.
Many of the guests seem to be in couples, although some families are dotted around the pools and the beach.
It’s a spacious beach, and there is no 5am rush to secure a sun lounger with a towel.
It’s a little more hectic at the local market, Sali Pazari Bazaar. Two rows of stalls are crammed with displays of fruit and vegetables. A chef from the hotel, who I spot in his uniform, is gathering fresh supplies for dinner, and the area’s residents are stocking up for the week.
A sense of community fills the area with friendly chatter between market stall owners and between buyers and sellers. Although I seem to be one of few tourists, I feel welcome and stall holders are happy to chat to me about what they have on offer.
Opposite the hotel, two supermarkets are filled with souvenirs and travel essentials. They are cheaper than the small shop on the lowest floor of the hotel, where I pay £50 for a small bottle or sun cream and Aloe Vera gel.
Back in my bedroom, the views over the hotel and beach are a marvel, especially during sunset around 7pm. Pinks and oranges fill the sky.
A hot tub on my balcony is an added luxury. As the mornings warm up, I soak and watch over the resort. I add bubbles and bath salts, provided by the hotel, to the water. The walk-in shower is also a bonus.
I find the hotel is suitable for different types of travellers. Families with young children can make the most of the kids’ club and group activities; couples, friends and solo travellers will enjoy the over-16s pools and over-18s beach club. Meanwhile, people that want a more luxurious stay can opt for the pricier rooms and the paid-for restaurant.
At the edge of the resort, a waterpark has several slides. I climb the stairs, float in arms, to speed down them.
Open all year round, but busiest during the summer months, now is a great time to visit the hotel and enjoy the Turkish Riviera.
After my stay, I’m hooked on all-inclusive breaks.
Booking it
The writer stayed at Liberty Signa, Fethiye, which has all-inclusive stays from £1,300pp, per week, libertyhotels.comGetting there
Liberty Signa is about 35 minutes’ drive from Dalaman airport. Direct flights are available from several UK airports.More information
goturkiye.com
