Why we're recommending Turkey out of season from Nov-Mar

Say hello to ‘the winter concept’…

Turkey has really been expanding its ultra-luxury all-inclusive offer; however, these hotels have eye-watering price tags during the peak season, but out-of-season they can be incredible value!

The peak season for visiting Turkey for a beach holiday is between June and August, however, with temperatures reaching the high 30’s it’s too hot for many, and hotel cost are at their highest.

Belek has a Mediterranean climate with hot dry summers and mild winters. If you’re a sunseeker the best time to visit is between June and September with temperates exceeding 35°C (95°F), however, if sunbathing isn’t your number one priority, then Belek during the winter could be a great option.

Many guests are put off going to Turkey out of season as hotels can feel empty and soulless with restaurants and facilities closed, and little to do if the weather isn’t great. However, many ultra-luxury all-inclusive hotels in Turkey are enticing guests with their strong ‘winter concepts’ which offer golf, indoor and outdoor heated pools, multiple restaurants and much more.

These winter concepts typically run from 1st November to 31st March, with the summer concept starting on the 1st April, when hotels will open up outside restaurants, bars and aqua parks.

The average weather in the Belek area in March is around 19°C, with around 7 hours of sunshine, and 5 days with some rain. Ideal for golf, beach strolls and for enjoying the heated indoor and outdoor pools. In November it can be warmer with averages around 22°C, and with the sea temperature over 20°C, its the perfect time to take a dip!

This week we’ve had a chat to the team at the 5 star Maxx Royal Belek...

The Maxx Royal Belek, is just one hotel that’s got an excellent ‘winter concept’. They were quick to remind us that:

“It is only the outside restaurants and bars that are closed. There are 2 heated pools, an outdoor seawater pool, an indoor pool and an indoor kids’ pool. There are activities during the day and live music in the evening. The kids club, gym, bowling alley and spa are all open. The Mini Amusement Park, Playground, Dino Land and Adventure Park are also open, but service hours may vary depending on the weather conditions.

The all-inclusive during winter, at the Maxx Royal, includes the patisserie, chocolatier, ice cream parlour and the main restaurant. The hotel does have some stunning speciality restaurants which are bookable with a supplement (but well worth it in our opinion!) including OTAKU, Bueno Steak House (and Gastro by Alfredo Russo.”

Price comparisons...

In Staffordshire our Easter holiday is a little earlier with schools breaking up on the 22nd March. If you departed on Tuesday 26 Mar 2024 for 7 night with flights from Birmingham (with great times i.e. departing 08.45 and returning 17.25), the cost for 2 adults and one child (aged 11 or under) is £3,726.00, Including private transfers, luggage and a suite with land view. Or upgrade to a two bedroom suite with land view for an additional £900.

Compare this to Whitsun Week departing 25th May, when prices increase to £5600 in the suite with land view, and £8430 with the upgraded two bedroom suite. Depart on the 4th August and the cost increases further to £7400 and £10,200 respectively.