My husband and I decided we needed an extended holiday, preferably to a family-friendly destination. We are based in Europe for work, so we wanted something near the ocean and with preferably better weather than the current western European winter.

A package holiday was something very unfamiliar to us. We were always, book our flights and find accommodation when we get there kind of travellers. This trip was different, our son was 17 months and I was pregnant with our second child. I didn't want to fly long distance and I wanted a resort style of accommodation. After looking around at our options of Spain, Italy and Greece, we decided on Turkey, a short three-hour trip from Munich airport. Our holiday was for three weeks and we decided on the area of Side, around one hour from Antalya. I had been to Turkey previously as had my husband, but as young carefree travellers. This time we wanted all the comforts of a 5-star hotel and the convenience of the location.

Our trip included flights, accommodation and can you believe it, all our meals! I was rather dubious about the all inclusive food, but my husband and I agreed, if it was on the dodgy side, we could head into town and eat. Our flight was mid-morning, so there was no crazy rush to the airport. We boarded no fuss and after a trouble free flight we arrived into a much warmer Turkey.

As we drove through the bumpy, dirt-covered streets from the airport to our hotel, it was wonderful to see our sons eyes open wider and wider still in amazement at the surrounding landscape. Our hotel was beautiful, for once the photos did not deceive. A lavish restored monster that was smack bang on the beach! We arrived in time for lunch, our first test of the food - after entering the huge restaurant that opened out onto a beautiful terrace overlooking the ocean, I knew we had made the right decision. The food was amazing, every kind of food possible. My husband and I love Turkish food, so it was wonderful to find great tasting food that was relatively traditional.

The tap water in the area we were staying in was undrinkable, but the hotel supplies limitless bottled water for guests. I was concerned, as my son was drinking toddler formula, but he had no stomach upsets and really enjoyed trying all the different foods.

We did day trips to Antalya to visit the ancient castle ruins and did some great water activities. At nights in the hotel they had a kids club, even though our son was much younger than most children, they all knew him by name and the wonderful kids club teachers included him in a lot of activities, including the final concert disco. Our little boy got up on stage in front of all the other parents and children and did a big dance, he was the star of the night (well we thought so anyway).

The hotel offered some great activities for us, my son who had swimming lessons in Germany was very keen to get into the pool and loved swimming and playing with his dad. I had a chance to relax and catch up on reading. This holiday was everything you dream about and rarely get to experience. The Turkish people were welcoming and engaging. If in Europe, I would highly recommend a side trip to Turkey. We are planning to do another trip to Turkey, this time going with a group of friends and family and make for an amazing holiday adventure.