Wednesday, August 21, 2024 Discover Turkey’s new boutique resort, a family-friendly haven where every day is filled with fun, relaxation, and memorable adventures for all ages. The creators of the luxurious Joali resort have unveiled a chic new attraction in Antalya, while the emerging Bijal brand is quickly becoming a revolutionary choice for families looking to add a splash of excitement to their routines. Our waitress, Emine, greeted my energetic toddler with a warm smile and an invitation to play, stretching out her hands as he darted around the restaurant under my husband’s watchful eye.
Her gentle approach with just two words, “Let’s play,” immediately calmed my nerves about dining out with my lively son. This allowed my husband Elliott and me to truly enjoy our chocolate lava cake dessert, relishing each bite amid the background of softly sung nursery rhymes and enthusiastic high fives. These were moments of rare tranquility, a treasure for any parent familiar with the joys of raising spirited children.
Throughout our stay at Bijal, the charming new boutique resort in Antalya tailored for families, the ethos of “we see play everywhere” was vividly brought to life. This playful spirit wasn’t just evident in our delightful interaction that evening but permeated the entire resort. The property, featuring 19 villas, radiated joy—from the board games welcoming guests at reception to the hopscotch designs on the beach promenade.
The cheerful demeanor of the staff and the bursts of sunny yellow in the sophisticated, art deco-inspired decor added to the ambiance. On arrival, families are even encouraged to join a treasure hunt around the resort, ending in a delightful surprise, making every moment at Bijal a celebration of fun. Mini Masters My son, Kaiambe, thoroughly enjoyed the amenities at Bijal, especially the ocean-themed Mini Club.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.
m. and staffed by a dedicated team, the club provided endless entertainment. We spent our mornings immersed in creative activities like drawing, building blocks, and molding Play-Doh, all under the attentive care of Adel, the warm and friendly attendant.
Although the Mini Club primarily caters to children aged three to twelve, my 15-month-old was welcomed with open arms. The facility even includes a special infant room, equipped with a changing area and cot, perfect for when babies and toddlers need a bit of quiet time. There’s also a kids’ pool with a shaded canopy, where the water was just shallow enough to reach Kaiambe’s waist.
We spent a memorable afternoon there, splashing around to escape the heat. What makes the Mini Club truly special is the flexibility it offers. Parents can drop off their children anytime, allowing them to explore other parts of the resort.
For those who need it, on-demand nanny services are also available. Dining Delights Parents have no shortage of indulgent options at Bijal, with three restaurants, two bars (one open 24/7), a cutting-edge spa with three massage rooms, a fitness center, and serene beach cabanas providing ample opportunities to unwind. Our day often began at The Club House, the go-to spot for breakfast.
The cold buffet featured a mix of continental and local delights, including pancakes, waffles, and the Turkish favorite, menemen. By night, The Club House transformed into an Italian fine dining experience, offering an eclectic menu crafted by Michelin-starred chef Theodor Falser. The braised veal cheeks, giant tiger prawns, and zucchini fries quickly became our favorites.
For lunch, we made the Beach House our regular spot, where the smoked beef ribs burgers were so irresistible we ordered them three days in a row. Fresh sea bream was our dinner choice on another occasion, and for those in search of something different, Japanese Teppanyaki by the beach was another tempting option. Despite the array of dining venues, we often found ourselves enjoying the comfort of our villa, complete with a gracefully designed private heated pool and a lush garden filled with plumeria and banana palm trees.
Villa Living Derived from the Hindi word for enlightenment, Bijal is the latest addition to the Gurok Group’s impressive portfolio, which also includes the ultra-chic Joali Maldives and the wellness-centric Joali Being. The resort is designed with a playful yet sophisticated touch by Autoban, evident in our villa’s expansive floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows that flooded the space with natural light. The walls, adorned with wave patterns and textured surfaces in neutral tones, added a whimsical element to the serene atmosphere.
Guests will appreciate the high-tech amenities, including a Dyson hair dryer and straighteners, as well as a fully stocked wardrobe offering everything from bathrobes and kimonos to indoor and outdoor slippers, yoga mats, and laundry bags. The villa’s luxurious plant-based Pure Project toiletries were a treat, and even our little one was provided with his own kit, complete with Mustela factor 50 sun cream, Pure Project hair and body wash, Mustela body lotion, a bath sponge, and, much to his delight, rubber ducks. The villa’s lighting, air conditioning, and sound system were all conveniently controlled by a tablet, which occasionally needed a little help from our ever-attentive butler, Adil, to resolve minor glitches.
Bijal offers a range of villa options, from cozy one-bedroom retreats to expansive four-bedroom properties, ideal for multigenerational holidays. For those traveling with a large group, Villas 1 and 2 are perfect, each accommodating up to 12 guests in ensuite rooms and featuring spacious central living areas. Villa 1, in particular, boasts a stunning corner pool that’s sure to be a hit on Instagram.
The resort also provides a variety of activities, from cooking and painting to ceramics, water sports, and fitness classes, ensuring there’s something for all ages. Each villa is equipped with its own set of bicycles, sporting the resort’s signature yellow branding. We made the most of them, strapping Kaiambe safely into his child seat and enjoying a short ride from our villa through olive tree and bamboo-lined paths to the beachfront.
With inflatables in hand, and the warm, sparkling sea and soft, sugary sand ahead, the only thing left for us to do was to play. How to Book It Carrier offers five nights at Bijal starting from £5,030 per person, based on two adults sharing a one-bedroom villa. This price includes a 15% savings, breakfast, flights from Gatwick with British Airways, private transfers, and a fast track service with meet and assist.
The offer is valid for travel between 16 September and 20 October 2024..
