Sunway – way to go baby!

Travelbiz joined the super Sunway Fam trip to Kusadasi and we truly traversed the hot spots of Turkey. Heading off from Dublin and Cork to Izmir with SunExpress, we experienced the popularity of the area first-hand.

Trade partners countrywide enjoyed every second and, together with our Supreme Leader, Andrea Holmes from Sunway, Kellie Fitzsimons and Catherine Cinnamond (both Sunway), Marena Naughton (Ace Travel), Luis Braya (Barters Travel), Kayleigh Walters (Best4Travel), Clodagh Connolly (Fahy Travel), Maria Boyle Morgan (Lee Travel), Laura Sweetman (Magic Vacations), Clare Ellen Farrelly (Shandon Travel), Lynda O’Sullivan (West Cork Travel), Shelley Heaney (Best4Travel), Lorraine Connolly (Kanes Travel), Nicola York (JustSplit), Iunia Di (The Travel Boutique), Eleanor McEroy (O’Callaghan Travel), Jacinta Mc Glynn (Travelbiz), Julia Labedz (ITTN) and Jens Bachmann (SunExpress) we were happy participants.

The groups stayed in Richmond Ephesus Resort (the hint is in the name – close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ephesus where the Temple of Artemis is a Wonder of the Ancient World), Korumar and Sealight Hotels. We got a flavour of many properties from family owned 3* hotels to quality 4 stars right up to 5 star luxe. Categories were chosen for comfort, friendliness, great locations to luxury touches and facilities to swoon over. Palm Hotel, Ramada Hotel & Suites, Ramada Resort & Golf Kusadasi, Irish owned Palmin Hotel (shout out to Seamus Glynn for a lovely lunch), Marbel Hotel, Palm Wings Ephesus, Derici Hotel, Fantasia Hotel and Charisma Deluxe Hotel were all on the itinerary and it was both educational and interesting to judge them on room amenities, ground facilities, kiddie clubs, spa highlights and location benefits. I think we had our personal favourites, but all agreed that the range and choice of hotels on offer catered to every taste and pocket.

Kusadasi itself has grown exponentially over the years and Ephesus, Ladies Beach, marina and Centrum are all part of the sprawling resort that attracts thousands of Irish holidaymakers each year. Transport is excellent with the local dolmus serving each area (a couple of euro will bring you everywhere!) and taxis are plentiful and reasonably priced. Of course, we can’t mention Turkey without giving a nod to the shopping! Kusadasi is an Aladdin’s Cave. Shoes, bags, clothing, lamps, luggage, sunglasses and every item you need, don’t need, wanted or wished for is on display. Tantalising, sparkling and glittering like tempting treats you’ll be relieved of your Turkish lira, euro or dollar. Your credit card will smoulder and burn!

A brilliant boat trip on Deniz Kusu-K was dreamlike with warm, balmy sunshine, turquoise waters and a yummy lunch.  Any chance to strip off and there was a splashtastic swim off the boat into the blue beyond! Some synchronicities from the Sunway bathing belles left the beauties of Bondi beach and Baywatch in the shade!

Treated royally at every turn we even had Turkish Tourism ‘royalty’ join us for an amazing dinner at Mezgit Restaurant in Kusadasi Centrum. From Peninsula Tours, Nejat Bahceli (Senior Contract Manager), Pinar Atci (Operations Executive) and Serkan Ayoi (Ops & Administrative Affairs) and, from TGA (Turkish Tourism Promotions Development Agency), Anil Ozdogan (Assistant Manager of Events & Hospitality) joined us. Food was superb and if you haven’t sampled Turkish cuisine, you’re missing out. From mezes to wonderful breads to fish that literally jumped from the sea that very morning, it was all delicious.

Well, Sunway, you did it again. A fabulous trip with incredible agents and Kusadasi wore its brightest smile for us. Huge thanks to Andrea and Kellie for the immense hospitality and care throughout; Jens Bachmann for minding us on our SunExpress flights and for being the true gentleman to hoosh our baggage! Sunway, it’s the way to go. It’s the only way!