I've been searching high and low for the perfect family vacation spot on the Mediterranean coast, and I'm thrilled to say that Tekirova has won my heart. The flights are relatively short, there are tons of daily flights during peak season, the service is top-notch, and you can find accommodations to fit any taste and budget. Plus, the all-inclusive and ultra-all-inclusive options are a total score for a Russian like me.

But what's not to love? Tekirova has crystal-clear beaches, pebble beaches, tiny hills, orange groves, and pine forests. The climate is even more pleasant than in Belek or Antalya – the air humidity is normal, so even the scorching heat is bearable. The abundance of pine trees fills the air with the intoxicating scent of pine needles.

Here's the thing, though: there aren't many exciting excursions nearby. You've got trout fishing, horseback riding through the hills, and strolls along Tekirova itself, and that's about it. The other excursions are off-site. But if you book a fantastic hotel, like the one I'm about to rave about, you'll have loads of stuff to do without leaving the premises.

The main downside of Rixos in Kemer? The room numbers are tiny. We were squished in three people in a standard room and it was a real squeeze. In a two-room suite, there's more space, but it's still a bit cramped.

Now, let's talk about the grub! It's seriously awesome! They've got an impressive healthy buffet with tons of rice dishes, soups, steamed veggies, and grilled meats. For traveling families, this is a total lifesaver. I love being able to feed my kids decent, homemade food on the go instead of burgers and fries all the time. Of course, they're available, but where's the fun in that? You've always got a variety of meats, birds, fish, Turkish dishes, Chinese cuisine... I mean, I felt spoiled with wok, my husband with grilled fish and seafood. There are tons of fresh veggies, an insane amount of salad dressings, cheeses, honey, jam, desserts, ice cream (a full ice cream parlor, no joke!) and, of course, baklava and lokum. The only bummer is that their baklava isn't as good as in Istanbul, and that's a total bummer every time.

As for drinks, they've got loads of options from cola and fantasy to juice in different flavors. And if you're looking to get a little tipsy, they've got a variety of local drinks, whites, reds, rosés, whiskey, tequila, rum, vodka, rakia... and any cocktail you can think of, plus limoncello, etc.

But here's the thing: in our repeat visits, we've lamented the decline in the quality of food and drinks here. They're reducing the variety and replacing it with cheaper alternatives, and in some cases, they just don't have certain ingredients. And don't even get me started on the mojito – they use lemons, but sometimes they forget the mint

SERVICE

You're right. The service here is impeccable. Another example of this is replacing the Turkish staff with their colleagues from the old Soviet republics. I'm not against our brothers, but when they're unprofessional, lazy, and always running late, it's a problem. We simply chose the tables with Turkish staff, and I guess that wasn't the most politically correct way to act, but it was the truth. These guys know what they're doing, they're friendly, welcoming, intelligent, and lightning-fast with service – and for a small bribe, they'll treat you like royalty. The bribe, of course, is a big part of life in Turkey, so be prepared to show your gratitude.