The final day of the Kusadasi FAM trip, hosted by Sunway and SunExpress in collaboration with the Turkish Tourist Board, continued with another full itinerary of hotel inspections for the group of Irish travel agents.
Taking part in the trip are:
- Marena Naughton – ACE Travel
- Luis Braya – Barters Travel
- Kayleigh Walters – Best 4 Travel
- Clodagh Connolly – Fahy Travel
- Maria Boyle Morgan – Lee Travel
- Laura Sweetman – Magic Vacations
- Clare Ellen Farrelly – Shandon Travel
- Lynda O’Sullivan – West Cork Travel
- Shelly Heaney – Best 4 Travel
- Lorraine Connolly – Kanes Travel
- Iunia Dimitrenco – Travel Boutique
- Nicola York – Just Split
- Eleanor McElroy – O’Callaghan Travel
- Sun Express : Jens Bachmann & James Harrison
- Sunway: Andrea Holmes, Kellie Fitzsimons & Catherine Cinnamond
- Jacinta McGlynn – Travelbiz
Following another generous buffet breakfast at the Richmond Ephesus Resort, the group began the day with a guided tour of the property. Having now spent two nights at the hotel, agents were already well-acquainted with its layout, spacious rooms and the gorgeous strand of beach out front, and the walkthrough helped reinforce just how much the resort delivers as an all-inclusive base for both families and couples.
From there, the group boarded the coach for another round of hotel inspections.
Ramada Hotel & Suites by Wyndham Kuşadası was the first stop, not to be confused with the nearby Ramada Resort Kuşadası & Golf. This family-friendly property has clean, modern rooms and a well-maintained layout. It offers a range of facilities including a kids’ pool, water slides, and play areas, making it particularly appealing for families with young children. The resort is quite compact but well-equipped, making it a good choice for travellers who want to be within close reach of the town centre.
Next was the Ramada Resort Kuşadası & Golf, a larger resort-style complex designed for families and active travellers. The property has a huge pool area with multiple slides, entertainment zones, and a dedicated kids’ club. Room configurations are a key strength here, with a variety of spacious suites ideal for families or groups looking for added comfort and flexibility. In addition to its leisure offerings, the resort also includes access to a nearby golf course, adding appeal for guests interested in combining sport with a family holiday!
At the Charisma De Luxe Hotel, agents experienced one of the best properties of the trip. Marketed as a business hotel, the property far exceeded expectations in terms of luxury and atmosphere. The sea view lobby made an immediate impression, while the hotel’s spa and hamam area stood out as one of the most impressive wellness facilities of the entire inspection programme.
Although the property doesn’t have a traditional beach, the seaside patio area features direct ladder access into clear waters. The rooms were spacious and airy, and with the popular Charides Restaurant on site, Charisma De Luxe is a premium choice for both leisure and corporate travellers.
Midday brought a change of pace, as the group headed to the Palmin Hotel for lunch and a property tour. The hotel, located in a quieter area of Kusadasi, is a popular option for families and couples, with a relaxed, all-inclusive environment just a short walk from Ladies Beach. After a sit-down buffet lunch (where the curry sauce was absolutely to die for) and viewing of the rooms and pool area, the group was ready to continue hotel inspections!
The next stop was the Fantasia Hotel De Luxe, a full-scale resort with a huge range of amenities and a beachfront. The property has spacious rooms with panoramic sea views, and the outdoor pool and slide area were a clear highlight for families travelling with children. While the hotel doesn’t offer a sandy beach, guests can enjoy direct access to the sea via ladders from a large sunbathing platform. Additional facilities include an indoor pool, spa and wellness centre, fitness area, and multiple dining options. Fantasia caters well to both families and couples looking for a comfortable all-inclusive stay.
The final inspection of the day was at the Marbel Hotel by Palm Wings, a centrally located and very welcoming property where the group was greeted with prosecco and light refreshments on arrival, setting a friendly tone for the visit. The hotel had a spacious outdoor pool, a dedicated kids’ play area, and a padel court, making it great option for both families and active guests. There was also a fabulous angel-wing wall perfect for a photo-op, and a hammock area to relax in. The rooms had pleasant views and the location was within easy reach of Kuşadası’s town centre.
The afternoon was free for agents to enjoy some downtime. Some took the opportunity to shop in Centrum, while others chose to relax by the pool, walk the beach, or simply recharge after a packed two days. A few members of the group headed down to the beach to watch the sunset before dinner, which was held on-site at the resort, allowing the group a chance to relax and enjoy the evening at their own pace.
After two packed days of hotel visits, resort tours and some pretty stunning seaside views, the group wrapped up the trip with a clear picture of what Kuşadası has to offer, from family-friendly resorts packed with activities to more laid-back, stylish properties for couples or groups, the variety and value of the region really stood out! Plus…the shopping was pretty amazing too.
ITTN’s Julia Labedz would like to thank Sunway, SunExpress, and the Turkish Tourist Board for putting together such a well-organised and enjoyable trip. The itinerary was informative, the hospitality was generous, and the destination left a lasting impression on everyone involved!
