✈️ My First FAM Trip! Anex Tours: You’ve Set the Bar High! Turkey You Were an Amazing Host 💗
- Nothing Ventured
- Oct 21
- 13 min read
⚠️Warning⚠️This is a long blog so top tip: Check the headings for the hotel you want to know about without reading how my weekend went 😉
Being new-ish to the travel agent world, I had the absolute privilege of being one of 90 agents whisked away to Turkey with Anex Tours this month and WOW, what an experience. They may have just ruined every future FAM trip for me… in the best way possible!
🧳 The Journey Begins (With a Dash of Chaos)
The adventure kicked off with a frantic car park shuffle at Gatwick. I trialled three of their finest before finally locating the one I’d actually booked, first clue that my navigation skills might need some work! With a 23kg suitcase in tow and no Mr Lee around to do the heavy lifting, I let that beast run riot down the empty bus aisle. I arrived at the South Terminal in full White Rabbit panic mode, but soon found my Anex family and was handed a goody bag from the UK team to kick things off.
Boarding the MGA flight with 60+ strangers (the other 30 were flying from Manchester), I was pleasantly surprised to find the plane half empty. That glorious middle seat? Free as a bird. Stretch out, relax, and enjoy the ride! All while talking non stop to the person beside me who clearly would have liked to sleep but my relentless and excited chatter kept us up until landing (sorry!)
🍹 Welcome to All-Inclusive Madness
We landed late, and while an earlier flight might’ve meant more rest, let’s be honest, if you’ve ever travelled with a group of agents, sleep isn’t really on the itinerary. By 4am, those who arrived earlier were already propping up the free bar at the Selectum Luxury Hotel and getting the party started. Welcome to the wild world of all-inclusive travel agent life!
Lady luck was on my side at check-in. I’d packed earplugs for my roommate, but turns out I didn’t need them, I was gifted a room all to myself. Cue grateful squeals!
🛏️ The Boudoir of Dreams
I walked into what can only be described as the suite that inspired 50 Shades of Grey. I felt under-packed without a cat o’ nine tails or cuffs (though security might’ve had a few questions if I had!). Mr Lee was safely at home, so I settled into the boujiest boudoir I’ve ever laid eyes on. The bed was MASSIVE, the balcony views were breathtaking, and the bathroom had it all, rainfall showers, jet tubs, plush robes, luxury bath salts… even a fully stocked mini bar. Heaven! That is, until a staff member walked in at 9am. Double lock engaged for the rest of the trip!
🍳 Breakfast Bliss & Poolside Perks
Our first morning was ours to enjoy until the hotel tours began at 1pm. I made a beeline for the buffet and pool. The breakfast spread was impressive: hot dishes, freshly cooked omelettes, breads, salads, cold meats, pastries, fresh-pressed juices, and even juice shots. Coffee, tea, and bottled water were available everywhere, and thanks to off-peak season, there were no queues and plenty of seating.
The pool? A little cool, but still inviting. I dipped in (waist-deep counts, right?) and scoped out the scene. Highlights included:
🟥 A mysterious red pool, no idea why, but it looked cool!
🚴♀️ Water spin class, yes, they dropped bikes into the pool!
🛏️ In-pool beds for lazy lounging on hot days.
🗼 Giant towers in the water… no ladders, no floors. Still a mystery.
🛼 Rollerskating waiters serving drinks. 10am cocktails? Don’t mind if I do!
If you can’t beat them, join them. YOLO, right?
🏰 Day One in Turkey: From Candy Canes to Bohemian Beats
By 1pm, we were no longer strangers, just 90 travel agents buzzing with excitement and ready to get down to some serious hotel touring. First stop? The legendary Land of Legends.
🎮 The Kingdom Hotel: Where Fantasy Meets Family Fun
We kicked things off at The Kingdom Hotel, one of Turkey’s most magical family-friendly resorts. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by a whimsical pick ‘n’ mix stand straight out of a fairytale, candy canes dangling from the ceiling and a castle centrepiece that made us feel like kids again.
Now, my daughter’s 21 and probably wouldn’t be as enchanted, but Mr Lee? He’d be obsessed with the floor-to-ceiling PlayStation setup in the giant playroom! The hotel offers themed rooms in either pink or blue, and while you might get lucky off-peak, peak season requires a paid upgrade to guarantee your colour choice.
Despite being off-season, the hotel was at full capacity, no rooms available for us to view, which speaks volumes about its popularity. And even with 90 extra agents roaming around, the space was so vast it never felt crowded. From bars and spas to toddler zones and teen hangouts, this place truly caters to every age. Personally, I’d say 3–4 nights here would be the perfect dose of excitement before moving on to a more restful Turkish retreat.
🛍️ From Kingdom to Nickelodeon: A Canal of Surprises
Leaving The Kingdom, we strolled down the cleanest shopping street I’ve ever seen, complete with a canal running through the centre offering gondola rides (for a fee).
Opposite us stood the entrance to the Land of Legends theme park, access included for hotel guests, which is a huge bonus.
We passed the entertainment stage where nightly light shows and performances take place, and arrived at our next stop: Nickelodeon Hotels & Resorts Antalya.
🧡 Nickelodeon Resort: A Splash of Character and Charm
This resort has a younger vibe and offers a Full Board option (soft drinks included, alcohol extra). From craft rooms to shaded, heated pools, every detail is designed with families in mind. Opened in January 2025, it’s still fresh and pristine, no mucky little cherubs have had time to leave their mark just yet 😉 but their artwork is proudly displayed and looks fab.
Guests can book a character breakfast for an extra fee, and even those staying at The Kingdom can join in. It adds a touch of Disney-esque magic to the experience.
We were lucky enough to tour the Master Penthouse Suite, and wow, if you’re going to impress a group of travel agents, this is how you do it! Each floor of the hotel is themed: Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Star Trek, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles etc… but the suite is a mash-up of all things fun, perfect for groups of up to 10. From matching bathroom mirrors to mini robes for the little ones, the attention to detail was impeccable. Wall art, cushions, colour schemes, it was a full-on celebration of childhood joy.
🎢 Land of Legends Theme Park: A Maze of Magic
After the hotel tours, we headed into the Land of Legends Theme Park. Sadly, my back had other plans, so I skipped the rides, but that just means I’ll have to come back!
Entry comes with a wristband that doubles as your payment method throughout the park. You can top it up at any store and tap to pay for food, drinks, and souvenirs. It’s a genius way to give kids spending money without the worry of cash getting lost and gives us adults the cashless resorts vibe of the Maldives.
The park caters to all ages with water flumes, splash zones, and even an aquarium with daily shows (if you can find it!). It’s not huge, but big enough to feel like a maze, especially with my questionable navigation skills and the lack of “You Are Here” signs. I wandered in circles before finally finding Poseidon and settling in for our group photo.
🌅 Bohemian Beach Party: A Night to Remember
Back to the hotel, quick shower and change, and off we went to Selectum Luxury Hotels’ private beach for a Bohemian-themed party. (Yes, I had to Google what to wear!)
The evening was pure magic: Turkish platters laid out for sofra-style dining, fairy lights twinkling above, saxophonists playing modern tunes, fire dancers, photographers, singers, DJs, and dancers in heels taller than my legs. It was a stunning setting and the perfect introduction to travel agent life.
And that was just day one.
🌅 Day Two: Sunrises, Swim-Up Suites & Sparkling Gala Nights
Day two kicked off with a surprise stint in the hotel nightclub from midnight to 3am, so much for the bad back! Turns out alcohol was the perfect remedy. Despite the late (and boozy) night, I somehow managed to rise and shine by 6:30am, wandering down to the end of the pier to soak up the sunrise. Not a soul in sight, just me, the sea, and a moment of peace before the madness resumed.
🏖️ Sunrise Serenity at Selectum Luxury’s Private Beach
The beach had been tidied to perfection, with plenty of free sunbeds available. If you're feeling fancy, you can hire a cabana for the day, some even come with hot tubs on deck (guess which one I'd pick!). There's a towel hut (no deposit required), a bar at the end of the pier with deck seating, and private cabana huts with ladders leading straight into the ocean. Shaded and non-shaded seating, outdoor showers, and a touch of luxury made this spot a dreamy start to the day.
🍳 Breakfast, Bottled Water & a Slightly Fragile Travel Agent
After another indulgent breakfast buffet and copious amounts of water, I grabbed two more bottles and headed to reception for another full day of hotel visits, this time with a slightly sore head and a tender tummy. On the agenda: four hotels: NoaBelek, Selectum Family Resort, Asteria, and The Kremlin.
🏛️ NoaBelek: Grand but in Need of a Refresh Maybe 4 Star?
NoaBelek greeted us with a grand entrance and Roman-style artwork, plus bazaar-style amenities. While the pool area and waterslides were impressive, and the playpark for younger children was a great touch, the rooms felt dated. We were told the hotel is due for refurbishment in 2026, which is definitely needed. The beach was a fair walk from the main resort, but cabanas offered privacy and a peaceful family-friendly vibe.
🌿 Selectum Family Resort: Nature, Nurture & Slides from Balconies
This hotel had a much warmer, more welcoming feel. The entrance was modest, surrounded by lush greenery, and the popular "Nature Rooms" were a standout feature. We toured a room in the main building, comfortable, well-equipped, and spacious even with 8–10 agents milling around. Larger family rooms with kitchenettes are available, and the pool-view rooms offer stunning ocean vistas.
A charming bridge leads to the beach, where you can relax on sunbeds or rent a cabana. On our walk, we spotted guests crabbing from boats for that evening’s dinner, an unexpected and delightful touch. We also noticed slides coming from some nature room balconies straight into the playpark below. Fun? Yes. Safe? Debatable. Oh, and the black-and-white stripe theme? It’s everywhere, including our host hotel!
🐠 Asteria Hotel: Aquatic Vibes & Tranquil Spaces
From nature to nautical, Asteria’s reception featured fishtanks and a calming atmosphere. The resort felt like a Turkish Center Parcs, with trees, birds, and a peaceful vibe. Separate adult and child zones offered a chance to unwind, and while the rooms were a bit dated (more 4-star than 5), a refurbishment is planned for the end of the season.
The chalet-style layout means no lifts, so ground-floor rooms are best for those with mobility concerns. I loved the shaded walkway with trickling water and seating, a tranquil haven. The hotel also hosts a volleyball tournament annually, and we arrived just in time to catch the action. With its own waterpark and herb garden used in the restaurants, Asteria blends nature and nurture beautifully.
🏰 The Kremlin: Regal, Retro & Surprisingly Inviting
First impressions? A bit prison-meets-asylum from the outside. But inside, it’s a whole different story, light, spacious, and oddly regal with stately wall art that felt straight out of a UK manor house. We toured the swim-up rooms, and while the bathroom was a favourite of mine, the bedroom décor wasn’t quite my style. Also, ladders to get into the pool but none to get out to the sunbeds? Interesting choice.
The resort is vast, with beer houses, elegant dining areas, and a massive pool. At 2/3 capacity, it still felt open and uncrowded, until we hit the beach and found where everyone had gone! The hotel boasts an amphitheatre, entertainment stages, slides, and a beach area. Oh, and the ice cream? Yes please.
🎉 Gala Night Glam: Black Tie & Bohemian Sass
After a long day of hotel hopping, it was time to glam up for the evening’s entertainment, a black-tie gala night. At 40-something, menopausal, and in 25+ degree heat, the idea of formalwear wasn’t thrilling, but I did it. My trusty fan was my best accessory.
We met for cocktails in the Selectum Luxury Resort’s auditorium, greeted like red carpet royalty with paparazzi-style photos. Anex pulled out all the stops: AI photography, 360-degree videography, cocktail jellies, and smoke stations. We entered a Gatsby-esque dining hall for a night of live bands, gymnasts, a five-course meal, and sparkling dancers.
Speeches were made, drinks flowed, and the night ended with a few nightcaps at the main bar. Despite the looming 8:30am start for day three, many of us refused to call it a night. I may not be 21 anymore, but someone forgot to tell my brain that, two days of drinks is hardcore!
🌞 Day Three: Final Hotel Tours, Ancient Wonders & A Bit of Bowling
The last full day. Ninety slightly weary agents, two coaches, and two final hotels to visit before a boat trip at Green Paradise and a wander through Side Old Town. Spirits were flagging, but we were determined to make the most of it.
🏨 Final Hotel Visits: Asteria Bloom & Selectum Comfort
Asteria Bloom was first on the list. Clean and compact, it didn’t have the grandest entrance, and the lift, complete with a weight warning, was a cheeky reminder to ease off the all-inclusive buffet! With just two small lifts and five floors, I imagine it could get a bit congested at full capacity. There were steps leading to balconies, which might be tricky for guests with mobility concerns. The pool was pleasant, but the walk to the beach was a bit of a trek. Interestingly, there’s a large area of untouched land nearby, rumoured to be earmarked for future development. It was also the only hotel we visited without its own water park. Rooms were clean and comfortable, with lovely ocean views from the higher floors.
Selectum Comfort was a standout. From the inviting foyer to the beach views from the bar balcony, it felt warm and family-friendly. Giraffe-themed décor and positive affirmations on cushions and wall art added a playful touch. The family rooms were cleverly designed with separate adult and children’s spaces, and the adult bedroom had the balcony, which is a win in my book! There was a large play park, a well-kept pool with mattress-topped sunbeds, and a private beach with rentable cabanas. Bonus points for the extra swimming areas between rooms and a fun aqua park.
Overall, while the Asterias and NoaBelek felt more like high 3 to mid 4-star properties, Selectum’s quirky, Tim Burton-esque design (hello, Beetlejuice vibes!) made it my preferred spot to stay.
🍽️ Green Paradise & A Boat Trip That Wasn’t
Next stop: Green Paradise Restaurant for lunch and a boat trip. We passed stunning aqueducts and ancient architecture, with tales of amphitheatres built by suitors vying for a princess’s hand. The natural beauty was breathtaking.
Sadly, the boat trip was cancelled due to high winds, but the meal more than made up for it. As a veggie, I was thrilled with the flavour-packed pastas and rice dishes. The shimmering water views, despite the chill, added to the charm.
To make up for the missed boat ride, we were whisked off to a local bazaar, a well-organised treasure trove that felt like a “Genuine Fake TK Maxx.” Bargain shopping heaven!
🏛️ Side Old Town: A Step Back in Time
Our final excursion took us to Side Old Town, and I’m so glad I stayed on the tour. The ancient ruins, amphitheatre, and architecture transported us back in time, rumour has it Cleopatra may have met St. Anthony here!
We wandered through charming streets lined with boutique shops offering unique gifts and souvenirs, eventually reaching the harbour. The sun danced on the water, and the restaurants and bars looked incredibly inviting. If we’d had more time, I’d have happily settled in with a cocktail overlooking the Mediterranean.
With just 30 minutes to explore, we took a slow uphill stroll, soaking it all in before ending with a well-deserved pomegranate beer, a local favourite that was fruity, refreshing, and surprisingly tasty (though one was enough!). I’d love to return with Mr Lee, stay locally, and enjoy the area self-catering to truly embrace its quaint, traditional charm here.
🏡 One Last Surprise: Selectum Luxury’s Family Side
Back at the hotel, we were late, but Selectum Luxury had one final surprise for us: a tour of the family side of the resort. And wow, what a difference! It had everything the other Selectum properties offered, but with added touches like a family-only restaurant, multiple play parks, aqua parks, and beautifully designed family rooms. I only wish we’d seen it in daylight. They truly saved the best for last.
🎳 Final Night: Bowling Over Booze
With free rein for our last night, most of us opted for dinner and a relaxed drink at the lobby bar. I, however, chose bowling with a few fellow agents, turns out three nights of hardcore drinking is no longer my thing!
I was a bit gutted not to book a spa appointment before flying home, but it was nice to unwind by the pool for an hour. Those who did visit the spa raved about the experience, especially the tiny Thai ladies who climbed onto the beds to work their magic!
✈️ Homeward Bound: Antalya Airport & Reflections
We thanked the Selectum team for their incredible hospitality and headed to Antalya Airport (about 45 minutes from the hotel). Known for being small and busy, we arrived early, but security was a breeze when off peak. Meals were pricey (€16 for a sandwich and Coke!), but seating was easy to find, and the gates were conveniently close. Bliss, after all the walking we’d done!
We boarded with middle seats free again, lucky! Though I doubt I’ll get that luxury when I head to Bulgaria with Mr Lee next month.
💬 Final Thoughts
This trip was brilliant. I made new contacts, some of whom I hope to call friends. The Anex Team did a phenomenal job showcasing Turkey and opening my eyes to a destination only 4 hours away which I hadn’t considered before, but will definitely return to.
They may have set the bar so high that every future FAM trip will struggle to compete… but we’ll see what’s in store! Thanks for reading- Check out the The Wanderluster | Nothing Ventured Travel for more info or if you are ready to book, take a look at the adverts showcasing my favourites Weekly Wanderlust | Nothing Ventured Travel
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