Spa Special 2014: Kempinski Hotel, Bodrum, Turkey

With one of the most beautiful aspects in Turkey – overlooking the breathtakingly blue Aegean coast – this hotel has long been a favourite with families. Everything has been thought of, from skin-kind kids’ toiletries, fresh fruit and sweet treats in the room, to the great kids’ club with a full daily itinerary and qualified carers.

As the hotel flanks long lengths of private beach (a godsend when your little one desperately needs the loo, or something to eat), you can spend much of your leisure time in or by the sea – beds are ready made, umbrellas pitched, and fresh towels, water and snacks regularly replenished. The hotel also has two pools – one indoor, with generous family swim times, and the spacious outdoor infinity pool, which is always open to children.

The spa is a real gem – it’s huge (5,500 square metres), but instead of feeling overwhelmed by the sprawl, you benefit from plentiful, spacious treatment rooms and fully kitted-out changing and showering facilities, while the peaceful common areas are full of light. There is also a hammam, sauna, steam room, and indoor therapy pool where you can experience Watsu – an unusual therapy where your body is expertly stretched and realigned in the water while in its most receptive weightless state.

I opted for a facial and a massage on different afternoons, neatly slotted into my daughter’s naptime, which worked best for us. My therapist was warm and experienced – it was a masterly, seamless massage, both firm and sensitive (I was pregnant at the time), and also included pregnancy reflexology – a nice touch. My facialist took my sensitised skin into account too, mixing soothing oils into my masks, and taking out a too-abrasive exfoliant. It was lovely to get some alone-time, and I fell asleep during both treatments, a welcome rest in the middle of a hot day.

The other real boon at the Kempinski is the number of eating options – alongside great room service, there are three fantastic restaurants for the family to enjoy, and kids can also eat at ‘Pirates of Barbarossa’ – an extension to the kids’ club that lets all the children eat together in a fun pirate-themed environment, led by the same childcare staff. We spent seven nights at the Kempinski and are already planning a return – simply put, the set-up really takes the sting, and the stress, out of family holidays.

ITC Luxury Travel (itcluxurytravel.co.uk) has 7 nights from £809 pp based on 2 adults sharing a Standard Room for 7 nights, including breakfast, plus return flights with Easyjet from London Gatwick and private transfers. Treatments start from £125.

Words: Eminé Ali Rushton