The Hills are alive
Tucked away in a dimple of land in Turkey’s southern coast lives a small secret: a bustling hillside community of savvy Istanbullus, travel aficionados and middle-European aristocrats, neatly organized into terraced suites, bikini uniforms and late-afternoon spa appointments. Officially known as Hillside Beach Club by the world, and Hillside bliss & cure to those who dwell for an average of 5 days during the high summer season.
Abi and I arrive late Wednesday afternoon, thoroughly worn out from a grubby day’s travel and one twisty car-ride from Dalaman airport closely bordering 1) the edge of hills and 2) seasickness (yes, in a car). Alas, the vehicle is sent from the mother ship and has free-Wi-Fi, for which we reward 100 brownie points. We’re ushered through the reception building as our luggage disappear on a golf buggy with a handsome Turk at the wheel. We don’t mind this at all. He could’ve been a luggage pirate from the local town.
After a breezy check-in another handsome Turk begins the tour (100 more points for Griffindor). Like all 330 rooms at Hillside, we get a full ocean frontal, the resort is built so that all rooms are treated to the money shot. Our third-floor room opens into a private terrace and is a medley of timber, sand and slate grey. The rest of the resort is a collective of buildings and beaches, punctuated with cream lounges and powder-blue fixtures. Relaxed and sophisticated, despite the flock of goggled children padding around the heated pool.
The sun melts into a golden sea as we into our duvets on the first night at Hillside. A promising day lurks behind the hills…
Yellow dress – ASOS. Cardigan – The White Company (Similar here)
Swimsuit – Seafolly via SimplyBeach. Sunglasses – Karen Walker. Espadrilles – Next. Compact – Chanel. Sun Spray – Nuxe
10:30am The vista of deep green pines and turquoise water revive me from a sit-down that nearly slips into post-breakfast nap. I load sun-things into a straw bag and descend the hill via stairs (two burgers maybe) towards the adult-only sun deck. The ‘adult-only’ sign excites me and I feel like a freshly-turned 21 years old again at the liquor store. After reading the same paragraph in my book three times I decide its time for a dip in the insanely clear water. 10:34am Realise why I never swim and ponder how many calories I’ve burnt just floating and reward myself with burger number three.
Top – DIY (Find the tutorial in the Adorn book). Trousers – Zara. Clutch – Next.
Dress by ASOS. Shoes – Birkenstock Arizona. Sunglasses – Karen Walker
6:50pm As the sun dips lower, we catch the last shuttle back to change before dinner. Yes we’re about to eat again.
Photos by Park & Cube; photos of me by Abi; Park & Cube was a guest of Hillside Beach Club as a member press
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