Orka Lotus is a 5 star family-friendly hotel in Icmeler, on the southwest coast of Turkey. The resort overlooks the long, sandy Icon Beach, which extends down to the Içmeler Beach. Onsite there’s a wide range of fun activities for the children and plenty of choice when it comes to eating and drinking.

The outdoor fun for the children lasts all season thanks to the splash and aqua parks, featuring six slides and waterfalls. 4-12 year olds can join the kids club where the programme includes arts and crafts, team games and storytime. Guests of all ages can swim in the freshwater outdoor pools. Parents may choose to relax on one of the sunbeds or visit the fully equipped spa, boasting a sauna, steam room, Turkish bath and indoor swimming pool. It is also possible to book a treatment or haircut here (additional charge).

Stay active at the gym with its weights and strength equipment. Alternatively, join an aqua aerobics session or a dance class. If you prefer something that won’t make your heart race there’s also darts, table tennis and yoga.

The Pine restaurant at Orka Lotus offers a buffet service for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Or tuck into traditional Chinese, Turkish and Italian specialities in the a la carte eateries. The Italian has a smart dress code, while the wearing of beachwear is not permitted in any of the hotel’s diners. For a soft or alcoholic drink, there are a total of seven bars available, including three by the pools, one serving tapas snacks. After your evening meal, enjoy the night’s entertainment, which may include live music or karaoke, or let your hair down at the nightclub.

Rooms at Orka Lotus Beach are airy and modern with wooden floors. They all have a glass-fronted balcony, air conditioning, satellite TV, WiFi, a hairdryer, a minibar and coffee making facilities. Family options allow either four or five to share a large room. Upgrade to a superior room to benefit from your own whirlpool.

The hotel is 2km from the centre of Icmeler with its bustling promenade and Blue Flag beach. Here you may choose to eat at a traditional Turkish restaurant serving local specialities, or drop into one of the town's bakeries to taste the baklava pastries.

The resort is under 7km from the centre of Marmaris. Here you can visit a castle, which was reconstructed in the 17th-century and also houses a museum. The 16th-century Hafsa Sultan Caravanserai, a symbol of the city’s medieval hospitality, currently housing shops and taverns. ‘Heaven Island’ is just over half an hour's drive away from the hotel and it is not necessary to board a boat or cross a bridge to reach it, because it is in fact a peninsula. Nimara Cave is the top tourist attraction here, where it is believed there is evidence of human presence from 3,000 B.C. or even earlier. There’s also an observation deck with breathtaking views across the bay, the ideal place to take a new cover photo for your social media profile.