In search of sunshine, adventure and, honestly, a bit of ‘me-time’, editor Sarah Sellens headed for Neilson’s new Turkish fitness resort
Chic, ‘boojee’, bohemian, luxurious, laid back… these are a few of the adjectives that came to mind when trying to set a tone for my stay at Neilson’s Adakoy fitness resort in Turkey. Now, for those of you who are hardened Neilson goers (and I’ve married into a family of Neilson aficionados, so I know you’re out there), these are perhaps not the first words that spring to mind when describing a Neilson’s Beach Club resort. Energetic? Yes. Inclusive? Certainly. Sunny? Of course. All-you-can-eat (whisper it) buffet? Absolutely. But ‘boutiquey’? No, this is a Neilson resort first for me as well.
And so it should be. Set on a beautiful peninsula near Marmaris in Turkey, Neilson | Cook’s Club Adakoy is the result of a unique collaboration with Cook’s Club that blends a luxurious setting with the award-winning activity programme that Neilson is known for – all designed for adults only (16+). Boasting a secluded bay with a private beach and panoramic views, it offers the ideal opportunity to keep active on vast expanses of calm water, while serving up the ultimate in relaxation and wellbeing. The result? The perfect holiday for grown-ups, so much so that I’ll admit I was a little nervous to tell my husband (at home looking after our three kids) just how perfect it was.
With over 25 activities (e-foiling, paddleboarding, padel tennis, e-biking, SUP yoga, sound baths, etc) included in the price of a stay, this is Neilson but not as you know it. ‘Adakoy brings something really exciting to our line-up,’ explains David Taylor, CEO of Neilson. ‘It’s still unmistakably Neilson – full of exciting activities, and our great team – but with a boutique twist that gives guests even more ways to enjoy their holiday, their way. Whether you’re chasing endorphins on the water or unwinding by the pool, you’ll feel that unmistakable good energy from the moment you arrive.’
Turkey bound
‘Good energy’ is exactly what I felt. After waving goodbye to my family for four days of me-time, before embarking on a four-hour flight from London Stansted and then a two-hour transfer from Turkey’s Dalaman airport, I arrived at the Adakoy resort at a bleary-eyed 10pm. What awaited was a seriously stylish and incredibly exclusive resort. The holistic focus on physical and mental wellness was clear from the minute I stepped foot through the reception door.
Food was still available, and the night’s entertainment – an outdoor cinema experience, set among the huge number of loungers with the sea for a backdrop – was in full flow. But since I’d snacked my way through the flight, I settled for a lighter salad dish – which turned out to be the largest Caesar salad I’ve ever eaten – and then turned in for the night, ready for hours of activity, exploration and (of course) relaxing in the sunshine the next day.
Intention: exploration
Awakening to glorious weather (Adakoy boasts average temperatures of a pleasant 24oC during September), I anticipated a hearty breakfast to set me up for the active day. I was not disappointed with my made-to-order cheese and mushroom omelette plus a side of fresh bread. Although different from other Neilson resorts in that Adakoy runs an order-at-the-bar, not a buffet, system, the choice of food is still plentiful. Think: freshly-cooked pizzas, veggie noodles, fajitas, salads, plus fruit, desserts, or an ice cream from the Gelato booth. The inclusive package includes all meals as well as some drinks (these are ‘starred’ on the menu and include soft drinks, and some alcoholic beverages such as rosé wine, gin and more), and drinking water is available free-of-charge via a help-yourself cooler next to the bar – essential if you’re going to be keeping fit.
First up on my schedule was a sea scooter excursion, an underwater swimming experience that’s new and exclusive to the Turkish resort this year. The sea scooter is a hand-held device that pulls you through the clear waters, whether you want to dive down to search for wildlife or skim the surface to explore the area. As someone with little diving experience, I was surprised by how in control and confident I felt. The effortlessness of the scooter means that you can focus fully on exploration without feeling out of depth or puff. After a bit of practice, we explored some larger rocks that went down about six metres and were supposedly teaming with wildlife. Indeed, I was told there’d been sightings of sea turtles, lion fish and sting ray! I’m afraid my underwater swimming skills weren’t quite up to confirming this, but I did enjoy watching tiny blue fish jump across the water like skimming stones.
Sea scooting was followed by lunch and some obligatory relaxing, but I’ll admit that I got twitchy feet and headed to the gym to do the ‘Workout of the Day’ that the personal trainers leave written on the board. Later, there was Stretch and Recover on the deck – a nice way to wind down if you’ve had an active day, or even if you haven’t. Timed to breathwork and ending with savasana, we stretched from head to toe while the warm sea air wafted over our bodies, with the gentle beat of music in the background and the sound of lapping waves on the shore nearby. Bliss.
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Winning watersports
The next day I tried my hands at e-foiling. Also new and exclusive to Adakoy, it’s a watersport that involves using an e-foil board (much like a SUP board in buoyancy, but with an electric motor and hydrofoil wings) to glide above the water. Promising an ‘adrenaline-packed ride’, I’ll be honest I was certain it wouldn’t be for me. I couldn’t have been more wrong because it was exhilarating and really accessible, even for those of us who don’t consider ourselves to be watersports enthusiasts. Sure, you’ll fall off, but honestly, you won’t care because the water is tepid and the current calm. Adakoy boasts a lovely area to learn this sport, as there’s a large expanse of water with some, but little, other traffic (boats, kayaks, etc). The warmth of the water is a game-changer: you can fall off and get back on the board without the apprehension of feeling chilly. And when you finally do get it and the board ‘takes off’, you’ll feel – and probably look – like a superhero.
After a little more relaxing poolside, which I’ll admit I was becoming rather partial to by now, I went out on an e-mountain bike to explore the roads beyond the resort. Now, you might turn your nose up at an e-bike, preferring something without assistance, but trust me when I say you’ll need it to get up the Adakoy hills. Of course, you can choose to turn the assistance off on flatter terrain, but the incline is so steep in parts that a little boost is a blessing if you’re to go anywhere at a reasonable pace. It’s about 10 miles to nearby town Marmaris – a fairly decent ride on undulating roads – or you can sign up to one of the guided rides, graded in difficulty by colour (green is easiest; red or black are hardest). Bonus fact: the road to Marmaris passes the local marina, from where you can see across to Rhodes on a clear day (about an hour away by ferry).
The day ended with SUP yoga – a true test of your balance if you’re up for the challenge – and the most wonderful catamaran boat ride to see the sunset over Marmaris. This excursion is an additional extra, but well worth doing if only to see the hustle and bustle along Marmaris’ old town, centred around a 14th century castle, twinkling in the night.
Sunshine & serves
No stay at Adakoy would be complete without a trip to the brand-new padel court. As one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, I was surprised by how easy it was to pick up and – fortunately for those like me with zero racket skills – suitable for beginners because it boasts a smaller court and allows you to hit the ball against the walls (what joy!). Offering padel instruction as part of the package, Neilson’s Adakoy resort gives newbies and experienced padel players alike the chance to get on court for a sun-drenched session.
While there is a pared back activity schedule at Adakoy compared to other Neilson resorts, there’s a lot you can do on site or ‘off schedule’: go open water or pool swimming; hire a kayak, SUP or ebike; go for a run or hike a trail; take a DJ masterclass (yes, really) or join the cocktail-making (and, I assume, drinking) session. Indeed, I’m struggling to fit everything I did into one article! I also went for a run-slash-uphill-walk, kayaked around the nearby island, had a sports massage, did a morning sound bath, and even booked in for an I’ve-never-felt-so-clean Turkish bath. What’s more, if I’d been there on the right day I would have done the weekly 1K swim across to Bedir Adasi island. But the pièce de resistance at Neilson | Cook’s Club Adakoy is that you can do as much or as little as you like – move more or rest harder. For those wanting a holiday that feels as accomplished as it does restorative, Neilson’s has got it spot on at Adakoy, and I’ll be visiting again.
Travel facts
Prices for a 7-night stay at Neilson | Cook’s Club Adakoy start from £1,102pp which includes flights, transfers, activities, and half board for 2 adults sharing a standard double or twin room departing from London Gatwick on May 2, 2026.
